IEC 61058-2-1:2010

IEC 61058-2-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2010-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Switches for appliances –
Part 2-1: Particular requirements for cord switches

Interrupteurs pour appareils –
Partie 2-1: Règles particulières pour les interrupteurs
pour câbles souples
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IEC 61058-2-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2010-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Switches for appliances –
Part 2-1: Particular requirements for cord switches

Interrupteurs pour appareils –
Partie 2-1: Règles particulières pour les interrupteurs
pour câbles souples
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
T
CODE PRIX
ICS 29.120.40 ISBN 978-2-88912-263-9
– 2 – 61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010
CONTENTS
FOREW ORD . 3

1 Scope . 5

2 Normativ e references . 5

3 Def initions . 6

4 General requirement . 7

5 General notes on tests. 7

6 Rating . 7

7 Classif ication . 7
8 Marking and documentation . 8
9 Protection against electric shock . 8
10 Provision for earthing . 9
11 Terminals and terminations . 9
12 Construction . 10
13 Mechanism . 15
14 Protection against solid objects, ingress of water and humid conditions . 15
15 Insulation resistance and dielectric strength . 15
16 Heating . 15
17 Endurance . 15
18 Mechanical strength . 16
19 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 17
20 Clearances, creepage distances and distances through insulation and coatings of
rigid printed board assemblies . 17
21 Fire hazard . 17
22 Resistance to rusting . 17
23 Abnormal operation and fault conditions for electronic switches . 17
24 Components for electronic switches . 17
25 EMC requirements . 18
Annexes . 23

Figure 101 – Pull apparatus for testing the cord anchorage . 18
Figure 102 – Apparatus for flexing test . 19
Figure 103 – Tumbling barrel . 20
Figure 104 – Torque apparatus for testing the cord anchorage . 21
Figure 105 – Example for the insulation system . 22

Table 3 – Switch information . 8
Table 4 – Resistive current carried by the terminal and related cross-sectional areas
of terminals for unprepared conductors . 9
Table 101 – Rated currents for resistor loads and related type of cords . 11
Table 102 – Size of conductor . 14
Table 103 – Torque values for insulating material screws . 17

61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
SWITCHES FOR APPLIANCES –
Part 2-1: Particular requirements for cord switches

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and in
addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
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Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
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services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61058-2-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 23J: Switches

for appliances, of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1992 and its
amendment 1 (1995) and constitutes a technical revision.
The main changes from the first edition are as follows:
Scope, Definitions; Protection against electric shock; Provision for earthing; Construction;
Fire hazard; Abnormal operation and fault conditions for electronic switches; Components
for electronic switches; EMC requirements.

– 4 – 61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:

CDV Report on voting
23J/326/CDV 23J/337/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on

voting indicated in the above table.

This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

This standard is to be read in conjunction with the IEC 61058-1:2000, Switches for
appliances – Part 1: General requirements, and its amendments 1 (2001) and 2 (2007).
This Part 2-1 supplements or modifies the corresponding clauses in IEC 61058-1, so as to
convert that publication into the IEC standard: Particular requirements for cord switches.
When a particular subclause of Part 1 is not mentioned in this Part 2-1, that subclause
applies as far as reasonable. Where this standard states “addition”, “modification” or
“replacement”, the relevant text of Part 1 is to be adapted accordingly.
In this standard:
1) the following print types are used:
· requirements proper: in roman type;
· test specifications: in italic type;
· notes/explanatory matters: in small roman type.
2) subclauses, notes, figures and tables which are additional to those in Part 1 are
numbered starting from 101. Annexes which are additional to those in Part 1 are lettered
AA, BB, etc.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 61058 series, under the general title Switches for
appliances, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 5 –
SWITCHES FOR APPLIANCES –
Part 2-1: Particular requirements for cord switches

