Overview
IEC 60335-2-91:2008 is part of the internationally recognized IEC 60335 series, focusing on the safety of household and similar electrical appliances. Specifically, this standard sets out the particular safety requirements for electric-powered, walk-behind and hand-held lawn trimmers and lawn edge trimmers. It applies to trimmers with non-metallic filament lines or freely pivoting non-metallic cutters, designed for use by a standing operator to cut grass, with a rated voltage up to 250 V for AC or 50 V for DC.
The third edition of IEC 60335-2-91:2008 introduces key updates, including a revised endurance test, clarified battery-powered trimmer provisions, and new annexes addressing vibration, noise, and safety instructions. IEC 60335-2-91 aims to minimize electrical, mechanical, and thermal hazards, ensuring reliable safety during normal and foreseeable misuse.
Key Topics
- Scope & Applicability: Applies to electric walk-behind and hand-held lawn trimmers and lawn edge trimmers for household and similar use.
- Trimmer Construction: Requirements for non-metallic cutting elements with kinetic energy below 10 J each; covers machines operated by a standing user.
- Voltage Limits: Covers devices with rated voltage not exceeding 250 V AC or 50 V DC.
- Testing & Endurance: Updated endurance requirements to better simulate trimmer operation over time.
- Battery-Powered Trimmers: Annex B allows for rechargeable, non-removable battery-powered trimmers.
- Safety Markings and Instructions: Defines essential markings, warnings, and user manual content.
- Mechanical Strength and Guards: Strict requirements for the rigidity and structural integrity of cutting guards and cutting heads.
- Vibration and Noise: Informative annexes on measuring and limiting vibration (Annex BB) and noise exposure (Annex CC).
- Maintenance & Operation: Guidance on safe assembly, adjustment, operation, and storage.
Applications
IEC 60335-2-91:2008 provides essential safety guidance for manufacturers, product designers, testing laboratories, and regulatory authorities involved in producing or certifying electric lawn trimmers and edge trimmers. Key applications include:
- Product Development: Ensures new trimmer models meet international safety benchmarks for electrical and mechanical hazards.
- Compliance Testing: Guides testing labs on standardized test procedures for endurance, mechanical strength, and user safety.
- User Safety: Informs the design of user instructions, markings, and safeguards to reduce risks such as electrical shocks, injuries from moving parts, and exposure to noise or vibration.
- Regulatory Approval: Facilitates easier market access worldwide by demonstrating compliance with globally recognized safety criteria.
- Battery Technology Integration: Provides a framework for integrating modern battery solutions into lawn trimmers while maintaining safety standards.
Related Standards
IEC 60335-2-91:2008 is used in conjunction with several other international standards to ensure comprehensive product safety:
- IEC 60335-1: General safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances
- IEC 60068-2-75: Tests for mechanical strength (hammer tests)
- IEC 60320 Series: Appliance couplers for similar general purposes
- ISO 354: Acoustics - Measurement of sound absorption
- ISO 3744: Determination of sound power levels for noise sources
- ISO 12100-1: Machinery safety - General design principles
- ISO 3767 & ISO 11684: Safety signs, symbols, and hazard pictorials
- ISO 8662-1: Measurement of handle vibration on hand-held portable tools
- ISO 11201: Acoustics - Measurement of noise emitted by machinery
Adhering to IEC 60335-2-91:2008 helps ensure that electric lawn trimmers and edge trimmers are designed, tested, and labeled for optimal safety and performance in residential and similar settings, supporting both regulatory compliance and user confidence.
Open preview (PDF)Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-91: Particular requirements for walk-behind and hand-held lawn trimmers and lawn edge trimmers
