IEC 61810-2-1:2017

Overview

IEC 61810-2-1:2017 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies reliability test procedures for electromechanical elementary relays. This part 2-1 focuses on the verification of B10 values, which represent the number of operating cycles at which 10% of a batch of relays are expected to fail. It is essential for ensuring the enhanced reliability required of relays, especially those employed in safety-related control systems in machinery as per IEC 62061 and ISO 13849-1.

Updated in 2017, IEC 61810-2-1 introduces key technical revisions such as limiting tests to 10 million cycles, reducing test sample requirements from previous editions, and adopting the WeiBayes analysis method for routine testing. The standard is designed to support manufacturers and users in reliably assessing relay performance and preventing dangerous failures within safety-critical applications.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  The standard targets electromechanical elementary relays with stringent reliability verification needs. It provides methodologies for reliability testing, ensuring relays meet safety and operational criteria in industrial machinery environments.

• Verification of B10 Values

  • B10 represents the mean number of cycles until 10% of tested relays fail.
  • B10D values specifically refer to dangerous failures that may compromise machinery safety functions.
    The document prescribes test specimens, circuit setups, environmental conditions, and failure criteria for accurate B10 and B10D determination.

• Test Procedures

  • Type Tests: Comprehensive testing to validate relay design reliability before production.
  • Routine Tests: Periodic verification using WeiBayes analysis combined with sample testing for ongoing quality assurance.

• Reliability in Safety-Related Systems
  The standard aligns with machinery safety standards IEC 62061 and ISO 13849-1, where relay reliability directly impacts functional safety. The B10D values derived serve to estimate the Mean Time To Dangerous Failure (MTTFd), which is crucial for risk assessment and compliance.

Applications

IEC 61810-2-1:2017 applies primarily to manufacturers and engineers involved with:

• Design and Production of Electromechanical Relays
  Ensuring that relay components meet internationally recognized reliability benchmarks before market release.

• Safety-Related Control Systems in Machinery
  Industrial machines using safety controls rely heavily on reliable relays. This standard helps validate relays for incorporation into safety layers, minimizing risks of dangerous failures.

• Quality Control and Certification Processes
  Routine testing and statistical evaluation aid manufacturers in maintaining consistent relay reliability and support regulatory certification in global markets.

• Reliability Engineering and Risk Management
  Professionals calculating safety reliability metrics such as MTTFd utilize B10D values as a critical parameter derived from these standardized test methods.

Related Standards

• IEC 61810 Series

  • Part 1: General and safety requirements for electromechanical elementary relays.
  • Part 2: Overview of reliability requirements and criteria.
  • Part 3: Relays with forcibly guided (mechanically linked) contacts, offering high diagnostic coverage.

• IEC 62061
  Safety of machinery - Functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic control systems.

• ISO 13849-1
  Safety-related parts of control systems - Part 1: General principles for design.

Understanding and applying IEC 61810-2-1:2017 ensures that electromechanical relays perform reliably under operational stresses, particularly in safety-critical applications where failure can result in hazardous conditions. This standard solidifies the foundation for robust relay reliability testing, aligning with international safety and quality expectations in industrial automation and machinery control systems.

Keywords: IEC 61810-2-1, electromechanical relays, B10 values, reliability testing, safety-related control systems, IEC 62061, ISO 13849-1, mean time to dangerous failure, MTTFd, WeiBayes analysis, relay reliability, electromechanical elementary relays standards.