Overview
IEC 61010-2-081:2019 - Edition 3.0 - is the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) group safety publication that specifies safety requirements for automatic and semi-automatic laboratory equipment for analysis and other purposes. It is a Part‑2 document intended to be used together with IEC 61010‑1 (general requirements). This third edition (2019) cancels and replaces the 2015 edition and includes technical updates such as adaptation to Amendment 1 of IEC 61010‑1:2010 and an added tolerance for stability of AC voltage test equipment.
Key topics and technical requirements
This standard supplements/modifies Part 1 and addresses particular requirements for equipment that performs, wholly or partly and without manual intervention, sample measurement or modification. Major topics covered include:
- Scope and definitions for automatic and semi‑automatic laboratory systems (e.g., analytical instruments, automatic samplers, replication/amplification equipment).
- Tests and conformity procedures derived from IEC 61010‑1, with specific adaptations for automated systems.
- Marking and documentation requirements: durable markings, warnings, gas/liquid connector identification (substance, maximum pressure, flow direction), and documentation for removal from use, transport or disposal.
- Protection against electric shock: includes the AC voltage test requirement with a stability tolerance of ±5% during testing.
- Mechanical hazards and resistance to stresses: guards, interlocks and requirements for moving parts and mechanical integrity.
- Temperature, fire, fluids and contaminants: limits for equipment temperature, resistance to heat, protection against fluids and foreign objects, and requirements for components and subassemblies.
- Radiation and acoustic hazards (including lasers and ultrasonic pressures).
- Gases, liberated substances, explosion/implosion risks: supplier guidance for poisonous or injurious gases that may be released.
- Biohazards and hazardous chemicals: added explicit scope items and a new symbol for biological risks; addresses labeling and documentation relevant to biological/chemical hazards.
- Interlocks and RISK assessment: design and documentation requirements for safety interlocks and formal risk assessment.
Applications and who uses it
IEC 61010‑2‑081 is used by:
- Manufacturers and designers of automatic and semi‑automatic laboratory equipment (analysers, automated pipettors, samplers).
- Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies performing safety testing and certification.
- Product safety and compliance engineers, procurement and quality teams specifying safety requirements.
- Laboratory managers and responsible bodies who must ensure safe operation, removal-from-use procedures, and correct labeling of gas/liquid connections.
Practical uses include guiding product design to meet electrical/mechanical safety, preparing user manuals and markings, defining test procedures, and supporting CE/CB/other regulatory compliance.
Related standards
- IEC 61010‑1 (General requirements) - to be used in conjunction with this Part 2.
- IEC 61010‑2‑101 (in vitro diagnostic equipment) - noted as excluded from this document’s scope where applicable.
- IEC Guide 104 - status as a group safety publication.
Keywords: IEC 61010-2-081, laboratory equipment safety, automatic laboratory equipment, electrical safety standard, marking and documentation, biohazard labeling, AC voltage test tolerance, equipment compliance.