IEC 61010-2-202:2020

Overview

IEC 61010-2-202:2020 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that sets out the safety requirements for electrically operated valve actuators and solenoids used in measurement, control, and laboratory equipment. Part of the broader IEC 61010 series covering industrial-process measurement, control, and automation, this document defines specific requirements for valve actuators and solenoids installed in industrial and process control environments. It supplements the general safety requirements outlined in IEC 61010-1:2010, with a specific focus on minimizing electrical, mechanical, fire, and other operational hazards.

This standard does not address functional safety aspects or applications in explosive atmospheres, domestic, or commercial installations. Instead, it targets safety in general-purpose electrical actuators and solenoids that directly control or automate valves in industrial settings.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  • Targets electrically operated valve actuators and solenoids for industrial-process and discrete control environments.
  • Covers devices rated up to 600 V AC/840 V DC.
  • Excludes actuators or solenoids for explosive atmospheres, domestic/commercial use, or those performing a safety function as covered by other standards (e.g., IEC 60079, IEC 61508).
• Safety Requirements
  • Details protection against electric shock, including marking requirements for hazardous parts.
  • Defines measures to protect against mechanical hazards, such as moving parts and improper use of mechanical operating wheels.
  • Sets requirements for resistance to mechanical stresses and stresses applicable to inseparable valve-actuator assemblies.
  • Addresses fire prevention through materials selection (e.g., solenoid bobbins must meet certain flammability classifications).
  • Specifies marking, identification, and comprehensive documentation requirements for equipment ratings, installation, operation, maintenance, and service.
• Verification and Testing
  • Requires testing under both normal and fault conditions for actuators and solenoids.
  • Includes checks on correct and incorrect wiring configurations, and detailed instructions for motor and solenoid fault testing.

Applications

IEC 61010-2-202:2020 offers practical value in a variety of settings, including:

• Industrial Automation and Process Control
  • Ensures safe integration of valve actuators and solenoids for process control systems in manufacturing, chemical processing, water treatment, and more.
• Laboratory Equipment
  • Applicable where electrically operated valve actuators and solenoids are used to control or automate laboratory processes.
• Plant Maintenance and Safety
  • Provides clear marking, maintenance, and installation documentation, reducing risk for service personnel.
• Equipment Design and Manufacturing
  • Guides original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in designing compliant valve actuators meeting global safety standards, thus facilitating broader market access.

The standard improves overall operational safety, ensures consistency in safety practices, and helps organizations meet regulatory and certification requirements in industrial and laboratory settings.

Related Standards

Designers, manufacturers, and users of electrical valve actuators should be aware of the following related standards:

• IEC 61010-1:2010 - General safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use.
• IEC 60079 Series - Equipment for explosive atmospheres.
• IEC 61508 Series - Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems.
• IEC 60730 - Automatic electrical controls, relevant for domestic/commercial applications.
• ISO 22153:2020 - General requirements for electric actuators for industrial valves.
• UL 429, CAN/CSA C22.2 No 139 - Safety standards for electrically operated valves in North America.

IEC 61010-2-202:2020 is a critical document for ensuring the safety and reliability of electrically operated valve actuators in complex industrial environments, making it an essential reference for engineers, certification bodies, and safety professionals.