IEC 60335-2-85:2022

Overview

IEC 60335-2-85:2022 is the international safety standard for household and similar electric fabric steamers (rated voltage ≤ 250 V, including DC and battery-operated appliances). This third edition (2022) replaces earlier editions and constitutes a technical revision. It defines particular safety requirements and tests for fabric steamers used at home and in similar environments - including appliances used by laymen in shops, laundries and dry cleaners - and introduces specific coverage for pressurized fabric steamers.

The standard is intended to be used in conjunction with IEC 60335-1 (general requirements for household appliances) and deals with common hazards (electrical, mechanical, thermal, fire and radiation) under normal and expected abnormal use.

Key topics and technical requirements

This part 2 supplements or modifies clauses in IEC 60335-1 and addresses fabric steamer‑specific issues. Major topics include:

• Scope and exclusions - applicability to portable fabric steamers and battery devices; exclusions such as appliances connected to water mains, electric irons (IEC 60335-2-3), ironers (IEC 60335-2-44) and surface-cleaning appliances using steam or liquids (IEC 60335-2-54).
• Alignment with IEC 60335-1:2020 - updated normative references and converted notes to normative text where appropriate.
• Introduction of pressurized fabric steamers - specific requirements for appliances that operate under pressure.
• Safety tests and verification - requirements for leakage current, electric strength at operating temperature, moisture resistance, transient overvoltages, endurance and abnormal operation testing.
• Mechanical and thermal hazards - stability, mechanical strength, protection against access to live parts, heating and surface temperatures, resistance to heat and fire.
• Construction and components - internal wiring, terminals, earthing, clearances and creepage distances, and requirements for components and cords.
• Marking and instructions - required user information and safety instructions for safe use and maintenance.

(Clause and test numbering follows the IEC 60335 series conventions.)

Practical applications - who uses this standard

IEC 60335-2-85:2022 is essential for:

• Appliance manufacturers and product designers developing fabric steamers (including pressurized models).
• Compliance and safety engineers preparing technical documentation and risk assessments.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies conducting conformity assessment and type testing.
• Regulatory authorities and market surveillance bodies referencing safety requirements for national adoption.
• Quality assurance teams implementing production inspections and pre‑market testing.

Use cases include product design validation, type testing for CE/CB schemes, preparation of user manuals/marking, and supplier/component selection to meet safety targets.

Related standards

• IEC 60335-1 (general household appliance safety) - to be used together with this part 2.
• Other related part‑2 standards for excluded appliance types: IEC 60335-2-3, IEC 60335-2-44, IEC 60335-2-54.
• National wiring rules (e.g., IEC 60364 considerations) and country‑specific health or labour safety regulations may also apply.

Keywords: IEC 60335-2-85:2022, fabric steamers safety standard, household electrical appliances, pressurized fabric steamer, IEC 60335-1, leakage current test, moisture resistance, appliance certification.