IEC 60669-2-2:2024
(Main)Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 2-2: Particular requirements - Electromagnetic remote-control switches (RCS)
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 2-2: Particular requirements - Electromagnetic remote-control switches (RCS)
IEC 60669-2-2:2024 applies to electromagnetic remote control switches (hereinafter referred to as electromagnetic RCS) with a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V AC and a rated current not exceeding 63 A, intended for household and similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors. For the control circuit, the rated control voltage does not exceed 440 V AC or 220 V DC. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2006. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Revision of the present edition with reference to IEC 60669-1:2017 (Edition 4);
b) Introduction of a revision to Annex E "Additional requirements and tests for switches intended to be used at a temperature lower than −5 °C".
Interrupteurs pour installations électriques fixes domestiques et analogues - Partie 2-2: Exigences particulières - Interrupteurs à commande à distance (télérupteurs)
L'IEC 60669-2-2:2024 s'applique aux interrupteurs à commande à distance (désignés ci-après télérupteurs électromagnétiques) de tension assignée qui ne dépasse pas 440 V en courant alternatif et de courant assigné qui ne dépasse pas 63 A, prévus pour installations électriques fixes domestiques et analogues intérieures ou extérieures. Pour le circuit de commande, la tension de commande assignée ne dépasse pas 440 V en courant alternatif ou 220 V en courant continu. Cette quatrième édition annule et remplace la troisième édition parue en 2006. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
a) révision de la présente édition avec référence à l'IEC 60669-1:2017 (Édition 4);
b) introduction d'une révision de l'Annexe E "Exigences et essais supplémentaires pour les interrupteurs à utiliser à une température inférieure à −5 °C".
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IEC 60669-2-2 ®
Edition 4.0 2024-03
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations –
Part 2-2: Particular requirements – Electromagnetic remote-control switches
(RCS)
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IEC 60669-2-2 ®
Edition 4.0 2024-03
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations –
Part 2-2: Particular requirements – Electromagnetic remote-control switches
(RCS)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.120.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-8528-2
– 2 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 General requirements . 9
5 General notes remarks on tests . 9
6 Ratings . 9
7 Classification . 10
8 Marking . 11
9 Checking of dimensions . 12
10 Protection against electric shock . 12
11 Provision for earthing . 12
12 Terminals . 12
13 Constructional requirements . 12
14 Mechanism . 12
15 Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of switches and
resistance to humidity . 13
16 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 13
17 Temperature rise . 13
18 Making and breaking capacity . 14
19 Normal operation . 14
20 Mechanical strength . 15
21 Resistance to heat . 15
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 15
23 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound . 16
24 Resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat, to fire and to tracking . 19
25 Resistance to rusting . 19
26 EMC requirements . 20
Annexes . 21
Annex B (informative) Changes planned for the future in order to align IEC 60669-1
with the requirements of IEC 60998 (all parts), IEC 60999 (all parts) and IEC 60228 . 22
Annex E (informative) Additional requirements and tests for switches intended to be
used at a temperature lower than −5 °C . 23
Bibliography . 24
Table 1 – Number of specimens needed for the tests . 9
Table 15 – Test voltage, points of application and minimum values of insulating
resistance for the verification of electric strength . 13
Table 101 – Temperature-rise limits for insulated coils in air . 14
Table 23 – Creepage distances, clearances and distances through insulating sealing
compound . 18
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SWITCHES FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR FIXED
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 2-2: Particular requirements –
Electromagnetic remote-control switches (RCS)
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
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the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes
made to the previous edition IEC 60669-2-2:2006. A vertical bar appears in the margin
wherever a change has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in
strikethrough red text.
– 4 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
IEC 60669-2-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 23B: Plugs, socket-outlets and switches,
of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories. It is an International Standard.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2006. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Revision of the present edition with reference to IEC 60669-1:2017 (Edition 4);
b) Introduction of a revision to Annex E "Additional requirements and tests for switches
intended to be used at a temperature lower than −5 °C".
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
23B/1486/FDIS 23B/1500/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
This part of IEC 60669 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60669-1:2017. It lists the changes
necessary to convert that standard into a specific standard for electromagnetic remote-control
switches.
When a particular subclause of IEC 60669-1:2017 is not mentioned in this document, that
subclause applies as far as reasonable.
In this document, the following print types are used:
– requirements proper: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– notes: in smaller roman type.
Subclauses, figures or tables or notes which are additional to those in IEC 60669-1:2017 are
numbered starting from 101.
A list of all parts of IEC 60669 series, under the general title Switches for household and similar
fixed electrical installations, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.
– 6 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
SWITCHES FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR FIXED
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 2-2: Particular requirements –
Electromagnetic remote-control switches (RCS)
1 Scope
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 1 is applicable except as follows:
Replacement of the first sentence paragraph with the following:
This part of IEC 60669 applies to electromagnetic remote control switches (hereinafter referred
to as electromagnetic RCS) with a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V AC and a rated current
not exceeding 63 A, intended for household and similar fixed electrical installations, either
indoors or outdoors. For the control circuit, the rated control voltage does not exceed 440 V AC
or 220 V DC.
The RCS coil may or may not can be either permanently energized or not permanently
energized.
Electronic RCS are within the scope of IEC 60669-2-1 but not of this document.
RCS including only passive components such as resistors, capacitors, positive temperature
coefficient (PTC) and negative temperature coefficient (NTC) components and printed wiring
circuit boards are not considered to be electronic RCS.
Contactors are not covered by this standard.
Electromechanical contactors for household and similar purposes are within the scope of
IEC 61095.
2 Normative references
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 2 is applicable with the following additions:
IEC 60085:20042007, Electrical insulation – Thermal classification evaluation and designation
IEC 60317 (all parts), Specifications for particular types of winding wires
IEC 60445:19992021, Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and
identification – Identification of equipment terminals and of terminations of certain designated
conductors, including general rules for an alphanumeric system, conductor terminations and
conductors
IEC 60664-1:2020, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60664-3:2016, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 3:
Use of coating, potting or moulding for protection against pollution
IEC 60669-1:2017, Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations – Part 1:
General requirements
IEC 60669-2-1:2002, Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations −
Part 2-1: Particular requirements − Electronic switches
IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and equipment
IEC 61558-2-6:19972021, Safety of power transformers, reactors, power supply units and
similar combinations thereof – Part 2-6: Particular requirements and tests for safety isolating
transformers and power supply units incorporating safety isolating transformers for general use
applications
3 Terms and definitions
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 3 is applicable with the following additions:
3.1711
rated voltage
Addition of the following note:
Note 101 to entry: This definition is only applicable to the switching circuit only.
3.1812
rated current
Addition of the following note:
Note 101 to entry: This definition is only applicable to the switching circuit only.
Addition of the following new definitions terminological entries:
3.101
remote control switch
RCS
switch intended to be operated from a distance
3.101.1
electromagnetic RCS
RCS provided with a coil which is operated by means of impulses or which may can be
permanently energized by means of a control circuit
3.101.2
electronic RCS
RCS containing electronic component(s)
3.102
rated control voltage
voltage assigned to the control circuit by the manufacturer
Note 101 to entry: The rated control voltage is generally the operating voltage of the electromagnetic control coil.
3.103
switching circuit
circuit which contains the parts which allow the rated current to flow through the RCS
– 8 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
3.104
control circuit
circuit which includes electrical parts to actuate the switching mechanism
3.105
control mechanism
mechanism which includes all the parts which are intended for the operation of the RCS
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-04-28, modified – the term "switch" has been replaced by
"RCS".]
3.106
incorporated hand-operated device
device which allows the switching circuit to be operated, directly or indirectly
Note 101 to entry: An incorporated hand-operated device is not intended for the normal operation of the RCS.
3.107
latching RCS
RCS which is mechanically locked in either of the two positions, having a separate coil for each
position
3.108107
disconnectable RCS
RCS including consisting of two parts, the first being used as a base and including the terminals,
the other being removable and including the switching and the control circuits, the two parts
being resiliently connected together using a means which allows joining and/or separating with
or without the use of a tool
3.109108
rated control current
current required for initiation of the RCS, assigned to the current coil in the control circuit by
the manufacturer (only for an RCS provided with a current sensitive coil)
3.110109
bistable RCS
RCS containing a control mechanism which, when not initiated electrically or actuated
mechanically, remains stable in its operating position and will change its operating position on
initiation or actuation
3.111110
monostable RCS
RCS containing a control mechanism which, on electrical initiation or mechanical actuation,
changes the operating position of the switch which remains in this condition while the RCS is
initiated or actuated, and returns to the position prior to initiation or actuation of the RCS after
initiation or actuation is discontinued
3.112111
priority RCS
RCS used to operate directly or indirectly a first load circuit or group of load circuits the use of
which at times can be dispensed with, and where the control circuit of the RCS is influenced by
or connected to a second circuit or group of circuits (priority circuits or circuits) which when
energized will thus initiate the control circuit of the RCS to de-energize the first load circuit or
circuits for the time during which the second circuit or group of circuits is energized
Note 1 101 to entry: The RCS may have a means for adjusting the sensitivity of the RCS control circuit to initiate
the RCS depending on the total load or current delivered to any part of the circuits (priority switch with current coil)
or be sensitive to the voltage (priority switch with voltage coil) applied to the second load or group of loads.
