What is IEC 60335-2-12

IEC 60335-2-12 is an international safety standard for household and similar electrical appliances. It specifies the requirements and tests for electric clothes washing machines and washer-dryers. Compliance with this standard ensures that these appliances are safe to use and will not cause harm to users or damage to property.

The Scope of IEC 60335-2-12

This standard applies to electric clothes washing machines and washer-dryers used for household purposes. It covers both front-loading and top-loading machines, as well as machines with built-in drying functions. The standard sets out the safety requirements for various aspects of these appliances, including electrical, mechanical, and thermal hazards.

Key Requirements of IEC 60335-2-12

IEC 60335-2-12 specifies several key requirements that washing machines and washer-dryers must meet in order to ensure safety. These include:

Protection against electric shock: The appliances must be designed to prevent users from coming into direct contact with live parts, ensuring insulation and grounding.

Protection against mechanical hazards: The machines should have safety measures to prevent injuries caused by moving or rotating parts. This includes mechanisms to prevent accidental opening of doors during operation.

Protection against thermal hazards: The appliances should be equipped with overheating protection systems to prevent fires or burns.

Ingress protection: Washing machines and washer-dryers should be resistant to the ingress of water and other solids in order to avoid short circuits and malfunctions.

Testing and Certification

In order to ensure compliance with the IEC 60335-2-12 standard, manufacturers of washing machines and washer-dryers need to conduct rigorous testing. These tests include checking insulation resistance, conducting leakage current measurements, evaluating mechanical strength, and assessing the effectiveness of protective devices.

Once the appliances pass these tests, they can be certified as compliant with the standard. Certification is usually carried out by independent testing laboratories that are accredited to perform safety assessments according to the requirements set out in IEC 60335-2-12.

Conclusion

IEC 60335-2-12 plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of electric clothes washing machines and washer-dryers. Manufacturers must adhere to its requirements and conduct thorough testing to obtain certification. Consumers can have confidence in using these appliances knowing that they meet international safety standards.