IEC 61010-2-081:2019

Overview

IEC 61010-2-081:2019 - Edition 3.0 - is the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) group safety publication that specifies safety requirements for automatic and semi-automatic laboratory equipment for analysis and other purposes. It is a Part‑2 document intended to be used together with IEC 61010‑1 (general requirements). This third edition (2019) cancels and replaces the 2015 edition and includes technical updates such as adaptation to Amendment 1 of IEC 61010‑1:2010 and an added tolerance for stability of AC voltage test equipment.

Key topics and technical requirements

This standard supplements/modifies Part 1 and addresses particular requirements for equipment that performs, wholly or partly and without manual intervention, sample measurement or modification. Major topics covered include:

• Scope and definitions for automatic and semi‑automatic laboratory systems (e.g., analytical instruments, automatic samplers, replication/amplification equipment).
• Tests and conformity procedures derived from IEC 61010‑1, with specific adaptations for automated systems.
• Marking and documentation requirements: durable markings, warnings, gas/liquid connector identification (substance, maximum pressure, flow direction), and documentation for removal from use, transport or disposal.
• Protection against electric shock: includes the AC voltage test requirement with a stability tolerance of ±5% during testing.
• Mechanical hazards and resistance to stresses: guards, interlocks and requirements for moving parts and mechanical integrity.
• Temperature, fire, fluids and contaminants: limits for equipment temperature, resistance to heat, protection against fluids and foreign objects, and requirements for components and subassemblies.
• Radiation and acoustic hazards (including lasers and ultrasonic pressures).
• Gases, liberated substances, explosion/implosion risks: supplier guidance for poisonous or injurious gases that may be released.
• Biohazards and hazardous chemicals: added explicit scope items and a new symbol for biological risks; addresses labeling and documentation relevant to biological/chemical hazards.
• Interlocks and RISK assessment: design and documentation requirements for safety interlocks and formal risk assessment.

Applications and who uses it

IEC 61010‑2‑081 is used by:

• Manufacturers and designers of automatic and semi‑automatic laboratory equipment (analysers, automated pipettors, samplers).
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies performing safety testing and certification.
• Product safety and compliance engineers, procurement and quality teams specifying safety requirements.
• Laboratory managers and responsible bodies who must ensure safe operation, removal-from-use procedures, and correct labeling of gas/liquid connections.

Practical uses include guiding product design to meet electrical/mechanical safety, preparing user manuals and markings, defining test procedures, and supporting CE/CB/other regulatory compliance.

Related standards

• IEC 61010‑1 (General requirements) - to be used in conjunction with this Part 2.
• IEC 61010‑2‑101 (in vitro diagnostic equipment) - noted as excluded from this document’s scope where applicable.
• IEC Guide 104 - status as a group safety publication.

Keywords: IEC 61010-2-081, laboratory equipment safety, automatic laboratory equipment, electrical safety standard, marking and documentation, biohazard labeling, AC voltage test tolerance, equipment compliance.