IEC 63522-13:2024

Overview

IEC 63522-13:2024 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies test methods and measurements for electromechanical relays exposed to corrosive atmospheres caused by sulfur compounds. This standard targets elementary electromechanical relays, including reed relays, reed switches, and related technology combinations, assessing their performance under sulfuric environmental stress during transportation, storage, and operational use.

By simulating sulfur-polluted environments-specifically sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) atmospheres-IEC 63522-13 provides a standardized procedure to evaluate the reliability of relay contacts exposed to corrosion risks. The test is designed as a static exposure focusing on worst-case corrosion scenarios, highlighting potential impacts such as contact sticking or increased resistance that can degrade relay performance over time.

Key Topics

• Scope and Relay Types: Applicable to electromechanical elementary relays, including mechanical relays, reed relays, reed contacts, and reed switches.
• Corrosive Atmosphere Simulation: Tests simulate sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide atmospheres based on IEC 60068-2-42 and IEC 60068-2-43 standards, with controlled pollutant concentrations to replicate harsh conditions.
• Test Conditions:
  • Static exposure without operation to simulate corrosion build-up.
  • Various durations (4, 10, 21 days) to assess short and extended corrosion impact.
  • Contact states during testing can be open or closed.
  • Recovery phase under defined environmental conditions ensures accurate post-test assessment.
• Measurements and Evaluation:
  • Initial and post-exposure contact circuit resistance measurements to detect corrosion-induced resistance changes.
  • Functional performance tests as per IEC 63522-7.
  • The importance of measuring contact resistance within 2 hours after testing to avoid results distortion.
• Complementary Standards: Salt-laden atmosphere testing guided by IEC 63522-44 for combined corrosive environment assessments.

Applications

IEC 63522-13:2024 serves multiple critical purposes in industries where relay reliability under contaminated atmospheres is essential:

• Industrial Automation: Ensures relay integrity in manufacturing environments exposed to sulfur compounds.
• Transportation and Storage: Verifies relay durability during supply chain phases where corrosive atmospheres may prevail.
• Energy and Electrical Equipment: Confirms the resilience of relay contacts in switchgear and protection devices operating in sulfur-polluted areas.
• Quality Control: Provides manufacturers with a benchmark to compare relay designs against sulfur corrosion, aiding in product development and certification.
• Field Maintenance: Helps users anticipate relay degradation risks in sulfur-rich operational environments and plan maintenance or replacements accordingly.

Related Standards

• IEC 60068-2-42:2003 - Environmental testing – Sulfur dioxide test for contacts and connections.
• IEC 60068-2-43:2003 - Environmental testing – Hydrogen sulphide test for contacts and connections.
• IEC 63522-0 - Electrical relays – Tests and measurements – Part 0: Testing – General and guidance.
• IEC 63522-1 - Electrical relays – Tests and measurements – Part 1: Visual inspection and check of dimensions.
• IEC 63522-6 - Electrical relays – Tests and measurements – Part 6: Contact-circuit resistance.
• IEC 63522-7 - Electrical relays – Tests and measurements – Part 7: Functional tests.
• IEC 63522-44 - Electrical relays – Tests and measurements – Part 44: Salt-laden atmospheres for corrosive testing.

Keywords: IEC 63522-13:2024, electrical relays testing, sulfur corrosion, electromechanical relays, reed relays, sulfur dioxide test, hydrogen sulfide test, contact resistance measurement, corrosive atmosphere standards, relay performance evaluation, sulfur impact on relays, IEC electrical relay standards.

IEC 63522-13:2024 is fundamental for manufacturers, testers, and users needing to ensure the longevity and safe operation of electromechanical relays subjected to corrosive sulfur-rich environments. Adhering to this standard enables consistent, reliable testing and supports global harmonization in relay quality assurance.