What is the IEC 60335-1:2020 testing standard?

IEC 60335-1:2020 is an international standard issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) titled "Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 1: General requirements". This standard specifies safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances, covering a variety of home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, vacuum cleaners, etc.

Scope of IEC 60335-1:2020:

- Applies to safety of household and similar electrical appliances with a rated voltage not exceeding 250V for single-phase appliances, and 480V for other appliances including DC-powered and battery-powered appliances.

- Includes appliances not intended for normal household use, but which may nevertheless pose a danger to the public, such as appliances used by non-professionals in shops, light industry, and on farms.

This standard addresses foreseeable hazards posed by appliances encountered by all persons. However, it generally does not account for:

- Children or persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities; or lack of experience and knowledge unless they are supervised or instructed.

- Children playing with the appliance.

In many countries, appliances intended for use in vehicles, boats, or aircraft may require additional requirements as stipulated by national health authorities, national authorities responsible for occupational safety, national water supply authorities, and similar authorities.

Exclusions from this standard include:

- Appliances intended exclusively for industrial purposes.

- Appliances used under special conditions such as corrosive or explosive atmospheres (dust, steam, or gas).

- Medical electrical equipment (IEC 60601 series), handheld motor-operated electric tools (IEC 60745 series), information technology equipment (IEC 60950-1), portable power tools (IEC 61029 series), audio/video and information technology equipment (IEC 62368-1), electrically operated hand-held tools, transportable tools, and lawn and garden machinery (IEC 62841 series).

Key testing items and requirements of IEC 60335-1:2020 include but are not limited to:

1. Insulation and dielectric strength testing: Ensuring adequate insulation and isolation between electrical components and ground.

2. Insulation resistance testing: Checking insulation resistance to ensure it meets safety standards.

3. Mechanical strength testing of appliances: Assessing structural and component strength to withstand normal and abnormal loads.

4. Temperature testing: Measuring surface temperatures during normal operation to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.

5. Electrical safety testing of appliances: Examining electrical components for safety, including grounding, insulation protection, cables, and wiring.

6. Markings and instructions for appliances: Verifying compliance with standard requirements for markings and labels to ensure proper understanding and usage by users.

Additionally, IEC 60335-1:2020 covers requirements and testing related to grounding and earthing, power cords and plugs, electromagnetic compatibility, energy storage devices, batteries, and other aspects.

It's important to note that IEC 60335-1:2020 is a comprehensive document covering numerous testing items and requirements. Specific testing and requirements should be interpreted and applied according to the particular appliance product.

For CE certification of household appliances and CB certification:

- CE certification (EN 60335-1:2020) is mandatory for products entering the European market, indicating compliance with European technical, safety, and environmental requirements.

- CB certification (IEC 60335-1:2020) is an international certification system allowing products to be sold globally based on compliance with international standards.

Each certification process involves testing, evaluation, and compliance verification by accredited certification bodies or test laboratories, tailored to specific regional or global market requirements.