IEC 61969-1:2023

IEC 61969-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2023-02
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor
enclosures –
Part 1: Design guidelines
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IEC 61969-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2023-02
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor
enclosures –
Part 1: Design guidelines
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 31.240 ISBN 978-2-8322-6491-1

– 2 – IEC 61969-1:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 2
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Coordination dimensions . 9
5 Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects . 9
5.1 Classification of environmental conditions . 9
5.2 Static load.
5.2 Transportation and installation related mechanical loads . 11
5.3 Operational related mechanical loads . 11
5.3 Dynamic stress .
5.4 Static load capacity . 12
5.5 Seismic performance . 12
6 Electromagnetic shielding . 12
7 Thermal management and acoustic noise suppression emission . 12
Bibliography . 14

Figure 1 – Typical outdoor enclosure . 6
Figure 2 – Locations of outdoor enclosures . 9

Table 1 – Environmental Operating and transportation conditions . 10
Table 2 – Safety aspects . 11

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES FOR ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT – OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES –

Part 1: Design guidelines
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
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. 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 61969-1:2020. A vertical bar appears in the margin
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– 4 – IEC 61969-1:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
IEC 61969-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 48D: Mechanical structures for electrical and
electronic equipment, of IEC technical committee 48: Electrical connectors and mechanical
structures for electrical and electronic equipment. It is an International Standard.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2020. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) added references to the environmental conditions defined by ETSI EN 300 019-1 and
IEC 60721-2 series;
b) reference made to the correct test specifications;
c) addition of laser hazard warning in case opto-electronic equipment is used.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
48D/752/CDV 48D/758/RVC
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.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61969 series, published under the general title Mechanical structures
for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor enclosures, 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,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
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
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INTRODUCTION
This part of IEC 61969 is intended as a generic guide for the development of further parts within
this series of standards, and it provides design guidelines for outdoor enclosures.
The products covered by the IEC 61969 series are empty enclosures for outdoor locations, to
be equipped with application-specific combinations of electrical and electronic equipment, and
to be used at non-weatherprotected locations above ground.
The IEC 61969 series consists of:
– a design guidelines general part: IEC 61969-1;
– a coordination dimensions standard: IEC 61969-2;
– an environmental requirements and tests, safety aspects standard: IEC 61969-3.
IEC 61969-2 and IEC 61969-3 should be read in conjunction with this document.

– 6 – IEC 61969-1:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES FOR ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT – OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES –

Part 1: Design guidelines
1 Scope
This part of IEC 61969 contains design guidelines for outdoor enclosures for electrical and
electronic equipment and is applicable over a wide field of mechanical, electromechanical and
electronic equipment and its installation where a modular design is used.
The objectives of this document are:
– to provide an overview of specifications for enclosures focused on requirements for outdoor
applications for stationary use at non-weatherprotected locations, and
– to achieve product integrity under outdoor conditions and to ease product selection for the
sourcing of outdoor enclosures from different vendors.
These enclosures are considered to contain any equipment and provide protection for the
outdoor installed facilities against unwanted environmental impacts. The installed equipment
can be, but is not limited to, subracks or chassis in accordance with the IEC 60917 series or
IEC 60297 series. A typical outdoor enclosure is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 – Typical outdoor enclosure

