SIST EN IEC 60068-2-17:2024

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2024
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 60068-2-17:2002
Okoljsko preskušanje - 2-17. del: Preskusi - Preskus Q: Tesnjenje (IEC 60068-2-
17:2023)
Environmental testing - Part 2-17: Tests - Test Q: Sealing (IEC 60068-2-17:2023)
Umgebungseinflüsse - Teil 2-17: Prüfverfahren - Prüfung Q: Dichtheit (IEC 60068-2-
17:2023)
Essais d'environnement - Partie 2-17: Essais - Essai Q: Etanchéité (IEC 60068-2-
17:2023)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60068-2-17:2023
ICS:
19.040 Preskušanje v zvezi z Environmental testing
okoljem
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 60068-2-17

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM September 2023
ICS 19.040 Supersedes EN 60068-2-17:1994
English Version
Environmental testing - Part 2-17: Tests - Test Q: Sealing
(IEC 60068-2-17:2023)
Essais d'environnement - Partie 2-17: Essais - Essai Q: Umgebungseinflüsse - Teil 2-17: Prüfverfahren - Prüfung Q:
Etanchéité Dichtheit
(IEC 60068-2-17:2023) (IEC 60068-2-17:2023)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2023-08-02. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2023 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 60068-2-17:2023 E

European foreword
The text of document 104/984/FDIS, future edition 5 of IEC 60068-2-17, prepared by IEC/TC 104
"Environmental conditions, classification and methods of test" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC
parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as EN IEC 60068-2-17:2023.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2024-05-02
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2026-08-02
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60068-2-17:1994 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60068-2-17:2023 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 60068-1 NOTE Approved as EN 60068-1
IEC 60068-2-18 NOTE Approved as EN 60068-2-18

IEC 60068-2-17 ®
Edition 5.0 2023-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Environmental testing –
Part 2-17: Tests – Test Q: Sealing

Essais d'environnement –
Partie 2-17: Essais – Essai Q: Etanchéité

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 19.040  ISBN 978-2-8322-7133-9

– 2 – IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 General . 9
5 Test Qa: Sealing of bushes, spindles and gaskets . 11
5.1 Object . 11
5.2 Scope of Test Qa . 11
5.3 General description of the test . 11
5.4 Initial measurements . 11
5.5 Conditioning . 11
5.6 Final measurements . 11
5.7 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 11
6 Test Qc: Container sealing, gas leak . 12
6.1 Object . 12
6.2 Scope of Test Qc . 12
6.3 General description of the test . 12
6.4 Test Method 1 . 12
6.5 Test Method 2 . 13
6.6 Test Method 3 . 13
6.7 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 14
7 Test Qd: Container sealing, seepage of filling liquid . 14
7.1 Object . 14
7.2 Scope of Test Qd . 14
7.3 General description of the test . 14
7.4 Severities . 14
7.5 Preconditioning . 15
7.6 Initial measurements . 15
7.7 Conditioning . 15
7.8 Final measurements . 15
7.9 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 15
8 Test Qf: Immersion . 15
8.1 Object . 15
8.2 General description of the test . 15
8.3 Initial measurements . 16
8.4 Preconditioning . 16
8.5 Conditioning . 16
8.6 Recovery . 16
8.7 Final measurements . 16
8.8 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 17
9 Test Qk: Sealing tracer gas method with mass spectrometer . 17
9.1 Object . 17
9.2 Scope of Test Qk . 17
9.3 General description of the test . 17
9.4 Test Method 1 . 18
9.4.1 General . 18

IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023 – 3 –
9.4.2 Severities . 18
9.4.3 Preconditioning . 20
9.4.4 Initial measurements . 20
9.4.5 Test parameters . 20
9.4.6 Conditioning . 20
9.4.7 Recovery . 20
9.4.8 Gross leaks . 20
9.4.9 Final measurements . 21
9.5 Test Method 2 . 21
9.5.1 General . 21
9.5.2 Preconditioning . 21
9.5.3 Initial measurements . 21
9.5.4 Conditioning . 21
9.5.5 Gross leaks . 21
9.5.6 Final measurements . 21
9.6 Test Method 3 . 22
9.6.1 General . 22
9.6.2 Preconditioning . 22
9.6.3 Initial measurements . 22
9.6.4 Conditioning . 22
9.6.5 Final measurements . 22
9.7 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 23
10 Test Ql: Bomb pressure test . 23
10.1 Object . 23
10.2 Scope of Test Ql . 23
10.3 General description of the test . 23
10.4 Initial measurements . 24
10.5 Conditioning . 24
10.6 Recovery . 24
10.7 Final measurements . 24
10.8 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 25
11 Test Qm: Tracer gas sealing test with internal pressurization . 25
11.1 Object . 25
11.2 Scope of Test Qm . 25
11.3 General description of the test . 25
11.3.1 Total method and local method . 25
11.3.2 Corresponding leak rate . 25
11.3.3 Test Method 1: Cumulative test . 26
11.3.4 Test Method 2: Probing test . 26
11.4 Preconditioning . 26
11.5 Conditioning . 26
11.5.1 General . 26
11.5.2 Test Method 1: Cumulative test . 26
11.5.3 Test Method 2: Probing test . 27
11.6 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 28
12 Test Qy: Pressure rise sealing test . 28
12.1 Object . 28
12.2 Scope of Test Qy . 28
12.3 General description of the test . 28

– 4 – IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023
12.3.1 Test method . 28
12.3.2 Test equipment . 28
12.3.3 Calculation of the leak rate R . 29
12.4 Calibration of the test equipment. 30
12.5 Test time . 30
12.6 Evaluation of the volume of measurement . 30
12.7 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 31
13 Information to be given in the test report. 31
Annex A (informative) Example of an apparatus for Test Qa: Sealing of bushes,

spindles and gaskets . 33
A.1 Principle of operation . 33
A.2 Operation of example apparatus . 34
A.3 Calibration and accuracy . 35
Annex B (normative) Further requirements for Test Qc: Container sealing, gas leak . 36
B.1 General . 36
B.2 Test Method 1 . 36
B.3 Test Method 2 . 37
B.4 Test Method 3 . 37
Annex C (informative) Guidance on Test Qd: Container sealing, seepage of filling
liquid . 38
Annex D (informative) Interrelation of test parameters for Test Qk: Sealing tracer gas

method with mass spectrometer . 39
Annex E (informative) Guidance on Test Qk: Sealing tracer gas method with mass
spectrometer . 42
E.1 General . 42
E.2 Choice of the applicable severity. 43
Annex F (informative) Guidance on Test Ql: Bomb pressure test . 46
Annex G (informative) Guidance on Test Qm: Tracer gas sealing test with internal
pressurization . 47
G.1 Influence of time . 47
G.2 Test Method 1: Cumulative test . 47
G.2.1 Sensitivity . 47
G.2.2 Specific advantages and drawbacks . 47
G.3 Test Method 2: Probing test . 47
G.3.1 Sensitivity . 47
G.3.2 Specific advantages and drawbacks . 48
Annex H (informative) Guidance on Test Qy: Pressure rise sealing test . 49
Bibliography . 50

Figure 1 – Family tree of all sealing tests . 10
Figure 2 – Typical installation for sealing test using the pressure rise test procedure . 29
Figure 3 – Pressure of volume of measurement versus time during the sealing test
using the pressure rise test procedure . 29
Figure A.1 – Chamber for sealing test (Test Qa) . 33
Figure A.2 – Example of an apparatus for sealing test (Test Qa) . 34
Figure D.1 – Nomogram for determination of test parameters . 41

IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023 – 5 –
Figure H.1 – Limiting cases of the pressure of volume of measurement versus test
time, provided that the dimensions of the test device, the volume of measurement and
the evacuation time are constant . 49

Table 1 – Test conditions for Test Method 3, Step 1 . 13
Table 2 – Head-of-water and corresponding pressure differences . 16
Table 3 – Severities and test conditions (and corresponding equivalent standard leak
rates) . 19

– 6 – IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING –
Part 2-17: Tests – Test Q: Sealing

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as "IEC Publication(s)"). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) 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 60068-2-17 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 104: Environmental conditions,
classification and methods of test. It is an International Standard.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 1994. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) "Survey of sealing tests" has been deleted and the relevant content moved to a new
Clause 4 "General";
b) the Scope has been revised;
c) the figures have been updated for clarification purposes;
d) all non-SI units have been removed;
e) the information to be given in the relevant specification has been revised.

IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023 – 7 –
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
104/984/FDIS 104/1000/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60068 series, published under the general title Environmental
testing, 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.
– 8 – IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023
ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING –
Part 2-17: Tests – Test Q: Sealing

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60068 deals with seal tests applicable to the external and internal detection in
container sealing of gross leaks and fine leaks to determine the effectiveness of seals of
specimens. For further tests to verify the ability of enclosures, covers and seals to maintain
components and equipment in good working order, IEC 60068‑2‑18 can be helpful.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
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
leak rate
quantity of a dry gas at a given temperature that flows through a leak per unit of time and for a
known difference of pressure across the leak
3.2
standard leak rate
leak rate under standard conditions of temperature and pressure difference of 25 °C and 10 Pa
3.3
measured leak rate
R
leak rate of a given device as measured under specified conditions and employing a specified
test gas
Note 1 to entry: Measured leak rates are often determined with helium employed as the test gas under a pressure
difference of 10 Pa at 25 °C. For the purpose of comparison with leak rates determined by other methods of testing,
the leak rates should be converted to equivalent standard leak rates.
3.4
equivalent standard leak rate
L
standard leak rate of a given device with air as the test gas
Note 1 to entry: The equivalent standard leak rate is expressed in Pa · cm /s.

IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023 – 9 –
3.5
time constant
θ
time required for equalization of the partial pressure difference across a leak if the
initial rate of change of that pressure difference were maintained
Note 1 to entry: For the purpose of Test Q, the time constant is equal to the quotient of the internal volume of the
specimen and the equivalent standard leak rate.
3.6
gross leak
any leak with an equivalent standard leak rate greater than 1 Pa · cm /s
3.7
fine leak
any leak with an equivalent standard leak rate smaller than 1 Pa · cm /s
3.8
virtual leak
semblance of a leak caused by slow release of absorbed, adsorbed or occluded gas
3.9
leak meter
apparatus consisting of a hand probe for taking a sample of gas mixture and a
meter providing a graduated display of the concentration of a predetermined type of gas in the
sample
3.10
volume of measurement
V
m
volume contained between the gastight sheath collecting the leak and the
specimen
3.11
leak detector
apparatus consisting of a hand probe for taking a sample of gas mixture and a
device sensitive to the presence of a predetermined type of gas and emitting a signal, either
acoustic or visual, when the concentration of a predetermined type of gas reaches a pre-set
threshold level
3.12
probing
DEPRECATED: sniffing
action of slowly moving the probe of a leak detector along a specimen to locate
the leaks
4 General
Test Q: Sealing includes several tests which use different conditioning procedures appropriate
for different applications.
NOTE Other tests of this category are rain and water tests which are described in IEC 60068-2-18.
The family tree of all sealing tests is shown in Figure 1.

