Materials for printed boards and other interconnecting structures - Part 2-53: Reinforced base materials clad and unclad - PTFE unfilled laminate sheets of defined flammability (vertical burning test), copper-clad

IEC 61249-2-53:2025 specifies requirements for properties of PTFE unfilled reinforced laminated sheet of a thickness 0,05 mm up to 10,0 mm of defined flammability (vertical burning test), copper-clad. This part of IEC 61249 is applicable to the design, manufacture, use of PTFE unfilled reinforced laminated sheet of defined flammability (vertical burning test), copper-clad. Its flame resistance is defined in terms of the flammability requirements of 8.4.

Werkstoffe für Leiterplatten und andere Verbindungsstrukturen - Teil 2-53: Kaschierte und unkaschierte verstärkte Basismaterialien - ungefüllte PTFE-Laminattafeln mit definierter Brennbarkeit (Brennprüfung mit vertikaler Prüflingslage), kupferkaschiert

Matériaux pour circuits imprimés et autres structures d’interconnexion - Partie 2-53: Matériaux de base renforcés, métallisés et non métallisés - Feuilles stratifiées non chargées en PTFE d’inflammabilité définie (essai de combustion verticale), plaquées cuivre

L'IEC 61249-2-53:2025 fournit les exigences relatives aux propriétés des feuilles stratifiées renforcées non chargées en PTFE d'une épaisseur comprise entre 0,05 mm et 10,0 mm, d'inflammabilité définie (essai de combustion verticale), plaquées cuivre. La présente partie de l'IEC 61249 s'applique à la conception, à la fabrication et à l'utilisation des feuilles stratifiées renforcées non chargées en PTFE d'inflammabilité définie (essai de combustion verticale), plaquées cuivre. Sa résistance à la flamme est définie en fonction des exigences d'inflammabilité de 8.4.

Materiali za plošče tiskanih vezij in druge povezovalne strukture - 2-53. del: Pokovinjeni in nepokovinjeni ojačeni osnovni materiali - laminatne plošče z določeno vnetljivostjo, polnjene s politetrafluoretilenom (preskus navpične gorljivosti), bakrena obloga

General Information

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
31-Dec-2024
Publication Date
04-Feb-2026
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
06-Jan-2026
Due Date
13-Mar-2026
Completion Date
05-Feb-2026

Relations

Effective Date
03-Feb-2026
Effective Date
03-Feb-2026
Effective Date
03-Feb-2026
Effective Date
03-Feb-2026
Effective Date
03-Feb-2026
Effective Date
03-Feb-2026
Effective Date
03-Feb-2026
Effective Date
03-Feb-2026

Overview

EN IEC 61249-2-53:2025 specifies requirements for PTFE unfilled reinforced laminate sheets (copper-clad) used in printed boards and other interconnecting structures. The standard covers copper-clad PTFE laminates with thicknesses from 0.05 mm up to 10.0 mm and defines flame resistance using a vertical burning (flammability) test (see clause 8.4). It is intended for designers, manufacturers and users involved in the design, manufacture and use of PTFE-based base materials for printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Key topics and technical requirements

The document addresses both electrical and non-electrical properties and conformity processes, including:

  • Construction and materials: resin system, reinforcement and metal foil requirements for copper-clad PTFE laminates.
  • Electrical properties: dielectric and performance parameters relevant to PCB use (see Table 1 in the standard).
  • Mechanical and dimensional requirements: laminate thickness tolerances, cut panel sizes, bow and twist, rectangularity and surface appearance.
  • Copper-to-laminate bond: peel strength, heat shock and related bonding properties.
  • Thermal and stability characteristics: glass transition, decomposition temperature, Z-axis and X/Y-axis expansion, thermal conductivity and time-to-delamination (TMA).
  • Flammability and moisture: vertical burning (flammability) classification and water absorption limits (clause 8.4 and Table 10–11).
  • Manufacturing quality & inspection: qualification and conformance inspection procedures, sampling, certificate of conformance and safety data sheet requirements.
  • Packaging, marking and ordering information: standardized labelling and delivery data.