Note 2 102 to entry: These devices are used to limit the total current into a home installation by
disconnecting/connecting certain load circuits in the installation while leaving others (the priority circuits) connected.
3.113112
sequentially operated RCS
RCS which includes several switching or reversing contacts generally operated by means of a
cam allowing different circuit combinations by successive impulses
Note 101 to entry: The number of impulses is given according to the number of lobes of the cam.
4 General requirements
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 4 is applicable with the following addition:
Addition after the first paragraph:
The operation of an RCS shall not be impaired when it is mounted at an angle deviating by not
more than 5° from the specified position of use.
5 General notes remarks on tests
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 5 is applicable with the following additions:
5.4 Addition after the last paragraph:
For the tests of clause 101, three additional specimens are necessary.
Addition to Table 1:
Table 1 – Number of specimens needed for the tests
Number of
additional
Number
Clauses and subclauses specimens for
of specimens
dual current
rating
101 Abnormal operation of the control circuit PQR
Addition of the following new subclause:
5.101 Incorporated hand-operated device
If an RCS is provided with an incorporated hand-operated device, it shall be tested as specified
in Clause 19.
NOTE 1 During the making and breaking capacity tests and the normal operation tests, the
application of the voltage to the RCS coil always at the same phase angle is to should be
avoided, as this application may can give misleading results.
NOTE 2 Precautions should be taken when using combinations equipped with synchronous
motors and devices having similar operating characteristics.
6 Ratings
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 6 is applicable except as follows:
– 10 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
6.1 Rated voltage
Replacement of the first paragraph with the following:
Preferred values of rated voltage are:
– AC: 6 V, 8 V, 9 V, 12 V, 24 V, 42 V, 48 V, 110 V, 130 V, 220 V, 230 V and 240 V.
6.2 Addition, after the last paragraph, of the following note:
NOTE In certain types of RCS, auxiliary contacts designed for a current lower than the rated current of the switching
circuit may be added. Relevant ratings and requirements are under consideration.
Addition of the following new subclause:
6.101 Rated control voltage
Preferred values of rated control voltage are:
– AC: 6 V, 8 V, 9 V, 12 V, 24 V, 42 V, 48 V, 110 V, 130 V, 220 V, 230 V and 240 V;
– DC: 6 V, 9 V, 12 V, 24 V, 48 V, 60 V, 110 V and 220 V.
7 Classification
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 7 is applicable with the following additions:
7.1.5 according to the method of actuating the switch:
Addition of the following:
– current coil (for priority RCS);
– voltage coil (for priority RCS).
7.1.7 according to the method of installation, as a consequence of the design of the switch:
Addition of the following:
– disconnectable RCS.
Addition of the following new subclauses:
7.101 according to the type of switching mechanism:
– directly operated mechanism RCS;
– sequentially operated mechanism RCS;
– bistable mechanism RCS;
– monostable mechanism RCS.
NOTE 1 101 Directly operated RCS are those which, for each impulse, show an ON or OFF state, these states
occurring for each impulse on 1, 2, 3 or 4 poles, either as a switch or as a reversing switch.
NOTE 2 This allows the RCS to be classified according to the pattern number of 7.1.1.
NOTE 3 Pattern number 5 may be met by two RCS pattern numbers 1 or 6 and wiring in
accordance with Figure 8 of IEC 60669-1:2017.
NOTE 4 Pattern number 7 may be met by pattern number 6/2 and wiring with external
connections in accordance with Figure 8 of IEC 60669-1:2017.
7.102 according to the kind of energization of the control circuit:
– RCS energized by impulses;
– RCS permanently energized.
8 Marking
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 8 is applicable with the following additions:
8.1 General
Addition after the second dashed text:
– rated control voltage in volts, if different from the rated voltage.
Replacement of list item b) with the following:
b) rated voltage(s) in volts and rated control voltage(s) in volts, if different from the rated
voltage(s) or rated control current in amperes according to classification 7.5;
8.2 Symbols
Addition of the following symbols:
Control mechanism (IEC 60417-6457:2023-
08)
or or or
Switch
Monostable mechanism RCS
Bistable mechanism RCS
Priority RCS
8.4 Marking on terminals for phase conductors
Addition after the last paragraph (before Note 1) of the following:
If necessary, the wiring diagram on which the terminal references are clearly indicated shall be
fixed to the accessory or inside the protective cover for the terminals.
The terminals for the control circuit shall be marked according to either IEC 60445 and/or with
the symbols according to 8.2, or both.
The terminals for the control circuit of a priority RCS with a current sensitive coil or voltage
sensitive coil shall be marked with the appropriate symbol indicated in 8.2.
– 12 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
8.6 Marking of the switch position
Addition, at the end beginning of the subclause, of the following paragraph:
This Subclause 8.6 is only applicable to an RCS equipped with an incorporated hand-operated
device, acting directly on the switching circuit.
8.7 This subclause of part 1 does not apply.
9 Checking of dimensions
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 9 is applicable.
10 Protection against electric shock
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 10 is applicable.
11 Provision for earthing
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 11 is applicable.
12 Terminals
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 12 is applicable.
13 Constructional requirements
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 13 is applicable with the following addition:
Addition of the following new subclause:
13.101 Transformers intended for SELV circuits
Transformers intended for SELV circuits shall be of the safety isolating type and shall comply
with the relevant requirements of IEC 61558-2-6.
NOTE For the use of SELV and PELV see IEC 61140 and IEC 60364-4-41.
14 Mechanism
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 14 is applicable with the following addition:
Addition of the following new subclause:
14.101 Hand-operated device with position indicator
If an RCS is equipped with an incorporated hand-operated device, and if a position indicator is
used, it shall indicate the position of the switching circuit clearly and without ambiguity.
15 Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of switches and
resistance to humidity
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 15 is applicable.
16 Insulation resistance and electric strength
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 16 is applicable with the following addition:
16.2 Addition of the following items in Table 14:
101 Between switching circuit(s) and control circuit(s)
if they are separated 5 2 000 3 000
102 Between SELV/PELV circuits and other circuit(s)
having a higher voltage than SELV/PELV 7 2 500 4 000
103 Between two SELV/PELV circuits 5 500 500
16.3 Electric strength test
Addition to Table 15:
Table 15 – Test voltage, points of application and minimum values of insulating
resistance for the verification of electric strength
Insulation to be tested Minimum Test voltage
value of
insulation
resistance
MΩ V
Switches having Switches having
a rated voltage a rated voltage
not exceeding exceeding
130 V 130 V
101 Between switching circuit(s) and control circuit(s)
if they are separated 5 2 000 3 000
102 Between SELV/PELV circuits and other circuit(s)
having a higher voltage than SELV/PELV 7 3 000 3 750
103 Between two SELV/PELV circuits 5 500 500
17 Temperature rise
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 17 is applicable with the following addition:
17.1 General
Addition, at the end of the subclause, of the following paragraphs:
For RCS energized by impulses, the test is carried out without connecting the coil.
For permanently energized RCS, the coil is connected to a voltage equivalent to 1,06 times its
rated voltage at rated frequency.
– 14 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
The temperature of the coil is calculated in accordance with the resistance method by means
of the following formula:
RR−
R
Temperature rise K = (234,5 + t ) − (t – t )
1 2 1
where
R is the resistance in the warm condition;
R is the resistance in the cold condition;
t is the ambient temperature at the beginning of the test;
t is the ambient temperature at the end of the test.
The windings of coils shall not exceed the limits specified in Table 101.
Table 101 – Temperature-rise limits for insulated coils in air
Class of insulating Temperature-rise limit
material (measured by resistance variation)
K
A 85
E 100
B 110
F 135
H 160
NOTE The limits given in this table are based on an ambient temperature of 20 °C.
18 Making and breaking capacity
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 18 is applicable with the following addition modification:
18.12 Overload
Addition of the following at the end of the subclause:
During the tests of 18.12 and 18.23, the rated control voltage is applied to the control circuit
with an impulse duration as declared by the manufacturer.
