Environmental testing - Part 2-14: Tests - Test N: Change of temperature

IEC 60068-2-14:2009 provides a test to determine the ability of components, equipment or other articles to withstand rapid changes of ambient temperature. The exposure times adequate to accomplish this will depend upon the nature of the specimen. The major changes with regard to the previous edition concern:
- merging of the previous version of IEC 60068-2-14 with IEC 60068-2-33: Guidance on change of temperature tests;
- updating of the figures, changes to some of the wording and editorial corrections made for clarification.

Essais d'environnement - Partie 2-14: Essais - Essai N: Variation de température

La CEI 60068-2-14:2009 fournit un essai qui a pour but de déterminer l'aptitude des composants, équipements ou autres articles à subir des variations rapides de la température ambiante. Les durées d'exposition susceptibles de conduire à ce but dépendent de la nature du spécimen. Les principales modifications par rapport à l'édition précédente sont les suivantes:
- fusion de l'édition précédente de la CEI 60068-2-14 et de la CEI 60068-2-33: Guide pour les essais de variations de température;
- mises à jour des figures, modifications terminologiques et éditoriales faites pour clarification.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
11-Jan-2009
Drafting Committee
MT 16 - TC 104/MT 16
Current Stage
DELPUB - Deleted Publication
Start Date
27-Jul-2023
Completion Date
22-Oct-2021

Relations

Effective Date
05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 60068-2-14:2009 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focused on environmental testing, specifically addressing Test N: Change of Temperature. This test evaluates the ability of components, equipment, or other articles to withstand rapid changes in ambient temperature. It is essential for ensuring device reliability under variable environmental conditions that occur during transportation, storage, and operational use. The 2009 edition merges previous versions with guidance from IEC 60068-2-33, updates test figures, and clarifies terminology to enhance the standard’s practical application.

Key Topics

  • Test Scope: Designed to assess the resilience of electrical and electronic equipment when subjected to rapid temperature fluctuations rather than prolonged exposure to fixed high or low temperatures.
  • Test Types: The standard defines three main test methods to simulate different change of temperature conditions:
    • Test Na: Rapid change with prescribed transfer time protocol.
    • Test Nb: Controlled rate of temperature change.
    • Test Nc: Two-fluid bath method for very rapid temperature transitions.
  • Test Parameters: Criteria include the high and low temperature limits, exposure times, temperature change rates, number of cycles, and heat transfer dynamics in the specimen.
  • Applicability: Focuses on field conditions such as equipment transitioning from indoor warm environments to cold outdoor air, cooling due to rainfall or water immersion, or temperature gradients near high wattage components inside devices.
  • Recovery and Measurements: Guidance is given on initial and final measurements pre- and post-test to assess the impact of temperature cycling on device functionality and integrity.

Applications

IEC 60068-2-14:2009 is crucial for manufacturers and testers of:

  • Electronic components and assemblies to ensure functionality despite thermal shocks during shipping or operational temperature shifts.
  • Telecommunication equipment exposed to outdoor environments or rapid temperature changes.
  • Automotive electronics, where parts face frequent and rapid temperature variations due to engine heat and external weather.
  • Military and aerospace hardware that must withstand extreme and rapid ambient temperature changes including altitude-related thermal stresses.
  • Consumer electronics to validate durability claims against sudden temperature shifts, prolonging product life and enhancing user safety.
    These tests help improve product design, reduce failures, and comply with international quality requirements, ensuring products meet end-user expectations worldwide.

Related Standards

For comprehensive environmental evaluation, IEC 60068-2-14:2009 is used alongside other related IEC environmental testing standards, including:

  • IEC 60068-2-1: Cold test focusing on low temperature endurance.
  • IEC 60068-2-2: Dry heat test focusing on high temperature endurance.
  • IEC 60068-2-17: Sealing tests related to environmental ingress protection.
  • IEC 60068 series: Broader collection covering diverse environmental stress tests including humidity, vibration, and mechanical shocks.
  • IEC Guide 104: Guidelines on preparation and application of basic safety publications.
    Together, these standards form a robust framework for validating the environmental robustness of electrotechnical products globally, supporting safe and reliable operation in diverse conditions.