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 60068-2-75, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60695-11-10, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-10: Test flames – 50 W horizontal and vertical
flame test methods
IEC 60721-3-2, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3-2: Classification of groups
of environmental parameters and their severities – Transportation and handling
IEC 60721-3-4, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3-4: Classification of groups
of environmental parameters and their severities – Stationary use at non-weatherprotected
locations
IEC 60754-2, Test on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables – Part 2:
Determination of acidity (by pH measurement) and conductivity
IEC 60825-1, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment specification classification and
requirements
IEC 60950-1, Information technology equipment – Safety – Part 1: General requirements
IEC 61010-1, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements
IEC 61034-1, Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions –
Part 1: Test apparatus
IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and equipment
IEC 61439-5, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 5: Assemblies for
power distribution in public networks
IEC 61587-1, Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Tests for
IEC 60917 and IEC 60297 series – Part 1: Environmental requirements, test setups and safety
aspects for cabinets, racks, subracks and chassis under indoor condition use and transportation
IEC 61587-2, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and
IEC 60297 – Part 2: Seismic tests for cabinets and racks
IEC 61587-3, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and
IEC 60297 – Part 3: Electromagnetic shielding performance tests for cabinets and subracks
IEC 61969-2, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Outdoor enclosures – Part 2:
Coordination dimensions
– 8 – IEC 61969-1:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
IEC 61969-3, Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor
enclosures – Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects
IEC 62194, Method of evaluating the thermal performance of enclosures
IEC 62262, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against
external mechanical impacts (IK code)
IEC 62305-4, Protection against lightning – Part 4: Electrical and electronic systems within
structures
IEC 62368-1, Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment – Part 1:
Safety requirements
ISO 1518-1, Paints and varnishes – Determination of scratch resistance – Part 1: Constant-
loading method
ISO 3864-2, Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 2: Design principles
for product safety labels
ISO 7779, Acoustics – Measurement of airborne noise emitted by information technology and
telecommunications equipment
ETSI EN 300 019-1-2, Environmental Engineering (EE); Environmental conditions and
environmental tests for telecommunications equipment; Part 1-2: Classification of
environmental conditions; Transportation
ETSI EN 300 019-1-4, Equipment Environmental Engineering (EE); Environmental conditions
and environmental tests for telecommunications equipment; Part 1-4: Classification of
environmental conditions; Stationary use at non-weatherprotected locations
ETSI EN 300 019-2-2, Environmental Engineering (EE); Environmental conditions and
environmental tests for telecommunications equipment; Part 2-2: Specification of environmental
tests; Transportation
ETSI EN 300 019-2-4, Equipment Environmental Engineering (EE); Environmental conditions
and environmental tests for telecommunications equipment; Part 2-4: Specification of
environmental tests – Stationary use at non-weatherprotected locations
ETSI EN 300 753, Equipment Environmental Engineering (EE); Acoustic noise emitted by
telecommunications equipment
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp

3.1
outdoor enclosure
enclosure exposed to an outdoor environment, for stationary use at non-weatherprotected
locations, for the protection of electrical and electronic equipment installed inside against
outdoor environmental conditions
Note 1 to entry: An outdoor enclosure is applicable for a wide field of equipment (e.g. communication system,
industrial or signal control, etc.).
Note 2 to entry: The typical installation locations of outdoor enclosures are shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 – Locations of outdoor enclosures
3.2
heat transfer rate
k
property with units of W/(m K), a measure of the rate of heat transfer
Note 1 to entry: Detailed calculations for determination of the enclosure design dependent heat management
properties, including the heat transfer rate, are described in IEC 62194.
3.3
static load
maximum mechanical load that an enclosure is able to sustain in static condition without
mechanical failure, as the gross weight of enclosure including all deemed equipment, multiplied
by a safety factor 1,25
4 Coordination dimensions
The dimensions of outdoor enclosures shall consist of coordination dimensions as given in
IEC 61969-2. The coordination dimensions provide the range and systematic stipulation of
possible enclosure internal and external dimensions.
5 Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects
5.1 Classification of environmental conditions
The classification of environmental conditions for outdoor enclosures is based on requirements
as defined in IEC 60721-3-2 and IEC 60721-3-4, and the tests are in accordance with the
relevant parts of the IEC 60068 series.
The environmental requirements for outdoor enclosures are based on the classification of
environmental conditions as defined in IEC 60721-3-2 (transportation) and IEC 60721-3-4

