IEC 60335-2-108:2024

Overview

IEC 60335-2-108:2024 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2‑108: Particular requirements for electrolysers - is a dedicated safety standard for electrolysers that produce low‑viscosity, ionized liquids intended as detergent‑free wash water in household and similar appliances (for example, dishwashers and washing machines). It applies to electrolysers tested separately under the most severe conditions expected in normal use and covers appliances with a rated voltage up to 250 V (including DC and battery‑operated appliances). This second edition is a technical revision aligned to IEC 60335‑1:2020.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope & applicability: Electrolysers used in household appliances, tested separately; does not replace specific appliance standards but can reduce duplicate testing when complied with.
• Electrical safety: Leakage current, electric strength, transient overvoltages and insulation requirements (used together with IEC 60335‑1).
• Thermal requirements: Limits for external accessible surface temperatures and maximum temperature rises for internal components.
• Mechanical & construction: Protection against access to live parts, mechanical strength, stability and construction rules for safe integration into appliances.
• Battery & DC operation: Normative Annex B addresses battery‑operated appliances and separable/detachable batteries.
• Testing & probes: Introduction of test probe 19 for specific access tests; detailed test sequences and diagrams for leakage current and strength measurements.
• Software, materials & radiation: Includes annexes on software evaluation, UV‑C effects on materials, and other component‑specific tests.
• Annex BB (informative): Guidance for additional requirements to consider when including electrolysers in final appliance standards.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Manufacturers of electrolysers: Design and validate electrolysis modules intended for household appliances.
• Appliance OEMs / integrators: Evaluate whether a compliant electrolyser can reduce appliance‑level testing and ensure safe system integration.
• Test laboratories & certification bodies: Perform type and routine tests, leakage and temperature measurements, and conformity assessments.
• Product safety engineers & compliance teams: Develop documentation, user instructions and risk assessments to meet international and national safety regulations.
• Regulatory authorities: Reference standard for approvals, noting that national health, water supply, labour or transport authorities may have additional requirements (vehicles, ships, aircraft).

Related standards & keywords

• To be used in conjunction with IEC 60335‑1:2020 (general requirements).
• Applicable appliance standards (e.g., IEC 60335‑2‑5 for dishwashers, IEC 60335‑2‑7 for washing machines).
• Keywords: IEC 60335‑2‑108, electrolysers safety, household appliance electrolyser, detergent‑free wash water, appliance safety standard, test probe 19, surface temperature limits.

Compliance with IEC 60335‑2‑108:2024 helps ensure safe electrolyser design, streamlined testing when integrated into appliances, and clearer pathways to market acceptance for innovative detergent‑free wash water systems.