Practical applications

This standard is applicable wherever PTFE unfilled reinforced copper-clad laminates are chosen for PCB substrates, particularly in applications requiring:

  • Low dielectric loss and stable electrical performance
  • High-frequency / RF and microwave circuits
  • Elevated temperature operation and enhanced dimensional stability
  • Specialized or high-reliability electronic assemblies (aerospace, defense, telecommunications, medical electronics)

Using EN IEC 61249-2-53:2025 helps manufacturers and buyers ensure consistent material performance, reliable copper bonding, controlled flammability classification, and documented quality assurance for PTFE laminates.

Who should use this standard

  • PCB material manufacturers and laminators
  • Printed circuit board designers and fabricators
  • Procurement and quality assurance teams specifying base materials
  • Test laboratories performing flammability and mechanical tests
  • Regulatory and compliance professionals managing product safety claims

Related standards

  • Other parts of the IEC 61249 series (reinforced base materials for PCBs)
  • Standards and test methods referenced within EN IEC 61249-2-53 for flammability, thermal and electrical testing

Keywords: EN IEC 61249-2-53:2025, PTFE laminate, copper-clad, printed circuit boards, vertical burning test, reinforced base materials, PCB materials, flammability classification.

Standard

SIST EN IEC 61249-2-53:2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

SIST EN IEC 61249-2-53:2026 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Materials for printed boards and other interconnecting structures - Part 2-53: Reinforced base materials clad and unclad - PTFE unfilled laminate sheets of defined flammability (vertical burning test), copper-clad". This standard covers: IEC 61249-2-53:2025 specifies requirements for properties of PTFE unfilled reinforced laminated sheet of a thickness 0,05 mm up to 10,0 mm of defined flammability (vertical burning test), copper-clad. This part of IEC 61249 is applicable to the design, manufacture, use of PTFE unfilled reinforced laminated sheet of defined flammability (vertical burning test), copper-clad. Its flame resistance is defined in terms of the flammability requirements of 8.4.

IEC 61249-2-53:2025 specifies requirements for properties of PTFE unfilled reinforced laminated sheet of a thickness 0,05 mm up to 10,0 mm of defined flammability (vertical burning test), copper-clad. This part of IEC 61249 is applicable to the design, manufacture, use of PTFE unfilled reinforced laminated sheet of defined flammability (vertical burning test), copper-clad. Its flame resistance is defined in terms of the flammability requirements of 8.4.

SIST EN IEC 61249-2-53:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 31.180 - Printed circuits and boards. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

SIST EN IEC 61249-2-53:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 61189-2:2006, SIST EN 61249-5-1:2001, SIST EN IEC 61189-2-803:2023, SIST EN 61189-2-721:2015, SIST EN IEC 61189-2-809:2025, SIST EN 50513:2009, SIST EN IEC 61189-2-807:2021, SIST EN IEC 61249-6-3:2024. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

SIST EN IEC 61249-2-53:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2026
Materiali za plošče tiskanih vezij in druge povezovalne strukture - 2-53. del:
Pokovinjeni in nepokovinjeni ojačeni osnovni materiali - laminatne plošče z
določeno vnetljivostjo, polnjene s politetrafluoretilenom (preskus navpične
gorljivosti), bakrena obloga
Materials for printed boards and other interconnecting structures - Part 2-53: Reinforced
base materials clad and unclad - PTFE unfilled laminate sheets of defined flammability
(vertical burning test), copper-clad
Werkstoffe für Leiterplatten und andere Verbindungsstrukturen - Teil 2-53: Kaschierte
und unkaschierte verstärkte Basismaterialien - ungefüllte PTFE-Laminattafeln mit
definierter Brennbarkeit (Brennprüfung mit vertikaler Prüflingslage), kupferkaschiert
Matériaux pour circuits imprimés et autres structures d’interconnexion - Partie 2-53:
Matériaux de base renforcés, métallisés et non métallisés - Feuilles stratifiées non
chargées en PTFE d’inflammabilité définie (essai de combustion verticale), plaquées
cuivre
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 61249-2-53:2025
ICS:
31.180 Tiskana vezja (TIV) in tiskane Printed circuits and boards
plošče
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 61249-2-53

