IEC 60669-2-2:2024

Overview

IEC 60669-2-2:2024 - Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations, Part 2-2 - defines particular requirements for electromagnetic remote-control switches (RCS). The fourth edition updates and replaces the 2006 edition and aligns this part with IEC 60669-1:2017. It applies to electromagnetic RCS with a rated switching voltage up to 440 V AC, rated switching current up to 63 A, and control circuit voltages not exceeding 440 V AC or 220 V DC, for indoor and outdoor household and similar fixed electrical installations. Electronic RCS are excluded (see IEC 60669-2-1). A notable addition is revised Annex E with extra tests for use below −5 °C.

Key topics and technical requirements

This standard specifies the essential safety, performance and test requirements for electromagnetic RCS, including:

• Ratings and classification (rated voltage, rated current, rated control voltage)
• Marking and identification requirements for terminals and ratings
• Protection against electric shock and earthing provisions
• Terminals, construction and mechanical requirements for reliable operation
• Coil and control-circuit requirements (permanently or non-permanently energized coils)
• Insulation resistance and electric strength testing and criteria
• Temperature rise limits and thermal classification for windings
• Making and breaking capacity and normal operation endurance tests
• Creepage distances, clearances and potting/coating per insulation coordination rules
• Resistance to ageing, humidity, heat, fire and tracking
• EMC requirements relevant to remote-control operation
• Additional cold-weather tests (Annex E) for devices intended for use below −5 °C

These topics derive from the standard’s structure and its normative references to ensure safe, interoperable electromagnetic RCS designs.

Applications and practical value

IEC 60669-2-2:2024 is used to:

• Provide design and test criteria for manufacturers of electromagnetic remote-control switches used in lighting, motor control, HVAC and building automation in residential and similar environments.
• Guide test laboratories and certification bodies when assessing compliance and issuing safety approvals.
• Inform electrical specifiers, installers and product managers about required markings, electrical ratings, environmental limits and durability expectations.
• Help product development teams align mechanical, electrical and EMC designs to recognized international safety benchmarks.

Using this standard improves product safety, market access and conformity with international best practices for fixed electrical installations.

Related standards

Key referenced documents include:

• IEC 60669-1:2017 (Part 1: General requirements)
• IEC 60669-2-1 (Electronic switches)
• IEC 61140, IEC 60664-1, IEC 60085, IEC 60317, IEC 60445, IEC 61558-2-6
• Electromechanical contactors: see IEC 61095

For designers and compliance teams, IEC 60669-2-2:2024 is a primary standard for safe, certified electromagnetic RCS used in household and similar fixed electrical installations.