| 1 | Electrical endurance (switching life) | Whether the switch can repeatedly make and break its specified electrical load without unacceptable degradation. | Operate the switch for a specified number of cycles at defined voltage, current, load type, and operating rate. Inspect and measure performance during or after cycling. | Cycle count, load type (for example, resistive or motor), operating rate, failure criteria, and post-test contact performance. A cycle rating is meaningful only when its test load is stated. | IEC 61058-1 or IEC 60947-5-1, as applicable to the switch and end use. |
| 2 | Mechanical endurance | Wear or failure of the actuator, return mechanism, latch, and other moving parts independent of electrical load. | Perform repeated operations under the conditions specified for the switch type; inspect operation and mechanical damage at the end of the test. | Number of operations, actuation force or travel, operating rate, mounting orientation, and whether the switch still functions correctly afterward. | IEC 61058-1 or IEC 60947-5-1, as applicable. |
| 3 | Contact resistance | Electrical resistance across closed contacts, which can contribute to voltage drop and local heating. | Measure the closed-circuit resistance using the method and measurement current specified by the applicable product test procedure. Compare before and after endurance or environmental tests. | Initial value, post-test change, measurement method, and the product’s stated limit. Do not compare readings taken with different methods as if they were equivalent. | Applicable switch product standard and the declared product specification. |
| 4 | Insulation resistance and dielectric withstand | Electrical insulation between live parts and accessible parts, and between circuits that must remain isolated. | Measure insulation resistance and apply the specified withstand voltage between the relevant terminals or conductive parts, following the applicable test standard. | Test points, test voltage and duration, acceptance criteria, and whether the test is performed before or after conditioning. Requirements vary with rated voltage and construction. | IEC 61058-1, IEC 60947-5-1, and insulation-coordination guidance in IEC 60664-1, as applicable. |
| 5 | Temperature rise under load | Heating at terminals, contacts, and other relevant locations during operation at the specified load. | Operate the mounted switch at the defined current and conditions until temperatures stabilize, then record the specified measurement points. | Rated current, ambient conditions, terminal configuration, wire size, mounting, measurement locations, and permitted temperature limits from the applicable specification. | Applicable switch product standard, such as IEC 61058-1 or IEC 60947-5-1. |
| 6 | Vibration resistance | Whether vibration causes unintended switching, intermittent contact, loosening, or mechanical damage. | Apply the specified vibration profile along defined axes while monitoring or subsequently checking electrical continuity and mechanical condition. | Frequency range, acceleration or displacement, duration, axes, mounting method, and monitored failure criteria. | IEC 60068-2-6 (vibration, sinusoidal), with product-specific severity levels. |
| 7 | Mechanical shock resistance | Whether sudden impacts impair operation, damage the housing, or change the switch’s electrical state. | Apply specified shock pulses in defined directions and inspect or electrically monitor the switch as required by the test plan. | Pulse shape, peak acceleration, duration, number of shocks, directions, mounting, and post-test function. | IEC 60068-2-27 (shock), with product-specific severity levels. |
| 8 | Damp heat and humidity resistance | Effects of moisture and temperature on insulation, contacts, materials, and operation. | Expose the switch to the specified steady-state or cyclic damp-heat procedure, then assess electrical and mechanical performance. | Temperature, relative humidity, exposure duration, recovery conditions, and measurements taken before and after conditioning. | IEC 60068-2-78 (damp heat, steady state) or IEC 60068-2-30 (damp heat, cyclic), as appropriate. |
| 9 | Corrosion or salt-mist resistance | Resistance of exposed metal parts, coatings, and connections to corrosive atmospheres relevant to the installation environment. | For products intended for suitable environments, expose samples to the specified salt-mist procedure and assess corrosion and continued function. | Whether the test is relevant to the application, exposure duration, sample preparation, corrosion assessment method, and post-test electrical results. Salt mist does not represent every real-world corrosive environment. | IEC 60068-2-11 (salt mist), where specified by the product or application requirements. |
| 10 | Ingress protection (dust and water) | Protection provided by the complete switch enclosure against access to hazardous parts, solid objects, and water, when an IP rating is claimed. | Test the assembled product using the procedures associated with its declared IP code. The required dust or water tests depend on the specific code. | Exact IP code, tested configuration, cable entries and seals, installation conditions, and whether the rating applies to the switch alone or the assembled equipment. | IEC 60529. |
