
The standard “EN IEC 60352-5 Solderless connections - Part 5: Press-fit connections - General requirements, test methods and practical guide”, which has its origins in a European standard and was subsequently published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), describes the requirements and test methods for solderless press-fit connections used in electrical and electronic equipment and components.

A crimp connection consists of a termination element with a suitable crimp area that is inserted into a hole in a circuit board. In addition to testing procedures to ensure electrically stable connections under specified environmental conditions, materials information and data from industrial experience are incorporated.
The purpose of this standard is to determine the suitability of crimp-on connectors under the mechanical, electrical and atmospheric conditions specified by the crimp-on termination manufacturer and to provide a means of comparing test results when the tools used to make the connections are of different design or manufacture.
Joints must be machined carefully and workmanlike in accordance with current good practice. The appendix to this standard provides practical guidance and a benchmark for assessing workmanship (Annex A). Some industry sectors (e.g., automotive, aerospace, marine, nuclear, military) use workmanship standards that may be agreed upon between the manufacturer and user. The manufacturer must provide instructions for assembling the joints.
Tools must be used and inspected according to the instructions and dimensions provided by the manufacturer. Tools must be able to make uniform and reliable connections, i.e., press connections, that comply with the requirements of this standard. Tools must be designed so that, when operated correctly, they will not damage the press connection or the board. The performance of tools is evaluated by testing the connections they make and by performing tests in accordance with this standard. Tools must meet the requirements of this standard.
The material used in the press-fit zone must be specified by the manufacturer. The performance of the press-fit connection depends on the dimensions of the specifically shaped press-fit zone, the materials used for the press-fit termination, the dimensions and materials of the plated hole in the printed circuit board or molded interconnect device, or the dimensions of the hole in the metal circuit board. The press-fit zone of the press-fit termination zone must be unplated or plated. The surface finish must be specified by the manufacturer. The surface must be free of harmful contamination or corrosion.
For testing purposes, test boards complying with IEC 61188-5-1 and IEC 62326-4, or with specifications specified by the manufacturer, must be used. For press terminations intended for use on printed circuit boards, four-layer printed circuit boards must be used for testing unless otherwise specified in the detailed product specification or the manufacturer's specification. For press termination areas on solder-on printed circuit boards, test boards must be prepared in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
The test plate thickness should be the same as the intended thickness of the plug-in joint. When a plug-in termination is designed for use with different plate thicknesses, the selected test plate should be the thinnest nominal thickness for which the plug-in joint is intended.
In short, EN IEC 60352-5 is a comprehensive guide to solderless press joints for use in electrical and electronic equipment. It provides detailed requirements, test methods, and practical guidance for professionals involved in the design, testing, and installation of these joints.
Solderless press connections involve inserting a termination element with a specially designed press area into a hole on a board, typically a printed circuit board (PCB) or other non-printed material such as metal boards. Unlike traditional soldered connections, this method eliminates the need for soldering, providing a faster, more environmentally friendly, and reliable alternative for creating electrically stable connections.
The main advantages of such connections are:
EN IEC 60352-5 standard applies to solderless plug-in connections used in electrical and electronic equipment and components. It aims to ensure that these connections are electrically stable under specified mechanical, electrical, and atmospheric conditions. This standard specifies:
This standard applies to connections where a termination element is inserted into the plated hole of a double-sided or multi-layer board and to other board types reflecting modern manufacturing trends.
The EN IEC 60352-5 standard is important to a variety of professionals, including:
This standard is widely applied in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, industrial machinery and telecommunications, where reliable and efficient electrical connections are critical.
In a rapidly evolving technological environment, compliance with the latest standards is vital to maintaining a competitive advantage. The EN IEC 60352-5 standard provides professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to create high-quality, reliable, and environmentally responsible electrical connections. Industries that adopt solderless pressing technology can improve product performance, reduce production costs, and align with sustainability goals.
As a result, the EN IEC 60352-5 standard is a vital resource for professionals working with solderless crimp connections. Its comprehensive guidance on design, testing, and implementation ensures reliable and efficient connections in a variety of applications. By adopting this standard, engineers, manufacturers, and quality assurance teams can stay ahead in the dynamic world of electrical and electronic engineering and deliver innovative and sustainable solutions.
Our organization, which has been operating for many years and meticulously follows global developments in science and technology, employs a team of experienced professionals and a broad infrastructure to conduct testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the standard "EN IEC 60352-5 Solderless connections - Part 5: Press-fit connections - General requirements, test methods, and practical guide."
