DIN EN 60335-1 / VDE 0700-1

• Content: General safety requirements for electrical household appliances and similar electrical appliances

• Scope: Appliances with rated voltage up to 250 V for single-phase and 480 V for other appliances.

• Tests include: protection against electric shock, heating and abnormal operation, mechanical strength, construction and internal wiring, moisture resistance and insulation resistance

• Also applies to appliances used by non-professionals in stores, light industry and agriculture.

• Takes into account foreseeable hazards for all persons

• Includes special requirements for battery-powered devices and devices with metal ion batteries

• Includes cyber security requirements for devices with remote communication

Content, scope and tests:

EN IEC 60335-1 is a comprehensive standard dealing with the safety of household and similar electrical appliances. It establishes basic safety standards to protect both consumers and professional users from potential hazards associated with these appliances.

The scope of the standard covers a wide range of electrical appliances with a rated voltage of no more than 250 V for single-phase appliances and 480 V for other appliances. This includes typical household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances, but also appliances used in stores, light industry and agriculture by non-professionals. Battery-powered appliances and other appliances powered by direct current also fall within the scope of this standard.

The standard takes into account the reasonably foreseeable hazards that can arise from equipment with which all persons come into contact. However, special requirements for persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge are not explicitly addressed. Similarly, children who might play with the appliance are not specifically considered.

For the different types of appliances, the standard provides for a series of tests to ensure that the appliances are safe when used as intended, taking into account foreseeable misuse.

The most important tests include:

• Protection against electric shock: These tests ensure that live parts are not accessible and that the insulation is adequate. Different requirements may apply to different types of appliances. For example, appliances with water, such as washing machines or dishwashers, have stricter insulation requirements.

• Heating tests: This ensures that the appliance does not reach dangerous temperatures under normal operating conditions. Special limit values and test conditions apply here for cooking appliances such as ovens or microwaves.

• Tests under abnormal operating conditions: These simulate possible malfunctions or operating errors and ensure that the appliance does not pose a hazard even in such cases. These tests are particularly important for appliances with heating elements, such as irons or hair dryers.

• Mechanical strength tests: These ensure that the appliance can withstand shocks and vibrations. More stringent requirements often apply to portable appliances such as hand mixers or vacuum cleaners.

• Moisture resistance tests: These are particularly important for appliances that are used in humid environments, such as washing machines or refrigerators.

• Construction and internal wiring tests: These ensure that the appliance is constructed in such a way that it poses no danger from sharp edges, moving parts or faulty wiring.

Requirements:

The standard contains special requirements for battery-operated appliances and appliances with metal ion batteries. This is particularly relevant for the growing number of cordless household appliances such as cordless vacuum cleaners or cordless kitchen appliances. The tests here include safety during the charging process and protection against overcharging or deep discharge.

An important aspect of the latest version of the standard is the cyber security requirements for devices with remote communication capabilities. This applies in particular to “smart home” devices that can be controlled via the internet. The tests in this area are aimed at preventing unauthorized access and the effects of transmission errors via public networks.

Other aspects:

The test conditions vary depending on the type of device and the feature to be tested. In general, testing is performed under controlled laboratory conditions, taking into account factors such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure. The samples to be tested should be representative of series production, and in many cases multiple samples are required to evaluate different aspects of safety.

The test results are evaluated by comparison with the limits or criteria specified in the standard. In some cases, a visual inspection may be required to assess damage or changes to the device. The documentation of the tests is an essential part of the proof of conformity and must contain a detailed record of all tests performed, including the methods used, the test conditions, the results and the conclusions.

It is important to note that EN IEC 60335-1 serves as the base standard and is often used in conjunction with specific Part 2 standards that contain additional requirements for certain types of equipment. For example, there are specific standards for washing machines (IEC 60335-2-7), refrigerators (IEC 60335-2-24) or microwave ovens (IEC 60335-2-25) which must be applied in conjunction with the basic standard.

Alternative standards with similar content and scope:

1. IEC 62368-1: Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements

2. IEC 60950-1: Information technology equipment - Safety - Part 1: General requirements

3. IEC 61010-1: Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - Part 1: General requirements

4. IEC 60065: Audio, video and similar electronic equipment - Safety requirements

5. IEC 60601-1: Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for safety, including essential performance