Overview
IEC 63008:2020 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that focuses on the accessibility of household and similar electrical appliances. This standard establishes essential requirements to improve the usability of control elements, doors, lids, drawers, and handles for older adults and people with disabilities. By providing practical guidance and test methods, IEC 63008:2020 supports designers and manufacturers in creating more inclusive products that address accessibility needs without compromising safety.
This standard specifically addresses frequently used control elements-such as knobs, buttons, control panels, and display screens-as well as mechanical components like doors and drawers. Importantly, it excludes tasks related to assembly, installation, repair, or configuration, and does not cover remote controls, network-based controls, gesture or speech controls, or the overall accessibility assessment of household appliances.
Key Topics
Classification of Control Elements and Mechanical Components
IEC 63008 categorizes controls and operating parts into various types including:
- Rotary controls and knobs
- Slide controls
- Buttons and switches
- Control panels and display screens
- Doors, lids, and drawers
- Handles and handgrips
Accessibility Considerations and User Characteristics
The standard highlights the importance of understanding user impairments, such as limited dexterity or reduced vision, to ensure products meet accessibility requirements effectively.
Measurement and Testing Procedures
The document provides detailed methods for measuring dimensions, forces, torques, and angles related to control elements to verify compliance with accessibility criteria.
Operation and Interaction Criteria
It covers five critical functions for accessible design:
- Perceiving the control or element
- Recognizing its function
- Reaching the element
- Operating it with minimal effort
- Monitoring its status through appropriate feedback
Information Presentation
Guidance is offered on the design of visual symbols, tactile markings, audible signals, color contrasts, and display screens to enhance comprehensibility and usability for all users.
Applications
IEC 63008:2020 is essential for manufacturers, designers, and testing bodies working on household electrical appliances such as washing machines, ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers. Implementing its guidelines helps:
- Improve product usability for aging populations and users with disabilities
- Enhance market acceptance by meeting accessibility standards
- Support compliance with broader accessibility regulations and initiatives
- Foster innovation in inclusive design focused on human factors and ergonomics
- Facilitate third-party testing and certification based on recognized international norms
This standard is also valuable for product development teams aiming to incorporate accessibility early in the design phase, ensuring control interfaces and mechanical parts accommodate a wide range of physical and sensory abilities.
Related Standards
IEC 63008:2020 references and aligns with several related international standards and guides, including:
- ISO/TR 22441:2008 – Provides background on ergonomics and accessibility principles applicable to product design
- ISO/IEC Guide 71:2014 – Offers guidelines for addressing accessibility in standards development
- Other IEC standards related to household appliances and their safety, performance, and energy efficiency (while IEC 63008 excludes safety considerations)
By integrating these complementary standards, IEC 63008:2020 forms part of a comprehensive framework that supports the creation of accessible, user-friendly electrical appliances on a global scale.
Keywords: IEC 63008:2020, accessibility standard, household appliances, control elements, knobs, buttons, doors, handles, older persons, persons with disabilities, accessible design, usability, test methods, inclusive design, electrical appliances accessibility, IEC standards.