TC 94 - Electrical relays

IEC 61812-1:2023 applies to time relays and coupling relays for industrial applications (for example control, automation, signal and industrial equipment) and for automatic electrical controls for use in, on, or in association with equipment for residential and similar use.
The term “relay” as used in this document comprises all types of time relays and coupling relays, other than measuring relays. This document defines type test and routine test to confirm the service condition. Subclause 3.2 provides definitions for different types of time relays in use in the IEC 61812 series. IEC 61812-1:2023 cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) update of references;
b) addition of requirements for risk assessment;
c) addition of requirements for routine test;
d) renumbering of clauses to bring them into a more logical order;
e) clarification of the requirement for shock;
f) addition of cybersecurity requirements for industrial automation and control systems;
g) addition of environmentally conscious design requirement;
h) addition of common data dictionary reference;
i) addition of terms and definitions of relay types;
j) addition of coupling relays in title;
k) addition of coupling relays in scope.

IEC 62246-4:2023 gives additional requirements for the evaluation of functional characteristics on reed switching components operated by magnetic actuator and gives guidance for their implementation in selected applications.
This document specifies test and measurement procedures for the application of reed switch (contact) based magnetic sensors.
In case the application of a reed contact magnetic sensor determines additional requirements exceeding those specified in this document, the sensor is evaluated with this application in accordance with the relevant IEC or ISO standard(s) (e.g. IEC 62061 or ISO 13849 series, IEC 60335-1 and relevant parts of the IEC 60335-2 series, IEC 60730-1, IEC 61373, ISO 16750-3).
This document does not apply to:
– sensing or monitoring of the position of elements of interlocking devices for movable guards (see ISO 14119);
– sensing or monitoring of the position of elements of pressure sensitive protective equipment (PSPE, see ISO 13856 series);
– electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use (see IEC 61010-1);
– aircraft – proximity switches (see ISO 6859-1).
Information contained in this document is relevant to the application of a magnetic sensor on new installations as well as modifications to existing installations.

IEC 62314:2022 applies to particular all-or-nothing electrical relays denominated solid-state relays intended for performing electrical operations by single step function changes to the state of electric circuits between the OFF-state and the ON-state and vice versa.
This document deals with solid-state relays which are intended for incorporation in other products or equipment. As such, solid-state relays are considered to be components and this document defines the basic safety-related and functional requirements for solid-state relays as stand-alone components.
Such solid-state relays are incorporated in products or equipment which themselves comply with the relevant product and/or application standard(s) to meet their intended application.
Solid state relay as apparatus:
Where the solid-state relay is specified as apparatus with a function to the end-user, requirements on EMC are given in this document.
Solid state relay as component:
There are no EMC requirements for solid-state relays intended for incorporation into the equipment by the equipment manufacturer, because the performance strongly depends on the application into the equipment.
The object of this document is to state:
– the characteristics of solid-state relays
– the requirements which apply to solid-state relays with reference to
a) electrical safety;
b) their operation and behaviour;
c) their dielectric properties;
d) EMC;
– the tests verifying that the requirements have been met, and the test methods to be adopted;
– the information to be given with the solid-state relay or in the product documentation.
Solid-state switching devices with monolithic structures fall within the scope of IEC sub-committee 47E and are not covered in this document.
Semiconductor controllers and contactors fall within the scope of the IEC 60947 series of standards – low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – developed by IEC subcommittee 121A and are not covered in this document.
IEC 62314:2022 cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2006. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) addition of load categories for DC load;
b) addition of load category for self-ballasted lamp load;
c) addition of "sockets" terminal;
d) update of references;
e) introduction of the requirement of EMC;
f) restructuring of the whole document.

IEC 61810-4:2020 applies to electromechanical elementary relays with reed switches (reed contacts) incorporated into general control circuits. It defines the basic functional and safety requirements in all areas of electrical engineering or electronics in accordance with the parts of IEC 61810 series and IEC 62246 series.
IEC 61810-4:2020 defines technical deviations/additions to IEC 61810-1. It specifies type tests, routine tests, special tests and environmental tests to confirm the service conditions for applications.

