IEC 60512-7-2:2011
(Main)Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests and measurements - Part 7-2: Impact tests (free components) - Test 7b: Mechanical strength impact
Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests and measurements - Part 7-2: Impact tests (free components) - Test 7b: Mechanical strength impact
IEC 60512-7-2:2011 when required by the detail specification, is used for testing connectors within the scope of technical committee 48. It may also be used for similar devices when specified in a detail specification. The object of this standard is to detail a standard test method to assess the ability of a free connector on the end of a cable or wire bundle to withstand impacts it could receive when dropped onto a hard surface.
Connecteurs pour équipements électroniques - Essais et mesures - Partie 7-2: Essais d'impact (fiches) - Essai 7b: Résistance mécanique aux chocs
La CEI 60512-7-2:2011 Lorsque la spécification particulière l'exige, la présente partie de la CEI 60512 est utilisée pour les essais des connecteurs qui entrent dans le domaine d'application du comité d'études 48 de la CEI. Ces essais peuvent aussi être utilisés sur des composants similaires lorsqu'une spécification particulière le précise. L'objet de la présente norme est de définir une méthode d'essai normalisée pour évaluer l'aptitude d'une fiche située à l'extrémité d'un câble ou d'un faisceau de fils, à résister aux chocs qu'elle pourrait recevoir en tombant sur une surface dure.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 16-Nov-2011
- Technical Committee
- SC 48B - Electrical connectors
- Current Stage
- PPUB - Publication issued
- Start Date
- 17-Nov-2011
- Completion Date
- 30-Nov-2011
Overview
IEC 60512-7-2:2011 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies test methods for assessing the mechanical strength impact resistance of free connectors used in electronic equipment. This standard is part of the IEC 60512 series, which is dedicated to tests and measurements for connectors. Test 7b within this part focuses on verifying that connectors attached to cable ends or wire bundles can endure impacts experienced from dropping onto hard surfaces without functional damage.
The scope of this standard includes connectors falling under IEC technical committee 48’s remit, and it may apply to similar devices as stated in detailed specifications. This test is critical for ensuring connector reliability and durability in practical scenarios where cables and connectors may be accidentally dropped or mishandled during manufacturing, shipping, or in the field.
Key Topics
Test Methodology:
The mechanical strength impact test involves mounting the free connector at a specified height, allowing it to swing freely and drop onto a steel plate. The test simulates real-world impact forces connectors may encounter. Key test parameters include drop height, number of impact cycles, and specimen orientation.Specimen Preparation:
Connectors are tested as free components with cables and accessories fitted normally. The specimen is pre-conditioned under specific temperature and humidity conditions before testing to ensure standardized results.Mounting and Equipment:
A steel plate of defined dimensions (300 mm × 500 mm × 25 mm thickness) acts as the impact surface. The connector specimen is attached using hooks or swivels allowing it to swing and drop freely from heights ranging between 500 mm and 2000 mm.Test Requirements and Evaluation:
After impact testing, connectors undergo visual examination based on IEC 60512-1-1 Test 1a. The component must show no broken parts or damage that affects functionality. Repeated drop cycles ensure repeatability and reliability of results.Specification Details:
The standard requires detail specifications to define test conditions such as specimen preparation, type of cable, ambient test conditions, drop heights, number of drops, and any operational tests following impact.
Applications
IEC 60512-7-2:2011 is essential for manufacturers and quality testers of electronic connectors used in a wide range of applications including telecommunications, computing, industrial electronics, and consumer devices. It helps:
- Confirm the mechanical robustness of connectors subjected to accidental drops during handling, transit, or installation.
- Ensure product reliability, reducing failures linked to mechanical shocks.
- Support product development and quality control by providing reproducible, standardized impact testing methods.
- Assist specification writers in defining mechanical impact resistance requirements for connectors in contractual or regulatory documents.
By implementing this standard, stakeholders gain confidence that connectors maintain integrity and operational performance after impacts.
Related Standards
IEC 60512-1-1: Tests and Measurements – General Examination
Provides the visual examination procedures applied after impact testing to verify allowable damage and defects.IEC 60068-2-31:2008 Environmental Testing – Rough Handling Shocks
Offers guidance on mechanical shock testing of equipment which complements impact test approaches for connectors in different environmental conditions.IEC 60512 Series: Connectors for Electronic Equipment – Tests and Measurements
A comprehensive series detailing various test methods for mechanical, electrical, and environmental performance of connectors.IEC 60512-1-100: General Applicable Publications
Defines the overall structure and applicable normative references relevant to the entire IEC 60512 test series.
