This part of IEC 60512, when required by the detail specification, is used for testing connectors within the scope of technical committee 48. It may also be used for similar devices when specified in a detail specification.

The object of this standard is to detail a standard method to determine the flammability of a connector when exposed to a needle-flame under specified conditions.

The needle-flame test is intended to simulate the effect of small flames which may result from fault conditions within the equipment, i.e. the intensity of the ignition source used is of a similar order to that of an accidentally overheated or burning single electronic component.