IEC 60670-22:2024

Overview

IEC 60670-22:2024 is Part 22 of the IEC 60670 series and specifies particular requirements for connecting boxes and enclosures used with electrical accessories for household and similar fixed installations. It applies to boxes and enclosures (indoor or outdoor) for rated voltages up to 1 000 V AC and 1 500 V DC, suitable for ambient temperatures normally up to +40 °C (24 h average not exceeding +35 °C) down to −5 °C. This second edition (2024) replaces the 2003 edition and Amendment 1:2015 and is a technical revision introducing new types and tests.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and classification: Covers junction connecting boxes, tapping connecting boxes and combinations thereof, plus new box types added in this edition (see below).
• Rated voltages and temperatures: Limits for AC/DC voltages and defined ambient temperature ranges for product suitability.
• Types of boxes: Definitions and requirements for cord outlet boxes, boxes with integrated clamping units, detachable terminals, provisions for subsequent incorporation of terminals, and floating terminals.
• New additions (Edition 2.0):
  • Cable joints: Added as a new type of box with specific tests and requirements.
  • Direct sunlight exposure: New tests and requirements in Annex CC for enclosures exposed to sunlight.
  • Encapsulation capability: New type of connecting boxes that have encapsulation features; related tests and Annex DD.
• Essential technical areas covered:
  • Marking, dimensions and classification
  • Protection against electric shock and provision for earthing
  • Construction and mechanical strength
  • Resistance to ageing, water ingress and solids
  • Insulation resistance, electric strength, creepage and clearance
  • Resistance to heat, tracking, fire, corrosion
  • Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
  • Rated connecting capacity and terminal/clamping unit definitions
• Supporting annexes: Annex AA (examples), Annex BB (schematic presentations), Annex CC (sunlight), Annex DD (encapsulation).

Applications and users

IEC 60670-22 is essential for:

• Manufacturers of junction boxes, connecting enclosures and cable joints designing products for household and similar installations.
• Product designers and engineers specifying clamping units, terminals and encapsulation features.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing conformity testing against IEC requirements.
• Specifiers, installers and building electrical safety authorities selecting compliant enclosures for fixed installations.
• Regulatory and procurement teams requiring standardized performance for indoor/outdoor connecting boxes.

Related standards

• IEC 60670-1:2024 (general requirements for boxes and enclosures) - used in conjunction with Part 22.
• IEC 60998 series, IEC 60999-1 (connecting devices and clamping units).
• Referenced ISO standards for material testing (ISO 62, ISO 178, ISO 179-1, ISO 4892-2).

Keywords: IEC 60670-22, connecting boxes, junction boxes, cable joints, electrical enclosures, encapsulation, direct sunlight testing, IEC standard.