If you export electronics to Europe, the Americas, or supply to international OEMs, you have likely encountered the terms G1, G2 and G3 — the severity classes in IEC 60068 environmental testing. Meeting these compliance levels is not just about passing a test; it ensures your products survive real-world harsh environments. Vietnam, India and all of Southeast Asia typically require at least G2 — often G3.

The G1 / G2 / G3 Classification System

ClassEnvironment TypeRelative HumidityTypical ApplicationsCoating Requirement
G1Moderate Indoor — climate controlled<75% RHOffice equipment, home appliances, IT hardwareStandard conformal coating (AR-30, ALQ-30)
G2Moderate-Severe — outdoor/uncontrolled indoorUp to 85% RHIndustrial controls, telecom outdoor, light outdoor electronicsEnhanced moisture protection (ALQ-60, ALQ-100)
G3Severe — tropical, marine, harsh industrial>93% RHOutdoor equipment in tropics, marine electronics, coastal industrialMaximum protection — G3-rated coating

G1 — Moderate Environment

Equipment operated indoors with air conditioning and heating. Standard conformal coating is typically sufficient. Humidity does not typically exceed 75% RH in climate-controlled spaces. Most office electronics and home appliances fall here.

G2 — Moderate-Severe Environment

Equipment in outdoor or uncontrolled indoor environments. Significant condensation, humidity fluctuation and temperature variation possible. Enhanced moisture protection required. Many industrial PLCs, outdoor telecom base stations, and solar inverters require G2 compliance.

G3 — Severe / Tropical Environment

Equipment in extreme outdoor, tropical, or harsh industrial environments — humidity >93% RH, chemical exposure, thermal cycling, salt mist. CONINS G3-compliant coating is engineered for this class. Mandatory for marine electronics, outdoor tropical industrial equipment, and electronics deployed in equatorial climates.

IEC 60068 Test Requirements for G1/G2/G3

  • 📋 IEC 60068-2-30 — Damp heat cycling (25°C ↔ 40°C at 93% RH, repeated cycles)
  • 📋 IEC 60068-2-78 — Steady-state damp heat (40°C / 93% RH for 21–56 days continuously)
  • 📋 IEC 60068-2-11 — Salt mist / salt fog test (simulates coastal environment)
  • 📋 IEC 60068-2-10 — Mold growth resistance (fungus exposure test)
  • 📋 IEC 60068-2-14 — Thermal shock (−20°C to +70°C rapid transition)

Why Vietnam, India and Southeast Asia Specifically Need G2/G3

Country / CityAverage HumidityMonsoon SeasonMinimum Recommended Class
🇻🇳 Vietnam — Ho Chi Minh City80–90% RHJune – NovemberG2–G3
🇻🇳 Vietnam — Hanoi75–88% RHMay – SeptemberG2
🇲🇾 Malaysia — Kuala Lumpur80–90% RHYear-round rainG3
🇹🇭 Thailand — Bangkok70–85% RHMay – OctoberG2
🇮🇩 Indonesia — Jakarta75–90% RHNovember – MarchG3
🇮🇳 India — Mumbai / Chennai70–92% RHJune – SeptemberG2–G3
🇵🇭 Philippines — Manila75–85% RHJune – NovemberG3
🌧️

Key for Vietnamese exporters: Electronics manufactured in Vietnam and exported to Europe (CE marking) or the USA (UL) are frequently required to demonstrate G2 or G3 environmental compliance by OEM customers. CONINS G1/G2/G3 coating with full IEC 60068 documentation supports these certification requirements for Vietnamese manufacturers.

CONINS G1/G2/G3 Compliance Coating — Key Features

  • ✅ Engineered to withstand 93% RH steady-state humidity (IEC 60068-2-78 — 56-day test)
  • ✅ Fungus-resistant formulation — passes IEC 60068-2-10 mold growth tests
  • ✅ Maintains dielectric strength under prolonged humidity exposure
  • ✅ Compatible with IPC-A-610 and IPC-CC-830 quality standards
  • ✅ Full TDS, MSDS and compliance documentation provided with every shipment
  • ✅ Available for dip, spray, brush, or selective coating machine application
  • ✅ Removable with Elclean Thinner AR for field rework

Frequently Asked Questions

What is G1 G2 G3 conformal coating compliance?
G1, G2 and G3 are environmental severity classes per IEC 60068 standards. G1 is moderate indoor (office, climate-controlled), G2 is moderate-severe (outdoor or uncontrolled indoor environments), G3 is severe tropical or extreme environment. Each class requires increasingly rigorous conformal coating protection.
Does Vietnam require G2 or G3 conformal coating?
Vietnam's tropical climate with 80–95% RH humidity and monsoon seasons requires G2 coating as a minimum. Outdoor electronics, coastal deployments (HCMC, Da Nang, Hai Phong), and products exported to demanding markets should use G3-rated coating. CONINS G1/G2/G3 compliance coating is specifically designed for these conditions.
What tests must conformal coating pass for G3 compliance?
G3 compliance typically requires: IEC 60068-2-30 damp heat cycling, IEC 60068-2-78 steady-state damp heat (40°C/93% RH for 21–56 days), IEC 60068-2-10 mold/fungus resistance, IEC 60068-2-11 salt mist, and IEC 60068-2-14 thermal shock testing.
Can CONINS provide compliance documentation?
Yes. CONINS provides full Technical Data Sheets (TDS), Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and quality compliance certificates with all product shipments. Email response@pcbconformalcoating.net to request product documentation for your quality system.