IEC 62642-1:2010

Overview

IEC 62642-1:2010 - “Alarm systems - Intrusion and hold‑up systems - Part 1: System requirements” defines the system‑level requirements for intrusion and hold‑up alarm systems (I&HAS) installed in buildings. The standard covers systems using specific or non‑specific wired interconnections as well as wire‑free (wireless) interconnections, and applies to I&HAS components normally mounted on the building exterior (for example ancillary control equipment and warning devices). IEC 62642-1 is the first part of the IEC 62642 series and aligns with EN 50131‑1 (2006) and its Amendment 1 (2009).

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard sets out functional, environmental and reliability requirements for I&HAS, including:

• System functions and components: definition of I&HAS architecture, detector types, control panels, warning devices and ancillary equipment.
• Functional requirements: detection of intruders, hold‑up triggering, tamper detection, fault recognition and masking.
• Operation and access control: access levels, authorization methods, setting/unsetting, inhibit/isolate and testing procedures.
• Processing and messaging: which signals/messages must be generated and how intruder, hold‑up, tamper and fault events are processed.
• Indication and notification: local and remote indication requirements, notification pathways and alarm transmission performance criteria (informative annex).
• Tamper security and monitoring: tamper protection, substitution monitoring and timing/verification requirements.
• Interconnections and communications: availability, monitoring, verification intervals and security of communications for wired and wireless links.
• Power supply and reliability: primary and alternative power supply requirements, minimum backup durations and recharge expectations.
• Environmental and safety: environmental classification (Indoor/Outdoor classes I–IV), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrical safety.
• Documentation and marking: required system and component documentation, event recording and identification.

Applications and who uses it

IEC 62642-1 is used by:

• System designers and manufacturers - to design compliant I&HAS components and control systems.
• Installers and integrators - for correct installation, interconnection and commissioning of alarms.
• Security consultants and specifiers - to define performance and grading requirements in bids and specifications.
• Facility managers and end users - to understand operational behaviour, testing and maintenance obligations.
• Certification and conformity assessors - to evaluate system compliance with system‑level requirements.

Practical applications include designing building alarm systems, selecting compliant components, specifying alarm transmission performance, and producing installation and handover documentation.

Related standards

• EN 50131‑1 (system requirements basis)
• Other parts of IEC 62642 series (device‑ and installation‑level standards)
• EMC and electrical safety standards referenced by IEC 62642-1

Keywords: IEC 62642-1, intrusion and hold‑up alarm systems, I&HAS, system requirements, tamper detection, alarm transmission, security grading.