Overview
IEC 61010-2-020:2016 is the IEC product safety standard that specifies safety requirements for electrically powered laboratory centrifuges. This third edition replaces the 2006 edition and is published as a group safety publication in accordance with IEC Guide 104. It is intended to be read in conjunction with IEC 61010-1:2010 (general requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use). The update aligns terminology with current industry practice and incorporates changes from IEC 61010-1 (3rd ed.).
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard supplements/modifies Part 1 and contains particular requirements for centrifuges, including:
-
Scope and exclusions
- Applies to electrically powered LABORATORY CENTRIFUGES.
- Notes interaction with other Part 2 standards; excludes some aspects covered by other standards (for example, IEC 60034 for rotating electrical machinery).
-
Defined terms and components
- New definitions: LABORATORY CENTRIFUGE, ROTOR, ROTOR ASSEMBLY, CHAMBER, BUCKET, DRIVE SYSTEM, LID, PROTECTIVE CASING, BIOSEAL, and DISRUPTION.
-
Safety hazards and protection
- Protection against electric shock, mechanical hazards (including rotor disruption and movement during disruption), temperature and fire, fluids, radiation/ultrasonics, liberated gases/substances, explosion/implosion.
- Requirements for interlocks, protective casings, and clearance envelope for safe operation.
-
Tests and test conditions
- Environmental conditions defined (normal 2 °C to 40 °C; extended beyond these limits).
- Annexes include a dynamic microbiological test method for BIOSEALS (Annex AA, normative), guidance/rationale (Annex BB), and an empirical method to determine rotor kinetic energy (Annex CC).
-
Marking and documentation
- Mandatory identification: serial or batch codes.
- All operator-replaceable rotors and rotor assemblies must be marked with manufacturer/trademark and identification code.
-
Risk assessment and conformity
- Procedures for risk assessment, tests, and conformity referencing IEC 61010-1.
Practical applications - who uses this standard
- Centrifuge manufacturers: design, testing, and labeling of new products to meet global safety expectations.
- Independent test laboratories: developing test protocols for rotor integrity, bioseal performance, and disruption scenarios.
- Regulatory and compliance teams: demonstrating conformity with international product-safety requirements.
- Laboratory safety officers and purchasers: specifying equipment procurement criteria and safe operating limits.
- Standards writers and technical committees: using the document as a product safety reference per IEC Guide 104.
Related standards
- IEC 61010-1:2010 - General requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use (required companion).
- IEC 60034 - Rotating electrical machinery (referenced/excluded where applicable).
- ISO 3864 - Graphical symbols - safety colours and signs (normative reference added).
Keywords: IEC 61010-2-020, laboratory centrifuges safety, centrifuge standard, rotor disruption, bioseal testing, IEC 61010-1, centrifuge marking and documentation, centrifuge risk assessment.
Open preview (PDF)Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use - Part 2-020: Particular requirements for laboratory centrifuges