The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has officially published the new international standard IEC 60068-3-14:2025, titled "Environmental testing - Part 3-14: Supporting documentation and guidance - Developing a climatic sequential test." This pivotal standard, notably developed under the leadership of experts from China, delivers a unified methodology for creating sequential environmental test programs for electrical and electronic products.
IEC 60068-3-14:2025 addresses a critical gap in environmental testing by providing a generic process for sequencing individual test methods from the well-established IEC 60068-2 series. This allows manufacturers to simulate more realistic and combined environmental stresses—such as temperature, humidity, and vibration—that a product might encounter throughout its lifecycle, from transportation and storage to end-use.
Filling a Critical Gap in International Standards
Prior to this standard, there was no internationally harmonized guidance on how to logically and effectively combine single environmental tests into a sequential program. The development of IEC 60068-3-14, led by a Chinese project leader, marks a significant achievement in international standardization. The working group comprised experts from several nations, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Sweden, ensuring the standard reflects global consensus and best practices.
Key Applications and Benefits
The standard is intended for use by product designers, manufacturers, and testing laboratories involved with:
Electrical and electronic equipment
Components and assemblies
Electromechanical devices
Key benefits include:
Enhanced Product Reliability: By simulating complex real-world environments, manufacturers can identify and address potential failure modes earlier in the design process.
Global Market Access: Provides a common reference for testing, simplifying compliance for products entering different international markets.
Reduced Costs: Helps prevent costly product recalls and warranty claims by improving product robustness before mass production.
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the world's leading organization for the preparation and publication of International Standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies. It facilitates international trade and cooperation through its global standards and conformity assessment systems.