IEC 61058-2-6:2018

Overview

IEC 61058-2-6:2018 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies particular requirements for switches used in electric motor-operated hand-held tools, transportable tools, and lawn and garden machinery. It functions as a subset of IEC 61058-1, focusing on ambient operating temperatures up to and including 55°C. This standard is relevant for manufacturers, product designers, and compliance professionals involved with electrical accessories, ensuring switches integrated into tools and outdoor equipment meet tailored operational and safety benchmarks.

This second edition supersedes the previous 2016 edition, featuring an updated format aligned with IEC 61058-1, IEC 61058-1-1, and IEC 61058-1-2 to streamline referencing and ensure consistency across related standards.

Key Topics

• Scope: Defines requirements specifically for switches in electric motor-driven hand-held tools, transportable tools, and lawn and garden equipment, with a focus on ambient temperatures up to 55°C.
• Compliance: Switches compliant with IEC 61058-1 are recognized as meeting this standard, provided they match the necessary ratings, loads, and endurance criteria-eliminating redundant testing.
• Marking and Documentation: Specifies the unique identification of switches, including manufacturer details, model numbers, and explicit declaration of compliance with IEC 61058-2-6 (marked as "PT").
• Testing Requirements: Outlines endurance, dielectric strength, and mechanical testing procedures necessary for switch reliability and user safety under demanding tool and equipment conditions.
• Protection and Safety: Addresses requirements for protection against electric shock, ingress of foreign objects and water, and ensures robust insulation and resilience against mechanical and electrical stress.

Applications

IEC 61058-2-6:2018 is widely applicable in the following areas:

• Electric motor-operated hand-held tools: Ensures switch performance in drills, grinders, saws, and similar portable tools that operate in diverse and sometimes harsh environments.
• Transportable tools: Applies to machinery that, while not permanently installed, is meant to be moved or reconfigured as part of its normal use-such as table saws or portable compressors.
• Lawn and garden machinery: Supports manufacturers of equipment like lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers in integrating switches that stand up to outdoor use, moisture, and dirt.
• Product compliance and safety evaluation: Regulatory agencies and certification bodies reference this standard to verify product compliance and to guide type testing and factory surveillance.

Adoption of this standard provides clear benchmarks for switch safety, performance, and labeling, facilitating market access, reducing liability, and promoting end-user safety across global markets.

Related Standards

For comprehensive compliance and design considerations, IEC 61058-2-6:2018 should be used in conjunction with:

• IEC 61058-1: General requirements for appliance switches
• IEC 61058-1-1 & IEC 61058-1-2: Additional requirements and specifications for particular switch types
• IEC 60335 series: Safety standards for household and similar electrical appliances, including gardening equipment
• IEC 60745 & IEC 62841 series: Safety for hand-held and transportable electric motor-operated tools

Referencing these standards together ensures robust, harmonized design and testing practices for switches incorporated within a wide spectrum of electrical tools and outdoor equipment.

Adhering to IEC 61058-2-6:2018 demonstrates a commitment to both international safety standards and product quality, enhancing trust with regulators and end users in the appliance and power tool sectors.