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Specialty Cables & Services

What is IPC/WHMA-A-620 and why does it matter for wiring harnesses?

Quick answer

IPC/WHMA-A-620 is an industry standard titled Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies. It was developed jointly by IPC and the Wire Harness Manufacturers Association, and it describes how finished cable and harness assemblies should look and perform, covering wire preparation, crimping, soldering, connector assembly, routing and marking.

The standard defines acceptance criteria in three classes: Class 1 for general products, Class 2 for dedicated service products and Class 3 for high-performance products. A buyer who wants it applied should state the class on the drawing, because the inspection criteria differ between classes.

APAR's harness pages do not name this standard. A buyer who requires it should state the standard and class at enquiry and confirm the requirement with APAR before the quotation is accepted.

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