Wired In
By Christine Siebert
Learn How You Can Contribute to the IPC/WHMA-A-620 Standard That Your Company, Customers and Suppliers Depend On
Do you design wire harnesses? Do you build wire harnesses? Do you purchase wire harnesses? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you!
If you work in any of the above areas, then you have heard of the IPC/WHMA-A-A620 Standard. This standard remains the only industry-consensus standard Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies. The IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard prescribes practices and requirements for the manufacture of cable, wire and harness assemblies. The standard describes materials, methods, tests and acceptability criteria for producing crimped, mechanically secured and soldered interconnections, and the related assembly activities (corresponding lacing/restraining criteria) associated with cable and harness assemblies. Any method that produces an assembly conforming to the acceptability requirements described in this standard may be used.
The IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard sets expectations between you and your customers for what is considered acceptable quality workmanship for cables and harnesses. It’s a certification that demonstrates commitment to compliance and quality for cable and wire harnesses. The IPC/WHMA-A-620 is also a universally recognized workmanship standard within the wire harness industry that has created an understanding between manufacturers and OEMs.
Have you ever wondered how the IPC/WHMA-A-620 Standard was developed? How and why certain criteria were included? Would you like to assist in making this standard even better?
IPC and WHMA are continuously working together to update and maintain this standard. Since this Standard remains the only industry-consensus standard for Requirements and Acceptance of Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies, IPC/WHMA standards committee has created a formal A-620 Task Group.
The A-620 Task Group is comprised of people within the industry. We need members from all market segments for this committee to represent the standard. It is critical for YOUto be involved. There are several areas of improvements that need input: Technical, Editorial and New Content. We need your technical expertise to improve the A-620 standard. Participation can take place in meetings, teleconference, or by e-mail. So being at a distance should not deter you from participating. The committee meets twice a year so it’s minimal time commitment.
Other reasons to participate on the committee is that you’ll personally benefit from developing a network of experts with similar interests, sharpen your negotiating and presentation skills and build your resume by showing potential employers that you’re keeping up with technological changes in the industry. If you’re interested in joining this A-620 Task Group, please email [email protected] reference IPC/WHMA-A-620D and provide your complete contactinformation, including your address, phone, and fax number. They will get in touch with you on the best way to get involved. Committee communications are conducted through e-mail, so it is mandatory to provide a working e-mail address.
If you are not ready for full participation but would like to submit an area for improvement, there is a form in the back any of the IPC/WHMA-A-620 books or there is a form located on the ipc.org website.
Some key factors for successful submission
- Clear statement of issue and supporting information
- The more detail the better
- Propose a solution with supporting information
- IFthe committee reaches out to you for more information or clarity, respond back to their inquiry
I hope I have answered all your questions on how and why you should participate in developing the IPC/WHMA-A-620 Standard. Your input is very valuable and needs to be heard. If you are interested in other committees such as the 620 Training Committee, IPC-HDBK-620, 620-S Space Addendum, IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, or others, check the IPC website for details. www.ipc.org/statusor email [email protected]
