Overview - IEC TS 62835:2015 (Electric toasters accessibility)
IEC TS 62835:2015 is a Technical Specification from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that provides recommendations, test methods and measurement data to improve the accessibility of electric toasters for household and similar use. The document focuses on enabling use by older persons and persons with disabilities, offering practical guidance for designers and evaluators to make toasters easier to operate and understand. It is explicitly not a safety standard and does not cover toasters intended for professional use.
Key topics and technical requirements
The Technical Specification organizes accessibility requirements into measurable topics and test procedures:
- Assessment methodology - tasks a user must perform, procedure for accessibility assessment and ambient test conditions.
- Measurement accuracy - requirements for linear dimensions, angles, force, torque and optical reflection measurements.
- User interface and controls - detailed guidance and test methods for push buttons, knobs (cylindrical and bar-grip), levers, mechanical selection wheels, slide-controls and touch controls.
- Visual presentation - recommendations for printing, markings and displays including contrast, colour contrast, reflection/gloss, font style, upper/lower case use, symbol clarity and minimum letter height guidelines.
- Information and documentation - clarity of instructions for use, availability of alternative formats, paper reflectance, line spacing and indexing to support users with vision or cognitive impairments.
- Mechanical and ergonomic aspects - layout of interactive parts, lifting and carrying, removal of toasted items, crumb removal, power cord and plug handling, and packaging/unpacking ease.
- Feedback and markings - guidance on tactile/visual/audible feedback and location/legibility of markings.
- Anthropometric data - an informative annex with hand measurements and body-related data to support ergonomic design.
Practical applications and users
IEC TS 62835:2015 is intended for anyone involved in the development, evaluation or procurement of consumer toasters who wants to incorporate accessibility and inclusive design:
- Appliance manufacturers and product designers seeking to improve usability for older adults and persons with disabilities.
- R&D and usability teams creating prototypes and conducting accessibility testing.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies using the specified test methods and measurement criteria.
- Procurement officers and accessibility consultants specifying accessible appliances for homes, assisted living or public facilities.
- Standards committees aligning toaster requirements with broader accessibility guidance.
Related standards
- ISO/TR 22411 (ergonomics data for product design)
- ISO/IEC Guide 71 (guidance on accessibility for standards)
- IEC 60442 (household appliance instructions)
Keywords: IEC TS 62835:2015, electric toasters accessibility, accessible toaster design, accessibility standards, household toasters, test methods, ergonomic measurements.
Open preview (PDF)Electric toasters for household and similar use - Methods and measurements for improving accessibility
