Overview
IEC 60884-2-8:2025 - Plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes, Part 2-8 - defines particular requirements for socket-outlets for furniture. It applies to AC socket-outlets built into or fixed into furniture (not intended to be moved without removing fixing means), with or without earthing contact and with or without supply cable. Rated voltages covered are greater than 50 V and up to 440 V, with rated currents up to 32 A (note: 16 A max for screwless-terminals). The standard is used together with IEC 60884-1:2022 (general requirements).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and ratings: AC only; >50 V ≤440 V; rated current ≤32 A; ambient use normally ≤+40 °C (24 h average ≤+35 °C; lower limit −5 °C).
- Construction and mounting: Requirements for socket-outlets intended to be built into or fixed in furniture, and for the minimal mounting box provisions necessary for testing.
- Protection against electric shock: Design and test requirements to ensure user safety in furniture-mounted installations.
- Earthing and terminals: Provisions for earthing contacts, terminal types, and limits (e.g., screwless terminal current limits).
- Mechanical and thermal performance: Tests for mechanical strength, temperature rise, resistance to ageing, humidity, heat, and resistance to tracking and fire.
- Electrical safety tests: Insulation resistance, electric strength, breaking capacity, normal operation and force to withdraw plugs.
- Special functions and EMC/EMF: Requirements for socket-outlets incorporating USB power supplies (Annex AA) or other electronic components (Annex BB), plus electromagnetic compatibility and electromagnetic fields considerations.
- Classification, marking and documentation: Mandatory markings and classification rules for furniture-mounted sockets.
Practical applications and users
- Furniture manufacturers integrating power outlets into desks, cabinets, workstations and hospitality or office furniture.
- Electrical accessory and socket-outlet manufacturers designing built-in furniture sockets (including USB-enabled units).
- Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies performing type testing to IEC requirements.
- Specifiers, architects, interior designers and electrical installers selecting compliant furniture power solutions for homes, offices and public spaces.
- Compliance officers and product safety engineers writing product documentation and obtaining certifications.
Related standards
Keywords: IEC 60884-2-8, socket-outlets for furniture, furniture sockets, plugs and socket-outlets, USB power supply, earthing, IEC 60884 series.
Open preview (PDF)Plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes - Part 2-8: Particular requirements for socket-outlets for furniture
