IPC WHMA A-620E-2022 PDF

Full title and description

IPC/WHMA-A-620E — Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies (Revision E, 2022). This industry-consensus standard, developed jointly by IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) and the Wiring Harness Manufacturers Association (WHMA), prescribes materials, methods, tests and acceptance criteria for the manufacture of cable, wire and harness assemblies including crimped, mechanically secured and soldered interconnections and related assembly activities.

Abstract

Revision E (2022) modernized chaptering and illustrations, added and updated figures, and aligned soldering requirements with IPC J-STD-001 to clarify workmanship expectations and reduce unnecessary rework. The standard defines measurable acceptance criteria and relies on process-control methodology and Class-based product definitions (Class 1, 2 and 3) so manufacturers and purchasers can agree the applicable acceptance level for a given assembly.

General information

• Status: Superseded historical revision (Revision E, 2022). The IPC/WHMA-A-620 series continued development and Revision F was released after E (Revision F released October 1, 2025).
• Publication date: October 1, 2022 (Revision E).
• Publisher: IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) in cooperation with the Wiring Harness Manufacturers Association (WHMA).
• ICS / categories: Electronics and electronic assemblies; typically classified under ICS 31.190 (electronic component assemblies) and related electrical wires/cables categories (e.g., 29.060).
• Edition / version: Revision E (2022).
• Number of pages: 388 pages (English edition).

Scope

Specifies requirements and acceptance criteria for cable, wire and harness assemblies used across commercial, industrial and high-reliability applications. Topics include wire preparation and stripping, conductor condition, crimping (stamped/formed and machined contacts), soldered terminations, insulation displacement connectors, splices, shielding, coax/biax assemblies, connectors and housings, molding/overmolding, routing and restraint (lacing, bundling), marking/identification, process control and inspection criteria. The standard does not provide X‑ray acceptance criteria (see appendices for X‑ray guidelines).

Key topics and requirements

• Product classification (Class 1 — general, Class 2 — dedicated service, Class 3 — high performance/harsh environment) and requirement of agreement on Class prior to inspection.
• Detailed workmanship and acceptability criteria for wire stripping, strand damage, conductor bird‑caging, insulation damage and end‑cuts.
• Crimp quality criteria for stamped/formed and machined contacts; mechanical retention and inspection guidance.
• Soldering requirements aligned with IPC J‑STD‑001 for soldered terminations and related processes.
• Requirements for coax, twinax and semirigid cable terminations, shielding and grounding, overmolding and connector assembly practices.
• Process control and quality assurance recommendations; references to companion guidance (e.g., IPC 9191 for statistical process control) and addenda for space/military applications.

Typical use and users

Used by wire‑harness and cable-assembly manufacturers, OEMs, contract assemblers, design engineers, quality/inspection personnel, procurement/specification writers, assembly trainers and test engineers in industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, medical devices, telecommunications and industrial equipment. It is also used as a training and certification reference for IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 application specialists and auditors.

Related standards

Commonly referenced companions and related documents include IPC J‑STD‑001 (requirements for soldered electrical and electronic assemblies), IPC‑A‑610 (acceptability of electronic assemblies), IPC‑D‑620 (design and critical process requirements for cable and wiring harnesses), IPC 9191 (statistical process control guidance) and the IPC/WHMA‑A‑620E‑S Space and Military Addendum for space/military applications. Revision E explicitly aligned soldering requirements with J‑STD‑001.

Keywords

wire harness, cable assembly, crimping, soldering, acceptance criteria, workmanship, IPC, WHMA, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, shielding, coax, overmolding, inspection, process control.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IPC/WHMA‑A‑620E is the Revision E (2022) edition of the industry consensus standard that defines requirements and acceptance criteria for cable and wire harness assemblies, jointly published by IPC and WHMA.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers materials, methods, tests and acceptability criteria for producing crimped, mechanically secured and soldered interconnections and related assembly activities (preparation, termination, shielding, routing, marking, etc.). It also provides process‑control recommendations and product class definitions used for inspection and procurement.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of cable and wire harness assemblies, OEMs and contract manufacturers, QA/inspection staff, design and procurement engineers, trainers and certification bodies that evaluate or produce wired assemblies across automotive, aerospace, medical, defense, telecom and industrial sectors.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Revision E (2022) is a published historical revision. The IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 series continued development and Revision F was released (Revision F, October 1, 2025), so E is superseded by F for the most current criteria. Users should reference the latest revision when a current specification is required.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 is part of the IPC family of workmanship and assembly standards and has companion documents and addenda (for example IPC‑D‑620 for design guidance and the IPC/WHMA‑A‑620E‑S space/military addendum). It is commonly used alongside IPC J‑STD‑001 and IPC‑A‑610.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: wire harness, cable assembly, crimp, solder, acceptance criteria, workmanship, shielding, coax, overmolding, inspection, IPC, WHMA.