What is IEC 60335-2-6 ?

IEC 60335-2-6: A Technical Standard for Safety in Household and Similar Appliances

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global organization that develops and publishes technical standards for electrical products and systems. One of these standards is IEC 60335-2-6, which is a comprehensive technical standard designed to ensure the safety of household and similar appliances. This standard was developed to address the growing concerns about the safety of these appliances, which can pose serious risks to users, including electrical shock, fire, and other hazards.

Scope:

IEC 60335-2-6 is a technical standard that outlines the safety requirements for electrically operated hand tools. It covers a wide range of topics, including the basic principles of safety, common aspects, and performance criteria for various household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and more. The standard aims to prevent accidents caused by electric shock, fire, or other hazards related to the use of these appliances in normal circumstances and reasonably foreseeable misuse.

Key Requirements:

To ensure compliance with the safety requirements outlined in IEC 60335-2-6, manufacturers must design, construct, test, and label their appliances in accordance with the standard's performance criteria. These requirements include:

Electrical safety: The appliance must be designed to prevent electrical hazards, such as electrocution, overheating, and electrical fires.

Thermal safety: The appliance must be designed to operate within safe temperature limits, and its components must not exceed temperatures that could cause damage or failure.

Structural safety: The appliance must be designed and manufactured to withstand the forces and loads that are likely to be applied during normal use, such as forces resulting from impacts, drops, or other external forces.

User safety: The appliance must be designed to be safe for use by the intended user, including those with limited physical capabilities or those who may be at risk of electrical shock.

Performance Criteria:

To ensure that appliances meet the safety requirements outlined in IEC 60335-2-6, manufacturers must perform a series of tests that verify the appliance's performance. These tests include:

Electrical safety test: The appliance must undergo a series of electrical tests, including a visual inspection for visible signs of damage to its electrical components, such as broken insulation or frayed wires.

Fire test: The appliance must undergo a fire test, in which it is subjected to a simulated fire to verify that it can withstand a real fire without suffering damage.

Structural test: The appliance must undergo a structural test, in which it is subjected to a series of tests to verify that it can withstand the forces and loads that are likely to be applied during normal use.

User test: The appliance must undergo a user test, in which it is used by the intended user to verify that it is safe and meets their needs.

Conclusion:

IEC 60335-2-6 is a technical standard designed to ensure the safety of household and similar appliances. By setting clear guidelines and performance criteria, the standard aims to prevent accidents caused by electric shock, fire, or other hazards. By following the standard's requirements, manufacturers can ensure that their appliances are safe for use and free from potential hazards.