Inquire: Call 0086-755-23203480, or reach out via the form below/your sales contact to discuss our design, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities.
Quote: Email your PCB files to Sales@pcbsync.com (Preferred for large files) or submit online. We will contact you promptly. Please ensure your email is correct.
Notes: For PCB fabrication, we require PCB design file in Gerber RS-274X format (most preferred), *.PCB/DDB (Protel, inform your program version) format or *.BRD (Eagle) format. For PCB assembly, we require PCB design file in above mentioned format, drilling file and BOM. Click to download BOM template To avoid file missing, please include all files into one folder and compress it into .zip or .rar format.
IPC-DRM-WHA Guide: Wire Harness Training & Quick Reference Manual Explained
Training new wire harness assemblers has always been one of the more challenging aspects of running a production floor. You can’t just hand someone the full IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard and expect them to absorb 400+ pages of acceptance criteria before their first shift. That’s exactly why IPC-DRM-WHA exists, and honestly, it’s become one of the most useful training tools in our facility.
If you’re looking for a quick, visual reference that covers the essential wire harness acceptance criteria without overwhelming your team, the IPC-DRM-WHA desk reference manual deserves a closer look. This guide explains everything you need to know about this training resource, from what it covers to how it fits into your overall quality program.
IPC-DRM-WHA (Desk Reference Manual – Wire Harness Assembly) is a compact training and quick reference guide that illustrates the critical acceptance criteria for wire harness assembly. Published by IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries), this manual distills the most important visual acceptance criteria from the IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard into an easy-to-use format designed for factory floor personnel.
The “DRM” designation stands for Desk Reference Manual, indicating its intended use as a workstation reference rather than a comprehensive specification document. At approximately 31 pages in a convenient 5.5 x 8.5 inch (14 x 21.5 cm) spiral-bound format, IPC-DRM-WHA is designed to sit next to an operator’s workstation for quick consultation during production.
Key Characteristics of IPC-DRM-WHA
Feature
Details
Document Type
Training & Quick Reference Guide
Page Count
Approximately 31 pages
Format
Spiral-bound, 5.5 x 8.5 inch (14 x 21.5 cm)
Visual Content
Computer-generated graphics and illustrations
Language Level
Factory floor / operator level
Base Standard
IPC/WHMA-A-620
Current Revision
Revision E (aligned with A-620E)
What makes IPC-DRM-WHA particularly effective is its use of clear, computer-generated graphics rather than photographs. These illustrations highlight specific acceptance criteria in a way that’s often clearer than photographs, especially when distinguishing between acceptable conditions and defects.
IPC-DRM-WHA Revision History
Like the parent IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard, the DRM-WHA manual is updated periodically to align with the latest revision of the acceptance standard:
Revision
Release
Base Standard
Notes
DRM-WHA-A
2006
A-620A
Original release
DRM-WHA-B
2012
A-620B
Updated graphics and criteria
DRM-WHA-C
2017
A-620C
Lead-free criteria updates
DRM-WHA-D
2020
A-620D
Removed target conditions
DRM-WHA-E
2022
A-620E
New chapter structure, updated terminology
The current revision, IPC-DRM-WHA-E, aligns with IPC/WHMA-A-620E and incorporates all the changes made in that revision, including the reorganized chapter structure and updated Circular Mill Area (CMA) tables.
Important Note: IPC has also introduced a newer naming convention using “QRG” (Quick Reference Guide) instead of “DRM” for some products. You may see references to IPC-QRG-WHA-E, which contains the same content as IPC-DRM-WHA-E. Both designations refer to the same wire harness assembly reference guide.
Complete Contents of IPC-DRM-WHA
The IPC-DRM-WHA manual covers all the fundamental topics that wire harness assemblers and inspectors need to understand. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what’s included:
Wire Fundamentals
Topic
Coverage
Wire Types
Solid vs stranded conductor identification
Wire Gauges
AWG sizing, conductor identification
Insulation Types
Common insulation materials and properties
Coaxial Cables
Center conductor, dielectric, shield, jacket identification
IPC Product Classifications
The manual explains the three-class product classification system that forms the foundation of all IPC acceptance criteria:
Class
Description
Examples
Class 1
General Electronic Products
Consumer electronics, toys
Class 2
Dedicated Service Electronics
Computers, communications equipment
Class 3
High-Performance/Harsh Environment
Aerospace, medical, military
Understanding these classifications is essential because acceptance criteria vary significantly between classes, and operators need to know which class they’re building to.