IEC 61810-10:2019, with functional and safety aspects, applies to electromechanical elementary relays (non-specified time all-or-nothing relays) with high capability requirements like breaking or short circuit capabilities and similar for incorporation into low-voltage equipment. These relays may have a specific design to extinguish the electric arc between contacts (e.g. by magnetic blow-out), or use an insulation coordination not covered by IEC 61810-1 (e.g. by gas filled contact chambers), or require safety assessments not covered by IEC 61810-1 (e.g. for higher loads).
It defines additional requirements for high-capacity relays with generic performance intended for use in applications in smart grids, electric vehicles and other applications where, for example, battery charge/discharge switching is used, such as:
• electrical energy storage (EES) systems,
• solar photovoltaic energy systems,
• electric road vehicles (EV) and electric industrial trucks,
• power electronic systems and equipment,
• secondary cells and batteries,
• road vehicles.
Compliance with the requirements of this standard is verified by the type tests indicated.

IEC 62246-1-1:2018 is a blank detail specification which defines requirements and tests for reed switches for use in general and industrial applications.
This document is intended to be used in conjunction with IEC 62246-1:2015 and specific products standards applying as switching elements.
This document selects from IEC 62246-1:2015 and from other sources the appropriate test procedures to be used in detail specifications derived from this specification.
Reed switch types are specified depending on characteristic values including functional ratings for safety and tests.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2013. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous editions:
a) update of the scope, references and terms and definitions;
b) inclusion of guidelines for the preparation of blank detail and detail specifications;
c) update of characteristics values including functional ratings for safety;
d) update of the quality conformance inspection procedures;
e) update of typical applications.

IEC 61810-2-1:2017 specifies reliability test procedures for electromechanical elementary relays when enhanced requirements for the verification of reliability apply.
Particular provisions are given for relays incorporated in safety-related control systems of machinery in accordance with IEC 62061 and ISO 13849-1. For such relays, B10 values for dangerous failures (B10D values) are derived from the tests specified in this document.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- limitation of tests to 10 M cycles in Clause 5;
- reduction of required number of test samples to 5 in specified cases;
- introduction of WeiBayes analysis for routine test under Clause 4.

IEC 61810-2:2017 covers test conditions and provisions for the evaluation of endurance tests using appropriate statistical methods to obtain reliability characteristics for relays.
This document applies to electromechanical elementary relays considered as non-repaired items (i.e. items which are not repaired after failure).
This document does not cover procedures for electromechanical elementary relays where enhanced requirements for the verification of reliability apply.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- not only graphical but also numerical methods are added;
- reduction of number of samples in specified cases;
- new subclauses of confidence intervals are added;
- the WeiBayes approach is added to facilitate compliance tests (routine test) with lower effort;
- annexes have been restructured into an Annex A for data analysis (normative) and Annex B (informative) where various examples of the data analysis are given;
- the former Annex C has been incorporated into the modified Annex B;
- a new Annex C replaces the old Annex D.

IEC 61810-1:2015 applies to electromechanical elementary relays (non-specified time all-or-nothing relays) for incorporation into low voltage equipment (circuits up to 1 000 V alternate current or 1 500 V direct current). It defines the basic functional and safety requirements and safety-related aspects for applications in all areas of electrical engineering or electronics, such as: general industrial equipment, electrical facilities, electrical machines, electrical appliances for household and similar use, information technology and business equipment, building automation equipment, automation equipment, electrical installation equipment, medical equipment, control equipment, telecommunications, vehicles, transportation (e.g. railways). Compliance with the requirements of this standard is verified by the type tests indicated. In case the application of a relay determines additional requirements exceeding those specified in this standard, the relay should be assessed in line with this application in accordance with the relevant IEC standard(s). This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2008. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- two main test procedures were introduced: procedure A, reflecting the procedure known from Edition 3 of this standard and procedure B, reflecting the assessment according to North American requirements;
- inclusion of dedicated device application tests especially relevant for applications in the North American Market (see Clause D.1);
- introduction of testing under single mounting condition;
- clarification of insulation requirements after endurance testing;
- inclusion of provisions for basic safety requirements;
- update of references.
The contents of the corrigenda 1 (June 2017) and 2 (February 2018), as well as the Interpretation Sheet 1 (January 2023) have been included in this copy.

IEC 61810-3:2015 specifies special requirements and tests for elementary relays with forcibly guided contacts, also known as mechanically linked contacts. These special requirements apply in addition to the general requirements of IEC 61810-1.