Leveraging IEC 60068-2-14:2009 for environmental testing ensures that electrical and electronic products maintain their integrity and performance despite rapid environmental temperature changes. This standard promotes consistent testing procedures, measurable resilience outcomes, and improved quality assurance across industries.

Standard

IEC 60068-2-14:2009 - Environmental testing - Part 2-14: Tests - Test N: Change of temperature

English and French language
37 pages
sale 15% off
Preview
sale 15% off
Preview

Frequently Asked Questions

IEC 60068-2-14:2009 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Environmental testing - Part 2-14: Tests - Test N: Change of temperature". This standard covers: IEC 60068-2-14:2009 provides a test to determine the ability of components, equipment or other articles to withstand rapid changes of ambient temperature. The exposure times adequate to accomplish this will depend upon the nature of the specimen. The major changes with regard to the previous edition concern: - merging of the previous version of IEC 60068-2-14 with IEC 60068-2-33: Guidance on change of temperature tests; - updating of the figures, changes to some of the wording and editorial corrections made for clarification.

IEC 60068-2-14:2009 provides a test to determine the ability of components, equipment or other articles to withstand rapid changes of ambient temperature. The exposure times adequate to accomplish this will depend upon the nature of the specimen. The major changes with regard to the previous edition concern: - merging of the previous version of IEC 60068-2-14 with IEC 60068-2-33: Guidance on change of temperature tests; - updating of the figures, changes to some of the wording and editorial corrections made for clarification.

IEC 60068-2-14:2009 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 19.040 - Environmental testing. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

IEC 60068-2-14:2009 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to IEC 60068-2-14:2023. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

You can purchase IEC 60068-2-14:2009 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of IEC standards.

Standards Content (Sample)


IEC 60068-2-14
Edition 6.0 2009-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
BASIC SAFETY PUBLICATION
PUBLICATION FONDAMENTALE DE SÉCURITÉ
Environmental testing –
Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of temperature

Essais d’environnement –
Partie 2-14: Essais – Essai N: Variation de température

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either IEC or
IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite
ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie
et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de la CEI ou du Comité national de la CEI du pays du demandeur.
Si vous avez des questions sur le copyright de la CEI ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette
publication, utilisez les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de la CEI de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office
3, rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Email: inmail@iec.ch
Web: www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
ƒ Catalogue of IEC publications: www.iec.ch/searchpub
The IEC on-line Catalogue enables you to search by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical committee,…).
It also gives information on projects, withdrawn and replaced publications.
ƒ IEC Just Published: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published details twice a month all new publications released. Available
on-line and also by email.
ƒ Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and electrical terms containing more than 20 000 terms and definitions
in English and French, with equivalent terms in additional languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary online.
ƒ Customer Service Centre: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need further assistance, please visit the Customer Service
Centre FAQ or contact us:
Email: csc@iec.ch
Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
A propos de la CEI
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (CEI) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des
normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

A propos des publications CEI
Le contenu technique des publications de la CEI est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez
l’édition la plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.
ƒ Catalogue des publications de la CEI: www.iec.ch/searchpub/cur_fut-f.htm
Le Catalogue en-ligne de la CEI vous permet d’effectuer des recherches en utilisant différents critères (numéro de référence,
texte, comité d’études,…). Il donne aussi des informations sur les projets et les publications retirées ou remplacées.
ƒ Just Published CEI: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications de la CEI. Just Published détaille deux fois par mois les nouvelles
publications parues. Disponible en-ligne et aussi par email.
ƒ Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
Le premier dictionnaire en ligne au monde de termes électroniques et électriques. Il contient plus de 20 000 termes et
définitions en anglais et en français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans les langues additionnelles. Egalement appelé
Vocabulaire Electrotechnique International en ligne.
ƒ Service Clients: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv/custserv_entry-f.htm
Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette publication ou si vous avez des questions, visitez le FAQ du
Service clients ou contactez-nous:
Email: csc@iec.ch
Tél.: +41 22 919 02 11
Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
IEC 60068-2-14
Edition 6.0 2009-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
BASIC SAFETY PUBLICATION
PUBLICATION FONDAMENTALE DE SÉCURITÉ
Environmental testing –
Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of temperature

