IEC 60335-2-3:2022

Overview

IEC 60335-2-3:2022 is the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) safety standard that specifies particular requirements for electric irons (dry and steam irons) for household and similar use. The 7th edition (2022) replaces the 2012 edition and Amendment 1:2015 and constitutes a technical revision that aligns this part 2 with IEC 60335-1:2020. It covers electric irons (including DC-supplied and battery-operated models) rated up to 250 V, and steam appliances with a separate water reservoir or boiler up to 5 L. Appliances intended for industrial use, ironers (covered by IEC 60335-2-44), ironing boards, and appliances for corrosive/explosive atmospheres are excluded.

Key topics and technical requirements

This part 2 supplements and modifies the general requirements in IEC 60335-1. Key technical topics include:

• Electrical safety: protection against access to live parts, leakage current, electric strength at operating temperature, and transient overvoltages.
• Heating and temperature control: requirements for heating elements, thermostats, overheat protection, and newly added external accessible surface temperature limits to reduce burn risk.
• Mechanical safety: stability, mechanical strength, construction, and clarification of handle surfaces likely to be contacted (grip safety).
• Moisture and steam resistance: tests and construction rules for steam and wet conditions.
• Endurance and abnormal operation: verification of safe behaviour under prolonged use and foreseeable faults.
• Materials and fire safety: resistance to heat, fire, rusting, radiation and toxicity considerations.
• Wiring, components and earthing: internal wiring, terminals, clearances/creepage distances, and protective earthing provisions.
• Testing and documentation: marking, instructions, and test conditions to demonstrate compliance.

Significant 2022 changes include alignment with IEC 60335-1:2020, conversion of certain notes into normative text, and clarified applicability of specific test clauses.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

IEC 60335-2-3:2022 is intended for:

• Manufacturers and product designers developing safe steam and dry irons compliant with international safety norms.
• Testing and certification laboratories performing conformity and type testing for product approvals.
• Regulatory bodies and procurement teams setting safety criteria for household appliances.
• Compliance engineers and safety assessors preparing technical documentation, user instructions and risk assessments.

Use this standard together with the latest edition of IEC 60335-1; Part 2 modifies Part 1 where necessary to address hazards specific to electric irons.

Related standards and notes

• IEC 60335-1 (general safety requirements for household appliances) - mandatory companion standard.
• IEC 60335-2-44 (ironers) - covers appliances excluded from this part.
• National or sectoral rules may add requirements for use in vehicles, ships, aircraft, or for pressure vessels and occupational health.

Keywords: IEC 60335-2-3, electric irons safety, steam iron standard, household appliance safety, IEC 60335-1 alignment, product safety testing, appliance certification.