IEC 60068-3-7:2020

Overview

IEC 60068-3-7:2020 is a key international standard that establishes consistent and reproducible procedures for measuring and confirming the performance of temperature test chambers, specifically for environmental test conditions A (Cold) and B (Dry heat) as defined in IEC 60068-2-1 and IEC 60068-2-2. This edition, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), is particularly valuable for users performing regular chamber performance verification to ensure reliability and compliance in environmental testing.

The standard outlines best practices for assessing temperature chambers under both heat-dissipating and non heat-dissipating load conditions, incorporating the critical influence of air circulation within the chamber. It serves laboratories and manufacturers that rely on environmental simulation chambers to validate product durability and operational limits in cold or dry heat conditions.

Key Topics

• Uniform Performance Evaluation
  Specifies procedures for confirming that temperature test chambers consistently achieve the test parameters required by IEC 60068-2-1 (Cold) and IEC 60068-2-2 (Dry heat).

• Loading Conditions
  Guidance is provided for performance confirmation both with and without loads, addressing specimens that generate heat and those that do not.

• Measurement Systems
  Recommends use of platinum resistance thermometers complying with IEC 60751 or thermocouples according to IEC 60584-1, alongside guidance for humidity and air velocity sensors, wall emissivity, and suitable recording devices.

• Sensor Placement and Chamber Monitoring
  Details correct positioning of temperature sensors on chamber walls and loads to ensure accurate readings and reproducibility; includes requirements for routine and confirmation monitoring methods.

• Performance Criteria and Reporting
  Defines the criteria for confirming chamber conformity and the minimum information that must be included in test performance reports, such as environmental conditions, temperature profiles, air flow speeds, deviations, and evaluation of measurement uncertainties.

• Technical Revisions
  Notable updates in this edition include revised wording to express firm requirements using ‘shall’ instead of recommendations, and updated testing condition tables.

Applications

IEC 60068-3-7:2020 is essential for:

• Electronics and Electrical Manufacturers: To verify their temperature chambers meet international requirements for testing product performance under extreme cold or heat.
• Environmental Test Laboratories: For ensuring validation procedures align with recognized international standards, supporting accreditation and quality management systems.
• QA/QC Managers: To perform routine and confirmation monitoring of temperature chamber operation, maintaining regulatory and customer compliance.
• Product Designers and R&D Engineers: When developing products for challenging environments, to generate repeatable and credible reliability data.
• Maintenance and Service Professionals: For guidance on revalidating chamber performance after repairs, upgrades, or modifications affecting temperature control or air circulation.

Related Standards

• IEC 60068-2-1: Environmental testing – Part 2-1: Tests – Test A: Cold
• IEC 60068-2-2: Environmental testing – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry heat
• IEC 60068-3-5: Confirmation of the performance of temperature chambers
• IEC 60068-3-6: Confirmation of the performance of temperature/humidity chambers
• IEC 60068-3-1: Supporting background information for cold and dry heat tests
• IEC 60584-1: Thermocouples
• IEC 60751: Industrial platinum resistance thermometers

IEC 60068-3-7:2020 ensures that the measurement and verification of temperature chambers for environmental testing are performed to a recognized global standard, helping organizations deliver reliable, high-quality products prepared for real-world operational extremes.