Essais d’environnement –
Partie 2-14: Essais – Essai N: Variation de température

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
R
CODE PRIX
ICS 19.040 ISBN 978-2-88910-036-1
– 2 – 60068-2-14 © IEC:2009
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.4
INTRODUCTION.6
1 Scope.7
2 Normative references .7
3 Field conditions of changing temperature .7
4 General .8
4.1 Design of change of temperature tests .8
4.2 Test parameters .8
4.3 Purpose and choice of the tests .8
4.4 Choice of the duration of the exposure .8
4.5 Choice of the duration of the transfer time.9
4.6 Applicability limits of change of temperature tests .9
5 Guidance for the selection of the kind of test .10
6 Initial and final measurements .10
6.1 Initial measurements .10
6.2 Final measurements .10
7 Test Na: Rapid change of temperature with prescribed time of transfer .10
7.1 General description of the test.10
7.2 Testing procedure .10
7.2.1 Testing chamber.10
7.2.2 Mounting or supporting of the test specimen.11
7.2.3 Severities .11
7.2.4 Conditioning .11
7.2.5 Test cycle.11
7.3 Recovery.12
7.4 Information to be given in the relevant specification .12
8 Test Nb: Change of temperature with specified rate of change .13
8.1 General description of the test.13
8.2 Testing procedure .13
8.2.1 Testing chamber.13
8.2.2 Mounting or supporting of the test specimen.13
8.2.3 Severities .13
8.2.4 Conditioning .14
8.2.5 Test cycle.14
8.3 Recovery.15
8.4 Information to be given in the relevant specification .15
9 Test Nc: Rapid change of temperature, two-fluid-bath method .16
9.1 General description of the test.16
9.2 Testing procedure .16
9.2.1 Testing equipment .16
9.2.2 Severities .16
9.2.3 Conditioning .16
9.3 Test cycle.16
9.4 Recovery.17
9.5 Information to be given in the relevant specification .17

60068-2-14 © IEC:2009 – 3 –
10 Information to be given in the test report .18

Figure 1 – Determination of test duration time (t ).9
Figure 2 – Na test cycle .12
Figure 3 – Nb test cycle .15
Figure 4 – Nc test cycle .17

– 4 – 60068-2-14 © IEC:2009
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING –
Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of temperature

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 provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
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) 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 60068-2-14 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 104:
Environmental conditions, classification and methods of test.
This sixth edition cancels and replaces the fifth edition, published in 1984, and its amendment
1 (1986) and constitutes a technical revision.
The major changes with regard to the previous edition concern:
• merging of the previous version of IEC 60068-2-14 with IEC 60068-2-33: Guidance on
change of temperature tests;
• updating of the figures, changes to some of the wording and editorial corrections made for
clarification.
60068-2-14 © IEC:2009 – 5 –
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
104/481/FDIS 104/486/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.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
It has the status of a basic safety publication in accordance with IEC Guide 104.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60068 series, under the general title Environmental testing,
can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result 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.
– 6 – 60068-2-14 © IEC:2009
INTRODUCTION
A change of temperature test is intended to determine the effect on the specimen of a change
of temperature or a succession of changes of temperature.
It is not intended to show effects which are due only to high or low temperatures. For these
effects, the dry heat test or the cold test should be used.
The effect of such tests is determined by
– values of high and low conditioning temperature between which the change is to be
effected,
– the conditioning times for which the test specimen is kept at these temperatures,
– the rate of change between these temperatures,
– the number of cycles of conditioning,
– the amount of heat transfer into or from the specimen.
Guidance on the choice of suitable test parameters for inclusion in the detail specification is
given throughout this standard.

