IEC 61249-2-4:2001

Overview

IEC 61249-2-4:2001 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the requirements for polyester non-woven/woven fibreglass laminated sheets reinforced with fibreglass, clad with copper foil. These materials are designed for use in printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other interconnecting structures. The standard sets the defined flammability criteria based on vertical burning tests, covering laminate thicknesses ranging from 0.80 mm to 1.60 mm.

This standard addresses the physical, electrical, and mechanical properties of the copper-clad laminate as well as the characteristics of the base material after removal of the copper foil. It is essential in ensuring consistent quality, safety, and reliability of materials used in electronic assemblies.

Key Topics

• Scope and Material Composition
  Defines polyester woven and non-woven fiberglass laminate with copper cladding as the key material. The standard applies specifically to thicknesses between 0.80 mm and 1.60 mm.

• Flammability Requirements
  Specifies vertical burning test methods for determining flammability to ensure fire safety compliance in PCB materials.

• Electrical and Non-Electrical Properties
  Details electrical insulation characteristics alongside mechanical properties including flexural strength, dimensional stability, water absorption, and thermal performance.

• Material Construction
  Covers the insulating base material, reinforcement type, and copper foil layering that contribute to the laminate’s overall performance.

• Testing and Quality Assurance
  Describes acceptance testing procedures, quality control systems, certification requirements, and packaging/marking protocols to maintain manufacturing consistency and traceability.

Applications

IEC 61249-2-4 materials are widely used in manufacturing printed circuit boards for:

• Consumer electronics
• Telecommunications
• Industrial control systems
• Computing hardware
• Automotive electronic modules

The polyester non-woven/woven fiberglass copper-clad laminates specified by this standard provide essential flame retardance, mechanical durability, and electrical insulation necessary for the safe and efficient operation of electronic devices. By complying with this standard, manufacturers ensure materials meet recognized international benchmarks which result in enhanced product reliability and safety.

Related Standards

For applications involving materials for printed boards and interconnecting structures, IEC 61249-2-4:2001 complements these IEC standards:

• IEC 60068 series – Environmental testing for electronic components
• IEC 60249 series – Base materials for rigid and multilayer printed boards
• IEC 61189 series – Test methods for electrical insulation and PCB materials
• IEC 61249-2 series – General requirements for reinforced base materials used in PCBs

These interrelated standards provide comprehensive guidance on material properties, test methods, and quality controls ensuring harmonization across the electronic manufacturing supply chain.

Keywords: IEC 61249-2-4, polyester fiberglass laminate, copper-clad laminate, printed circuit board materials, PCB base materials, flame retardant PCB, vertical burning test, electronic insulation materials, fibreglass reinforcement, laminate thickness, IEC standards for PCBs, electrical properties of PCB materials