19 Normal operation
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 19 is applicable with the following additions modifications:
19.1 Test for switches intended for inductive loads
Addition after the last paragraph, of the following:
For RCS equipped with an incorporated hand-operated device, acting directly on the switching
circuit, 10 % of the operations indicated in Table 16 17 are made by hand or in an equivalent
manner and for those for AC operation, the test is followed by that of 14.3.
For the remaining 90 % of the operations, the control circuit is supplied as specified in
Clause 18.
During the normal operation test, failures of correct operation are allowed to occur within 1 %,
but, no more than three consecutive failures are allowed.
Addition of the following new subclauses:
19.101 RCS energized by impulses
An RCS energized by impulses shall operate as intended at a control voltage between 0,9 and
1,1 times the rated value with an impulse duration as declared by the manufacturer.
Compliance is checked by the following test.
Under no-load conditions, 20 operations are carried out on each of the three specimens with a
control voltage of 0,9 times the rated value, and 20 operations with a control voltage of 1,1 times
the rated value.
The RCS shall operate as intended.
19.102 RCS permanently energized
Permanently energized RCS shall operate as intended at any value between 85 % and 110 %
of their rated control voltage. Where a range is declared, 85 % shall apply to the lower value
and 110 % to the higher.
The limits between which permanently energized RCS shall drop out and open fully are 75 %
to 20 % of their rated control voltage. Where a range is declared, 20 % shall apply to the higher
value and 75 % to the lower. When a rated voltage is declared, the drop out shall appear
between 75 % and 20 % of this rated voltage. When a voltage range is declared, the voltage
drop shall appear between 20 % of the higher value and 75 % of the lower value (of the range).
Limits for closure are applicable after the coils have reached a stable temperature
corresponding to steady-state conditions of 100 % of the rated control voltage in an ambient
temperature of 40 °C.
Limits for drop-out are applicable with the coil circuit at −5 °C. This can be verified by calculation
using values obtained at normal ambient temperature.
Compliance is checked by performing one test at each of the limits on three separate
specimens.
The RCS shall operate as intended.
20 Mechanical strength
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 20 is applicable.
21 Resistance to heat
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 21 is applicable with the following addition modification:
Addition of the following note before 21.1:
NOTE The requirements of this clause are applicable to both switching and control circuits.
– 16 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
21.1 General
Addition of the following sentence at the end of 21.1 after b):
The requirements of this Subclause 21.1 are applicable to both switching and control circuits.
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 22 is applicable.
23 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 23 is applicable with the following additions modifications:
23.1 General
Addition of the following items to Table 20 for creepage distances and clearances:
Description mm
Creepage distances
a) b)
101 For creepage distances across which nominal voltages up to 50 V a.c. or d.c. occur , and
which voltages are generated in a circuit by supply from a safety isolating transformer
according to IEC 61558-2-6 or by a supply separated from the mains supply in an equally
effective manner: 0,025
– on printed wiring material - pollution degree 1 0,04
– on printed wiring material - pollution degree 2 0,6
– on other insulating material - across insulating material Group I 0,85
– on other insulating material - across insulating material Group II 1,2
– on other insulating material - across insulating material Group III
Clearances
a)
102 For clearance distances across which nominal voltages up to 50 V a.c. or d.c. occur , and
which voltages are generated in a circuit by supply from a safety isolating transformer
according to IEC 61558-2-6 or by a supply electrically separated from the mains supply in an
equally effective manner:
- pollution degree 1 0,1 mm
- pollution degree 2 0,2 mm
NOTE 1 – The values for the clearances are based on IEC 60664-1, Table 2, using as input:
– the rated impulse voltage of 800 V derived from IEC 60664-1, Table 1, for a line-to-neutral voltage of 50 V a.c.
or d.c. and overvoltage category III and Case A (inhomogeneous field);
– pollution degrees 1 and 2.
The values for creepage distances are based on IEC 60664-1 Table 4 with the input of voltage rationalized for
Table 4 of 50 V r.m.s from IEC 60664-1, Table 3, for a supply system having a nominal voltage of 50 V.
NOTE 2 For the definition of nominal voltage, see IEV 601-01-21.
a)
For the purposes of this standard, the following applies (taken from IEC 60664-1):
micro environment: the immediate environment of the insulation which particularly influences the dimensioning
of creepage distances (IEC 60664-1, 1.3.12.2).
Pollution degree: a numeral characterizing the expected pollution of the micro environment (IEC 60664-1,
1.3.13).
Pollution degree 1: No pollution or only dry, non-conductive pollution occurs. The pollution has no influence.
On printed wiring boards of RCS, it is acceptable to use pollution degree 1, if the printed wiring board is
protected against any occurrence of condensation and deposition of conductive, hydroscopic, or soluble dust.
This usually can be achieved only if the printed wiring board and/or circuits are coated and the coating complies
with the specifications of IEC 60664-3 and an additional encapsulation, or by sealing of the whole printed wiring
board assembly by a protective coating.
Pollution degree 2: Only non-conductive pollution occurs except that occasionally a temporary conductivity
caused by condensation is to be expected (see IEC 60664-1, 2.5.1).
On printed wiring boards of RCS, it is acceptable to use pollution degree 2, if the printed wiring board and/or
circuit is coated and the coating complies with the specifications of IEC 60664-3.
This standard classifies insulating materials according to their PTI values into four groups:
Material Group I 600 ≤ PTI
Material Group II 400 ≤ PTI < 600
Material Group IIIa 175 ≤ PTI < 400
Material Group IIIb 100 ≤ PTI < 175
Material Group III includes Material Group IIIa and Material Group IIIb.
A material shall be included in one of the four groups above on the basis that its PTI, established by the method
of IEC 60112 using solution A is equal or greater than the lower value specified for the group.
b)
Values of creepage distances for printed wiring boards are given for pollution degrees 1 and 2. For other insulating materials,
only the values for creepage distances for pollution degree 2 are allowed.
– 18 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
Addition of the following items to Table 23 for creepage distances and clearances.
Table 23 – Creepage distances, clearances and distances
through insulating sealing compound
mm
Description
normal mini- micro-
gap gap gap
Creepage distances
101 For creepage distances across which nominal voltages up to 50 V AC or 50 V DC
f,g
occur , and which voltages are generated in a circuit by supply from a safety
isolating transformer according to IEC 61558-2-6 or by a supply separated from
the mains supply in an equally effective manner:
– on printed wiring material – pollution degree 1
0,025 0,025 0,025
– on printed wiring material – pollution degree 2
0,04 0,04 0,04
– on other insulating material – across insulating material Group I
0,6 0,6 0,6
– on other insulating material – across insulating material Group II
0,85 0,85
0,85
– on other insulating material – across insulating material Group III
1,2 1,2 1,2
102 For clearance distances across which nominal voltages up to 50 V AC or 50 V DC
f
occur , and which voltages are generated in a circuit by supply from a safety
isolating transformer according to IEC 61558-2-6 or by a supply electrically
separated from the mains supply in an equally effective manner:
– pollution degree 1
0,1 0,1 0,1
– pollution degree 2
0,2 0,2 0,2
NOTE 101 The values for the clearances are based on IEC 60664-1:2020, Table F.2, using as input:
– the rated impulse voltage of 800 V derived from IEC 60664-1:2020, Table F.1, for a line-to-neutral voltage of
50 V AC or 50 V DC and overvoltage category III and Case A (inhomogeneous field);
– pollution degrees 1 and 2.
The values for creepage distances are based on IEC 60664-1:2020, Table F.5 with the input of voltage rationalized
for IEC 60664-1:2020, Table F.5 of 50 V RMS from IEC 60664-1:2020, Table F.4, for a supply system having a
nominal voltage of 50 V.
NOTE 102 For the definition of nominal voltage, see IEV 601-01-21.
f
For the purposes of this document, the following applies (taken from IEC 60664-1):
Micro-environment: the immediate environment of the insulation which particularly influences the dimensioning
of creepage distances. Ambient conditions which immediately influence the dimensioning of the clearance and
creepage distances (IEC 60664-1:2020, 3.1.23).
Pollution degree: a numeral characterizing the expected pollution of the micro-environment (IEC 60664-1:2020,
3.1.25).
Pollution degree 1: No pollution or only dry, non-conductive pollution occurs. The pollution has no influence.
On printed wiring boards of RCS, it is acceptable to use pollution degree 1, if the printed wiring board is protected
against any occurrence of condensation and deposition of conductive, hydroscopic, or soluble dust. This can
usually be achieved only if the printed wiring board and/or circuits are coated and the coating complies with the
specifications of IEC 60664-3 and an additional encapsulation, or by sealing of the whole printed wiring board
assembly with a protective coating.
Pollution degree 2: Only non-conductive pollution occurs except that occasionally a temporary conductivity
caused by condensation is to be expected. This condensation may occur during periods of on-off load cycles of
the equipment (see IEC 60664-1:2020, 4.5.2).