60068-2-14 © IEC:2009 – 7 –
ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING –
Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of temperature

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60068 provides a test to determine the ability of components, equipment or
other articles to withstand rapid changes of ambient temperature. The exposure times
adequate to accomplish this will depend upon the nature of the specimen.
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 60068 (all parts), Environmental testing
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 60068-2-17, Environmental testing – Part 2-17: Tests – Test Q: Sealing
IEC Guide 104, The preparation of safety publications and the use of basic safety publications
and group safety publications
3 Field conditions of changing temperature
It is common in electronic equipment and components that changes of temperature occur.
Parts inside equipment undergo slower changes of temperature than those on an external
surface when the equipment is not switched on.
Rapid changes of temperature may be expected
– when equipment is transported from warm indoor environments into cold open air
conditions or vice versa,
– when equipment is suddenly cooled by rainfall or immersion in cold water,
– in externally mounted airborne equipment,
– under certain conditions of transportation and storage.
Components will undergo stresses due to changing temperature when high temperature
gradients build up in an equipment after being switched on, e.g. in the neighbourhood of high
wattage resistors, radiation can cause rise of surface temperature in neighbouring
components while other portions are still cool.
Artificially cooled components may be subjected to rapid temperature changes when the
cooling system is switched on. Rapid changes of temperature in components may also be
induced during manufacturing processes of equipment. Both the number and amplitude of
temperature changes and the time interval between them are important.

– 8 – 60068-2-14 © IEC:2009
4 General
4.1 Design of change of temperature tests
Tests Na, Nb and Nc comprise alternate periods at a high and at a low temperature with well-
defined transfers from one temperature to the other. The conditioning run from laboratory
ambient to the first conditioning temperature, then to the second conditioning temperature,
then back to laboratory ambient is considered one test cycle.
4.2 Test parameters
Test parameters comprise the following:
– laboratory ambient;
– high temperature;
– low temperature;
– duration of exposure;
– transfer time or rate of change;
– number of test cycles.
The high and low temperatures are understood to be ambient temperatures which will be
reached by most specimens with a certain time-lag.
Only in exceptional cases may they be specified outside the normal storage or operating
temperature range of the object under test.
The test is accelerated because the number of severe changes of temperature in a given
period is greater than that which will occur under field conditions.
4.3 Purpose and choice of the tests
Change of temperature testing is recommended in the following cases:
– evaluation of electrical performance during a change of temperature, Test Nb;
– evaluation of mechanical performance during a change of temperature, Test Nb,
– evaluation of electrical performance after a specified number of rapid changes of
temperature, Test Na or Test Nc;
– evaluation of the suitability of mechanical components, and of materials and combinations
of materials to withstand rapid changes of temperature, Test Na or Test Nc;
– evaluation of the suitability of construction of components to withstand artificial stressing,
Test Na or Test Nc.
The change of temperature tests specified in the IEC 60068 series is not intended to evaluate
the difference in material constants or electrical performance when operating under
temperature stability at the two extremes of temperature.
4.4 Choice of the duration of the exposure
The duration of the exposure should be based on the requirements stated in 7.2.3, 8.2.3 or
9.2.2, or as stated in the relevant specification, keeping in mind the following points:
a) The exposure begins as soon as the specimen is in the new environment.
b) Stabilization occurs when the temperature difference (∆T) between the specimen and the
test medium is within 3 K to 5 K, or as stated in the test specification. The stabilization
period, (t ), is from the start of exposure until the time when the temperature is within the
s
60068-2-14 © IEC:2009 – 9 –
specified difference. A representative point (or points) on the specimen may be used for
this measurement.
c) The test duration, t , shall be longer than the specimen stabilization time, t . Figure 1
1 s
provides a graphical representation of the process. This may not be appropriate for heat
generating specimens.
Temperature of
the specimen
T
B
ΔT
t
s
t
T
A
Time
IEC  2237/08
Figure 1 – Determination of test duration time (t )
4.5 Choice of the duration of the transfer time
If, in the case of the two-chamber method, because of the large size of the specimens the
transfer time cannot be made in 3 min, the transfer time may be increased without an
appreciable influence on the test results as follows:
t ≤ 0,05 t
2 s
where
t is the duration of the transfer time;
t is the stabilisation period of the specimen.
s
4.6 Applicability limits of change of temperature tests
Inside a specimen, the temperature change rate depends on the heat conduction of its
materials, the spatial distribution of its heat capacity and its dimensions.
The change of temperature at a point on the surface of a specimen follows approximately an
exponential law. Inside large specimens, such alternate exponential rises and decreases may
lead to periodic and approximately sinusoidal changes of temperature with much lower
amplitudes than the applied temperature swing.
The mechanism of heat transfer between the test specimen and the conditioning medium in
the chamber or bath should be taken into account. Liquid in motion leads to very high rates of
change of temperature on the surface of the specimens and still air to very low rates.
The two-bath method with water as a conditioning medium (Test Nc) should be restricted to
specimens which are either sealed or are by their nature insensitive to water, since their
performance and properties may deteriorate by immersion.
Temperature
– 10 – 60068-2-14 © IEC:2009
In particular cases, such as with specimens sensitive to water, a test with liquid other than
water may need to be specified. When designing such a test, the characteristics of heat
transfer of the liquid, which may differ from those of water, shall be taken into account.
NOTE To assess the applicability of the two-bath method, evaluations from Test Q: Sealing (IEC 60068-2-17) may
be helpful.
5 Guidance for the selection of the kind of test
The severity of the test will increase with the increase in the temperature difference, the
increase in rate of temperature change, and the heat transfer to the specimen.
The application of Tests N is preferred as part of a sequence of tests. Some types of damage
may not become apparent by the final measurements of a Test N, but may appear only during
subsequent tests (e.g. Test Q: Sealing, Test F: Vibration or Test D: Accelerated damp heat).
The change of temperature Test Nc (Two-bath method) should not be used as an alternative
to Test Q (Sealing).
When specifying a change of temperature test, the properties of the objects under test which
are affected by conditions of changing temperature, and their possible failure mechanisms,
should be kept in mind. The initial and the final measurements should be specified
accordingly.
6 Initial and final measurements
Tests Na, Nb and Nc all use the same initial and final measurements.
6.1 Initial measurements
The specimen shall be visually examined and electrically and mechanically checked as
required by the relevant specification.
6.2 Final measurements
The specimen shall be visually examined and electrically and mechanically checked, as
required by the relevant specification.
7 Test Na: Rapid change of temperature with prescribed time of transfer
7.1 General description of the test
This test determines the ability of components, equipment or other articles to withstand rapid
changes of ambient temperature. The exposure times adequate to accomplish this will depend
upon the nature of the specimen. The specimen shall be either in the unpacked, switched-off,
ready for use state, or as otherwise specified in the relevant specification. The specimen is
exposed to rapid changes of temperature in air, or in a suitable inert gas, by alternate
exposure to low temperature and to high temperature.
7.2 Testing procedure
7.2.1 Testing chamber
Two separate chambers or one rapid temperature change rate chamber may be used. If two
chambers are used, one for the low temperature and one for the high temperature, the
location shall be such as to allow transfer of the specimen from one chamber to the other
within the prescribed time. Either manual or automatic transfer methods may be used.

