What is IEC 60335-2-123:2020?

IEC 60335-2-123:2020 is an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard that specifies safety requirements for electrical appliances with respect to their construction, operation, and testing. It specifically focuses on appliances used for commercial, industrial, and similar purposes. This standard aims to prevent hazards such as electric shock, fire, and mechanical injury, ensuring the safe use of electrical appliances.

Scope and Application

The scope of IEC 60335-2-123:2020 covers a wide range of commercial and industrial appliances, including but not limited to:

Electrical heating appliances

Cooking appliances

Refrigerating appliances

Commercial cleaning appliances

Industrial cleaning appliances

Motor-operated stationary power tools

This standard applies to both new and used appliances, providing guidelines for manufacturers, suppliers, and testers to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Key Requirements and Test Procedures

IEC 60335-2-123:2020 specifies various requirements and test procedures that help evaluate the safety of electrical appliances. These include:

Protection against electric shock: This requires insulation, earthing, or double insulation to minimize the risk of electric shock. The standard specifies specific voltage limits, clearance distances, and creepage distances for different components.

Protection against mechanical hazards: Appliances must be designed and constructed to prevent injury due to moving parts, sharp edges, or unstable structures. Test procedures involve assessing the strength and reliability of construction materials, protection against mechanical impact, and stability.

Protection against fire: Fire risks are minimized by specifying appropriate materials with suitable fire resistance. The standard also covers protection against overheating, short-circuits, and abnormal operation.

Accuracy and effectiveness of controls: Appliances must have clear and accurate control markings to avoid confusion and ensure safe operation. Functionality, durability, and response time of controls are also evaluated.

Instructions and markings: Manufacturers must provide clear instructions for installation, use, maintenance, and disposal of appliances. Warning signs and labels should inform users about potential hazards and precautions to take.

Compliance and Certification

Manufacturers and suppliers need to demonstrate compliance with IEC 60335-2-123:2020 to ensure the safety and quality of their electrical appliances. Compliance can be achieved through thorough testing and evaluation carried out by accredited laboratories. Once compliance is established, certification bodies can issue certificates indicating adherence to the standard. Regular surveillance audits are conducted to maintain the validity of the certification.