– 10 – IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023

Figure 1 – Family tree of all sealing tests
Test Q can be subdivided in the following two subgroups, distinguished by their detection
methods:
– internal detection, which measures changes of electrical characteristics produced by the
test medium (liquid or gas) introduced into the specimens through the leak;
– external detection, whereby the escape of the test medium through the leak is observed.
The two tests for internal detection Qf and Ql are very similar. They are very effective for certain
components, for example plastic-foil capacitors; they are not recommended, however, for
components in which electrical changes become effective only after a long time (for instance,
after the test is terminated).
The tests for external detection are further subdivided according to their application. Test Qa is
a bubble test which is used to determine the airtightness of bushes, spindles and gaskets. The
other tests, Qc, Qd, Qk and Qm, are used to determine leaks in containers (metallic cases,
housings, etc.).
Test Qc is a bubble test again including three methods with different sensitivities (leaks not less
/s). Test Qd is a liquid seepage test which may be applied to specimens filled
than 1 Pa · cm
during manufacture with a liquid or a product becoming liquid at the test temperature.
Tests Qk and Qm are the most sensitive of this series. Their sensitivity ranges from 1 Pa · cm /s
−6 3
to about 10 Pa · cm /s.
IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023 – 11 –
5 Test Qa: Sealing of bushes, spindles and gaskets
5.1 Object
To determine the effectiveness of seals of bushes, spindles and similar features. For this test,
two types of seals shall be considered:
2 2
– Type A: 100 kPa (10 N/cm ) to 110 kPa (11 N/cm ) in the direction specified in the relevant
specification.
2 2
– Type B: 100 kPa (10 N/cm ) to 110 kPa (11 N/cm ) in each direction.
5.2 Scope of Test Qa
This test can be used for the detection of gross leaks.
5.3 General description of the test
The specimen is mounted on the lid at a pressurized test chamber which is submerged in a
liquid. If the specimen leaks, the air escaping is collected. The amount of air collected per time
is a measure of the air leak. A suitable test apparatus is described in Annex A.
5.4 Initial measurements
There are no initial measurements required for Test Qa.
5.5 Conditioning
An air pressure difference, as specified below, shall be applied across each seal or
simultaneously across a group of seals forming an assembly, if not specified otherwise.
2 2
– Type A: 100 kPa (10 N/cm ) to 110 kPa (11 N/cm ) in the direction specified in the relevant
specification.
2 2
– Type B: 100 kPa (10 N/cm ) to 110 kPa (11 N/cm ) in each direction.
2 2
Where a higher pressure is required, it shall be 340 kPa (34 N/cm ) to 360 kPa (36 N/cm ).
NOTE It is possible that the test apparatus described in Annex A will not be suitable for these higher pressures.
Type B seals shall be tested both in a static condition and while being mechanically operated
as required by the relevant specification.
5.6 Final measurements
The rate of leak shall be measured. The limit shall be specified in the relevant specification.
5.7 Information to be given in the relevant specification
When Test Qa is included in the relevant specification, the following details shall be given as
far as they are applicable:
Subclause
a) Requirements for pressure 5.5
b) Direction of application of pressure difference 5.5
c) Mechanical operation during conditioning 5.5
d) Requirements for leak rate 5.6

– 12 – IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023
6 Test Qc: Container sealing, gas leak
6.1 Object
To determine the effectiveness of seals of specimens having an included gas-filled space
(e.g. specimens not completely filled with impregnant).
6.2 Scope of Test Qc
This test can be used for the detection of leak rates greater than (100, 10 or 1) Pa · cm /s
according to the method chosen.
Test Methods 1 and 3 are applicable only to specimens that are able to withstand full
decompression and the compression necessary for the impregnation without suffering distortion
or permanent physical damage.
Test Method 2 is applicable to all specimens subject to a significant thermally generated
pressure differential being achieved at the maximum ambient temperature of operation of the
specimen.
Guidance on Test Qc is given in Annex B.
6.3 General description of the test
The detection of gross leaks is achieved by submerging the test specimen in a suitable liquid,
under controlled conditions and by observing bubbles emanating from the specimen surface.
A positive internal pressure within the test specimen is generated by one of the following test
methods:
a) Test Method 1
Conducting the test in a vacuum environment, thereby increasing the pressure differential
across the seals of the test specimen.
b) Test Method 2
Through immersion in a test liquid maintained at an elevated temperature.
c) Test Method 3
Through immersion in a test liquid, following impregnation with another liquid having a
boiling point below the test temperature.
6.4 Test Method 1
The test chamber containing the bath required for this test shall be capable of being evacuated,
and the bath shall contain sufficient liquid to enable the specimens to be immersed so that the
uppermost surface of the specimen enclosure or seal to be tested is at a depth of not less than
10 mm below the surface. The test liquid shall be maintained at a temperature between 15 °C
and 35 °C. The bath should be capable of being drained of the liquid or having the specimen
removed from the liquid before breaking the vacuum.
Specimens shall be immersed in the test liquid with their seals uppermost. The pressure within
the test chamber shall then be reduced within 1 min to a value of 1 kPa or as otherwise specified
in the relevant specification. If no failure has been observed this pressure shall be maintained
for another minute or any duration specified in the relevant specification.
Specimens possessing seals on more than one surface shall be tested with each surface in the
uppermost position.
IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023 – 13 –
Failure criteria for this test shall be the observance of a definite stream of bubbles, or more
than two large bubbles, or an attached bubble that grows at any time during the test.
6.5 Test Method 2
The bath required for this test shall contain sufficient liquid to enable the test specimens to be
completely immersed to a depth of not less than 10 mm above the uppermost part of the
enclosure or seal to be tested.
The liquid shall be maintained at a temperature of 1 K to 5 K above the maximum ambient
temperature of operation for the specimen under test or at the temperature required in the
relevant specification.
The specimens, which shall be at a temperature between 15 °C and 35 °C, shall be immersed
in the test liquid with their seals uppermost for a period of at least 10 min, or as specified in the
relevant specification.
Specimens possessing seals on more than one surface shall be tested with each surface in the
uppermost position.
Failure criteria for this test shall be the observance of a definite stream of bubbles, or more
than two large bubbles, or an attached bubble that grows at any time during the test.
6.6 Test Method 3
Test Method 3 consists of two steps.
a) Step 1
Step 1 shall be performed at ambient temperature.
The specimens shall be enclosed in a vacuum/pressure vessel and the pressure reduced to
about 100 Pa for 1 h. After that time, and without breaking the vacuum, an impregnation
liquid shall be drawn into the vessel until the specimens are covered by it.
The specimens shall then be pressurized under conditions as shown in Table 1.
Table 1 – Test conditions for Test Method 3, Step 1
Internal cavity volume Minimum pressure Minimum duration
(absolute)
600 kPa 1 h
< 0,1 cm
300 kPa 2 h
> 0,1 cm
At the end of this impregnation time, the pressure shall be removed. The specimens shall
be removed from the liquid and allowed to dry in air at ambient temperature for (3 ± 1) min
or another duration specified in the relevant specification before performing Step 2.
b) Step 2
Test Method 2 shall apply, using a test temperature of (125 ± 5) °C, if not specified
otherwise. The specimen shall be observed from the instant of immersion until 30 s after
immersion, if not specified otherwise.
WARNING – The use of Test Method 3 can bear the risk of explosion, when a large specimen
is likely to be filled with the impregnation liquid, that tends to vaporize rapidly during Step 2.
WARNING – The impregnation liquid can form toxic gases when boiled dry. Any direct
contact with heating elements shall be prevented.

