IEC 60068-2-1:2007

Overview - IEC 60068-2-1:2007 (Test A: Cold)

IEC 60068-2-1:2007 is the International Electrotechnical Commission standard that specifies environmental cold tests for electrical and electronic specimens. The standard defines procedures to determine whether components, equipment or articles can be used, transported or stored at low temperatures. It applies to both non heat-dissipating and heat-dissipating specimens and is intended for specimens that reach temperature stability during testing. Note: this standard does not assess performance under temperature variations (see IEC 60068-2-14 for change‑of‑temperature tests).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test types and suffixes
  • Test Ab - Cold test for non heat-dissipating specimens with gradual change of temperature.
  • Test Ad - Cold test for heat-dissipating specimens with gradual change of temperature; specimen may be powered after initial stabilization.
  • Test Ae - Cold test for heat-dissipating specimens that must remain powered throughout the conditioning and test periods (added in the 2007 edition).
• Objective - Verify the specimen’s ability to withstand low-temperature conditions for storage, transport or use (not for cycling or change-of-temperature stresses).
• Heat‑dissipating classification - A specimen is treated as heat-dissipating if its hottest surface point is more than 5 K above ambient in free-air, stable conditions.
• Air velocity and chamber conditions - Definitions for low and high air velocity in the test chamber (low air velocity should not reduce specimen temperature by more than 5 K; target ≤0.5 m/s where possible). Temperature chambers must be constructed and verified per IEC guidance.
• Test execution - Emphasizes temperature stabilization, specimen mounting, conditioning, monitoring and measurement points; chambers and measurement practice are specified in related guidance documents.

Applications and users

IEC 60068-2-1 is used by:

• Design and test engineers validating electronic and electromechanical products for cold-storage, transport and operational readiness.
• Environmental test laboratories and third‑party test houses performing cold conditioning and qualification.
• Quality, reliability and compliance teams in industries such as aerospace, automotive, telecom, consumer electronics and industrial controls.
• Manufacturers specifying environmental requirements in product specifications and procurement.

Practical benefits include standardized test procedures for reliable comparison, reduced field failures in cold climates, and guidance for testing powered equipment (Test Ae) that must remain operational during conditioning.

Related standards

• IEC 60068-2-14 - Test N: Change of temperature (temperature variations)
• IEC 60068-3-1 - Background information: cold and dry heat tests
• IEC 60068-3-5 / IEC 60068-3-7 - Verification and measurements in temperature chambers
• IEC 60068-1 - General guidance
• IEC 60068-5-2 and IEC 60721 - Terms, definitions and environmental classification

Keywords: IEC 60068-2-1, cold test, environmental testing, Test Ab, Test Ad, Test Ae, temperature chamber, heat-dissipating, non heat-dissipating, temperature stability.