On printed wiring boards of RCS, it is acceptable to use pollution degree 2, if the printed wiring board and/or
circuit is coated and the coating complies with the specifications of IEC 60664-3.
This document classifies insulating materials according to their PTI values into four groups:
Material Group I 600 ≤ PTI
Material Group II 400 ≤ PTI < 600
Material Group IIIa 175 ≤ PTI < 400
Material Group IIIb 100 ≤ PTI < 175
Material Group III includes Material Group IIIa and Material Group IIIb.
A material shall be included in one of the four groups above on the basis that its PTI, established by the method
of IEC 60112 using solution A is equal to or greater than the lower value specified for the group.
g
Values of creepage distances for printed wiring boards are given for pollution degrees 1 and 2. For other
insulating materials, only the values for creepage distances for pollution degree 2 are allowed.
Addition of the following new subclauses:
23.101 Control circuits suitable for connections to a SELV
For RCS having a control circuit suitable for connection to a SELV supply, the switching circuit
being supplied with a voltage greater than the SELV, creepage distances and clearances
between control and switching circuits shall be not less than 6 mm.
23.102 Use of enamel wires
If the wire enamel is at least grade 1 according to IEC 60317 (all parts), the clearances between
the wire of the control coil, live parts of different polarity and the exposed conductive parts may
be reduced to a value equal to two-thirds of the clearances required in the absence of enamel.
24 Resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat, to fire and to tracking
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 24 is applicable with the following addition modification:
Addition of the following note before 24.1:
NOTE The requirements of this clause are applicable to both switching and control circuits.
Add the following sentence at the beginning of 24.1 and 24
...
IEC 60669-2-2 ®
Edition 4.0 2024-03
EXTENDED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
This extended version of IEC 600669-2-2:2024 includes the content of the references made to
IEC 60669-1:2017
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations –
Part 2-2: Particular requirements – Electromagnetic remote-control switches
(RCS)
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IEC 60669-2-2 ®
Edition 4.0 2024-03
EXTENDED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
This extended version of IEC 600669-2-2:2024 includes the content of the references made to
IEC 60669-1:2017
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations –
Part 2-2: Particular requirements – Electromagnetic remote-control switches
(RCS)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.120.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-8529-9
– 2 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 7
1 Scope . 10
2 Normative references . 11
3 Terms and definitions . 13
4 General requirements . 19
5 General remarks on tests . 19
5.101 Incorporated hand-operated device . 21
6 Ratings . 21
6.1 Rated voltage . 21
6.2 Rated current . 22
6.3 Preferred combinations of number of poles and ratings . 22
6.101 Rated control voltage . 23
7 Classification . 23
8 Marking . 25
8.1 General . 25
8.2 Symbols . 25
8.3 Visibility of markings . 27
8.4 Marking on terminals for phase conductors . 27
8.5 Marking on terminals for neutral and earth conductors . 28
8.6 Marking of the switch position . 28
8.7 Additional requirements for marking . 29
8.8 Durability . 29
9 Checking of dimensions . 29
10 Protection against electric shock . 30
10.1 Prevention of access to live parts. 30
10.2 Requirements for operating parts . 30
10.3 Requirements for accessible metal parts . 30
10.4 Requirements for insulation of the mechanism . 31
10.5 Requirements for insulation of the mechanism with respect to the
surrounding environment . 31
10.6 Requirements for switches operated indirectly . 32
10.7 Requirements for switches with replaceable pull cord . 32
11 Provision for earthing . 32
11.1 General . 32
11.2 Earthing terminals . 32
11.3 Requirements for surface-type switches . 32
11.4 Test for earthing connection . 33
12 Terminals . 33
12.1 General . 33
12.2 Terminals with screw clamping for external copper conductors . 33
12.3 Screwless terminals for external copper conductors . 40
13 Constructional requirements . 45
13.1 Mechanical requirements for insulating means . 45
13.2 Installation requirements . 46
13.3 Fixing of covers, cover plates and actuating members . 47
13.4 Openings in normal use . 48
13.5 Attachment of knobs . 48
13.6 Mounting means . 49
13.7 Combination of switches . 49
13.8 Accessories combined with switches . 49
13.9 Surface-type switches having an IP code higher than IP20 . 49
13.10 Installation in a box . 50
13.11 Connection of a second current-carrying conductor . 50
13.12 Inlet openings . 50
13.13 Provision for back entry from a conduit . 51
13.14 Switch provided with membranes or the like for inlet openings . 52
13.15 Requirements for membranes in inlet openings . 52
13.16 Pilot light units . 53
13.101 Transformers intended for SELV circuits . 53
14 Mechanism . 53
14.1 Indication of the position . 53
14.2 Rest and intermediate position . 53
14.3 Undue arcing . 53
14.4 Making and breaking . 53
14.5 Action of the mechanism without cover or cover plate . 54
14.6 Pull force for cord-operated switches . 54
14.101 Hand-operated device with position indicator . 54
15 Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of switches and
resistance to humidity . 54
15.1 Resistance to ageing . 54
15.2 Protection provided by enclosures of switches . 55
15.2.1 General . 55
15.2.2 Protection against access to hazardous parts and against harmful
effects due to ingress of solid foreign objects . 55
15.2.3 Protection against harmful effects due to ingress of water . 56
15.3 Resistance to humidity . 57
16 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 57
16.1 General . 57
16.2 Test for measuring the insulation resistance . 58
16.3 Electric strength test . 60
17 Temperature rise . 62
17.1 General . 62
17.2 Switches incorporating pilot lights . 64
18 Making and breaking capacity . 64
18.1 General . 64
18.2 Overload . 65
18.3 Overload test with filament lamps . 66
19 Normal operation . 67
19.1 Test for switches intended for inductive loads . 67
19.2 Test for switches intended for externally ballasted lamp loads . 69
19.3 Test for switches intended for self ballasted lamp loads . 72
19.101 RCS energized by impulses . 75
19.102 RCS permanently energized . 75
20 Mechanical strength . 76
– 4 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
20.1 General . 76
20.2 Pendulum hammer test . 76
20.3 Test on the main parts of surface-type switches . 78
20.4 Screwed glands . 79
20.5 Covers, cover plates or actuating members – accessibility to live parts . 79
20.5.1 General . 79
20.5.2 Verification of the non-removal of covers, cover plates or actuating
members . 79
20.5.3 Verification of the removal of covers, cover plates or actuating members. 80
20.6 Covers, cover plates or actuating members – accessibility to non-earthed
metal parts separated from live parts . 80
20.7 Covers, cover plates or actuating members – accessibility to insulating
parts, earthed metal parts, the live parts of SELV ≤ 25 V AC and 60 V DC or
metal parts separated from live parts . 80
20.8 Covers, cover plates or actuating members – application of gauges . 80
20.9 Grooves, holes and reverse tapers . 80
20.10 Additional test for cord-operated switch . 81
21 Resistance to heat . 81
21.1 General . 81
21.2 Basic heating test . 81
21.3 Ball-pressure test on parts of insulating material necessary to retain current-
carrying parts and parts of the earthing circuit in position . 82
21.4 Ball-pressure test on parts of insulating material not necessary to retain
current-carrying parts and parts of the earthing circuit in position. 82
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 82
22.1 General . 82
22.2 Correct insertion of screws . 83
22.3 Contact pressure of electrical connections . 83
22.4 Screws and rivets used both as electrical and mechanical connections . 83
22.5 Material of current-carrying parts . 84
22.6 Contacts subjected to sliding actions . 84
22.7 Thread-forming and thread-cutting screws . 85
23 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound . 85
23.1 General . 85
23.2 Insulating compound . 89
23.101 Control circuits suitable for connections to a SELV . 89
23.102 Use of enamel wires . 89
24 Resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat, to fire and to tracking . 89
24.1 Resistance to abnormal heat and to fire . 89
24.2 Resistance to tracking . 90
25 Resistance to rusting . 91
26 EMC requirements . 91
26.1 Immunity . 91
26.2 Emission . 91
101 Abnormal operation of the control circuit . 91
Annex A (normative) Additional requirements for switches having facilities for the
outlet and retention of flexible cables . 112
Annex B (informative) Changes planned for the future in order to align IEC 60669-1
with the requirements of IEC 60998 (all parts), IEC 60999 (all parts) and IEC 60228 . 115
Annex C (informative) Circuit development (19.3) . 116
C.1 Rationale . 116
C.2 I and I t for normal operation tests . 116
peak
C.2.1 General . 116
C.2.2 Switching a single lamp . 116
C.2.3 Switching multiple lamps . 118
Annex D (informative) Additional requirements for insulation-piercing terminals . 120
Annex E (informative) Additional requirements and tests for switches intended to be
used at a temperature lower than −5 °C . 130
Bibliography . 132
Figure 1 – Pillar terminals . 93
Figure 2 – Screw head terminals and stud terminals . 95
Figure 3 – Saddle terminals . 95
Figure 4 – Lug terminals . 96
Figure 5 – Mantle terminals. 97
Figure 6 – Thread-forming screw . 97
Figure 7 – Thread-cutting screw . 97
Figure 8 – Classification according to connections . 98
Figure 9 – Test apparatus for checking damage to conductors . 99
Figure 10 – Information for deflection test . 100
Figure 11 – Circuit diagrams for making and breaking capacity and normal operation . 101