Wire Preparation Criteria
Topic
What’s Covered
Insulation Stripping
Proper strip length, acceptable methods
Strand Damage
Acceptable vs defect conditions by class
End Cuts
Perpendicular cuts, strand alignment
Wire Tinning
Proper tinning techniques and acceptance
Conductor Deformation
Birdcaging, spread strands, kinked wire
Insulation Damage
Cuts, nicks, discoloration, charring
Crimp Termination Criteria
Crimping is the most common termination method in wire harness assembly, and IPC-DRM-WHA provides extensive coverage:
Open Barrel Crimps:
Conductor crimp requirements
Insulation support crimp criteria
Bellmouth requirements
Inspection window visibility
Conductor brush acceptance
Cut-off tab criteria
Closed Barrel Crimps:
Conductor visibility requirements
Crimp deformation limits
Insulation positioning
Crimp Feature
What to Check
Bellmouth
Funnel-shaped entry, both ends
Inspection Window
Conductor visibility verification
Conductor Brush
Strand extension beyond crimp
Insulation Gap
Distance between insulation and conductor crimp
Crimp Height
Manufacturer specification compliance
Terminal Types
The manual covers acceptance criteria for various terminal types:
Cup terminals (solder)
Turret terminals
Hook terminals
Ring terminals
Spade terminals
Pin and socket contacts
Additional Topics
Topic
Coverage
Ribbon Cable
Mass termination, IDC connectors
Discrete Wire IDC
Insulation displacement connections
Coaxial Terminations
Center conductor, shield termination
Punctures
Insulation piercing acceptance
Glossary
Wire harness terminology definitions
Who Should Use IPC-DRM-WHA?
The IPC-DRM-WHA manual is designed for specific roles within wire harness manufacturing operations:
Primary Users
Role
How They Use DRM-WHA
Wire Harness Assemblers
Quick reference during production for acceptance criteria
Crimp Operators
Verification of crimp quality at workstation
Quality Inspectors
Visual reference during in-process and final inspection
Production Supervisors
Training tool for new employee orientation
Training Coordinators
Supplement to formal IPC certification courses
Secondary Users
Role
Benefit
Process Engineers
Quick criteria lookup during process development
Sales/Purchasing Staff
Basic understanding of wire harness quality
New Hires
Introduction to acceptance criteria before formal training
HR Personnel
Understanding of production quality requirements
The manual is specifically written at a factory floor reading level, avoiding technical jargon where possible and using clear visual examples rather than lengthy text descriptions.
IPC-DRM-WHA vs IPC/WHMA-A-620: Key Differences
One of the most common questions is how IPC-DRM-WHA relates to the full IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard. Here’s a clear comparison:
Aspect
IPC-DRM-WHA
IPC/WHMA-A-620E
Purpose
Training aid and quick reference
Complete acceptance standard
Page Count
~31 pages
~420 pages
Content Depth
Essential criteria highlights
Comprehensive requirements
Visual Content
Computer-generated graphics
700+ color photographs
Contractual Use
Not for contractual reference
Industry-consensus standard
Price
~$47-65
~$300-400
Target User
Operators, assemblers
Engineers, QA managers, auditors
Certification Basis
No
Yes (CIS, CSE, CIT programs)
Critical Understanding
IPC-DRM-WHA does NOT replace IPC/WHMA-A-620. This is an important distinction that’s clearly stated in the manual itself. The desk reference is a training aid and quick reference tool, but it cannot be used as the acceptance standard for contractual purposes.
For any formal inspection decisions, quality disputes, or customer acceptance criteria, you must reference the full IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard. The DRM-WHA manual is designed to help operators understand and quickly reference key criteria, but the complete standard remains the authoritative document.
Based on experience implementing IPC-DRM-WHA across multiple facilities, here are practical recommendations for getting the most value from this reference:
New Employee Onboarding
The DRM-WHA manual works excellently as an introduction to wire harness acceptance criteria before employees attend formal IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification training:
Day 1-2: Review wire fundamentals section (types, gauges, insulation)
Day 3-4: Cover wire preparation criteria (stripping, strand damage)
Day 5-7: Focus on crimp termination criteria
Week 2: Hands-on practice with DRM-WHA as reference
Week 3-4: Formal IPC CIS certification training
Workstation Deployment
For maximum effectiveness, deploy IPC-DRM-WHA manuals strategically:
Location
Purpose
Crimp stations
Quick reference for crimp acceptance
Inspection stations
Visual criteria verification
Training room
Classroom instruction support
Supervisor desk
Employee coaching reference
Quality lab
Dispute resolution starting point
Refresher Training
The compact format makes DRM-WHA ideal for periodic refresher training:
Monthly quality meetings: Review one section per meeting
Defect trend response: Focus on specific criteria related to current defects
Shift start reviews: 5-minute criteria refreshers on problem areas
Other IPC Desk Reference Manuals
IPC publishes several desk reference manuals for different aspects of electronics manufacturing. If you find DRM-WHA valuable, you may also benefit from:
Manual
Focus Area
Base Standard
IPC-DRM-PTH
Through-Hole Solder Connections
IPC-A-610
IPC-DRM-SMT
Surface Mount Solder Connections
IPC-A-610
IPC-DRM-18
Component Identification
IPC-A-610
IPC-DRM-53
Connector & Terminal Assembly
J-STD-001
Each follows the same philosophy as DRM-WHA: compact, visual, factory-floor-friendly reference guides that supplement rather than replace the full standards.
