IEC 60068-3-6:2018

Overview - IEC 60068-3-6:2018 (Temperature/Humidity Chambers)

IEC 60068-3-6:2018 is the International Electrotechnical Commission standard that defines a uniform and reproducible method for confirming the performance of temperature/humidity chambers. Focused on empty chambers (no specimens), it helps users verify that chamber conditions meet the requirements set out in the climatic test procedures of IEC 60068-2 (all parts). This second edition (2018) replaces the 2001 edition and provides a technical revision in which confirmation procedures are clarified.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard provides practical guidance for routine chamber performance monitoring and covers the following technical topics:

• Measurement system and metrology: guidance on the selection, calibration and use of temperature and humidity measurement systems (sensors and instrumentation) consistent with quality assurance practices.
• Sensor placement: specified locations for temperature sensors and humidity sensors in the chamber working space to ensure representative readings.
• Measurement methods: procedures for recording achieved humidity, temperature/humidity stabilization, and approaches to evaluate humidity fluctuation, humidity gradient, and spatial variation within the working volume.
• Standard humidity sequences: recommended test sequences to exercise the chamber and confirm performance over typical humidity profiles.
• Performance test reporting: required information to include in a performance test report and evaluation criteria for determining conformity.
• Supporting documentation: cross-references to related guidance on damp heat tests, temperature-only confirmation, and uncertainty calculation.

The document emphasizes reproducibility, traceability to calibration, and appropriate measurement practice rather than prescribing specific numerical tolerances.

Practical applications and users

IEC 60068-3-6 is used when organizations need to demonstrate or maintain the reliability of climatic test equipment. Typical users include:

• Test laboratory managers and technicians performing routine acceptance or periodic chamber checks
• Quality, reliability and environmental test engineers who design climatic test programs
• Calibration and metrology laboratories validating chamber measurement systems
• Manufacturers of environmental test chambers and test equipment suppliers
• Certification bodies and auditors assessing test capability and compliance

Using IEC 60068-3-6 helps ensure consistent, repeatable climate-conditioning conditions for product qualification, failure analysis, and standards-based testing.

Related standards

Relevant cross-references in the IEC 60068 series and other guidance include:

• IEC 60068-2 (all parts) - climatic test procedures
• IEC 60068-3-5 / 3-7 - confirmation of temperature chambers and measurements with load
• IEC 60068-3-4 - damp heat guidance
• IEC 60068-3-11 - uncertainty of conditions in climatic test chambers

Keywords: IEC 60068-3-6, temperature/humidity chambers, chamber performance monitoring, climatic test procedures, relative humidity, stabilization, measurement system, sensor placement.