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM November 2025
ICS 31.180
English Version
Materials for printed boards and other interconnecting structures
- Part 2-53: Reinforced base materials clad and unclad - PTFE
unfilled laminate sheets of defined flammability (vertical burning
test), copper-clad
(IEC 61249-2-53:2025)
Matériaux pour circuits imprimés et autres structures Werkstoffe für Leiterplatten und andere
d'interconnexion - Partie 2-53: Matériaux de base renforcés, Verbindungsstrukturen - Teil 2-53: Kaschierte und
métallisés et non métallisés - Feuilles stratifiées non unkaschierte verstärkte Basismaterialien - ungefüllte PTFE-
chargées en PTFE d'inflammabilité définie (essai de Laminattafeln mit definierter Brennbarkeit (Brennprüfung mit
combustion verticale), plaquées cuivre vertikaler Prüflingslage), kupferkaschiert
(IEC 61249-2-53:2025) (IEC 61249-2-53:2025)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2025-11-14. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 61249-2-53:2025 E

European foreword
The text of document 91/1978/CDV, future edition 1 of IEC 61249-2-53, prepared by TC 91
"Electronics assembly technology" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by
CENELEC as EN IEC 61249-2-53:2025.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2026-11-30
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2028-11-30
document have to be withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61249-2-53:2025 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE 1  Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2  Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 61189-2 2006 Test methods for electrical materials, EN 61189-2 2006
printed boards and other interconnection
structures and assemblies - Part 2: Test
methods for materials for interconnection
structures
IEC 61189-2-721 2015 Test methods for electrical materials, EN 61189-2-721 2015
printed boards and other interconnection
structures and assemblies - Part 2-721:
Test methods for materials for
interconnection structures - Measurement
of relative permittivity and loss tangent for
copper clad laminate at microwave
frequency using a split post dielectric
resonator
IEC 61189-2-803 2023 Test methods for electrical materials, EN IEC 61189-2- 2023
printed boards and other interconnection 803
structures and assemblies - Part 2-803:
Test methods for Z-axis expansion of base
materials and printed boards
IEC 61189-2-807 2021 Test methods for electrical materials, EN IEC 61189-2- 2021
printed boards and other interconnection 807
structures and assemblies - Part 2-807:
Test methods for materials for
interconnection structures - Decomposition
temperature (Td) using TGA
IEC 61189-2-809 2024 Test methods for electrical materials, EN IEC 61189-2- 2025
circuit boards and other interconnection 809
structures and assemblies - Part 2-809:
X/Y coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE)
test for thick base materials by TMA
IEC 61249-5-1 - Materials for interconnection structures - EN 61249-5-1 -
Part 5: Sectional specification set for
conductive foils and films with and without
coatings - Section 1: Copper foils (for the
manufacture of copper-clad base
materials)
IEC 61249-6-3 2023 Materials for printed boards and other EN IEC 61249-6-3 2023
interconnecting structures - Part 6-3:
Sectional specification set for
reinforcement materials - Specification for
finished fabric woven from “E” glass for
printed boards
ISO 11014 2009 Safety data sheet for chemical products - - -
Content and order of sections
IPC TM-650 TM - Stripline Test for Permittivity and Loss - -
2.5.5.5 Tangent (Dielectric Constant and
Dissipation Factor) at X-Band
IEC 61249-2-53 ®
Edition 1.0 2025-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Materials for printed boards and other interconnecting structures -
Part 2-53: Reinforced base materials clad and unclad - PTFE unfilled laminate
sheets of defined flammability (vertical burning test), copper-clad
ICS 31.180  ISBN 978-2-8327-0751-7

