IEC 62642-2-6:2010

Overview

IEC 62642-2-6:2010 - “Alarm systems - Intrusion and hold‑up systems - Part 2‑6: Intrusion detectors - Opening contacts (magnetic)” specifies functional, electrical and environmental requirements and tests for magnetic opening contacts used in intrusion and hold‑up alarm systems. Adopted as SIST IEC 62642-2-6:2024, this International Standard covers both wired and wirefree (wireless) opening contacts and supports security grades 1 to 4 and four environmental classes (internal and outdoor) as referenced in IEC 62599-1.

Key Topics

• Scope and purpose: Defines requirements for magnetic opening contacts that detect displacement of doors, windows or shutters by monitoring the magnetic field between two parts (corresponding magnet and switch component).
• Security grades: Criteria and mandatory functions for detectors to fulfil grades 1–4 (see IEC 62642-1 for system requirements).
• Functional requirements: Events to be processed, generation and classification of signals/messages, reverse signals (cancellation), switch‑on delays and operational behaviour.
• Detection performance: Definitions of approach (make) distance and removal (break) distance, detection verification and immunity to incorrect operation.
• Tamper security: Requirements for resistance to unauthorised access, including sealed construction and tamper signals.
• Electrical and EMC: Electrical limits, low supply voltage behaviour and electromagnetic compatibility referenced to IEC 62599-2 and IEC 61000 series.
• Environmental classification & testing: Environmental test methods and conditions (based on IEC 62599-1 and IEC 60068 family) including salt mist, temperature and humidity endurance.
• Interference and immunity tests: Use of standardized interference test magnets and procedures to verify resistance to external magnetic fields and sabotage magnets.
• Marking & documentation: Mandatory labelling, user instructions and test documentation requirements.
• Test annexes: Detailed normative annexes covering test magnets, testing matrix, movement axes, test surfaces and faces.

Applications

IEC 62642-2-6 is intended for:

• Manufacturers designing magnetic door/window contacts for commercial, residential and industrial alarm systems.
• System integrators and security installers specifying detector performance for projects.
• Independent test labs and certification bodies conducting conformity and grade testing.
• Security consultants, specifiers and facility managers selecting detectors for indoor and outdoor perimeter protection, access control monitoring, roller shutters and other opening elements.

Keywords: IEC 62642-2-6, opening contacts (magnetic), intrusion detectors, alarm systems, security grade, environmental classes, wirefree contact, tamper security, interference magnets, EMC testing.

Related Standards

• IEC 62642-1 (system requirements)
• IEC 62599-1 (environmental test methods)
• IEC 62599-2 (EMC immunity for fire & security)
• IEC 60068‑1 / IEC 61000 series
• EN 50131‑2‑6 (harmonized basis referenced in development)