What is IEC 60335-2-46 ?

Title: A Comprehensive Guide to IEC 60335-2-56: Safety Requirements for Electrically Operated Hand Tools

Introduction:

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global organization that develops and publishes international standards for electrical products and systems. These standards are designed to ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of electrical equipment, systems, and components. One of the key standards that IEC publishes is IEC 60335-2-56, which specifically addresses the safety requirements for electrically operated hand tools.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to IEC 60335-2-56, exploring its scope, key requirements, and testing procedures. We will also compare the standard with other relevant safety standards, such as IEC 60572-1, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the requirements for electrically operated hand tools.

Scope of IEC 60335-2-56:

IEC 60335-2-56 is an international standard that specifies the safety requirements for electrically operated hand tools. The standard is divided into four parts, each covering a different aspect of the hand tool's safety performance.

Part 1: General Principles and Requirements

This part of the standard provides general principles and requirements for the design, manufacture, and testing of electrically operated hand tools. It includes requirements for the materials used, the design of the hand tool, and the testing procedures used to evaluate its safety performance.

Part 2: Test Methods for Electrical Conductivity and Surface Continuity

This part of the standard provides guidelines for testing the electrical conductivity and surface continuity of the hand tool. It includes requirements for the test procedures, the equipment used, and the data that must be collected during each test.

Part 3: Test Methods for a Flame Ignition Test

This part of the standard provides guidelines for testing the flame ignition test of the hand tool. It includes requirements for the test procedures, the equipment used, and the data that must be collected during each test.

Part 4: Test Requirements for a Ball-Tensioner Test

This part of the standard provides guidelines for testing the ball-tensioner test of the hand tool. It includes requirements for the test procedures, the equipment used, and the data that must be collected during each test.

Key Requirements of IEC 60335-2-56:

IEC 60335-2-56 is a comprehensive standard that provides a wide range of safety requirements for electrically operated hand tools. The key requirements of the standard are as follows:

Electrical Conductivity and Surface Continuity:

The hand tool must be designed to prevent electrical currents from flowing through the body or any part of the tool. The hand tool must also have a surface continuity of at least 50MΩ.

Flame Ignition Test:

The hand tool must be able to withstand a flame without suffering damage or igniting. The hand tool must also have a vertical flame propagation distance of at least 150mm for a 50mm wide by 50mm high flame.

Ball-Tensioner Test:

The hand tool must be able to withstand a ball-tensioner without suffering damage or breaking. The hand tool must also have a maximum ball-tension of 200N.

Testing Procedures of IEC 60335-2-56:

IEC 60335-2-56 is a technical standard that specifies the safety requirements for electrically operated hand tools. The standard provides guidelines for testing the hand tool's electrical conductivity and surface continuity, as well as the flame ignition test and the ball-tensioner test.

The testing procedures for IEC 60335-2-56 are designed to ensure that the hand tools are safe and reliable. The testing procedures are based on a set of international standards and guidelines, and are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the hand tool's safety performance.

Conclusion:

IEC 60335-2-56 is an essential international standard that provides a comprehensive guide for the design, manufacture, and testing of electrically operated hand tools. The standard is widely recognized and respected, and is used as the basis for many other safety standards and regulations. By following the guidelines and requirements set out in IEC 60335-2-56, manufacturers can ensure that their hand tools are safe, reliable, and meet the highest safety standards.