IEC 62642-2-73:2015

Overview

IEC 62642-2-73:2015 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies requirements for active surface-mounted glass break detectors used in intrusion and hold-up alarm systems. This standard applies to glass break detectors installed in buildings, addressing security grades 1 to 4 in accordance with IEC 62642-1, and categorizing devices by environmental classes I to IV per IEC 62599-1.

The standard describes functional and operational characteristics of these detectors, including detection performance, immunity to false alarms, tamper resistance, electrical requirements, and environmental suitability. IEC 62642-2-73:2015 also establishes test methods to ensure reliable detection of glass break events while minimizing false alarms, thus optimizing security system effectiveness.

Key Topics

• Scope and Definitions Covers active intrusion detectors specifically designed for detecting glass breakage through surface mounting on building windows or partitions. The standard provides definitions, functional requirements, and operational guidelines.

• Detection Performance Detectors must reliably distinguish genuine glass break events from normal environmental noises or impacts from small, soft, or hard objects without compromising sensitivity.

• Immunity to False Alarms Detailed measures address immunity against false alarms caused by various external influences, such as wide band noise, static and dynamic pressure, and physical interference to ensure alarm system accuracy.

• Tamper Security The standard requires features that detect unauthorized access attempts such as removal from mounting surfaces, masking, cover tampering, and interference from magnetic fields.

• Electrical and Environmental Requirements It specifies electrical parameters like voltage range, current consumption, and transient disturbance resilience. It also classifies detectors according to environmental conditions to ensure reliable operation under diverse climatic scenarios.

• Testing Procedures Provides comprehensive testing protocols for detection performance, immunity to false alarms, tamper resistance, electrical characteristics, and environmental adaptability. Specific test methods include sensitivity to hitting objects, pressure variations, and noise interference.

Applications

IEC 62642-2-73:2015 is essential for manufacturers, installers, and system integrators involved in security alarm systems where detection of glass breakage is critical. Programs for commercial buildings, residential properties, retail stores, and sensitive facilities such as banks or data centers benefit from compliance with this standard to:

• Enhance intrusion detection accuracy
• Reduce false alarm rates and unnecessary security responses
• Ensure consistent performance across different environmental conditions
• Maintain tamper-proof security components to prevent sabotage
• Meet regulatory and insurance requirements for security systems
• Facilitate compatibility with wired or wireless alarm monitoring configurations

By adhering to IEC 62642-2-73, alarm system stakeholders can deliver robust detection solutions increasing building security against unauthorized entry through window breakage.

Related Standards

• IEC 62642-1 – Alarm systems – Intrusion and hold-up systems – Part 1: System requirements – Defines overall security grades and system-level requirements applicable to intrusion detectors including glass break detectors.

• IEC 62599-1 – Alarm and electronic security systems – Environmental classifications – Provides environmental classes and tests necessary to verify equipment functionality in varied operating conditions.

• IEC 62642 Series – Comprises parts focusing on different types of intrusion detectors and hold-up alarm systems, providing interoperability and performance consistency across different detection technologies.

• IEC Electropedia & IEC Glossary – Online references for electrotechnical terms referenced throughout the standard, useful for understanding terminologies in alarm system standards.

Using IEC 62642-2-73 alongside these related IEC standards ensures comprehensive security and performance compliance for alarm systems utilizing active glass break detectors.