Overview
IEC 60669-2-3:2024 - "Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 2-3: Particular requirements - Time-delay switches (TDS)" is the 4th edition (2024) of the international standard covering design, construction and testing of time‑delay switches used in household and similar fixed electrical installations. It applies to TDS devices with a rated voltage ≤ 440 V AC, rated current ≤ 63 A, intended for indoor or outdoor installations, operated by hand and/or remote control. The control circuit voltage is limited to ≤ 440 V AC or ≤ 220 V DC. This edition updates alignment with IEC 60669-1:2017 and introduces additional low‑temperature requirements (Annex E) for use below −5 °C.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard addresses practical and safety aspects across the product life cycle. Major technical topics include:
- Ratings and classifications: rated voltage/current, control voltage, preferred pole/rating combinations.
- Construction and materials: insulating parts, earthing provisions, terminals and screw/screwless connections.
- Marking and documentation: visibility, durability and terminal identification.
- Mechanical and electrical performance: mechanism operation, making/breaking, undue arcing, and normal operation tests (including inductive and lamp loads).
- Safety and protection: prevention of access to live parts, enclosures (IP protection), insulation resistance, creepage/clearances, and resistance to humidity, heat and ageing.
- Testing regimes: electric strength, temperature rise, mechanical strength (pendulum hammer, impact), endurance and specific tests for pilot lights and cord‑operated switches.
- Special conditions: Annex E - additional requirements and tests for switches intended for service below −5 °C.
(The table of contents shows exhaustive clauses on terminals, mounting, resistance to heat/fire/tracking, and many specific test procedures.)
Practical applications
IEC 60669-2-3:2024 is used to:
- Guide product design and engineering of time‑delay switches to meet safety and performance criteria.
- Define type and production test requirements for manufacturers and test laboratories.
- Support conformity assessment and certification for market access.
- Provide procurement and specification criteria for electrical contractors, system integrators and building specifiers selecting reliable TDS devices for lighting, HVAC control, timed isolation, and other domestic or similar fixed installations.
Who should use this standard
- Switch and control device manufacturers
- Test laboratories and certification bodies
- Electrical design engineers and product safety specialists
- Installers, procurement teams and specifiers in residential, commercial and outdoor installations
Related standards
- IEC 60669-1:2017 (general requirements for switches) - referenced and aligned in this edition.
- Other parts of IEC 60669 series relevant to specific switch types and accessory requirements.
Keywords: IEC 60669-2-3, time-delay switches, TDS, household switches, electrical installations, switch testing, rated voltage, Annex E low temperature.
Open preview (PDF)Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 2-3: Particular requirements - Time-delay switches (TDS)