60068-2-14 © IEC:2009 – 11 –
The chambers shall be capable of maintaining the atmosphere at the appropriate temperature
for the test in any region where the specimen is placed.
After insertion of the test specimens, the air temperature shall be within the specified
tolerance after a time of not more than 10 % of the exposure time.
7.2.2 Mounting or supporting of the test specimen
Unless otherwise specified in the relevant specification, the thermal conduction of the
mounting or supports shall be low, such that for practical purposes the specimen is thermally
isolated. When testing several specimens simultaneously they shall be so placed that free
circulation shall be provided between specimens, and between specimens and chamber
surfaces.
7.2.3 Severities
The severity of the test is defined by the combination of the two temperatures, the transfer
time, the exposure time of the specimen and the number of cycles.
The lower temperature, T , shall be specified in the relevant specification and should be
A
chosen from the test temperatures of IEC 60068-2-1 and IEC 60068-2-2.
The higher temperature, T , shall be specified in the relevant specification and should be
B
chosen from the test temperatures of IEC 60068-2-1 and IEC 60068-2-2.
The exposure time, t , of each of the two temperatures depends upon the heat capacity of the
specimen. It may be 3 h, 2 h, 1 h, 30 min or 10 min, or as specified in the relevant
specification. Where no exposure period is specified in the relevant specification, it is
understood to be 3 h.
The preferred number of test cycles is five, unless otherwise specified in the relevant
specification.
NOTE The 10 min exposure time applies to the testing of small specimens.
7.2.4 Conditioning
The specimen and the temperature in the test chamber shall be at the ambient temperature of
the laboratory, +25 °C ± 5 K. If required by the relevant specification the specimen shall be
brought into operating condition.
7.2.5 Test cycle
The test specimen shall be exposed to the cold temperature, T .
A
The temperature, T , shall be maintained for the specified period t . t includes an initial time,
A 1 1
not longer than 0,1 t for temperature stabilization of the air temperature in the chamber (see
7.2.1).
NOTE 1 The exposure time is measured from the moment of insertion of the specimen into the chamber.
The specimen shall then be exposed to the hot temperature, T , in a period, t , which should
B 2
not be more than 3 min.
t shall include the time need for the removal from one chamber and the insertion into the
second chamber as well as any dwell time at the ambient temperature of the laboratory.
NOTE 2 For specimens with a large mass, the transfer time from one chamber to another may be increased as
specified in the relevant standard or specification.

