What is IEC 60068-21

IEC 60068-21 is an international standard that defines the environmental testing procedures and requirements for electronic equipment. It specifies the test methods for determining the ability of equipment to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and vibration.

Background

In today's world, electronic equipment is widely used in various industries and applications. These devices are exposed to different environmental conditions during their lifecycle, including transportation, storage, and operation. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that they can withstand these conditions and continue to function reliably.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which is the international standardization body for electrical, electronic, and related technologies, has developed the IEC 60068 series of standards to address this need. IEC 60068-21 specifically focuses on the testing procedures and requirements for environmental testing.

Testing Procedures

IEC 60068-21 provides a comprehensive set of test procedures to evaluate the performance of electronic equipment under specific environmental conditions. These tests simulate real-world scenarios and assess the equipment's ability to cope with potential stress factors.

Some of the key tests covered by IEC 60068-21 include:

Temperature Testing: The equipment is exposed to extreme temperature variations to verify its ability to operate within specified temperature ranges.

Humidity Testing: The equipment is subjected to high humidity levels to assess its resistance to moisture-related issues such as corrosion and insulation breakdown.

Vibration Testing: The equipment is subjected to vibration forces to determine its reliability when exposed to mechanical stress.

Benefits and Compliance

Complying with IEC 60068-21 brings several benefits to manufacturers and end-users alike.

From a manufacturer's perspective, following this standard helps in:

Producing high-quality products: By subjecting the equipment to rigorous testing, manufacturers can identify and address potential weaknesses or design flaws.

Enhancing product reliability: Environmental testing ensures that the equipment can withstand harsh conditions, reducing the risk of failure during operation.

Meeting regulatory requirements: Many industries have specific standards and regulations regarding environmental testing, and compliance with IEC 60068-21 demonstrates adherence to these requirements.

For end-users, using equipment that complies with IEC 60068-21 provides:

Improved performance and durability: Tested equipment is more likely to perform reliably under challenging environmental conditions, leading to increased operational lifespan.

Higher safety standards: Environmental testing helps identify potential hazards and ensures that the equipment meets necessary safety regulations.

Peace of mind: Knowing that the equipment has gone through rigorous testing instills confidence in its reliability and longevity.

In conclusion, IEC 60068-21 is an important international standard that defines the procedures and requirements for environmental testing of electronic equipment. Compliance with this standard helps ensure the quality, reliability, and performance of the equipment, benefiting both manufacturers and end-users.