IEC 61058-2-5:2018

Overview

IEC 61058-2-5:2018 - “Switches for appliances - Part 2-5: Particular requirements for change-over selectors” (Edition 3.0, 2018) is an IEC standard that specifies safety and performance requirements for change-over selectors used in household and similar appliances. It applies to mechanical and electronic selectors actuated by hand, foot or other human activity for equipment with a rated voltage up to 480 V and rated current up to 63 A. This third edition replaces the 2010 version and includes updated references aligned with the restructured IEC 61058-1 and revised procedures for the heating test.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard supplements IEC 61058-1 and addresses particular requirements for change-over selectors, including:

• Scope and definitions: Clarifies what constitutes a change-over selector and the intended applications (integrated or separate actuating members, sensing units, remote actuation).
• Rating and classification: Rated voltage/current limits, classification by actuation type (locked, unlocked, tool-operated) and operating cycles.
• Marking and documentation: Required markings, clear indication of actuator positions, and documented switch-load grouping.
• Construction and mechanical design: Requirements for mounting safety, locking means (secured to require a tool for removal), terminals and terminations.
• Protection and safety tests: Protection against electric shock, earthing provisions, insulation resistance, dielectric strength, ingress protection (solid objects, water, humidity).
• Performance tests: Heating tests (updated procedure), endurance, mechanical strength, and resistance to heat, fire and rust.
• Electrical clearances and creepage: Requirements for clearances, solid insulation and PCB coatings.
• Electronic-specific requirements: Abnormal operation, fault conditions, component requirements and EMC considerations for electronic change-over selectors.
• Special notes: Electronic selectors without mechanical isolation leave the load side live; additional requirements may apply for tropical climates or appliance-specific standards.

Applications and who uses this standard

IEC 61058-2-5 is used by:

• Appliance manufacturers designing control interfaces (ovens, cooktops, HVAC controls, washing machines).
• Switch and selector designers and suppliers (mechanical and electronic selectors).
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing safety and compliance testing.
• Regulatory bodies and standards committees aligning appliance safety requirements.
• Product safety engineers responsible for marking, documentation and EMC compliance.

Keywords: IEC 61058-2-5, change-over selectors standard, switches for appliances, rated 480 V, rated 63 A, electronic change-over selectors, heating test, IEC 61058-1.

Related standards

• IEC 61058-1:2016 - Switches for appliances - Part 1: General requirements (required companion document)
• IEC 61058-1-1:2016 - (as referenced in the edition)