– 12 – 60068-2-14 © IEC:2009
T shall be maintained for the specified period, t . t includes an initial time, not longer than
B 1 1
0,1 t for temperature stabilization of the air temperature in the chamber (see 7.2.1).
NOTE 3 The exposure time is measured from the moment of insertion of the specimen into the chamber.
For the next cycle the specimen shall be exposed to the cold temperature, T , in a transfer
A
time, t , which shall not be more than 3 min.
The first cycle comprises the two exposure times, t , and the two transfer times, t (see
1 2
Figure 2).
< t /10 < t /10
1 1
T
B
A
Time
B
t t
t t
1 2 1 2
T
A
First cycle
IEC  2238/08
Key
A start of first cycle
B end of first cycle and start of second cycle
NOTE The dotted curve is explained above.
Figure 2 – Na test cycle
At the end of the last cycle the specimen shall be subjected to the recovery procedures
7.3 Recovery
At the end of the test cycle, the specimen shall remain in standard atmospheric conditions for
testing for a period adequate for the attainment of temperature stability.
The relevant specification may prescribe a specific recovery period for a given type of
specimen.
7.4 Information to be given in the relevant specification
When this test is included in the relevant specification, the following details shall be given as
far as they are applicable:
a) Type of test
b) Preconditioning
c) Initial measurements
d) Details of mounting and supports
e) Low temperature T
A
High temperature T
B
f) Duration of exposure t
g) Number of cycles
Temperature
60068-2-14 © IEC:2009 – 13 –
h) Measurements and/or loading during conditioning
i) Recovery
j) Final measurements
k) Any deviation in procedure as agreed upon between customer and supplier
8 Test Nb: Change of temperature with specified rate of change
8.1 General description of the test
This test determines the ability of components, equipment or other articles to withstand and/or
function during changes of ambient temperature.
The specimen shall be either in the unpacked, switched-off, ready for use state, or as
otherwise specified in the relevant specification.
The specimen is exposed to changes of temperature in air by exposure in a chamber to
prescribed temperatures varied at a controlled rate. During this exposure the performance of
the specimen may be monitored.
8.2 Testing procedure
8.2.1 Testing chamber
The chamber for this test shall be so designed that in the working space where the specimen
under test is placed a temperature cycle can be performed in such a manner that
a) the low temperature required for the test can be maintained,
b) the high temperature required for the test can be maintained,
c) the change rate required for the test from low temperature to high temperature or vice
versa can be performed at the required rate of change.
8.2.2 Mounting or supporting of the test specimen
Unless otherwise specified in the relevant specification, the thermal conduction of the
mounting or support shall be low, such that for practical purposes the specimen is thermally
isolated. When testing several specimens simultaneously they shall be so placed that free
circulation is provided between the specimens, and between the specimens and chamber
surfaces.
8.2.3 Severities
The severity of the test is defined by the combination of the two temperatures, the rate of
temperature change, the exposure time of the specimen and the number of cycles.
The lower temperature T shall be specified in the relevant specification and should be
A
chosen from the test temperatures of IEC 60068-2-1 and IEC 60068-2-2.
The higher temperature T shall be specified in the relevant specification and should be
B
chosen from the test temperatures of IEC 60068-2-1 and IEC 60068-2-2.
The air temperature shall be lowered or raised between 90 % and 10 % of D = T - T within a
B A
tolerance of 20 % of the temperature change rate. Preferred values are
(1 ± 0,2) K/min,
(3 ± 0,6) K/min,
(5 ± 1) K/min,
– 14 – 60068-2-14 © IEC:2009
(10 ± 2) K/min, or
(15 ± 3) K/min,
unless otherwise specified in the relevant specification.
The exposure time, t , to each of the two temperatures depends upon the heat capacity of the
specimen. It may be 3 h, 2 h, 1 h, 30 min, or 10 min, or as specified in the relevant
specification. Where no exposure period is prescribed in the relevant specification it is
understood to be 3 h.
The specimen shall be subjected to two consecutive cycles, unless otherwise specified in the
relevant specification.
8.2.4 Conditioning
The specimen and the temperature in test chamber shall be at the ambient temperature of the
laboratory, +25 °C ±5 K. If required by the relevant specification, the specimen shall be
brought into operating condition.
8.2.5 Test cycle
The air temperature in the chamber shall then be lowered to the specified low temperature,
T , at the specified rate (see Figure 3).
A
After temperature stability in the chamber has been reached, the specimen shall be exposed
.
to the low temperature condition for the specified period, t
The air temperature in the chamber shall then be raised to the specified high temperature, T ,
B
at the specified rate (see Figure 3).
After temperature stability in the chamber has been reached, the specimen shall be exposed
to the high temperature condition for the specified period, t .
The air temperature in the chamber shall then be lowered to the value of the laboratory
ambient temperature, +25 °C ±5 K, at the specified rate (see Figure 3).
This procedure constitutes one cycle.