IEC 62246-1:2015, which is a generic specification, applies to all types of reed switches including magnetically biased reed switches of assessed quality for use in general and industrial applications. Mercury wetted reed switches are not covered by this standard due to their possible environmental impact. It lists the tests and measurement procedures which may be selected for use in detail specifications for such reed switches. This standard applies to reed switches which are operated by an applied magnetic field; it is not restricted to any particular type of contact load. For elementary relays with reed switches, this standard is recommended to be used together with the standards IEC 61810-1, IEC 61811-1 as applicable. For applications of reed switches, this standard is recommended to be used together with specific product standards. This standard cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 62246-1 published in 2011. It constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- inclusion of Introduction;
- update of the scope, the terms and definitions, the rated values and the test and measurement procedure;
- improvement of dielectric test, electrical endurance tests covering maximum electrical endurance test and overload test;
- improvement of Table F.1 for electrical ratings based on classification;
- inclusion of new Table G.1 for horsepower ratings based on classification.

IEC 61811-1:2015 applies to electromechanical telecom elementary relays. Relays according to this standard are provided for the operation in telecommunication applications. However, as electromechanical elementary relays, they are also suitable for particular industrial and other applications. This standard selects from IEC 61810 series and other sources the appropriate methods of test to be used in detail specifications derived from this specification, and contains basic test schedules to be used in the preparation of such specifications in accordance with this standard. Detailed test schedules are contained in the detail specifications. This second edition of IEC 61811-1 cancels and replaces IEC 61811-1 published in 1999, IEC 61811-10 published in 2002, IEC 61811-11 published in 2002, IEC 61811-50 published in 2002, IEC 61811-51 published in 2002, IEC 61811-52 published in 2002, IEC 61811-53 published in 2002, IEC 61811-54 published in 2002, IEC 61811-55 published in 2002, and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous editions:
a) to get one document for telecom relays;
b) update all relevant references.

IEC 62246-1-1:2013 is a quality assessment specification which defines requirements and tests to reed switches for use in general and industrial applications. This standard selects from IEC 62246-1:2011 and from other sources the appropriate test procedures to be used in detail specifications derived from this specification. This standard describes sampling and test schedules for qualification approval procedures, quality conformance inspection, formation of inspection lots and intervals between tests. This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC/PAS 62246-2-1 published in 2008. It is a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous editions:
a) inclusion of introduction;
b) update of references, terms and definitions;
c) renumbering of clauses to bring them into a more logical order;
d) inclusion of the generic specifications for reed switches;
e) update of typical applications.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 62246-1:2011.

IEC 61812-1:2011 applies to time relays for industrial applications (e.g. control, automation, signal and industrial equipment). It also applies to time relays for automatic electrical controls for use in, on, or in association with equipment for residential and similar use. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- addition of terms and definitions more commonly used by industry;
- addition of timing charts to help explain terms and definitions involving a sequence of events;
- addition of provisions for residential use.

IEC 61810-2-1:2011 specifies reliability test procedures for electromechanical elementary relays when enhanced requirements for the verification of reliability apply. Particular provisions are given for relays incorporated in safety-related control systems of machinery in accordance with IEC 62061 and ISO 13849-1. For such relays B10 values for dangerous failures (B10d values) are derived from the tests specified in this standard.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61810-2:2011.

IEC 61810-2:2011 covers test conditions and provisions for the evaluation of endurance tests using appropriate statistical methods to obtain reliability characteristics for relays. The main changes with respect to the previous edition are listed below: inclusion of both numerical and graphical methods for Weibull evaluation; establishment of full coherence with the second edition of the basic reliability standard IEC 61649.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61649:2008.

IEC 62246-1:2011 applies to all types of reed switches including magnetically biased reed switches of assessed quality for use in general and industrial applications. It lists the tests and measurement procedures which may be selected for use in detail specifications for such reed switches. It also specifies the quality assessment procedures to be followed. This new edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous one:
- inclusion of the generic specifications for all types of reed switches, but mercury wetted reed switches have been removed from the scope due to their potential for environmental impact;
- inclusion of three fundamental conformity assessment procedures for quality assessment.

IEC 61810-1:2008 Applies to electromechanical elementary relays (non-specified time all-or-nothing relays) for incorporation into equipment. Defines the basic functional requirements and safety-related aspects for applications in all areas of electrical engineering or electronics. Compliance with the requirements of this standard is verified by the type tests indicated. The main changes with respect to the previous edition comprise:
- inclusion of contact load categories (same as in IEC 61810-2 and IEC 61810-7);
- clarifications concerning electrical endurance;
- inclusion of provisions for insulation coordination in accordance with the basic safety standards;
- inclusion of new annexes for the test set-up, and for special loads.