IEC 61249-2-53:2025-10(en)
IEC 61249-2-53:2025 © IEC 2025
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Construction and materials . 6
4.1 Construction . 6
4.2 Resin system . 6
4.3 Metal foil . 6
4.4 Reinforcement . 6
5 Internal marking . 6
6 Electrical properties . 6
7 Non-electrical properties of the copper-clad laminate . 7
7.1 Appearance of the copper-clad sheet . 7
7.1.1 General . 7
7.1.2 Indentations (pits and dents) . 7
7.1.3 Wrinkles . 8
7.1.4 Scratches . 8
7.1.5 Raised areas . 8
7.1.6 Surface waviness . 8
7.2 Appearance of the unclad face . 8
7.3 Laminate thickness . 8
7.4 Bow and twist . 9
7.5 Properties related to the copper foil bond . 10
7.6 Heat shock . 10
7.7 Machining . 10
7.8 Dimensional stability . 10
7.9 Sheet sizes and tolerances . 11
7.9.1 Typical sheet sizes . 11
7.9.2 Tolerances for sheet sizes . 11
7.10 Cut panels size, tolerances and rectangularity . 11
7.10.1 Cut panel sizes . 11
7.10.2 Size tolerances for cut panels . 11
7.10.3 Rectangularity of cut panels . 12
8 Non-electrical properties of the base material after complete removal of the
copper foil . 12
8.1 General . 12
8.2 Appearance of the dielectric base material . 12
8.3 Flexural strength . 12
8.4 Flammability . 13
8.5 Water absorption . 13
8.6 Glass transition temperature and cure factor . 13
8.7 Decomposition temperature . 13
8.8 Time to delamination (TMA) . 13
8.9 Z-axis expansion . 14
8.10 X/Y-axis expansion . 14
8.11 Thermal conductivity . 14
IEC 61249-2-53:2025 © IEC 2025
9 Quality assurance . 14
9.1 Quality system . 14
9.2 Responsibility for inspection . 14
9.3 Qualification inspection . 15
9.3.1 General . 15
9.3.2 Samples . 15
9.3.3 Frequency . 15
9.3.4 Criterion rule . 16
9.4 Quality conformance inspection . 16
9.4.1 General . 16
9.4.2 Inspection lot . 16
9.4.3 Group A inspection . 16
9.4.4 Group B inspection . 16
9.4.5 Group C inspection . 16
9.4.6 Criterion rule . 16
9.4.7 Rejected lots . 16
9.5 Certificate of conformance . 17
9.6 Safety data sheet . 17
10 Packaging and marking . 17
11 Ordering information . 17
Annex A (informative)  Engineering information . 18
A.1 General . 18
A.2 Electrical properties . 18
A.3 Non-electrical properties of the base material after complete removal of the
copper foil . 18
Bibliography . 19

Table 1 – Electrical properties . 6
Table 2 – Indentations . 7
Table 3 – Nominal thickness and tolerance of metal-clad laminate . 9
Table 4 – Bow and twist requirements . 9
Table 5 – Peel strength requirements . 10
Table 6 – Heat shock requirements . 10
Table 7 – Dimensional stability . 11
Table 8 – Size tolerances for cut panels . 11
Table 9 – Rectangularity of cut panels . 12
Table 10 – Flammability requirements . 13
Table 11 – Water absorption requirements . 13
Table 12 – Decomposition temperature requirements . 13
Table 13 – Time to delamination requirements . 14
Table 14 – Z-axis expansion requirements . 14
Table 15 – X/Y-axis expansion requirements . 14
Table 16 – Qualification and conformance inspection . 15

IEC 61249-2-53:2025 © IEC 2025
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
Materials for printed boards and other interconnecting structures -
Part 2-53: Reinforced base materials clad and unclad -
PTFE unfilled laminate sheets of defined flammability
(vertical burning test), copper-clad

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as "IEC Publication(s)"). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent
the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 61249-2-53 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 91: Electronics assembly
technology. It is an International Standard.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
91/1978/CDV 91/2044/RVC
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
IEC 61249-2-53:2025 © IEC 2025
A list of all parts in the IEC 61249 series, published under the general title Materials for printed
boards and other interconnecting structures, can be found on the IEC website.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
– reconfirmed,
– withdrawn, or
– revised.
IEC 61249-2-53:2025 © IEC 2025
1 Scope
This part of IEC 61249 specifies requirements for properties of PTFE unfilled reinforced
laminated sheet of a thickness 0,05 mm up to 10,0 mm of defined flammability (vertical burning
test), copper-clad.
This part of IEC 61249 is applicable to the design, manufacture, use of PTFE unfilled reinforced
laminated sheet of defined flammability (vertical burning test), copper-clad.
Its flame resistance is defined in terms of the flammability requirements of 8.4.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 61189-2:2006, Test methods for electrical materials, printed boards and other
interconnection structures and assem
...

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