What is this standard about?
This is Part 1 in a series of European standards on how to conduct environmental testing, primarily on electrotechnical products. This part contains generalities and information on atmospheric conditions for measurement and testing. Part 2 provides separate tests for different applications. Part 3 deals with background information on a family of tests.
Who is this standard for?
Manufacturers, specifiers, testers and users of electrotechnical products.
Why should you use this standard?
The IEC 60068 series provides uniform and reproducible environmental, climatic, dynamic and combined tests, performed and measured under standard atmospheric conditions, for those preparing specifications and those engaged in the testing of products.
These test methods are based upon available international engineering experience and judgement and are primarily designed to provide information on the following properties of specimens:
- The ability to operate within specified limits of temperature, pressure, humidity, mechanicalstress or other environmental conditions and combinations of these conditions
- The ability to withstand conditions of transportation, storage and installation
The tests allow the performance of sample products to be compared. To assess the quality or useful life of a given production lot, the test methods should be applied in accordance with a suitable sampling plan and may be supplemented by appropriate additional tests, if necessary.
Although primarily intended for electrotechnical products, this standard is not restricted to them and may be used in other fields where desired.
What’s changed since the last update?
This revision to Part 1 of BS EN 60068-1 supersedes the 1995 version of the standard which was withdrawn. Significant technical changes include:
- An updated normative reference list
- Indication of normative and informative annexes
- New informative Annex C, Environmental test tailoring