Overview
IEC 60335-2-114:2018 is an international safety standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It specifies particular safety requirements for self-balancing personal transport devices that use batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. These devices are typically used in household environments and similar settings, including shops, light industry, and farms, where they may pose a risk to the public.
This standard is part of the broader IEC 60335 series, which focuses on the safety of household and similar electrical appliances. IEC 60335-2-114 complements the general requirements of IEC 60335-1 by providing specific guidance to ensure the safe design, manufacturing, and testing of self-balancing personal transport devices. It aims to mitigate common hazards such as electrical shock, mechanical failures, fire risks, and radiation exposure under both normal and certain abnormal conditions.
Key Topics
IEC 60335-2-114:2018 covers a comprehensive range of safety aspects related to self-balancing transport devices, including:
- Scope and application: Covers devices with alkaline or non-acid electrolyte batteries used by laymen in various environments beyond normal household use.
- General safety requirements: Addresses construction, internal wiring, components, markings, and instructions to ensure user safety.
- Electrical safety: Protection against live parts, leakage current, electric strength, transient overvoltages, and power input limits.
- Mechanical safety: Requirements for stability, mechanical strength, and protection against mechanical hazards such as falls or unintended movement.
- Thermal safety: Addresses heating effects, resistance to heat and fire, and overheating protection.
- Endurance and abnormal operation tests: Verifies appliance reliability and safety under typical and unexpected conditions.
- Software evaluation: Guidelines in Annex R for assessing software elements that impact device safety.
- Markings and instructions: Ensures clear user guidance to mitigate hazards and promote safe operation.
The standard explicitly excludes operational safety issues like speed restrictions or preventing falls but focuses on physical and electrical hazards encountered during device use.
Applications
IEC 60335-2-114:2018 applies primarily to:
- Self-balancing personal transport devices, including hoverboards, electric unicycles, and similar battery-powered mobility devices.
- Devices powered by alkaline or other non-acid electrolyte batteries, emphasizing safe interaction with these specific battery chemistries.
- Appliances used by consumers and laypersons in homes, retail spaces, farms, and light industrial environments.
- Manufacturers and testing bodies aiming to demonstrate compliance with internationally recognized safety requirements for electrical and mechanical aspects.
- Regulatory authorities and certification bodies assessing product conformity for market approval.
By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can ensure their products meet essential safety benchmarks, reducing risks of electrical shock, fire, and mechanical failures and helping to protect end users and the general public.
Related Standards
IEC 60335-2-114 is designed to be used alongside the latest edition of:
- IEC 60335-1: General requirements for household and similar electrical appliances - the foundational safety standard for electrical devices.
- Other parts of the IEC 60335 series, which cover specialized appliance categories with specific safety requirements.
- Additionally, compliance with relevant national wiring regulations (such as IEC 60364 or equivalent standards) is considered to maintain compatibility with local electrical supply installations.
Manufacturers should also consult:
- Standards covering battery safety and transport, especially when using alkaline or non-acid electrolyte batteries.
- Software safety standards for evaluation of software-controlled functions incorporated in these devices.
Adopting IEC 60335-2-114 within the framework of these related standards provides a comprehensive safety approach to the design and assessment of self-balancing personal transport devices.
By implementing IEC 60335-2-114:2018, stakeholders can enhance user safety, comply with international best practices, and foster trust in personal transport devices powered by alkaline or non-acid electrolyte batteries. This contributes to safer products for consumers and supports global harmonization of safety requirements in this growing market segment.