EN 60335-2-97:2006/A11:2008

Overview

The EN 60335-2-97:2006/A11:2008 standard is an important amendment to the European safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances, specifically focusing on drives for rolling shutters, awnings, blinds, and related equipment. Developed by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), this amendment A11 updates the safety criteria set out in EN 60335-2-97:2006 to enhance safety protocols, specify cable requirements, and ensure compliance with modern testing methods.

This amendment is crucial for manufacturers, installers, and safety inspectors to ensure devices meet up-to-date European safety regulations, minimizing hazards related to electrical and mechanical failures in motorized shutter and blind drives.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose
  This amendment integrates additional requirements and clarifications that were absent in the original 2006 edition of EN 60335-2-97. It is specifically tailored for motorized mechanisms used in rolling shutters, awnings, and similar equipment for household or comparable applications.

• Marking and User Instructions
  The standard mandates that drives supplied with a black ordinary tough rubber sheathed cord (designation: 60245 IEC 53) for outdoor use must include clear instructions. These specify that any replacement supply cords must be identical types provided by the original manufacturer, ensuring safety and compatibility.

• Supply Connection and Cable Requirements
  The amendment allows the use of a tough rubber sheathed cord (60245 IEC 53) for outdoor drives, provided it contains at least 2% carbon black in the sheath. This carbon content must be validated according to specific testing methods in IEC 60811-4-1 to guarantee resistance to environmental stress and durability outdoors.

• Testing Methodology
  A reference to IEC 60811-4-1 testing methods for evaluating carbon content and dispersion in the cable insulation has been incorporated to standardize quality measures for outdoor electrical cable performance.

• National Adoption and Compliance
  CENELEC members, which include national electrotechnical committees across Europe, are required to adopt this amendment by 2009-10-01 as a national standard and withdraw conflicting standards by 2011-10-01, ensuring harmonized implementation.

Applications

The EN 60335-2-97:2006/A11:2008 amendment applies directly to:

• Manufacturing of motorized drives used in rolling shutters, blinds, awnings, and similar window or door coverings.
• Design and safety assessments for electrical cords related to outdoor electrical installations, particularly where exposure to harsh weather conditions and UV light demands specific cable properties.
• Installation guidance for electricians and technicians, emphasizing safe replacement and maintenance of power cables in these appliances to prevent electrical hazards.
• Quality control and compliance testing labs that verify cable material properties and appliance safety according to latest European safety requirements.

This amendment helps mitigate risks such as electrical shock, fire hazards, and mechanical failures in household and commercial environments, enhancing overall consumer and property safety.

Related Standards

To fully understand and implement EN 60335-2-97:2006/A11:2008, familiarity with related references is essential:

• EN 60335-2-97:2006 – Part 2-97 of the household appliances standard, detailing the original safety requirements for motorized drives before amendment A11.
• IEC 60811-4-1:2004 / EN 60811-4-1:2004 – This critical standard outlines testing methods for insulating and sheathing electrical cables, focusing on polyethylene and polypropylene compounds. It specifies how to measure carbon black content and resistance to environmental stress, ensuring cable durability for outdoor usage.
• CENELEC Internal Regulations – Governs how amendments like A11 are adopted at national levels without modification for consistent safety enforcement across Europe.

By adhering to EN 60335-2-97:2006/A11:2008, manufacturers and stakeholders ensure compliance with established European safety norms for electrical drives used in household shading and security devices. This results in improved safety, product reliability, and user confidence in automated home installations.