This part of IEC 60512 is intended to be used as a basis for tests and measurements specifications for electrical connectors. It provides guidance and reference for tests and measurements within the IEC 60512 series.

It includes the description and the practice of the various phases of tests and measurements (preparation, tests and measurements, requirements, documentation), in addition to basic terms and definitions applicable to any part of the IEC 60512 series.

This document is used in conjunction with IEC 60512-1-101 to establish uniform detail tests and measurements specifications.

Detail tests and measurements specifications are applicable to electrical connectors and their components (e.g. connector inserts, connector housings, locking mechanisms, contacts and terminations) within the scope of technical committee 48. They may also be used for similar devices when specified in a detail product specification.

Detail tests and measurements specifications are used in conjunction with detail product specifications which prescribe the tests to be used, the required degree of severity for each of them and the permissible performance limits. The detail product specification also specifies the deviations in procedures, which may be required when applying a test to the type of connector or its component under consideration, and it further specifies any special procedures which may be required.

NOTE RF and fibre optical connectors are not dealt with by subcommittee 48B, however, hybrid connectors which additionally employ RF and/or fibre optic contacts, are handled by SC 48B in cooperation with TC 46 and/or TC 86.