Recommendation: Always purchase from official IPC sources or authorized resellers to ensure you receive the current revision. Older revisions (C, D) may still be available but won’t align with current A-620E criteria.
Free Preview Available
IPC offers a free PDF preview of DRM-WHA that allows you to evaluate the content before purchasing. Look for the “Free Review” link on the IPC Store product page to download a sample.
Useful Resources for Wire Harness Training
IPC Publications
IPC/WHMA-A-620E: Full acceptance standard – shop.ipc.org
NASA-STD-8739.4: Crimping and wiring for space applications
Frequently Asked Questions About IPC-DRM-WHA
What does DRM-WHA stand for?
DRM-WHA stands for Desk Reference Manual – Wire Harness Assembly. The “DRM” designation indicates it’s a compact reference guide designed to sit at an operator’s workstation for quick consultation. IPC has also begun using “QRG” (Quick Reference Guide) for newer products, so you may see IPC-QRG-WHA-E, which contains identical content to IPC-DRM-WHA-E.
Can IPC-DRM-WHA be used instead of IPC/WHMA-A-620?
No, IPC-DRM-WHA cannot replace the full IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard. The desk reference manual is explicitly a training aid and quick reference tool, not a contractual document. For formal inspection decisions, customer acceptance criteria, quality disputes, or certification training, you must reference the complete IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard. The DRM-WHA manual clearly states this limitation in its introduction.
Which revision of IPC-DRM-WHA should I purchase?
You should purchase the revision that matches your referenced IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard. If you’re working to IPC/WHMA-A-620E (current), purchase IPC-DRM-WHA-E. If your customer specifies an older revision like A-620D, you may need DRM-WHA-D to ensure alignment. For new programs without specified revision requirements, always use the current revision (E as of 2022).
Is IPC-DRM-WHA available in languages other than English?
Yes, IPC publishes DRM-WHA in multiple languages to support global manufacturing operations. Available languages typically include Chinese, German, Spanish, French, and others. Check the IPC Store for current language availability, as not all languages may be available for the latest revision immediately upon release.
How often is IPC-DRM-WHA updated?
IPC-DRM-WHA is updated whenever a new revision of IPC/WHMA-A-620 is released, typically every 3-5 years. The DRM-WHA revision letter (A, B, C, D, E) corresponds to the matching A-620 revision. Between major revisions, IPC may issue errata or clarifications, but these are typically incorporated into the next full revision rather than released as standalone updates.
Conclusion
IPC-DRM-WHA fills an important gap in wire harness training and quality programs. While it can never replace the comprehensive IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard for formal acceptance decisions, it excels as a practical training tool and workstation reference that makes the essential acceptance criteria accessible to factory floor personnel.
The key to getting value from IPC-DRM-WHA is understanding its proper role: a visual quick reference that supplements formal training and the full standard, not a replacement for either. When deployed strategically at workstations and integrated into training programs, this compact manual can significantly improve operator understanding of acceptance criteria and reduce quality issues.
For facilities serious about wire harness quality, the combination of formal IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification training, the complete A-620 standard for reference, and IPC-DRM-WHA manuals at each workstation provides a comprehensive approach to ensuring consistent quality across your production operations.
Whether you’re training new assemblers, setting up inspection stations, or looking for a practical refresher tool, IPC-DRM-WHA delivers focused, visual acceptance criteria in a format that actually gets used on the production floor. And at the end of the day, a reference guide that sits on a shelf doesn’t help anyone—but one that’s compact enough to keep at the workstation gets consulted every day.
Inquire: Call 0086-755-23203480, or reach out via the form below/your sales contact to discuss our design, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities.
Quote: Email your PCB files to Sales@pcbsync.com (Preferred for large files) or submit online. We will contact you promptly. Please ensure your email is correct.
Notes: For PCB fabrication, we require PCB design file in Gerber RS-274X format (most preferred), *.PCB/DDB (Protel, inform your program version) format or *.BRD (Eagle) format. For PCB assembly, we require PCB design file in above mentioned format, drilling file and BOM. Click to download BOM template To avoid file missing, please include all files into one folder and compress it into .zip or .rar format.