60068-2-14 © IEC:2009 – 15 –
T
B
t
A
Time
t
T
A
First cycle Second cycle
IEC  2239/08
Key
A start of first cycle
Figure 3 – Nb test cycle
8.3 Recovery
At the end of the test cycle, the specimen shall remain in standard atmospheric conditions for
testing for a period adequate for the attainment of temperature stability.
The relevant specification may prescribe a specific recovery period for a given type of
specimen.
8.4 Information to be given in the relevant specification
When this test is included in the relevant specification, the following details shall be given as
far as they are applicable:
a) Type of test
b) Preconditioning
c) Initial measurements
d) Details of mounting and supports
e) Low temperature T
A
High temperature T
B
f) Duration of exposure t
g) Rate of change of temperature
h) Number of cycles
i) Measurements and/or loading during conditioning
j) Recovery
k) Final measurements
l) Any deviation in procedure as agreed upon between customer and supplier
Temperature in the chamber
– 16 – 60068-2-14 © IEC:2009
9 Test Nc: Rapid change of temperature, two-fluid-bath method
9.1 General description of the test
This test determines the ability of components, equipment or other articles to withstand rapid
changes of temperature.
This test procedure results in a severe thermal shock and is applicable to glass-metal seals
and similar specimens.
The specimen is immersed alternately in two baths, one filled with liquid at a low temperature,
T , and one filled with liquid at a high temperature, T .
A B
9.2 Testing procedure
9.2.1 Testing equipment
Two baths, one at low temperature and one at high temperature, shall be provided in such a
way that the specimen under test can be easily immersed and be quickly transferred from one
bath to the other.
The low temperature bath shall contain liquid at the lower temperature, T , stated in the
A
relevant specification. If no temperature is stated the liquid shall have a temperature of 0 °C.
The bath for the high temperature shall contain liquid at the upper temperature, T , as
B
required by the relevant specification. If no temperature is stated the liquid shall have a
temperature of 100 °C.
The baths shall be so constructed that at no moment during the test shall the temperature of
the cold bath rise more than 2 K above T or the temperature of the warm bath fall more than
A
5 K below T .
B
The liquids used for the test shall be compatible with the materials and finishes used in the
manufacture of the specimens.
NOTE The rate of heat transfer will depend upon the liquids used and will affect the severity of the test for a given
temperature range. In special cases, the relevant specification should specify the liquids to be used.
9.2.2 Severities
The severity of the test is defined by the specified bath temperatures, the period of transfer
from one bath to the other, t , and the number of cycles.
The relevant specification shall specify the duration parameters to be used and the chosen
value of t .
Number of test cycles is 10, unless otherwise specified in the relevant specification.
9.2.3 Conditioning
The specimen shall be subjected to the test in the unpacked condition.
9.3 Test cycle
The specimen under test while being at the ambient temperature of the laboratory shall be
immersed into the cold bath containing liquid at the temperature T as stated in the relevant
A
specification.
The specimen shall be maintained immersed in the cold bath for the appropriate period, t .
60068-2-14 © IEC:2009 – 17 –
The specimen shall then be removed from the cold bath and immersed in the hot bath
containing liquid at the temperature T as stated in the relevant specification. The transfer
B
time t shall be as stated in the relevant specification.
The specimen shall be maintained immersed in the hot bath for the appropriate period, t .
The specimen shall then be removed from the hot bath. The period t between removal from
the hot bath and immersion in the cold bath shall be as specified in the relevant specification.
One cycle consists of two immersion times, t , and two transfer times, t (see Figure 4).
1 2
At the end of the last cycle, the specimen shall be subjected to the recovery procedure.

