What is IEC 60335-2-73?

IEC 60335-2-73 is an international standard that specifies safety requirements and test methods for electrical appliances intended for household and similar purposes. It is a part of the IEC 60335 series, which covers various product categories such as household refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and more.

Scope and Applicability

The standard, often referred to as IEC 60335-2-73, specifically addresses the safety of electrically operated agitators for household and similar machinery. Agitators are commonly used in appliances like washing machines, mixers, blenders, and other equipment that require stirring or mixing actions.

The scope of this standard includes both handheld and permanently fixed agitators. It applies to appliances powered by electricity, batteries, or any other source of energy that could potentially cause harm to users if not properly designed and manufactured.

Safety Requirements

IEC 60335-2-73 outlines a set of safety requirements manufacturers must follow to ensure their agitators do not pose unnecessary risks to users. These requirements include:

Protection against electric shock: The design should prevent direct or indirect contact with live parts.

Mechanical hazards: The construction should minimize the risk of injury due to moving or rotating parts.

Overheating protection: Adequate safeguards must be in place to prevent the agitator from overheating during operation.

Stability: The appliance should be stable during use, reducing the risk of tipping over or falling.

Noise levels: Noise emissions should be within acceptable limits to avoid causing discomfort to users.

Testing Methods

The standard also outlines various testing methods to evaluate compliance with safety requirements. These tests may include:

Electrical insulation resistance measurement

Temperature-rise test

Endurance and mechanical strength tests

Noise level measurement

By performing these tests, manufacturers can ensure their agitators meet the safety standards set by IEC 60335-2-73. Compliance with this standard is important for both the manufacturers and the consumers, as it ensures the safe and reliable operation of household appliances.