Figure 12 – Circuit diagrams for testing switches . 102
Figure 13 – Arrangement for test on cover-plates . 102
Figure 14 – Gauge (thickness: about 2 mm) for the verification of the outline of covers,
cover-plates or actuating members . 103
Figure 15 – Example of application of the gauge of Figure 14 on covers fixed without
screws on a mounting surface or supporting surface . 104
Figure 16 – Examples of applications of the gauge of Figure 14 in accordance with the
requirements of 20.8 . 105
Figure 17 – Gauge for verification of grooves, holes and reverse tapers . 106
Figure 18 – Sketch showing the direction of application of the gauge of Figure 17 . 106
Figure 19 – Ball-pressure apparatus . 107
Figure 20 – Determining parts of insulating material to be tested – Diagrammatic
representation (see 24.1) . 107
Figure 21 – Test wall in accordance with the requirements of 15.2.3 . 108
Figure 22 – Direction for the conductor pull of 30 N for 1 min . 110
Figure 23 – Examples of membranes and grommets . 111
Figure C.1 – 120 V 15 W (LT spice model) . 117
Figure C.2 – 230 V 15 W (LT spice model) . 118
Figure C.3 – Model for multiple lamp loads . 119
Figure C.4 – I and I t for multiple lamp loads . 119
peak
Figure D.1 − Example of insulation-piercing terminals . 128
Figure D.2 – Example of test-points . 128
Figure D.3 – Temperature cycle for the voltage drop test of 12.4.11 . 129
– 6 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
Table 1 – Number of specimens needed for the tests . 20
Table 2 – Relationship between rated current of the switch and rated power of the SBL
circuit . 22
Table 3 – Preferred combinations of numbers of poles and ratings . 22
Table 4 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional areas
of copper conductors . 34
Table 5 – Tightening torque for the verification of the mechanical strength of screw-
type terminals . 36
Table 6 – Test values for flexion and pull out for copper conductors . 37
Table 7 – Test values for pulling out test . 38
Table 8 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional areas
of copper conductors for screwless terminals . 40
Table 9 – Test current for the verification of electrical and thermal stresses in normal
use of screwless terminals . 43
Table 10 – Cross-sectional areas of rigid copper conductors for deflection test of
screwless terminals . 45
Table 11 – Deflection test forces . 45
Table 12 – Forces to be applied to covers, cover-plates or actuating members whose
fixing is not dependent on screws . 48
Table 13 – External cable diameter limits for surface type switches . 51
Table 14 – Points of application of the test voltage for the verification of insulation
resistance and electric strength . 58
Table 15 – Test voltage, points of application and minimum values of insulating
resistance for the verification of electric strength . 61
Table 16 – Temperature-rise test currents and cross-sectional areas of copper
conductors . 62
Table 101 – Temperature-rise limits for insulated coils in air . 64
Table 17 – Fractions of total number of operations. 65
Table 18 – Number of operations for normal operation test . 68
Table 19 – Values for I and I t depending on the type of distribution system . 73
peak
Table 20 – Calculated circuit parameters . 73
Table 21 – Height of fall for impact test . 77
Table 22 – Torque for the verification of the mechanical strength of glands . 79
Table 23 – Creepage distances, clearances and distances through insulating sealing
compound . 86
Table A.1 – Limits of external dimensions of flexible cables . 113
Table C.1 – Lamp . 116
Table D.1 – Specimens needed for Clause 12 for insulation-piercing terminals (IPTs) . 121
Table D.2 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional
areas of copper conductors for insulation-piercing terminals . 123
Table D.3 – Test current for the verification of electrical and thermal stresses in
normal use of insulation-piercing terminals . 127
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SWITCHES FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR FIXED
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 2-2: Particular requirements –
Electromagnetic remote-control switches (RCS)
FOREWORD
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9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
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This extended version (EXV) of the official IEC Standard provides the user with the
comprehensive content of the Standard.
made to IEC 60669-1:2017.
The specific content of IEC 60669-2-2:2024 is displayed on a blue background.
– 8 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
IEC 60669-2-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 23B: Plugs, socket-outlets and switches,
of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories. It is an International Standard.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2006. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Revision of the present edition with reference to IEC 60669-1:2017 (Edition 4);
b) Introduction of a revision to Annex E "Additional requirements and tests for switches
intended to be used at a temperature lower than −5 °C".
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
23B/1486/FDIS 23B/1500/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement,
available at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by
IEC are described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
This part of IEC 60669 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60669-1:2017. It lists the
changes necessary to convert that standard into a specific standard for electromagnetic
remote-control switches.
When a particular subclause of IEC 60669-1:2017 is not mentioned in this document, that
subclause applies as far as reasonable.
In this document, the following print types are used:
– requirements proper: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– notes: in smaller roman type.
Subclauses, figures or tables or notes which are additional to those in IEC 60669-1:2017 are
numbered starting from 101.
A list of all parts of IEC 60669 series, under the general title Switches for household and
similar fixed electrical installations, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
– 10 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
SWITCHES FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR FIXED
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 2-2: Particular requirements –
Electromagnetic remote-control switches (RCS)
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60669 applies to electromagnetic remote control switches (hereinafter
referred to as electromagnetic RCS) with a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V AC and a rated
current not exceeding 63 A, intended for household and similar fixed electrical installations,
either indoors or outdoors. For the control circuit, the rated control voltage does not exceed
440 V AC or 220 V DC.
The RCS coil can be either permanently energized or not permanently energized.
Electronic RCS are within the scope of IEC 60669-2-1 but not of this document.
RCS including only passive components such as resistors, capacitors, positive temperature
coefficient (PTC) and negative temperature coefficient (NTC) components and printed circuit
boards are not considered to be electronic RCS.
Electromechanical contactors for household and similar purposes are within the scope of
IEC 61095.
For switches provided with screwless terminals, the rated current is limited to 16 A.
NOTE 1 The rated current is limited to 16 A for switches provided with insulation piercing terminals (IPT’s)
according to Annex D.
Switches covered by this document are, where applicable, intended for the control in normal
use of all of the following loads:
– a circuit for a tungsten filament lamp load;
– a circuit for an externally ballasted lamp load (for example LED, CFL, fluorescent lamp
load);
– a circuit for a self ballasted lamp load (for example LEDi or CFLi);
– a circuit for a substantially resistive load with a power factor not less than 0,95;
– a single phase circuit for motor load with a rated current not exceeding 3 A at 250 V
(750 VA) and 4,5 A at 120 V (540 VA) and a power factor not less than 0,6. This applies to
both switches rated not less than 10 A that have not undergone additional tests and to
momentary switches rated not less than 6 A that have not undergone additional tests.
NOTE 2 In the following country the suitability of a switch intended to control the inrush current of a motor shall
be tested: AU.
This document also applies to boxes for switches, with the exception of mounting boxes for
flush-type switches.
NOTE 3 General requirements for boxes for flush-type switches are given in IEC 60670-1.
It also applies to switches such as
– switches incorporating pilot lights;
– electromagnetic remote control switches (particular requirements are given in
IEC 60669-2-2);
– switches incorporating a time-delay device (particular requirements are given in
IEC 60669-2-3);
– combinations of switches and other functions (with the exception of switches combined
with fuses);
– electronic switches (particular requirements are given in IEC 60669-2-1);
– switches having facilities for the outlet and retention of flexible cables (see Annex A);
– isolating switches (particular requirements are given in IEC 60669-2-4);
– switches and related accessories for use in home and building electronic systems
(particular requirements are given in IEC 60669-2-5);
– firemen’s switches (particular requirements are given in IEC 60669-2-6).
Switches complying with this document are suitable for use at ambient temperatures not
normally exceeding +40 °C, but their average over a period of 24 h does not exceed +35 °C,
with a lower limit of the ambient air temperature of –5 °C.
NOTE 4 For lower temperatures see Annex E.
Switches complying with this document are suitable only for incorporation in equipment in
such a way and in such a place that it is unlikely that the surrounding ambient temperature
exceeds +35 °C.
