Overview
IEC 60335-2-24:2010/AMD2:2017 is Amendment 2 to the international standard IEC 60335-2-24, which details the particular safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances, specifically refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances, and ice makers. Issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this amendment incorporates the essential guidance from Interpretation Sheets issued in April 2018 and March 2020, clarifying and updating testing methods and safety criteria. The amendment provides crucial updates for manufacturers and testing bodies, enhancing product safety and compliance in the global marketplace.
Key Topics
- Scope: The amendment addresses design and construction details concerning accessible thermal insulation and non-metallic materials, especially focusing on fire resistance and moisture protection on key surfaces of appliances.
- Flammability and Fire Resistance: It clarifies that materials on external rear surfaces in direct contact with thermal insulation and with a surface area exceeding 75 cm² must comply with specific flammability tests, such as the needle-flame test or classifications according to IEC 60695-11-10 (V-0, V-1).
- Testing Procedures: Updates to test methods for assessing moisture resistance, mechanical strength, and the performance of glass panels and internal wiring in refrigerating appliances.
- Marking and Instructions: Requires the use of the ISO 7010 W021 “Caution: risk of fire” symbol and ensures its meaning is clearly explained in user manuals. Updates also detail mandatory warnings about cord damage and socket placement.
- Normative References: Updates references to standards concerning refrigerants, safety classification, and related test methods, ensuring alignment with the latest ISO and IEC publications.
- Interpretation Clarifications: Clearly defines what constitutes “accessible” thermal insulation or non-metallic material, specifies the force to be used in testing, and outlines when and how testing is conducted on built-in appliances.
Applications
The practical value of IEC 60335-2-24:2010/AMD2:2017 lies in its application to:
- Appliance Manufacturers: Ensure compliance with international safety regulations for refrigerating appliances, ice-makers, and ice-cream appliances by applying updated methods for fire resistance, moisture protection, and mechanical durability.
- Testing Laboratories: Conduct standardized evaluations of appliances by following the clarified test procedures for materials, moisture ingress, electrical safety, and mechanical impacts as stipulated in the amendment.
- Product Safety Assessors: Use the amendment’s requirements in conformity assessments, helping to verify that home and similar appliances pose minimal risk under normal use and foreseeable misuse.
- Certification Bodies: Reference the latest safety and labelling requirements to issue or renew the certifications needed for global appliance sales.
Related Standards
To ensure comprehensive appliance safety testing and certification, the following related standards should also be considered:
- IEC 60335-1: General requirements for the safety of electrical appliances.
- IEC 60695-11-10: Fire hazard testing, including needle-flame methods for flammability classification.
- IEC 60079-20-1: Test methods and data for explosive atmosphere classification, relevant for refrigerant testing.
- ISO 817: Refrigerants - Designation and safety classification.
- ISO 5149-1: Safety and environmental requirements for refrigerating systems and heat pumps.
Conclusion
IEC 60335-2-24:2010/AMD2:2017 significantly updates fire, moisture, construction, and marking requirements for household refrigerating appliances and similar products. By adopting this amendment, manufacturers and conformity bodies can better ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and market acceptance worldwide. Proper implementation not only reduces risk for end-users but also facilitates smoother certification and global trade in electrical appliances.
Open preview (PDF)Amendment 2 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-24: Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice makers
