Overview
IEC 60335-2-27:2009/AMD2:2015 is an amendment to the international safety standard for household and similar electrical appliances that incorporate emitters for exposing the skin to optical radiation (wavelength 100 nm to 1 mm). The amendment integrates corrigenda from May 2015 and December 2016 and updates requirements for marking, testing, measurement and user instructions to address photobiological safety for UV, VIS and IR emitters.
This standard applies to appliances intended for domestic and similar use with rated voltages not more than 250 V for single-phase appliances and 480 V for other appliances. It harmonizes test methods and imposes protective measures to reduce risks from intense optical radiation.
Key Topics
- Scope and definitions: Clarifies terminology (IR appliance, VIS appliance, visual emitter) and replaces earlier references to "ultraviolet and infrared" with the broader term "optical".
- Marking and instructions: Appliances must carry warnings such as "Do not stare at the emitter", eyewear requirements, model and replacement-lamp information, and exposure-distance symbols. Goggles must be marked with the standard reference.
- Measurement and test methods: Irradiance measurement positions model the human body (half-cylinders and cylinders with radii of 150 mm and 300 mm, and a 50 mm base for facial tests). Instruments shall measure mean irradiance over a circular area not exceeding 20 mm and use spectral measurement systems with bandwidths not exceeding 2.5 nm.
- Photobiological limits: VIS and IR appliance irradiances are required to comply with risk group 1 limits as per IEC 62471. Appliances not exempt under IEC 62471 must be supplied with protective goggles and comply with maximum transmission criteria and minimum luminous transmittance.
- Exposure schedules: Annex DD provides guidelines for developing UV exposure time schedules and defines how effective erythemal irradiance and exposure dose are calculated.
Applications
This amendment is essential for manufacturers, test laboratories, compliance engineers and regulatory bodies involved with:
- Tanning units, beauty and cosmetic appliances for skin exposure
- Devices incorporating UV, visible (VIS) or infrared (IR) emitters used in salons or at home
- Product safety assessment, conformity testing and technical documentation for market placement
Practical benefits include clearer marking and user instructions to reduce misuse, harmonized measurement positions for repeatable irradiance testing, and specified protective eyewear requirements that improve consumer safety.
Related Standards
- IEC 62471:2006 - Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems (used for risk group criteria and measurement guidance)
- IEC 61228 - Fluorescent ultraviolet lamps used for tanning (measurement and specification method)
- IEC 60335-2-23, IEC 60335-2-53, IEC 60335-2-113 - other particular requirements covering skin/hair care, infrared cabins and intense light sources
For conformity and testing, consult the full IEC text (including corrigenda) and coordinate with local IEC national committees for authorized copies and implementation timelines.
Open preview (PDF)Amendment 2 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-27: Particular requirements for appliances for skin exposure to optical radiation