– 10 – IEC 61969-1:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
(operating conditions). The relevant tests from the IEC 60068 series with tests severities are
given in ETSI EN 300 019-2-2 and ETSI EN 300 019-2-4.
The selection of relevant requirements, as indicated in Table 1 and Table 2, was made with the
focus on outdoor specific conditions and on structural design and safety aspects. Details about
the selected classes of environmental conditions are given in IEC 61969-3.
Table 1 – Environmental Operating and transportation conditions
Requirement Conditions Test specification requirements
Temperature IEC 60721-3-2 and IEC 60721-3-4 (or ETSI EN 300 019-2-4 or
ETSI EN 300 019-1-2 and
IEC 61587-1
ETSI EN 300 019-1-4)
IEC 61969-3
Humidity IEC 60721-3-2 and IEC 60721-3-4 (or ETSI EN 300 019-2-4 or
ETSI EN 300 019-1-2 and IEC 61587-1 IEC 61969-3
ETSI EN 300 019-1-4
Atmospheric pressure IEC 60721-3-2 and IEC 60721-3-4 (or ETSI EN 300 019-2-2 and ETSI EN
ETSI EN 300 019-1-2 and 300 019-2-4
ETSI EN 300 019-1-4
Corrosive gases ETSI EN 300 019-1-4 ETSI EN 300 019-2-4 or
IEC 61587-1
Corrosive liquids ETSI EN 300 019-1-4 ETSI EN 300 019-2-4
Chemical active substances IEC 60721-3-2 and IEC 60721-3-4 (or IEC 61969-3
ETSI EN 300 019-1-2 and
ETSI EN 300 019-1-4
Solar (UV light) resistance IEC 60721-3-2 and IEC 60721-3-4 (or ETSI EN 300 019-2-4
ETSI EN 300 019-1-2 and ETSI EN 300
IEC 61969-3
019-1-4
Biological resistance IEC 60721-3-2 and IEC 60721-3-4 (or ETSI EN 300 019-2-4
ETSI EN 300 019-1-2 and ETSI EN 300
IEC 61969-3
019-1-4
Protection against rodents and Requirements and tests may be part of the user specification
birds
Protection against insects and Requirements and tests may be part of the user specification
termites
Weather resistance (rain and Climatic conditions IEC 60721-3-2 and Additional IEC 60529 for tightness
wind driven dust or sand) IEC 60721-3-4 (or ETSI EN 300 019-1-2 IEC 61969-3 (including IEC 60529
and ETSI EN 300 019-1-4 requirements for intrusion
protection)
Thermal management and heat Temperature inside and on surface of For thermal enclosure properties
transfer rate k enclosure. Requirements may be see Methods of evaluating the
thermal performance of enclosures
application specific.
IEC 62194
Resistance to mechanical Mechanical loads during transport, IEC 61969-3
stresses installation and operation:
– impact (IK code according to
IEC 62262);
– crush;
– vibration and shock;
– wind resistance;
– firearms resistance (optional).
Acoustical noise suppression
ETSI EN 300 753 ISO 7779
emission
Paint (colour, gloss, adhesion, May be part of the users’ specification ISO 1518-1, etc.
flex, scratch, etc.) For extreme conditions, anti-graffiti may be
required
Paints and varnishes – Scratch test
Heat transfer rate k Methods of evaluating the thermal
performance of enclosures IEC 62194

NOTE For details about classifications of environmental conditions, see IEC 61969-3.

Table 2 – Safety aspects
Requirement Test specification
The responsibility of the vendor is to
Earth bonding Using IEC 60950-1 IEC 62368-1
provide sufficient conductivity between and IEC 61439-5 for equipped
different parts of the enclosure and means enclosure
for the earth bonding of equipment
IEC 61010-1/IEC 60825-1
IEC 61140 to protect the user against
electric shock as described in IEC 61140
Lifting and stiffness Requirements for strength of enclosure IEC 61587-1
during installation
Lightning strike To be observed in the total “bonding IEC 62305-4
network” concept
Mechanical safety IK code according to IEC 62262 For testing IEC 60068-2-75
Vandalism Requirements shall be part of the vendor Tests may be part of the vendor
specification specification
a
General warning, caution, risk of danger ISO 3864-2
Warning labels
Caution, risk of life ISO 3864-2
Caution, risk of electric shock ISO 3864-2
Caution, hot surface IEC 60417
Caution, laser hazard IEC 60825-1
Security, vandalism protection Requirements for the resistance of the Tests may be part of the user
enclosure and the locking devices against specifications
unauthorized access
Flammability Material properties (e.g. low smoke, zero IEC 61034-1, IEC 60754-2
halogen, flame retardant) may be specified
IEC 60695-11-10
by user. Local regulations can also exist.
a
Application of warning labels (on the outside accessible surface and/or inside an outdoor enclosure) is the
responsibility of the system integrator, as it depends on a risk assessment on the outdoor enclosure completely

populated with the application-specific electrical and electronic equipment.

5.2 Static load
The static load capacity definition of an outdoor enclosure shall be based on the intended
transport and handling conditions as they occur at the installation place.
5.2 Transportation and installation related mechanical loads
The mechanical loads during transportation and handling at the place of installation shall be
considered. If the enclosure is loaded with equipment, the maximum weight should be specified
by the vendor in respect to the classification of environmental conditions as under 5.1.
5.3 Operational related mechanical loads
The mechanical loads of the installed product caused by possible environmental influences
during operation and maintenance (e.g. vibration, shock, wind, impact and crush) shall be
considered. Outdoor enclosures deemed to be installed on ground are considered street
enclosures, typically e.g. for traffic controls or last mile telephone line distribution, which need
special precautions against physical impacts.
Pole- and wall-mounted enclosures may be out of the reach of persons whereas the weather
impact may cause special precaution for the stability of the installation.

