IEC 60335-2-100:2002

Overview

IEC 60335-2-100:2002 is the IEC particular standard for the safety of hand‑held mains‑operated garden blowers, vacuums and blower‑vacuums (with or without shredding means). It applies to appliances rated up to 250 V single phase and supplements the general safety requirements of IEC 60335‑1. The document defines scope, tests, markings, mechanical and electrical safety measures, and operational instructions specific to hand‑held garden equipment used at and around the home.

Key topics and requirements

This part 2 standard supplements or modifies clauses of IEC 60335‑1 and addresses hazards unique to garden blowers and vacuuming equipment:

• Scope & definitions: Clear definitions for terms such as debris collector, discharge opening, guard, handle, hand‑held garden blower/vacuum and normal operation.
• Classification: Appliances are classified for protection against electric shock as Class II or Class III.
• Marking & instructions: Mandatory warnings and operator guidance; examples required on the appliance or instructions include:
  • “Switch off and remove plug from mains before cleaning or maintenance.”
  • “Do not use in the rain or leave outdoors while it is raining.”
  • “Wear eye protection.” and “Keep bystanders away.”
  • Recommendation to use a residual current device (RCD) with ≤ 30 mA tripping current.
• Test conditions: Specific testing rules such as setting electronic speed‑control devices to the highest speed for tests.
• Mechanical & electrical safety: Clauses cover protection against access to live parts, starting, heating, leakage current and electric strength, transient overvoltages, moisture resistance, endurance and abnormal operation.
• Construction & components: Requirements for mechanical strength, guards, discharge openings, internal wiring, supply connections, earthing provisions, clearances/creepage distances, resistance to heat/fire and rusting.
• Safety for shredding functions: Particular attention to debris collector arrangements and safe shredding when present.

Practical applications - who uses this standard

IEC 60335‑2‑100 is essential for:

• Manufacturers of hand‑held garden blowers, vacuums and blower‑vacuums for product design and compliance.
• Test laboratories validating appliance conformity to international safety requirements.
• Certification bodies & compliance engineers assessing market access and regulatory conformance.
• Product managers and technical writers preparing user manuals and safety labels.
• Regulators and safety authorities referencing accepted test and marking practices.

Using this standard helps reduce electrical, mechanical and user‑interaction hazards, improve product documentation, and facilitate market acceptance.

Related standards

• IEC 60335‑1 (general safety for household and similar electrical appliances) - to be used in conjunction with this part.
• IEC 60335‑2‑2 (vacuum cleaners for indoor/water/animal grooming) - excluded when appliance is primarily indoor.
• ISO 13852:1996 and ISO/TR 12100‑1:1992 referenced for safety distances and basic safety concepts.