States the characteristics of solid-state relays; the requirements with respect to their operation and behaviour; their dielectric properties; the degrees of protection provided by their enclosures; the tests verifying that the requirements have been met, and the test methods to be adopted.

IEC 61810-7:2006 Lays down the test and measurement procedures for electromechanical elementary relays. Covers basic considerations which are common to all types of electromechanical elementary relays. Supplementary requirements may be necessitated by specific designs or application.

Covers test conditions and provisions for the evaluation of endurance tests using appropriate statistical methods to obtain reliability characteristics for relays.

Applies to electromechanical elementary relays (non-specified time all-or-nothing relays) and defines the basic safety-related and functional requirements for applications in all areas of electrical engineering or electronics.

Is a generic specification applying to dry and mercury wetted reed contact units of assessed quality. Lists the tests and measurement procedures which may be selected for use in detail specifications for such units. Specifies the quality assessment procedures to be followed.

This publication also bears the number QC 160000 which is the specification number in the IEC Quality Assessment System for Electronic Components (IECQ).

States basic requirements for electromechanical non-specified time all-or-nothing relays. Comprises indications and explanations necessary for the understanding of the relevant basic characteristics of such relays.

States, for electromechanical all-or-nothing relays, special terms and definitions used, and test and measurement procedures.

Applies to specified time relays, such as time delay relays, for use in industrial applications (e.g. control, automation, signal and industrial equipment).

IEC TR 62246-3:2018(E) provides basic technical background and experience about reliability data for reed switch-devices applied to machinery systems as well as E/E/PE safety-related control systems during the life cycle phases in general and industrial safety applications.
The document selects typical safety applications from group safety standards, and includes national safety standards and regulations accordingly. This document shows major reliability aspects for a proper design according to the standards, but it does not cover all details of an individual design. The responsibility for the verification of system design remains with the system integrator/manufacturer.

IEC/PAS 61810-2-1:2008(E) specifies reliability test procedures for electromechanical elementary relays when enhanced requirements for the verification of reliability apply. Particular provisions are given for relays incorporated in safety-related control systems of machinery in accordance with IEC 62061 and ISO 13849-1. For such relays B10 values for dangerous failures (B10d values) are derived from the tests specified in this PAS.

IEC/PAS 62246-2-1:2008(E) defines requirements and tests for heavy-duty reed switches intended to be incorporated into devices that can be used in various industrial applications. Is to be used in conjunction with IEC 62246-2 and selects from IEC 62246-2 and from other sources the appropriate test procedures to be used in detail specifications derived from this PAS.

Applies to the switching performance of heavy-duty reed switches for use in industrial applications based upon IEC 62246-1. Specifies reliability tests, rated making and breaking capacities, rated impulse voltages, rated conditional short-circuit currents, temperature rise and construction testing in addition to the requirements of IEC 62246-1.

IEC 61811-11:2002 Is based on the generic specification IEC 61811-1 and the sectional specification IEC 61811-10 and selects from IEC 61810-7 the appropriate test and measurement procedures to be used in detail specifications derived from this specification.

IEC 61811-10:2002 is based on the basic relay standard IEC 61810-1 as well as on the generic specification IEC 61811-1 and selects from IEC 61810-7 the appropriate test and measurement procedures to be used in detail specifications derived from this specification.

IEC 61811-50:2002 Is a sectional specification applicable to electromechanical all-or-nothing telecom relays of assessed quality. Selects the appropriate methods of test to be used in detail specifications and contains basic test schedules to be used in the preparation of such specifications.

IEC 61811-55:2002 Is a blank detail specification applicable to electromechanical all-or-nothing telecom relays of assessed quality. Selects the appropriate methods of test to be used in detail specifications and contains basic test schedules to be used in the preparation of such specifications. The contents of the corrigendum of June 2002 have been included in this copy.

IEC 61811-51:2002 Is a blank detail specification applicable to electromechanical all-or-nothing telecom relays of assessed quality. Selects the appropriate methods of test to be used in detail specifications and contains basic test schedules to be used in the preparation of such specifications.

IEC 61811-53:2002 Is a blank detail specification applicable to electromechanical all-or-nothing telecom relays of assessed quality. Selects the appropriate methods of test to be used in detail specifications and contains basic test schedules to be used in the preparation of such specifications.

IEC 61811-54:2002 Is a blank detail specification applicable to electromechanical all-or-nothing telecom relays of assessed quality. Selects the appropriate methods of test to be used in detail specifications and contains basic test schedules to be used in the preparation of such specifications.