– 12 – IEC 61969-1:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
5.3 Dynamic stress
Dynamic stress shall be considered during transportation, handling at the place of installation
and in respect to possible environmental impacts. If the enclosure is loaded with equipment,
the maximum weight should be specified by the vendor in respect to the classification of
environmental conditions as under 5.1.
5.4 Static load capacity
The design of the enclosure shall take into account the weight capacity of the installed
enclosure to avoid collapse or damage of a fully equipped enclosure. The static load capacity
of an outdoor enclosure shall be based on the intended transport and handling conditions and
the operating conditions at the installation place. The gross weight of enclosure shall include
all deemed equipment, multiplied by a safety factor 1,25.
5.5 Seismic performance
In case of installation deemed to occur in a seismic hazard zone, a standard enclosure may be
tested with internally mounted dummy loads simulating the equipment and structural anchoring
simulating the place of installation.
The results of such tests can be used as reference for the product offering by a standard
enclosure vendor, but it does not exempt from final equipment testing.
The test conditions are described shall be as specified in IEC 61587-2.
6 Electromagnetic shielding
In order to achieve electromagnetic compatibility of a final installation, the enclosure may be
part of the total shielding concept. As a pre-test, the shielding performance test may be
performed in order to gain the required level of attenuation by the enclosure. The test set-up
and the test procedure are described shall be as specified in IEC 61587-3.
7 Thermal management and acoustic noise suppression emission
Thermal management is the key to survival of electrical and electronic equipment in general but
especially if exposed to an outdoor environment.
The heat transfer rate k is important for designing the outdoor enclosure because the value
affects the temperature difference between inside and outside of the enclosure.
As a prime measure, thermal insulation against heat and cold from the outside environment
shall be considered for the enclosure.
Next, measurement of the heat dissipation from the inside out shall be performed.
If low external temperatures will be experienced, internal heating should be considered.
Depending on the climate conditions and the heat generated inside the enclosure, thermal
management may be achieved by passive cooling only.
In cases where the internal temperature of the enclosure would exceed temperature limits, the
enclosure may be fitted with active cooling devices, such as filter fans, air to air heat exchangers
or air conditioners.
For selection of a suitable active cooling system the required energy consumption (cost factor
and impact to the environment) and the local noise level limits should be carefully considered
(regulatory requirements in rural and urban areas).
For the method of enclosure thermal performance evaluations, see IEC 62194.

– 14 – IEC 61969-1:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
Bibliography
IEC 60068-2-1, Environmental testing – Part 2-1: Tests – Test A: Cold
IEC 60068-2-2, Environmental testing – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-5, Environmental testing – Part 2-5: Tests – Test Sa: Simulated solar radiation at
ground level and guidance for solar radiation testing and weathering
IEC 60068-2-6, Environmental testing – Part 2-6: Tests – Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-10, Environmental testing – Part 2-10: Tests – Test J and guidance: Mould growth
IEC 60068-2-11, Basic Environmental testing procedures – Part 2-11: Tests – Test Ka: Salt mist
IEC 60068-2-14, Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of temperature
IEC 60068-2-27, Environmental testing – Part 2-27: Tests – Test Ea and guidance: Shock
IEC 60068-2-30, Environmental testing – Part 2-30: Tests – Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic (12 h +
12 h cycle)
IEC 60068-2-31, Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests – Test Ec: Rough handling shocks,
primarily for equipment-type specimens
IEC 60068-2-60, Environmental testing – Part 2-60: Tests – Test Ke: Flowing mixed gas
corrosion test
IEC 60068-2-64, Environmental testing – Part 2-64: Tests – Test Fh: Vibration, broadband
random and guidance
IEC 60068-2-75, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60068-2-78, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state
IEC 60297 (all parts), Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment –
Dimensions of mechanical structures of the 482,6 mm (19 in) series
IEC 60297-3-100, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Dimensions of mechanical
structures of the 482,6 mm (19 in) series – Part 3-100: Basic dimensions of front panels,
subracks, chassis, racks and cabinets
IEC 60917 (all parts), Modular order for the development of mechanical structures for electrical
and electronic equipment practices
IEC 60917-1, Modular order for the development of mechanical structures for electrical and
electronic equipment practices – Part 1: Generic standard
IEC 60917-2, Modular order for the development of mechanical structures for electronic
equipment practices – Part 2: Sectional specification – Interface co-ordination dimensions for
the 25 mm equipment practice
IEC 61587-2, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment –Tests for IEC 60917 and
IEC 60297 – Part 2: Seismic tests for cabinets and racks

