IEC 60335-2-97:2016

Overview

IEC 60335-2-97:2016 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focusing on the safety of electric drives designed for household and similar applications. Specifically, it addresses drives for shutters, awnings, blinds, and related equipment. This standard ensures that these electric drives operate safely within rated voltages-not exceeding 250 V for single-phase and 480 V for other drives-and covers battery and DC-powered drives as well.

The third edition of IEC 60335-2-97 includes key technical revisions to enhance safety requirements, reflecting modern applications and new hazards. It serves as an essential reference for manufacturers, testing bodies, and regulators to guarantee compliance and reduce electrical and mechanical risks associated with these appliances in residential and similar environments.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  The standard applies to electric drives controlling various driven parts such as folding arm awnings, curtains, projection screens, grilles, shutters, and draperies. It covers both typical household use and drives used by non-professionals in commercial and light industrial settings. However, it excludes drives for vehicles, ships, aircraft, rolling garage doors, rolling doors, theatre curtains, and those operating in hazardous or explosive atmospheres.

• Safety Requirements
  The document specifies safety aspects like protection against access to live parts, safe starting of motors, overload protection, moisture resistance, and mechanical hazards. It emphasizes preventing inappropriate operation by inexperienced users as well as the risk posed to children.

• Electrical and Mechanical Testing
  The standard outlines rigorous testing for endurance, abnormal operations, heating, leakage currents, and mechanical strength. New provisions include tests for horizontal movement drive parts and anti-lifting tests for rolling grills.

• Software and Programmable Circuits
  Recognizing the role of electronic control circuits, IEC 60335-2-97 introduces software requirements for programmable electronic components involved in safety functions, aimed at reducing risks from inadvertent adjustments or software malfunctions.

• Marking and Instructions
  Clear marking and precise user instructions are mandatory for safe installation and operation. The standard covers labelling requirements essential for awareness and compliance.

Applications

• Residential Drives
  Ensures the safety of electric motors controlling window shutters, awnings, blinds, and curtains commonly found in homes.

• Commercial and Light Industrial Use
  Includes drives accessible to lay users in shops, farms, workshops, and light industrial premises, addressing public safety where specialized industrial standards do not apply.

• Battery and DC Operated Appliances
  Applies to battery-driven solutions that are increasingly used for cordless applications.

• Safety of Swing and Sliding Shutters
  Covers examples such as swing and sliding shutters expanding beyond traditional rolling mechanisms, highlighting the standard’s adaptability to diverse drive types.

Related Standards

• IEC 60335-1:2010
  The general standard that defines basic safety requirements for household electrical appliances. IEC 60335-2-97 is designed to be read and applied together with IEC 60335-1.

• IEC 60335-2-95
  Particular requirements for drives for vertically moving garage doors for residential use, which excludes such drives from IEC 60335-2-97 scope.

• IEC 60335-2-103
  Standards applicable to rolling doors, which are also excluded from IEC 60335-2-97 provisions.

Summary

IEC 60335-2-97:2016 is a crucial safety standard that addresses risks associated with electric drives for shutters, awnings, blinds, and similar equipment in household and light commercial settings. By mandating comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and software safety requirements, it helps manufacturers design safer products and assists regulators in enforcing safety compliance. The standard’s careful delineation of scope and detailed test protocols ensure effective mitigation of common hazards, ultimately protecting users and property from electric and mechanical dangers.

Keywords: IEC 60335-2-97, electric drives safety, shutters, awnings, blinds, household electrical appliances, programmable electronic circuits, mechanical hazards, electrical safety standards, IEC standards, motor-operated appliances