standard byInternational Electrotechnical Commission , 01/01/2026
IEC 60721-3-5:2026 classifies the groups of environmental parameters and their severities
to which a product, not forming part of the vehicle, is subjected when installed on or in a ground
vehicle. Such products are for example radios, communication systems, fare meters, flow
meters for liquids transported by the vehicle, for example milk, petroleum products, etc.
Vehicles where products can be permanently or temporarily installed include
– road vehicles: passenger cars, commercial vehicles, special vehicles, towing vehicles,
trailers, mopeds, motorcycles,
– rail vehicles: trains, trams,
– tracked vehicles: excavators, cranes, rubber tracked vehicles,
– overland vehicles: four-wheel drive cars, tractors, snow scooters,
– handling and storage vehicles: fork-lift trucks (manual and robot), luggage transporters, and
– self-propelled machinery: diggers, harvesters.
Although this document is not intended for products forming part of the vehicles, the
environmental condition classification can also be used for some exchangeable parts, installed
in a similar way and in the same locations of the vehicle as products which do not form part of
the vehicle. Only severe conditions which can be harmful to products are included.
Conditions of storage, transportation and handling are given in IEC 60721-3-1 and
IEC 60721-3-2. Classification of storage and transportation environmental conditions are given
in other subparts of the IEC 60721-3 series.
Accidental incidents are not included, but it can be important to take their occurrence into
account for products vital to the safety of the ground vehicle.
