IEC 62642-6:2011

Overview

IEC 62642-6:2011 - adopted as SIST IEC 62642-6:2024 - specifies requirements, performance criteria and test procedures for power supplies used in Intrusion and Hold‑up Alarm Systems (I&HAS). It covers power supplies that are either integral to an I&HAS component or provided as stand‑alone units. Control functions related to the power supply may be built into the power supply device or implemented in other I&HAS components (for example, control and indicating equipment).

This standard is part of the IEC 62642 series for alarm systems and replaces earlier national material (e.g. SIST IEC 60839-1-2:1995 in Slovenia).

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard defines functional, electrical and environmental requirements plus detailed test procedures. Major technical topics include:

• Functional requirements for monitoring and signalling of power status
  • Detection and signalling for loss of EPS, storage device (SD) low voltage and SD failure
  • Low output voltage and power unit failure signalling
  • Remote test capabilities
• Storage device (battery) management
  • Recharging, deep discharge protection, and SD recharging tests
• Protection features
  • Over‑voltage, short‑circuit, overload protection and automatic recovery behaviour
• Power performance and stability
  • Output voltage stability under gradual and switched load variations
  • Ripple and transient limits
• Automatic changeover to an alternate power source (APS) and APS capability
• Security and robustness
  • Tamper protection/detection, environmental requirements and mechanical mounting
• Compliance and safety
  • EMC requirements, electrical connections, marking and documentation
• Test methods
  • Detailed test procedures, pass/fail criteria and laboratory conditions for validation

Practical applications and users

IEC 62642-6 is intended for stakeholders involved in design, manufacture, specification, installation and certification of alarm power systems:

• Power supply designers and manufacturers creating PS units for I&HAS
• Alarm system manufacturers integrating power supplies into control panels and detectors
• System integrators and installers specifying compliant power solutions for intrusion and hold‑up systems
• Testing laboratories and certification bodies conducting conformity testing against IEC requirements
• Security consultants and specifiers writing procurement and installation requirements

Using this standard ensures reliable backup power, predictable alarm signalling during power events, and improved interoperability and safety of intrusion and hold‑up alarm installations.

Related standards

• IEC 62642 series (other parts covering detectors, control equipment, signalling)
• National adoptions (e.g. SIST IEC 62642-6:2024) and earlier related standards such as IEC 60839-1-2 (superseded references)

Keywords: IEC 62642-6, alarm systems, intrusion and hold‑up systems, power supplies, I&HAS, power supply testing, backup battery, tamper detection, APS, EPS, power unit protection.