IEC 60335-2-105:2016

Overview

IEC 60335-2-105:2016 is an international safety standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), focusing on electric multifunctional shower cabinets and separate multifunctional shower units used in households, hotels, fitness centres, and similar environments. This standard applies to appliances with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V for single-phase and 480 V for other appliances, addressing safety requirements and foreseeable hazards for all users.

The standard serves as a supplement to IEC 60335-1 (General Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances) by specifying particular safety requirements for multifunctional shower cabinets which may also offer functions such as steam baths and air heating.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application
  The standard covers electric multifunctional shower cabinets for both residential and commercial use, including high-traffic areas like gyms and hotels. It also addresses appliances not intended for regular household use if they pose potential hazards.

• Hazard Coverage
  IEC 60335-2-105 examines risks associated with electrical, mechanical, thermal, fire, moisture, and radiation hazards in multifunctional shower units.

• Key Safety Requirements

  • Protection against access to live parts.
  • Temperature rise limits for surfaces in contact with the skin.
  • Moisture resistance in a bathroom environment.
  • Marking, instructions, and user warnings, including precautions for hot surfaces and restricted use by children.
  • Requirements for installation, wiring, and connection to prevent electric shocks.
  • Endurance of mechanical parts and safe operation of programmable electronic circuits.

• Testing Procedures
  The standard defines general and specific test conditions, including abnormal operation and overload protection, as well as software evaluation for programmable controls.

• Transition to New Requirements
  The standard recommends a transitional period for manufacturers and testing bodies to adapt to new safety requirements.

Applications

• Product Safety Compliance
  Designers and manufacturers of multifunctional shower cabinets and units must adhere to IEC 60335-2-105 to demonstrate compliance with international safety regulations and gain access to global markets.

• Third-Party Certification and Testing
  Testing laboratories and certification bodies use this standard to assess the conformity of shower appliances, ensuring safety before products reach consumers.

• Building and Facility Management
  Hotels, fitness centers, and public facilities housing multifunctional shower units rely on compliance with IEC 60335-2-105 to minimize liability and enhance user safety.

• Consumer Assurance
  End users benefit from increased safety in bathroom environments, particularly concerning risks of electric shock, hot surfaces, and mechanical hazards.

Related Standards

• IEC 60335-1:2010
  General requirements for household and similar electrical appliances; provides the baseline safety framework to which this particular part adds specific guidance for shower cabinets.

• IEC 60529
  Classification of degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code), referenced for moisture protection tests.

• IEC 60695-11-10
  Fire hazard testing (needle-flame test) for materials used in appliance enclosures.

• ISO 3864-1
  Design principles for safety signs and markings, incorporated for appliance labeling.

• IEC 60335-2-35
  Specific requirements for instantaneous water heaters.

• IEC 60335-2-41
  Safety of shower-boost pumps.

Conclusion

Adhering to IEC 60335-2-105:2016 ensures that multifunctional shower cabinets and related appliances provide a high level of electrical and mechanical safety in homes and public spaces. Compliance supports global market access, reduces risk, and assures that appliances meet current expectations for safe, reliable performance in demanding bathroom environments. For manufacturers and facility operators, referencing this standard is essential for quality assurance, regulatory approval, and consumer trust.