The different normalized thermostat electrical life classes

In the specifications for an electromechanical thermostat, the expected life is described in terms of mechanical and electrical lifetimes.

Electrical life :
This is specified as a minimum number of cycles (action of opening and closing) will make, carry, and break the specified load without contact sticking or welding, and without exceeding the electrical specifications of the device.

Mechanical life :
This is the number of operations which a thermostat can be expected to perform while maintaining mechanical integrity. Mechanical life is normally tested with no load or voltage applied to the power contacts, and is not part of this document.

Switch performance is influenced by a variety of factors, including: frequency of operation, type of load, temperature, humidity, altitude. Electrical ratings have been tentatively standardized in UL 1054, CSA22.55 or IEC61058-1 (Switches for appliances). IEC60730-x standards have specified testing methods and preferred electrical life classes for electrical control and safety switches. These life classes are (cycles):
300 000, 200 000, 100 000, 30 000, 20 000, 10 000, 6 000, 3 000 (1), 1000(1), 300 (2), 30(2)(4), 1( 3) .
1) Not applicable to thermostats or to other fast cycling actions.
2) Applicable only to manual reset.
3) Applicable only to actions which require the replacement of a part after each operation.
4) Can only be reset during manufacturer servicing.
The rating tables should be considered as working maximum for most applications. Hereunder are given some limitations that apply when they are used in other loads and voltages.

The current rating of thermostat switches is given in their technical data sheets for a resistive load in 250 or (and) 400V AC and a specified number of operations.
When there is enough room, these values are printed on the product. In most cases, only the minimum mandatory information is printed. The cycle number is exceptionally printed, but this is one of the most critical parameter to estimate the expected life of the thermostat.