In locations where special conditions prevail, such as in ships, vehicles and the like and in
hazardous locations, for example where explosions are liable to occur, special construction
and/or additional requirements may be required.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 60038:2009, IEC standard voltages
IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60085:2007, Electrical insulation – Thermal evaluation and designation
IEC 60112:2009, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking
indices of solid insulating materials
IEC 60212:2010, Standard conditions for use prior to and during the testing of solid electrical
insulation materials
IEC 60227-5:2011, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V – Part 5: Flexible cables (cords)
IEC 60228:2004, Conductors of insulated cables
IEC 60245-4:2011, Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V –
Part 4: Cords and flexible cables
– 12 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
IEC 60317 (all parts), Specifications for particular types of winding wires
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available from: http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60445:2021, Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and
identification – Identification of equipment terminals, conductor terminations and conductors
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60664-1:2020, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60664-3:2016, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 3:
Use of coating, potting or moulding for protection against pollution
IEC 60669-1:2017, Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations – Part 1:
General requirements
IEC 60669-2-1:2002, Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations –
Part 2-1: Particular requirements – Electronic switches
IEC 60669-2-1:2002/AMD1:2008
IEC 60669-2-1:2002/AMD2:2015
IEC 60695-2-10:2000, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-10: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire apparatus and common test procedure
IEC 60695-2-11:2014, Fire hazard testing – Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products (GWEPT)
IEC 60998-1:2002, Connecting devices for low-voltage circuits for household and similar
purposes – Part 1: General requirements
IEC 60998-2-1, Connecting devices for low-voltage circuits for household and similar
purposes – Part 2-1: Particular requirements for connecting devices as separate entities with
screw-type clamping units
IEC 60998-2-2, Connecting devices for low-voltage circuits for household and similar
purposes – Part 2-2: Particular requirements for connecting devices as separate entities with
screwless-type clamping units
IEC 60998-2-3, Connecting devices for low-v
...
IEC 60669-2-2 ®
Edition 4.0 2024-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations –
Part 2-2: Particular requirements – Electromagnetic remote-control switches
(RCS)
Interrupteurs pour installations électriques fixes domestiques et analogues –
Partie 2-2: Exigences particulières – Interrupteurs à commande à distance
(télérupteurs)
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IEC 60669-2-2 ®
Edition 4.0 2024-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations –
Part 2-2: Particular requirements – Electromagnetic remote-control switches
(RCS)
Interrupteurs pour installations électriques fixes domestiques et analogues –
Partie 2-2: Exigences particulières – Interrupteurs à commande à distance
(télérupteurs)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.120.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-8319-6
– 2 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 General requirements . 7
5 General remarks on tests . 8
6 Ratings . 8
7 Classification . 9
8 Marking . 9
9 Checking of dimensions . 10
10 Protection against electric shock . 10
11 Provision for earthing . 10
12 Terminals . 10
13 Constructional requirements . 10
14 Mechanism . 11
15 Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of switches and
resistance to humidity . 11
16 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 11
17 Temperature rise . 12
18 Making and breaking capacity . 12
19 Normal operation . 13
20 Mechanical strength . 14
21 Resistance to heat . 14
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 14
23 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound . 14
24 Resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat, to fire and to tracking . 16
25 Resistance to rusting . 16
26 EMC requirements . 16
Annexes . 18
Annex B (informative) Changes planned for the future in order to align IEC 60669-1
with the requirements of IEC 60998 (all parts), IEC 60999 (all parts) and IEC 60228 . 19
Annex E (informative) Additional requirements and tests for switches intended to be
used at a temperature lower than −5 °C . 20
Bibliography . 21
Table 1 – Number of specimens needed for the tests . 8
Table 15 – Test voltage, points of application and minimum values of insulating
resistance for the verification of electric strength . 11
Table 101 – Temperature-rise limits for insulated coils in air . 12
Table 102 – Creepage distances, clearances and distances through insulating sealing
compound . 15
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SWITCHES FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR FIXED
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 2-2: Particular requirements –
Electromagnetic remote-control switches (RCS)
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent
the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 60669-2-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 23B: Plugs, socket-outlets and switches,
of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories. It is an International Standard.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2006. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Revision of the present edition with reference to IEC 60669-1:2017 (Edition 4);
b) Introduction of a revision to Annex E "Additional requirements and tests for switches
intended to be used at a temperature lower than −5 °C".
– 4 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 © IEC 2024
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
23B/1486/FDIS 23B/1500/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
This part of IEC 60669 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60669-1:2017. It lists the changes
necessary to convert that standard into a specific standard for electromagnetic remote-control
switches.
When a particular subclause of IEC 60669-1:2017 is not mentioned in this document, that
subclause applies as far as reasonable.
In this document, the following print types are used:
– requirements proper: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– notes: in smaller roman type.
Subclauses, figures or tables or notes which are additional to those in IEC 60669-1:2017 are
numbered starting from 101.
A list of all parts of IEC 60669 series, under the general title Switches for household and similar
fixed electrical installations, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
SWITCHES FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR FIXED
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 2-2: Particular requirements –
Electromagnetic remote-control switches (RCS)
1 Scope
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 1 is applicable except as follows:
Replacement of the first paragraph with the following:
This part of IEC 60669 applies to electromagnetic remote control switches (hereinafter referred
to as electromagnetic RCS) with a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V AC and a rated current
not exceeding 63 A, intended for household and similar fixed electrical installations, either
indoors or outdoors. For the control circuit, the rated control voltage does not exceed 440 V AC
or 220 V DC.
The RCS coil can be either permanently energized or not permanently energized.
Electronic RCS are within the scope of IEC 60669-2-1 but not of this document.
RCS including only passive components such as resistors, capacitors, positive temperature
coefficient (PTC) and negative temperature coefficient (NTC) components and printed circuit
boards are not considered to be electronic RCS.
Electromechanical contactors for household and similar purposes are within the scope of
IEC 61095.
2 Normative references
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 2 is applicable with the following additions:
IEC 60085:2007, Electrical insulation – Thermal evaluation and designation
IEC 60317 (all parts), Specifications for particular types of winding wires
IEC 60445:2021, Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and
identification – Identification of equipment terminals, conductor terminations and conductors
IEC 60664-1:2020, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60664-3:2016, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 3:
Use of coating, potting or moulding for protection against pollution
IEC 60669-1:2017, Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations – Part 1:
General requirements
IEC 61558-2-6:2021, Safety of transformers, reactors, power supply units and combinations
thereof – Part 2-6: Particular requirements and tests for safety isolating transformers and power
supply units incorporating safety isolating transformers for general applications
– 6 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 © IEC 2024
3 Terms and definitions
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 3 is applicable with the following additions:
3.11
rated voltage
Addition of the following note:
Note 101 to entry: This definition is applicable to the switching circuit only.
3.12
rated current
Addition of the following note:
Note 101 to entry: This definition is applicable to the switching circuit only.
Addition of the following new terminological entries:
3.101
remote control switch
RCS
switch intended to be operated from a distance
3.101.1
electromagnetic RCS
RCS provided with a coil which is operated by means of impulses or which can be permanently
energized by means of a control circuit
3.101.2
electronic RCS
RCS containing electronic component(s)
3.102
rated control voltage
voltage assigned to the control circuit by the manufacturer
Note 101 to entry: The rated control voltage is generally the operating voltage of the electromagnetic control coil.
3.103
switching circuit
circuit which contains the parts which allow the rated current to flow through the RCS
3.104
control circuit
circuit which includes electrical parts to actuate the switching mechanism
3.105
control mechanism
mechanism which includes all the parts which are intended for the operation of the RCS
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:1998, 442-04-28, modified – the term "switch" has been replaced by
"RCS".]
3.106
incorporated hand-operated device
device which allows the switching circuit to be operated, directly or indirectly
Note 101 to entry: An incorporated hand-operated device is not intended for the normal operation of the RCS.
3.107
disconnectable RCS
RCS consisting of two parts, the first being used as a base and including the terminals, the
other being removable and including the switching and the control circuits, the two parts being
resiliently connected together using a means which allows joining and/or separating with or
without the use of a tool
3.108
rated control current
current required for initiation of the RCS, assigned to the current coil in the control circuit by
the manufacturer (only for an RCS provided with a current sensitive coil)
3.109
bistable RCS
RCS containing a control mechanism which, when not initiated electrically or actuated
mechanically, remains stable in its operating position and will change its operating position on
initiation or actuation
3.110
monostable RCS
RCS containing a control mechanism which, on electrical initiation or mechanical actuation,
changes the operating position of the switch which remains in this condition while the RCS is
initiated or actuated, and returns to the position prior to initiation or actuation of the RCS after
initiation or actuation is discontinued
3.111
priority RCS
RCS used to operate directly or indirectly a first load circuit or group of load circuits the use of
which at times can be dispensed with, and where the control circuit of the RCS is influenced by
or connected to a second circuit or group of circuits (priority circuits or circuits) which when
energized will thus initiate the control circuit of the RCS to de-energize the first load circuit or
circuits for the time during which the second circuit or group of circuits is energized
Note 101 to entry: The RCS may have a means for adjusting the sensitivity of the RCS control circuit to initiate the
RCS depending on the total load or current delivered to any part of the circuits (priority switch with current coil) or
be sensitive to the voltage (priority switch with voltage coil) applied to the second load or group of loads.
