This part of IEC 60721 classifies groups of environmental parameters and their severities to which products are subjected when installed for stationary use at weatherprotected locations.

The environmental conditions specified in this document are limited to those which can directly affect the performance of products. Only environmental conditions as such are considered. No special description of the effects of these conditions on the products is provided.

Environmental conditions directly related to explosion hazards, microclimate within a product, fire extinction and ionizing radiation are excluded. Any other unforeseen incidents are also excluded. The possibility of their occurrence can be considered as special cases. This document does not cover equipment covered by building standards, codes or regulations.

Conditions of stationary use at non-weatherprotected locations, portable and non-stationary use, use in vehicles and ships, conditions of storage and transportation, and microclimates inside products are given in other parts of the IEC 60721‑3 series.

A limited number of classes of environmental conditions is given, covering a broad field of applications.