What is IEC 60335-2-118:2020?

IEC 60335-2-118:2020 is an international safety standard for household and similar electrical appliances. This standard sets out requirements for appliances that have a heating element which heats liquids, such as kettles, coffee makers, and electric tea pots. The purpose of this standard is to ensure the safety of these appliances during normal use and reasonable foreseeable misuse.

Requirements for Appliances

The IEC 60335-2-118:2020 standard provides detailed requirements for various aspects of these heating appliances, including their construction, performance, and user interface. One important aspect is the prevention of scalding accidents, particularly when handling hot liquids.

The standard requires that the appliance has a sufficient thermal insulation layer to minimize the external temperature of the appliance when in use. This insulation should prevent surfaces from reaching temperatures that could cause burns or other injuries to users. Additionally, the materials used for the construction of the appliance must be resistant to heat, preventing any potential hazards related to fire or melting components.

Furthermore, the standard mandates specific safety features such as automatic shut-off mechanisms when the appliance reaches its set temperature or if it boils dry. These mechanisms help prevent accidents and protect the appliance from damage caused by overheating. Manufacturers are also required to provide clear instructions and warnings regarding the safe use and maintenance of the appliance.

Compliance and Testing

In order to ensure compliance with IEC 60335-2-118:2020, manufacturers need to subject their appliances to rigorous testing. These tests include measuring the temperature of various parts of the appliance during operation, verifying the effectiveness of the thermal insulation layer, and assessing the reliability of the safety mechanisms.

Independent testing laboratories, accredited by the relevant national standards bodies, conduct these tests. Manufacturers need to provide evidence that their products meet all the applicable requirements of the standard before they can be certified and labeled as compliant.

Conclusion

IEC 60335-2-118:2020 plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of household heating appliances by setting out detailed requirements for their design, construction, and performance. Compliance with this international standard provides consumers with the confidence that these appliances have undergone rigorous testing to mitigate potential hazards associated with scalding and overheating.

Manufacturers, on their part, must adhere to the standard's provisions and subject their appliances to thorough testing to ensure compliance. By doing so, they demonstrate their commitment to consumer safety and enhance the overall quality of these essential household appliances.