IEC 60335-2-116:2019

Overview

IEC 60335-2-116:2019 is an international safety standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focusing on furniture with electrically motorized parts. This standard applies to household and similar furniture appliances operating at a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V. It addresses the safety requirements necessary to mitigate risks associated with electrically motorized furniture, ensuring protection against electrical, mechanical, and operational hazards.

The scope includes electrical furniture used both in residential homes and in public or commercial environments such as offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, and light industrial settings. The standard complements the general IEC 60335-1 standard and is intended to be used alongside it, adding specific requirements pertinent to furniture with motorized components.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application: Covers furniture with electrically motorized parts intended for normal household and similar uses, excluding certain types such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, furniture with heating elements, and outdoor furniture.
• Safety Requirements: Addresses electrical safety, mechanical hazards, stability, proper construction, and protection against access to live parts.
• Motor Operation: Specifies requirements for starting, power input, current limits, and overload protection of motor-operated furniture.
• Testing Conditions: Prescribes general conditions and tests for leakage currents, electric strength, moisture resistance, endurance, abnormal operation, and electromagnetic compatibility.
• Marking and Instructions: Requires clear instructions and proper marking to ensure safe usage in line with manufacturers' guidelines.
• Exclusions: Furniture intended for vehicles, heating elements, hospital beds (covered by IEC 60601-2-52), and child-specific or outdoor furniture are excluded.
• Compatibility: The standard aligns with IEC 60364 wiring rules and covers the electromagnetic impact on appliance safety when in use.

Applications

IEC 60335-2-116:2019 primarily applies to various furniture products integrated with electrically motorized parts, including but not limited to:

• Electrically adjustable tables and desks for ergonomic or workspace adaptability.
• Motorized stands and wall mounts for televisions and monitors.
• Electrically adjustable seating solutions improving comfort and accessibility.
• Electrically controlled beds with integrated ventilators, filters, or adjustable positions.
• Motorized storage units and kitchen furniture designed for flexibility and user convenience.
• Extension elements like electrically operated drawers and doors enhancing furniture utility.
• Commercial furniture with electric features, such as check-out counters in retail and hospitality sectors.
• Ready-to-assemble furniture equipped with electrically motorized components.

This standard ensures that such motorized furniture products are designed and manufactured with stringent safety measures to protect all users, including non-expert individuals, while addressing potential electrical and mechanical risks during normal and foreseeable abnormal use.

Related Standards

• IEC 60335-1: General safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances, serving as the foundational part that IEC 60335-2-116 supplements.
• IEC 60601-2-52: Particular requirements for electrically operated hospital beds, which are excluded from the scope of IEC 60335-2-116.
• ISO TC 136 Standards: Address other safety aspects of furniture with or without electrically motorised parts, such as physical and mechanical safety considerations.
• National Wiring Regulations: IEC 60335-2-116 takes into account IEC 60364 wiring provisions; however, local regulations and additional requirements from national health and safety authorities should be observed.
• Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards: Relevant to ensuring safe operation amidst electromagnetic phenomena affecting motorized furniture parts.

Practical Value

Implementing IEC 60335-2-116:2019 provides manufacturers with a clear framework for designing and testing electrically motorized furniture that meets international safety benchmarks. It enhances user safety, reduces manufacturing risks, and facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements worldwide. For consumers and end-users, compliance with this standard assures improved safety and confidence in electrically motorized furniture products deployed in homes, offices, healthcare facilities, and public spaces.

Keywords: IEC 60335-2-116, electrically motorized furniture, safety standards, household electrical appliances, motor-operated furniture, IEC safety standard, electrical safety, motorized furniture testing, safety requirements for furniture, IEC 60335 series.