Note 102 to entry: These devices are used to limit the total current into a home installation by
disconnecting/connecting certain load circuits in the installation while leaving others (the priority circuits) connected.
3.112
sequentially operated RCS
RCS which includes several switching or reversing contacts generally operated by means of a
cam allowing different circuit combinations by successive impulses
Note 101 to entry: The number of impulses is given according to the number of lobes of the cam.
4 General requirements
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 4 is applicable with the following addition:
Addition after the first paragraph:
The operation of an RCS shall not be impaired when it is mounted at an angle deviating by not
more than 5° from the specified position of use.
– 8 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 © IEC 2024
5 General remarks on tests
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 5 is applicable with the following additions:
Addition to Table 1:
Table 1 – Number of specimens needed for the tests
Number of
additional
Number
specimens for
Clauses and subclauses
of specimens
dual current
rating
101 Abnormal operation of the control circuit PQR
Addition of the following new subclause:
5.101 Incorporated hand-operated device
If an RCS is provided with an incorporated hand-operated device, it shall be tested as specified
in Clause 19.
During the making and breaking capacity tests and the normal operation tests, the application
of the voltage to the RCS coil always at the same phase angle should be avoided, as this
application can give misleading results.
Precautions should be taken when using combinations equipped with synchronous motors and
devices having similar operating characteristics.
6 Ratings
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 6 is applicable except as follows:
6.1 Rated voltage
Replacement of the first paragraph with the following:
Preferred values of rated voltage are:
– AC: 6 V, 8 V, 9 V, 12 V, 24 V, 42 V, 48 V, 110 V, 130 V, 220 V, 230 V and 240 V.
Addition of the following new subclause:
6.101 Rated control voltage
Preferred values of rated control voltage are:
– AC: 6 V, 8 V, 9 V, 12 V, 24 V, 42 V, 48 V, 110 V, 130 V, 220 V, 230 V and 240 V;
– DC: 6 V, 9 V, 12 V, 24 V, 48 V, 60 V, 110 V and 220 V.
7 Classification
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 7 is applicable with the following additions:
7.5 according to the method of actuating the switch:
Addition of the following:
– current coil (for priority RCS);
– voltage coil (for priority RCS).
7.7 according to the method of installation, as a consequence of the design of the switch:
Addition of the following:
– disconnectable RCS.
Addition of the following new subclauses:
7.101 according to the type of switching mechanism:
– directly operated RCS;
– sequentially operated RCS;
– bistable RCS;
– monostable RCS.
NOTE 101 Directly operated RCS are those which, for each impulse, show an ON or OFF state, these states
occurring for each impulse on 1, 2, 3 or 4 poles, either as a switch or as a reversing switch.
Pattern number 5 may be met by two RCS pattern numbers 1 or 6 and wiring in accordance
with Figure 8 of IEC 60669-1:2017.
Pattern number 7 may be met by pattern number 6/2 and wiring with external connections in
accordance with Figure 8 of IEC 60669-1:2017.
7.102 according to the kind of energization of the control circuit:
– RCS energized by impulses;
– RCS permanently energized.
8 Marking
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 8 is applicable with the following additions:
8.1 General
Replacement of list item b) with the following:
b) rated voltage(s) in volts and rated control voltage(s) in volts, if different from the rated
voltage(s) or rated control current in amperes according to classification 7.5;
8.2 Symbols
Addition of the following symbols:
Control mechanism (IEC 60417-6457:2023-08)
– 10 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 © IEC 2024
Switch
Monostable RCS
Bistable RCS
Priority RCS
8.4 Marking on terminals for phase conductors
Addition after the last paragraph (before Note 1) of the following:
If necessary, the wiring diagram on which the terminal references are clearly indicated shall be
fixed to the accessory or inside the protective cover for the terminals.
The terminals for the control circuit shall be marked according to either IEC 60445 or with the
symbols according to 8.2, or both.
The terminals for the control circuit of a priority RCS with a current sensitive coil or voltage
sensitive coil shall be marked with the appropriate symbol indicated in 8.2.
8.6 Marking of the switch position
Addition, at the beginning of the subclause, of the following paragraph:
This Subclause 8.6 is only applicable to an RCS equipped with an incorporated hand-operated
device, acting directly on the switching circuit.
9 Checking of dimensions
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 9 is applicable.
10 Protection against electric shock
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 10 is applicable.
11 Provision for earthing
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 11 is applicable.
12 Terminals
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 12 is applicable.
13 Constructional requirements
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 13 is applicable with the following addition:
Addition of the following new subclause:
13.101 Transformers intended for SELV circuits
Transformers intended for SELV circuits shall be of the safety isolating type and shall comply
with the relevant requirements of IEC 61558-2-6.
NOTE For the use of SELV see IEC 61140 and IEC 60364-4-41.
14 Mechanism
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 14 is applicable with the following addition:
Addition of the following new subclause:
14.101 Hand-operated device with position indicator
If an RCS is equipped with an incorporated hand-operated device, and if a position indicator is
used, it shall indicate the position of the switching circuit clearly and without ambiguity.
15 Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of switches and
resistance to humidity
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 15 is applicable.
16 Insulation resistance and electric strength
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 16 is applicable with the following addition:
16.3 Electric strength test
Addition to Table 15:
Table 15 – Test voltage, points of application and minimum values of insulating
resistance for the verification of electric strength
Insulation to be tested Minimum Test voltage
value of
insulation
resistance
MΩ V
Switches having Switches having
a rated voltage a rated voltage
not exceeding exceeding
130 V 130 V
101 Between switching circuit(s) and control circuit(s)
if they are separated 5 2 000 3 000
102 Between SELV/PELV circuits and other circuit(s)
having a higher voltage than SELV/PELV 7 3 000 3 750
103 Between two SELV/PELV circuits 5 500 500
– 12 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 © IEC 2024
17 Temperature rise
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 17 is applicable with the following addition:
17.1 General
Addition, at the end of the subclause, of the following paragraphs:
For RCS energized by impulses, the test is carried out without connecting the coil.
For permanently energized RCS, the coil is connected to a voltage equivalent to 1,06 times its
rated voltage at rated frequency.
The temperature of the coil is calculated in accordance with the resistance method by means
of the following formula:
RR−
R
Temperature rise K = (234,5 + t ) − (t – t )
1 2 1
where
R is the resistance in the warm condition;
R is the resistance in the cold condition;
t is the ambient temperature at the beginning of the test;
t is the ambient temperature at the end of the test.
The windings of coils shall not exceed the limits specified in Table 101.
Table 101 – Temperature-rise limits for insulated coils in air
Class of insulating Temperature-rise limit
material (measured by resistance variation)
K
A 85
E 100
B 110
F 135
H 160
NOTE The limits given in this table are based on an ambient temperature of 20 °C.
18 Making and breaking capacity
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 18 is applicable with the following modification:
18.2 Overload
Addition of the following at the end of the subclause:
During the tests of 18.2 and 18.3, the rated control voltage is applied to the control circuit with
an impulse duration as declared by the manufacturer.
19 Normal operation
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 19 is applicable with the following modifications:
19.1 Test for switches intended for inductive loads
Addition after the last paragraph, of the following:
For RCS equipped with an incorporated hand-operated device, acting directly on the switching
circuit, 10 % of the operations indicated in Table 17 are made by hand or in an equivalent
manner and for those for AC operation, the test is followed by that of 14.3.
For the remaining 90 % of the operations, the control circuit is supplied as specified in
Clause 18.
During the normal operation test, failures of correct operation are allowed to occur within 1 %,
but, no more than three consecutive failures are allowed.
Addition of the following new subclauses:
19.101 RCS energized by impulses
An RCS energized by impulses shall operate as intended at a control voltage between 0,9 and
1,1 times the rated value with an impulse duration as declared by the manufacturer.
Compliance is checked by the following test.
Under no-load conditions, 20 operations are carried out on each of the three specimens with a
control voltage of 0,9 times the rated value, and 20 operations with a control voltage of 1,1 times
the rated value.
The RCS shall operate as intended.
19.102 RCS permanently energized
Permanently energized RCS shall operate as intended at any value between 85 % and 110 %
of their rated control voltage. Where a range is declared, 85 % shall apply to the lower value
and 110 % to the higher.
