IEC 60335-2-34:2012

Overview

IEC 60335-2-34:2012 (Consolidated edition 5.1, 2015) is an IEC safety standard that sets particular requirements for sealed motor‑compressors (hermetic and semi‑hermetic) intended for use in household and similar electrical appliances. It covers the safety of the motor‑compressor itself, including its protection and control systems when tested separately under the most severe conditions expected in normal use. Rated voltages covered are up to 250 V for single‑phase motor‑compressors and 480 V for other motor‑compressors. The standard is intended to be read in conjunction with IEC 60335‑1:2010.

Key topics and technical requirements

This part of IEC 60335 supplements and modifies the general requirements of IEC 60335‑1 with motor‑compressor‑specific provisions, including:

• Scope and classification for hermetic and semi‑hermetic motor‑compressors.
• Marking and instructions requirements (what manufacturers must declare, e.g., motor protection type).
• Protection against electrical hazards: leakage current, electric strength, transient overvoltages, and moisture resistance.
• Performance and electrical tests: starting behaviour, power input and current, locked‑rotor testing.
• Thermal and mechanical safety: heating limits, endurance, abnormal operation tests, mechanical strength and stability.
• Construction and wiring: internal wiring, components, terminals, earthing provisions, clearances and creepage distances.
• Fire and durability: resistance to heat, fire, rusting and radiation hazards.
• Annexes with specialized tests: ageing tests, thermal motor protectors, running overload tests, winding insulation compatibility, tie‑cord tests and non‑sparking apparatus requirements.

The standard also provides specific test arrangements (e.g., substitute refrigeration circuit, locked‑rotor supply circuit) and prescribes tests for motor‑compressors with electronic control circuits.

Practical applications and users

IEC 60335‑2‑34 is used to ensure safe motor‑compressor design, manufacture, testing and certification. Typical users include:

• Appliance and motor‑compressor manufacturers (design and compliance teams)
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies
• Certification and regulatory authorities
• Design engineers working on refrigeration, air‑conditioning, heat pump systems
• Procurement and quality teams verifying supplier compliance

Appliance standards (e.g. refrigerators, air‑conditioners, vending machines) reference this part; if a motor‑compressor complies with IEC 60335‑2‑34, redundant motor tests in the final appliance standard may be omitted. However, integrated control systems may still require additional testing in the final appliance.

Related standards

• IEC 60335‑1:2010 (General requirements)
• IEC 60335‑2‑24 - Refrigerators, freezers and ice‑makers
• IEC 60335‑2‑40 - Air‑conditioners, heat pumps, dehumidifiers
• IEC 60335‑2‑75 - Commercial dispensing appliances and vending machines

Keywords: IEC 60335‑2‑34:2012, motor compressor safety, hermetic compressor, semi‑hermetic compressor, sealed motor‑compressor, household appliance standards.