IEC 62841-2-23:2024

Overview

IEC 62841-2-23:2024 is an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) safety standard that specifies particular requirements for hand-held die grinders and small rotary tools. It is intended to be used in conjunction with IEC 62841-1:2014 (the general requirements for electric motor‑operated hand‑held tools). The scope covers hand‑held die grinders and small rotary tools with mounted accessories up to 55 mm diameter (and sanding accessories up to 80 mm), and with accessory peripheral speed not exceeding 80 m/s at rated capacity. It excludes straight and vertical grinders that use flanges (see IEC 62841-2-3).

Key technical topics and requirements

This part supplements or modifies the clauses of IEC 62841-1 and addresses practical safety and test requirements, including:

• Classification, marking and instructions: requirements for product identification, warning labels and user manuals.
• Electrical safety and insulation: protection against access to live parts, starting controls, input/current limits, creepage and clearance distances.
• Thermal and fire safety: limits on temperature rise, heating tests and resistance to heat and fire.
• Mechanical hazards and strength: guarding, accessory retention, wheel overhang, impact and torque tests, and mechanical construction.
• Endurance and abnormal operation: durability testing, overload, short‑circuit and fault simulations.
• Components and internal wiring: requirements for motors, switches, wiring, terminals and earthing provisions.
• Noise and vibration: measurement methods and transducer positions (informative guidance for emission reporting).
• Battery tools: normative annexes for battery tools and battery packs, including tools provided with mains connection or non‑isolated sources.
• Testing and measurement annexes: detailed procedures for electric strength, leakage current, creepage/clearance measurement and routine tests.

Practical applications - who uses this standard

IEC 62841-2-23:2024 is primarily used by:

• Tool manufacturers and product designers to ensure safety by design and to meet international requirements for die grinders and small rotary tools.
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies for type testing, routine testing and certification.
• Compliance engineers, safety managers and procurement specialists assessing vendor claims and verifying product compliance.
• Regulators and standards committees referencing harmonized safety requirements.

Using this standard helps reduce electrical and mechanical hazards, ensures consistent testing and labeling, and supports market access in regions recognizing IEC conformity.

Related standards

• IEC 62841-1:2014 - General requirements (mandatory companion document).
• IEC 62841-2-3 - Straight and vertical grinders (for tools excluded from this part).
• ISO 13849-1 - Referenced in Annex E for functional safety considerations.

Keywords: IEC 62841-2-23:2024, hand-held die grinders, small rotary tools, safety standard, testing procedures, electrical safety, mechanical hazards, noise and vibration, battery tools, IEC 62841-1.