What is EN 60721-3-2:2011?

EN 60721-3-2:2011 is a technical standard that defines the classification of environmental conditions for electrical and electronic equipment. It provides guidance on the selection of suitable environments for different types of equipment in order to ensure their proper functioning and longevity.

Scope and Application

This standard specifies various environmental classes based on factors such as temperature, humidity, and altitude. It is applicable to a wide range of equipment used in industries such as telecommunications, industrial automation, and medical devices.

The purpose of defining environmental classes is to help manufacturers and users assess the suitability of equipment for specific operating conditions. By categorizing environmental conditions, it becomes easier to select equipment that can withstand these conditions and function reliably.

Environmental Classification

EN 60721-3-2:2011 defines the following classes for environmental conditions:

Class 0: Controlled environment

Class 1K: Tropical humid climate

Class 1N: Temperate climate

Class 2K: Extended temperate climate

Class 2M: Marine climate

Class 3K3: Continental and cold climate

Class 3M3: Arctic and severe polar climate

Each class specifies a range of conditions for factors like temperature, humidity, and altitude. Manufacturers can refer to this standard to determine under which class their equipment falls and provide appropriate specifications for their products.

Benefits of Compliance

Compliance with EN 60721-3-2:2011 helps both manufacturers and users in several ways. For manufacturers, it ensures that their equipment has undergone rigorous testing and can perform reliably under defined environmental conditions. This enhances the reputation of their products and increases customer confidence.

For users, compliance with this standard enables them to select equipment that can withstand the environmental conditions present in their specific operating environments. It minimizes the risk of equipment failure, reduces downtime, and extends the lifespan of the equipment.

In summary, EN 60721-3-2:2011 plays a vital role in ensuring the proper functioning and longevity of electrical and electronic equipment. By defining environmental classes, it guides manufacturers and users in selecting suitable operating environments and helps create more reliable and durable equipment.