The limits between which permanently energized RCS shall drop out and open fully are 75 %
to 20 % of their rated control voltage. When a rated voltage is declared, the drop out shall
appear between 75 % and 20 % of this rated voltage. When a voltage range is declared, the
voltage drop shall appear between 20 % of the higher value and 75 % of the lower value (of the
range).
Limits for closure are applicable after the coils have reached a stable temperature
corresponding to steady-state conditions of 100 % of the rated control voltage in an ambient
temperature of 40 °C.
Limits for drop-out are applicable with the coil circuit at −5 °C. This can be verified by calculation
using values obtained at normal ambient temperature.
Compliance is checked by performing one test at each of the limits on three separate
specimens.
The RCS shall operate as intended.
– 14 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 © IEC 2024
20 Mechanical strength
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 20 is applicable.
21 Resistance to heat
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 21 is applicable with the following modification:
21.1 General
Addition of the following sentence at the end of 21.1 after b):
The requirements of this Subclause 21.1 are applicable to both switching and control circuits.
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 22 is applicable.
23 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 23 is applicable with the following modifications:
23.1 General
Addition of the following items to Table 23 for creepage distances and clearances.
Table 23 – Creepage distances, clearances and distances
through insulating sealing compound
mm
Description
normal mini- micro-
gap gap gap
Creepage distances
101 For creepage distances across which nominal voltages up to 50 V AC or 50 V DC
f,g
occur , and which voltages are generated in a circuit by supply from a safety
isolating transformer according to IEC 61558-2-6 or by a supply separated from
the mains supply in an equally effective manner:
– on printed wiring material – pollution degree 1
0,025 0,025 0,025
– on printed wiring material – pollution degree 2
0,04 0,04 0,04
– on other insulating material – across insulating material Group I
0,6 0,6 0,6
– on other insulating material – across insulating material Group II
0,85 0,85 0,85
– on other insulating material – across insulating material Group III
1,2 1,2 1,2
102 For clearance distances across which nominal voltages up to 50 V AC or 50 V DC
f
occur , and which voltages are generated in a circuit by supply from a safety
isolating transformer according to IEC 61558-2-6 or by a supply electrically
separated from the mains supply in an equally effective manner:
– pollution degree 1
0,1 0,1
0,1
– pollution degree 2
0,2 0,2 0,2
NOTE 101 The values for the clearances are based on IEC 60664-1:2020, Table F.2, using as input:
– the rated impulse voltage of 800 V derived from IEC 60664-1:2020, Table F.1, for a line-to-neutral voltage of
50 V AC or 50 V DC and overvoltage category III and Case A (inhomogeneous field);
– pollution degrees 1 and 2.
The values for creepage distances are based on IEC 60664-1:2020, Table F.5 with the input of voltage rationalized
for IEC 60664-1:2020, Table F.5 of 50 V RMS from IEC 60664-1:2020, Table F.4, for a supply system having a
nominal voltage of 50 V.
NOTE 102 For the definition of nominal voltage, see IEV 601-01-21.
f
For the purposes of this document, the following applies (taken from IEC 60664-1):
Micro-environment: the immediate environment of the insulation which particularly influences the dimensioning
of creepage distances. Ambient conditions which immediately influence the dimensioning of the clearance and
creepage distances (IEC 60664-1:2020, 3.1.23).
Pollution degree: a numeral characterizing the expected pollution of the micro-environment (IEC 60664-1:2020,
3.1.25).
Pollution degree 1: No pollution or only dry, non-conductive pollution occurs. The pollution has no influence.
On printed wiring boards of RCS, it is acceptable to use pollution degree 1, if the printed wiring board is protected
against any occurrence of condensation and deposition of conductive, hydroscopic, or soluble dust. This can
usually be achieved only if the printed wiring board and/or circuits are coated and the coating complies with the
specifications of IEC 60664-3 and an additional encapsulation, or by sealing of the whole printed wiring board
assembly with a protective coating.
Pollution degree 2: Only non-conductive pollution occurs except that occasionally a temporary conductivity
caused by condensation is to be expected. This condensation may occur during periods of on-off load cycles of
the equipment (see IEC 60664-1:2020, 4.5.2).
On printed wiring boards of RCS, it is acceptable to use pollution degree 2, if the printed wiring board and/or
circuit is coated and the coating complies with the specifications of IEC 60664-3.
This document classifies insulating materials according to their PTI values into four groups:
Material Group I 600 ≤ PTI
Material Group II 400 ≤ PTI < 600
Material Group IIIa 175 ≤ PTI < 400
Material Group IIIb 100 ≤ PTI < 175
Material Group III includes Material Group IIIa and Material Group IIIb.
A material shall be included in one of the four groups above on the basis that its PTI, established by the method
of IEC 60112 using solution A is equal to or greater than the lower value specified for the group.
g
Values of creepage distances for printed wiring boards are given for pollution degrees 1 and 2. For other
insulating materials, only the values for creepage distances for pollution degree 2 are allowed.
– 16 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 © IEC 2024
Addition of the following new subclauses:
23.101 Control circuits suitable for connections to a SELV
For RCS having a control circuit suitable for connection to a SELV supply, the switching circuit
being supplied with a voltage greater than the SELV, creepage distances and clearances
between control and switching circuits shall be not less than 6 mm.
23.102 Use of enamel wires
If the wire enamel is at least grade 1 according to IEC 60317 (all parts), the clearances between
the wire of the control coil, live parts of different polarity and the exposed conductive parts may
be reduced to a value equal to two-thirds of the clearances required in the absence of enamel.
24 Resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat, to fire and to tracking
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 24 is applicable with the following modification:
Add the following sentence at the beginning of 24.1 and 24.2:
The requirements of this subclause are applicable to both switching circuits and control circuits.
25 Resistance to rusting
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 25 is applicable.
26 EMC requirements
IEC 60669-1:2017, Clause 26 is applicable.
Addition of the following new clause:
101 Abnormal operation of the control circuit
RCS shall be so constructed that their behaviour during abnormal operation of the control circuit
(e.g. when the push-button is jammed) is not dangerous to their surroundings or to the user.
For permanently energized RCS, this test does not apply.
Compliance is checked by the following test which is made on three additional specimens of
RCS meeting the requirements of Clause 15 and Clause 16.
The RCS is mounted as in normal use, on a matt black painted pine plywood support having a
thickness of approximately 20 mm.
The control circuit is continuously energized at its rated voltage, the switching circuit being
loaded with rated current (at rated voltage) for 1 h.
Immediately after this test, the RCS shall still operate and shall meet the following conditions:
– the temperature rise of any part of the RCS enclosure and plywood support, which may be
touched by the standard test finger, test probe B of IEC 61032, shall not exceed 75 K;
– the temperature rise of the plywood support which cannot be touched by the test finger, test
probe B of IEC 61032, shall not exceed 100 K;
– the RCS shall not emit flames, melted material, glowing particles or burning drops of
insulating material.
After cooling down to ambient temperature:
– the RCS shall withstand a dielectric test between switching and control circuits as specified
in Clause 16, the test voltage being reduced to 75 % of the relevant values specified in
Table 15 of IEC 60669-1:2017;
– the RCS shall still meet the requirements of 10.1.
The RCS coil is then intermittently energized for 1 h using a voltage equal to its rated control
voltage, the switching circuit being supplied with rated current at rated voltage. The duration of
an operating cycle is 2 s, i.e., 1 s "ON" and 1 s "OFF".
The temperature rise of the coil is determined according to the resistance method and its value
shall not exceed the appropriate value given in IEC 60085. If one specimen fails, the
requirement is considered not met.
– 18 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 © IEC 2024
Annexes
Annexes of IEC 60669-1:2017 apply except as follows:
Annex B
(informative)
Changes planned for the future in order to align IEC 60669-1 with the
requirements of IEC 60998 (all parts), IEC 60999 (all parts) and IEC 60228
IEC 60669-1:2017, Annex B does not apply.
– 20 – IEC 60669-2-2:2024 © IEC 2024
Annex E
(informative)
Additional requirements and tests for switches intended
to be used at a temperature lower than −5 °C
IEC 60669-1:2017, Annex E applies with the following modifications.
Replace 19.4 with the following text:
19.4 Test for RCS intended to be used in ambient temperature below −5 °C
The following additional test shall be carried out on RCS intended to be used below the normal
temperature ranges if marking for low temperature is used:
– wire the RCS with a signal circuit including an indicator to easily evaluate that the switch is
working as intended during the test.
– the RCS are then kept for 24 h at a temperature of (−25 ± 2) °C.
– the test of 19.101 or 19.102, as applicable, is then performed at (−25 ± 2) °C and for
20 operations at rated control voltage.
– after these tests the RCS shall show no visible harmful deformation, cra
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