Keywords: IEC 60512-7-2, mechanical strength impact test, connectors for electronic equipment, impact tests, free connectors, connector drop test, electronic connector durability, IEC standards for connectors, electrical connector testing, mechanical robustness testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
IEC 60512-7-2:2011 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Connectors for electronic equipment - Tests and measurements - Part 7-2: Impact tests (free components) - Test 7b: Mechanical strength impact". This standard covers: IEC 60512-7-2:2011 when required by the detail specification, is used for testing connectors within the scope of technical committee 48. It may also be used for similar devices when specified in a detail specification. The object of this standard is to detail a standard test method to assess the ability of a free connector on the end of a cable or wire bundle to withstand impacts it could receive when dropped onto a hard surface.
IEC 60512-7-2:2011 when required by the detail specification, is used for testing connectors within the scope of technical committee 48. It may also be used for similar devices when specified in a detail specification. The object of this standard is to detail a standard test method to assess the ability of a free connector on the end of a cable or wire bundle to withstand impacts it could receive when dropped onto a hard surface.
IEC 60512-7-2:2011 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 01 - GENERALITIES. TERMINOLOGY. STANDARDIZATION. DOCUMENTATION; 11.040.50 - Radiographic equipment; 31.220.01 - Electromechanical components in general; 31.220.10 - Plug-and-socket devices. Connectors. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
IEC 60512-7-2:2011 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
IEC 60512-7-2 ®
Edition 1.0 2011-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Connectors for electronic equipment – Tests and measurements –
Part 7-2: Impact tests (free connectors) – Test 7b: Mechanical strength impact
Connecteurs pour équipements électroniques – Essais et mesures –
Partie 7-2: Essais d’impact (fiches) – Essai 7b: Résistance mécanique aux chocs
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IEC 60512-7-2 ®
Edition 1.0 2011-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Connectors for electronic equipment – Tests and measurements –
Part 7-2: Impact tests (free connectors) – Test 7b: Mechanical strength impact
Connecteurs pour équipements électroniques – Essais et mesures –
Partie 7-2: Essais d’impact (fiches) – Essai 7b: Résistance mécanique aux chocs
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX H
ICS 31.220.01, 31.220.10 ISBN 978-2-88912-775-7
– 2 – 60512-7-2 IEC:2011
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope and object . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Preparation . 5
3.1 Preparation of the specimen . 5
3.2 Equipment . 5
3.3 Mounting . 5
4 Test method . 6
5 Test requirements . 6
6 Details to be specified . 7
Bibliography . 8
Figure 1 – Example of mounting arrangement . 6
60512-7-2 IEC:2011 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
CONNECTORS FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT –
TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS –
Part 7-2: Impact tests (free connectors) –
Test 7b: Mechanical strength impact
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
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Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
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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.
International Standard IEC 60512-7-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 48B: Connectors,
of IEC technical committee 48: Electromechanical components and mechanical structures for
electronic equipment.
This standard cancels and replaces Test 7b of IEC 60512-5, issued in 1992. The structure of
the test documents in the IEC 60512 series is explained in IEC 60512-1-100.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
48B/2258/FDIS 48B/2269/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
– 4 – 60512-7-2 IEC:2011
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of IEC 60512 series, under the general title Connectors for electronic
equipment – Tests and measurements, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
60512-7-2 IEC:2011 – 5 –
CONNECTORS FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT –
TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS –
Part 7-2: Impact tests (free connectors) –
Test 7b: Mechanical strength impact
1 Scope and object
This part of IEC 60512, when required by the detail specification, is used for testing
connectors within the scope of technical committee 48. It may also be used for similar devices
when specified in a detail specification.
The object of this standard is to detail a standard test method to assess the ability of a free
connector on the end of a cable or wire bundle to withstand impacts it could receive when
dropped onto a hard surface.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 60512-1-1: Connectors for electronic equipment – Tests and measurements – Part 1-1:
General examination, Test 1a: Visual examination
3 Preparation
3.1 Preparation of the specimen
The specimen shall consist of a free connector or a similar component with its accessories
fitted in the normal manner and wired as used in the normal application.
The specimen shall be prepared in accordance with the detail specification.
Unless otherwise specified, the specimen shall be pre-conditioned at a temperature between
15 °C and 35 °C and a RH between 25 % and 75 % RH during 48 h.
If the component is normally provided for use with different types of cables, the thinnest
and/or most flexible type shall be used. The length of the cable or wire bundle shall allow the
rear of the specimen to be (2 250 ± 10) mm from the point of attachment.
3.2 Equipment
A steel plate 300 mm × 500 mm of 25 mm thickness shall be positioned so that the component
under test will fall onto it.
3.3 Mounting
The specimen shall be attached in an appropriate manner at a distance of (2 250 ± 10) mm
from the rear of the component so that the specimen may swing freely from a horizontal to a
vertical position as shown in Figure 1.
– 6 – 60512-7-2 IEC
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