IEC 60335-2-68:2021

Overview

IEC 60335-2-68:2021 is the fifth-edition IEC safety standard for spray extraction machines for commercial use. It covers portable, non‑self‑propelled, motor‑operated spray extraction machines - with or without attachments and with or without electrical heating elements - intended for indoor commercial applications (hotels, schools, hospitals, factories, shops, offices, rental services and other non‑household uses). This part 2 standard is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60335-1 (the general safety standard) and aligns editorially and technically with IEC 60335-1:2020.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope limits: machines without traction drive; pressure of cleaning agent ≤ 2.5 MPa; product of pressure (MPa) × flow (L/min) ≤ 100; cleaning agent temperature at nozzle outlet ≤ 85 °C.
• Power systems covered: mains powered (up to 250 V single‑phase, up to 480 V for other appliances) and battery‑operated machines.
• Safety and performance areas covered (supplements Part 1):
  • Protection against access to live parts and starting controls
  • Leakage current, dielectric strength and transient overvoltages
  • Moisture resistance, resistance to heat and fire, and resistance to rusting
  • Stability, mechanical strength and construction requirements
  • Internal wiring, components, terminals, earthing and cord provisions
  • Endurance and abnormal‑operation testing
  • Specific battery charging and battery‑operation requirements (normative annexes)
  • Acoustic noise and vibration guidance (informative annexes)
• Exclusions: household vacuum cleaners, floor‑treatment machines with traction drives, commercial wet/dry vacuum cleaners (other part‑2 standards apply), hand‑held power tools, machines for corrosive/explosive environments, or for handling hazardous dusts/flammable solvents/glowing particles.

Practical applications - who uses this standard and why

• Manufacturers and product designers: to design safe spray extraction machines that meet international safety expectations and to integrate protective measures (electrical, mechanical, thermal).
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies: to perform required tests (insulation, leakage, endurance, mechanical strength, moisture resistance) and certify compliance.
• Procurement, maintenance and rental companies in hospitality, healthcare, retail, industrial cleaning and facility services: to specify compliant equipment and ensure operational safety.
• Regulatory and compliance teams: to demonstrate conformity for market access and to reduce liability by following harmonized international safety requirements.

Related standards

• IEC 60335-1 - General requirements (mandatory companion standard)
• IEC 60335-2-72 - floor treatment machines with traction drive
• IEC 60335-2-69, IEC 60335-2-67, IEC 60335-2-2 - related appliance families
• IEC 60745, IEC 61029, IEC 62841 - hand‑held/transportable power tool standards (excluded)

This standard is essential for ensuring electrical safety and reliable operation of commercial spray extraction machines and for achieving consistent compliance across global markets. Keywords: IEC 60335-2-68:2021, spray extraction machines, commercial cleaning equipment safety standard, electrical safety, battery‑operated, mains powered, product compliance.