Overview
IEC 60730-2-9:2015/AMD1:2018 is Amendment 1 to the IEC requirement set for automatic electrical controls - Part 2-9: particular requirements for temperature sensing controls. This amendment updates definitions, classifications and guidance (Annex EE) for temperature sensing devices used in appliances and equipment. It clarifies the intended purpose of devices (thermostats, temperature limiters, thermal cut-outs, single operation devices, motor protectors) and refines test and declaration expectations for safety and performance.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and updates: Adds and replaces text in Annex EE and other clauses to clarify device types, behaviour and testing expectations.
- Device classifications:
- Type 1: Tested for inherent safety but not for operating temperature consistency - intended where controlled temperature is not safety-critical.
- Type 2: Tested for inherent safety and for consistency of operating temperature (manufacturing tolerance and drift after specified tests).
- Control function classes:
- Class A: Not relied upon for safety (e.g., room thermostats).
- Class B: Intended to prevent unsafe appliance states (e.g., temperature limiters).
- Class C: Intended to prevent special hazards whose failure could directly cause a hazard (e.g., certain thermal cut-outs in closed water systems).
- Device definitions and behaviour: Clear definitions for thermostats, temperature limiters, thermal cut-outs (self-resetting, non-self-resetting, voltage maintained), single operation devices (SOD) and motor protectors.
- Operational declarations and durability: The amendment notes expected cycle declarations for some protective devices (examples in the amendment: self-resetting devices may be declared between ~300 and 10 000 cycles; non-self-resetting at least 30 cycles; voltage-maintained types about 1 000 cycles).
- Regulatory notes: Country-specific restrictions are recorded (e.g., liquid metal on cooking/food handling equipment not allowed in China; parts containing mercury restricted in Canada).
Applications and who uses this standard
- Appliance manufacturers designing or certifying heaters, kettles, water heaters, hair dryers, transformers, fans, compressors and similar equipment.
- Control designers and component suppliers of temperature sensing devices (electromechanical and electronic).
- Test laboratories and compliance officers performing type testing, drift and durability assessments.
- Safety engineers and regulatory authorities assessing appliance hazard mitigation and protective control suitability.
Related standards
- IEC 60335-1 - definitions and appliance safety context for thermostats, limiters and cut-outs.
- IEC 60730-2-22 - thermal motor protectors (when built into motors).
- IEC 60691 - thermal links (single operation thermal elements).
Keywords: IEC 60730-2-9:2015/AMD1:2018, temperature sensing controls, automatic electrical controls, thermostat, temperature limiter, thermal cut-out, type 1 control, type 2 control, Class A/B/C control functions, appliance safety, testing and drift.