– 14 – IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023
6.7 Information to be given in the relevant specification
When Test Qc is included in a relevant specification, the following details shall be given, as far
as they are applicable:
Clause or
subclause
a) Test method 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6
b) Recommended liquid(s) Annex B
c) Test Method 1: pressure and time,  6.4
if different from 6.4
Test Method 2: liquid temperature,
d) 6.5
if different from 6.5
e) Test Method 2: immersion duration,  6.5
if different from 6.5
f) Drying time  6.6
if different from 3 min
g) Test Method 3: Step 2 temperature 6.6 b)

7 Test Qd: Container sealing, seepage of filling liquid
7.1 Object
To determine the effectiveness of seals of specimens filled with liquid. This test can also be
used for specimens having a filling which is solid at room temperature, but which is liquid at the
testing temperature.
7.2 Scope of Test Qd
This test can be used for the detection of leak rates corresponding to an air leak rate greater
than about 1 Pa · cm /s. The sensitivity of the method depends on the kinematic viscosity of
the liquid at testing temperature and the technique employed to detect seepage.
Guidance on Test Qd is given in Annex C.
7.3 General description of the test
The specimen is examined for seepage of liquid likely to occur when it is brought up to a
temperature slightly higher than its maximum ambient temperature of operation.
7.4 Severities
A severity is defined as the period of time at which the specimen is maintained at the testing
temperature. The relevant specification shall state the applicable severity chosen from the
following list:
– 10 min;
– 1 h;
– 4 h;
– 24 h;
– 48 h.
IEC 60068-2-17:2023 © IEC 2023 – 15 –
7.5 Preconditioning
The specimen shall be so cleaned (degreased) that possible seepage of liquid is clearly
contrasted with all other materials.
7.6 Initial measurements
There are no initial measurements required for Test Qd.
7.7 Conditioning
The specimens shall be placed in an air circulating oven, in which the air is heated until the
temperature of the surface of the specimens is 1 K to 5 K above its maximum ambient
temperature of operation. The specimens should occupy an attitude most favourable to reveal
a leak.
The specimens shall be maintained at this temperature for a period of time according to the
specified severity and shall then be removed from the oven.
Specimens having seals on more than one face shall be tested with each such face in the
downward position in turn.
7.8 Final measurements
The specimens shall be visually inspected for seepage of liquid. There shall be no seepage, if
not specified otherwise.
The relevant specification shall specify the method of detection.
7.9 Information to be given in the relevant specification
When Test Qd is included in a relevant specification, the following details shall be given as far
as they are applicable:
Subclause
a) Test temperature 7.7
b) Duration of condit
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