IEC 61587-3, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Tests for IEC 60917 and 60297
– Part 3: Electromagnetic shielding performance tests for cabinets and subracks
IEC 61969-2, Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Outdoor enclosures – Part 2:
Coordination dimensions
IEC 61969-3, Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor
enclosures – Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects

___________
IEC 61969-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2023-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor
enclosures –
Part 1: Design guidelines
Structures mécaniques pour équipement électrique et électronique –
Enveloppes de plein air –
Partie 1: Lignes directrices pour la conception

– 2 – IEC 61969-1:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Coordination dimensions . 9
5 Environmental requirements, tests and safety aspects . 9
5.1 Classification of environmental conditions . 9
5.2 Transportation and installation related mechanical loads . 11
5.3 Operational related mechanical loads . 11
5.4 Static load capacity . 11
5.5 Seismic performance . 12
6 Electromagnetic shielding . 12
7 Thermal management and acoustic noise emission . 12
Bibliography . 13

Figure 1 – Typical outdoor enclosure . 6
Figure 2 – Locations of outdoor enclosures . 9

Table 1 – Operating and transportation conditions . 10
Table 2 – Safety aspects . 11

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES FOR ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT – OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES –

Part 1: Design guidelines
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
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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) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 61969-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 48D: Mechanical structures for electrical and
electronic equipment, of IEC technical committee 48: Electrical connectors and mechanical
structures for electrical and electronic equipment. It is an International Standard.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2020. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) added references to the environmental conditions defined by ETSI EN 300 019-1 and
IEC 60721-2 series;
b) reference made to the correct test specifications;
c) addition of laser hazard warning in case opto-electronic equipment is used.

– 4 – IEC 61969-1:2023 © IEC 2023
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
48D/752/CDV 48D/758/RVC
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.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61969 series, published under the general title Mechanical structures
for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor enclosures, 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,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
INTRODUCTION
This part of IEC 61969 is intended as a generic guide for the development of further parts within
this series of standards, and it provides design guidelines for outdoor enclosures.
The products covered by the IEC 61969 series are empty enclosures for outdoor locations, to
be equipped with application-specific combinations of electrical and electronic equipment, and
to be used at non-weatherprotected locations above ground.
The IEC 61969 series consists of:
– a design guidelines general part: IEC 61969-1;
– a coordination dimensions standard: IEC 61969-2;
– an environmental requirements and tests, safety aspects standard: IEC 61969-3.
IEC 61969-2 and IEC 61969-3 should be read in conjunction with this document.

– 6 – IEC 61969-1:2023 © IEC 2023
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES FOR ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT – OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES –

Part 1: Design guidelines
1 Scope
This part of IEC 61969 contains design guidelines for outdoor enclosures for electrical and
electronic equipment and is applicable over a wide field of mechanical, electromechanical and
electronic equipment and its installation where a modular design is used.
The objectives of this document are:
– to provide an overview of specifications for enclosures focused on requirements for outdoor
applications for stationary use at non-weatherprotected locations, and
– to achieve product integrity under outdoor conditions and to ease product selection for the
sourcing of outdoor enclosures from different vendors.
These enclosures are considered to contain any equipment and provide protection for the
outdoor installed facilities against unwanted environmental impacts. The installed equipment
can be, but is not limited to, subracks or chassis in accordance with the IEC 60917 series or
IEC 60297 series. A typical outdoor enclosure is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 – Typical outdoor enclosure

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 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60695-11-10, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-10: Test flames – 50 W horizontal and vertical
flame test methods
IEC 60721-3-2, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3-2: Classification of groups
of environmental parameters and their severities – Transportation and handling
IEC 60721-3-4, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3-4: Classification of groups
of environmental parameters and their severities – Stationary use at non-weatherprotected
locations
IEC 60754-2, Test on gases evolved during combustion of materials from c
...