IPC-WHMA-A-620 Revision C remains the only industry-consensus standard for custom cable assembly and wire harnessing. Jointly developed by the Wiring Harness Manufacturers Association (WHMA) and the Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC), Revision C is the current version of the A-620 standard that debuted in January 2002. Since then, Revision A (2006) and Revision B (2012) have been published. Understanding the differences between A and B was important, but how well do you understand A-620 Revision C?

What’s New in IPC-WHMA-A-620 Revision C?

Published in 2017, IPC-WHMA-A-620 Revision C contains updates that make it easier to use. Emphasis was placed on graphics that explain key concepts, too. In some cases, Revision C sought to harmonize A-620 requirements with related criteria in other industry standards. For example, Revision C contains criteria for soldering gold cup terminals from J-STD-001. Parts of Revision C are also harmonized with IPC-A-610, “Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies”.

In addition, IPC-WHMA-A-620 Revision C introduces sections about safety wiring and cable, wire seals, grommets and raceways. The section about jack posts contains significant improvements, too. Known also as IPC-WHMA-A-620C, this industry-consensus standard is 428 pages long and has more than 700 full-color illustrations. A group of 130 industry professionals assessed, approved, and rejected the changes. Today, more than 11,000 people are certified as either trainers or users of IPC-WHMA-A-620.

How Is IPC-WHMA-A-620 Revision C Used?

Before the A-620 standard, providers of custom cable assembly and wire harnessing services followed many different reference documents and guidelines. Becoming IPC-WHMA-A-620 certified demonstrates a commitment to quality, but certification is more than just a marketing tool. As the WHMA explains, the A-620 standard can be incorporated into a quality management system and support ISO and regulatory requirements.

IPC/WHMA-A-620 Revision C can also be used to train workers to spot defects such as faulty crimps or solder joints. Armed with this knowledge, downstream employees who don’t perform crimping or soldering operations can then perform inspections that add even greater value to custom cable assemblies and wire harnesses. Quality-driven companies that analyze and categorize defects can set goals, track improvements, and pursue operational excellence.

IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certified

SHINE’s manufacturing center in Adams, Massachusetts is IPC/WHMA-A-620 certified. Moreover, all of our manufacturing staff and our entire QA department are certified to this important standard, which is sometimes called IPC 620. SHINE has a certified IPC trainer on staff, too. Because we can perform BOM scrubs with a special focus on crimps, SHINE can ensure that your specified call-outs meet IPC 620 crimp criteria.

Ready to learn more? Contact SHINE for more information, or request a quote on-line.