T
B
A
Time
t t t t
1 2 1 2
T
A
First cycle
IEC  2240/08
Key
A start of first cycle
Figure 4 – Nc test cycle
9.4 Recovery
At the end of the test cycle, the specimen shall be subjected to laboratory ambient
temperature. Droplets of liquid shall be removed. If cleaning is necessary, then the method
shall be defined by the relevant specification.
The relevant specification may prescribe a specific recovery period for a given type of
specimen.
9.5 Information to be given in the relevant specification
When this test is included in the relevant specification, the following details shall be given as
far as they are applicable:
a) Type of test
b) Preconditioning
c) Initial measurements
d) Details of mounting and supports
e) Low temperature T , cold bath
A
High temperature T , hot bath
B
f) Duration of exposure t
g) Number of cycles
h) Liquids used
Temperature in the bath
– 18 – 60068-2-14 © IEC:2009
i) Measurements and/or loading during conditioning
j) Cleaning methods, if necessary
k) Recovery
l) Final measurements
m) Any deviation in procedure as agreed upon between customer and supplier
10 Information to be given in the test report
As a minimum the test report shall show the following information:
a) Customer (name and address)
b) Test laboratory (name and address and details of
accreditation - if any)
c) Test dates (dates when test was run)
d) Type of test (Na, Nb, or Nc)
e) Purpose of test (development, qualification, etc.)
f) Test standard, edition (IEC 60068-2-14, edition used)
g) Relevant laboratory test procedure (code and issue)
h) Test specimen description (drawing, photo, quantity build status, etc.).
i) Test chamber identity (manufacturer, model number, unique id,
etc.)
j) Performance of test apparatus (set point temperature control, air flow, etc.)
k) Air velocity and direction (air velocity and direction of incident air to
the specimen – for Tests Na and Nb only)
l) Uncertainties of measuring system (uncertainties data)
m) Calibration data (last and next due date)
n) Initial, intermediate and final (initial, intermediate and final
measurements measurements)
o) Required severities (from relevant specification)
p) Test severities (measuring points, data etc.)
q) Performance of test specimens (results of functional tests etc.)
r) Observations during testing and (any pertinent observations)
actions taken
s) Summary of test (test summary)
t) Distribution (distribution list)

___________
– 20 – 60068-2-14 © CEI:2009
SOMMAIRE
AVANT PROPOS .22
INTRODUCTION.24
1 Domaine d’application .25
2 Références normatives.25
3 Conditions réelles de variations de température .25
4 Généralités.26
4.1 Conception des essais de variations de température .26
4.2 Paramètres d’essai.26
4.3 But et choix des essais.26
4.4 Choix de la durée de l’exposition.27
4.5 Choix de la durée du temps de transfert .27
4.6 Limites d’application des essais de variations de température .27
5 Guide pour le choix du type d’essai .28
6 Mesures initiales et finales .28
6.1 Mesures initiales .28
6.2 Mesures finales .
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.

Loading comments...