1 Scope
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:

1.1 Replacement:
1.1 This International Standard applies to cord switches (mechanical or electronic) for
appliances actuated by hand, by foot or by other human activity, to operate or control
electrical appliances and other equipment for household or similar purposes with a rated
voltage not exceeding 250 V and a rated current not exceeding 16 A.
These switches are intended to be operated by a person, via an actuating member or by
actuating a sensing unit. The actuating member or sensing unit can be integral or arranged
separately from the switch. The transmission of a signal between the actuating member or
sensing unit and the switch may be made either physically or electrically (for example
electrical, optical, acoustic or thermal).
Switches which incorporate additional control functions governed by the switch function are
within the scope of this standard.
This standard also covers the indirect actuation of the switch when the operation of the
actuating member or sensing unit is provided by a remote control or a part of an appliance
or equipment such as a door.
NOTE 1 Electronic switches may be combined with mechanical switches giving full disconnection or micro-
disconnection.
NOTE 2 Electronic switches without a mechanical switch in the supply circuit provide only electronic disconnection.
Therefore, the circuit on the load side is always considered to be live.
NOTE 3 For switches used in tropical climates, additional requirements may be necessary.
NOTE 4 Attention is drawn to the fact that the standards for appliances may contain additional or alternative
requirements for switches.
NOTE 5 Throughout this standard, the word “appliance” means “appliance or equipment”.
1.2 Replacement:
1.2 This standard applies to switches intended to be connected to a flexible cable."
NOTE In this document, the word “cable” means “cable or cord”.
1.3 This subclause applies.
1.4 This subclause does not apply.
2 Normative references
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:

– 6 – 61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010
2.1 Addition:
IEC 60227 (all parts), Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and

including 450/750 V
IEC 60227-5:1997, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including

450/750 V – Part 5: Flexible cables (cords)

Amendment 1 (1997)
Amendment 2 (2003)
IEC 60245 (all parts), Rubber insulated cables - Rated voltages up to and including 450/750

V
IEC 60335-2-17:2002, Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-17:
Particular requirements for blankets, pads and similar flexible heating appliances
Amendment 1 (2006)
Amendment 2 (2008)
3 Definitions
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:
3.3 Definitions relating to the different types of switches
Addition:
3.3.101
cord switch
separately enclosed switch intended to be connected to a supply and/or to an appliance or
equipment by means of a flexible cable(s)
NOTE The flexible cable(s) may enter the switch enclosure in any direction and may be in line with the enclosure.
3.5 Definitions relating to connections to the switch
Addition:
3.5.101
rewirable switch
switch in which the opening of the enclosure provides access to the terminals of the switch
and external conductors can be replaced
3.5.102
non-rewirable switch
switch being so constructed that it forms a constructional unit with the flexible cable after
connection and assembly, and that the external conductors cannot be replaced without
making the switch permanently inoperable
___________
There exists a consolidated version of IEC 60227-5 (2003) comprising the second edition (1997) and its
amendments 1 (1997) and 2 (2003).
There exists a consolidated version of IEC 60335-2-17 (2009) comprising the second edition (2002) and its
amendments 1 (2006) and 2 (2008).

61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 7 –
4 General requirement
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.

5 General notes on tests
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:

Addition:
5.101 For non-rewirable switches, special test specimens may be provided for the tests
according to Clauses 16 and 17, and for both 12.3.101 and 12.3.102 a further three test
specimens each shall be used.
6 Rating
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:
6.1 Replacement:
The maximum rated voltage is 250 V.
NOTE Preferred values are 50 V, 130 V and 250 V. Rated voltages differing from the preferred values are allowed.
6.3 Replacement:
The maximum rated current is 16 A.
Compliance with the requirements of 6.1 to 6.3 is checked by inspection of marking and
documentation.
NOTE Preferred values are 1 A, 2 A, 4 A, 6 A, 10 A, 16 A.
7 Classification
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:

7.1.15.2 This subclause does not apply.
Addition:
7.1.101 According to the connection to the switch
7.1.101.1 rewirable switch;
7.1.101.2 non rewirable switch.
7.1.102 According to the means of suspension
7.1.102.1 with means of suspension;
7.1.102.2 without means of suspension.

– 8 – 61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010
7.1 .103 According to the type of cord for which the switch is suitable

7.1.103.1 switches suitable for the connection of round cords;

7.1.103.2 switches only suitable for the connection of flat cords;

7.1.103.3 switches suitable for the connection of both round and flat cords.

8 Marking and documentation
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:
Table 3 – Switch information
Addition:
Means of information
Common Unique
Characteristic Subclause
No.
type type
reference reference
C.T. U.T.
5 TERMINALS/CONDUCTORS
5.101 If a cord switch is non rewirable, this shall be 7.1.101.2 Do Do
documented.
5.102 If a cord switch is suitable only for use with flat cords, 7.1.103.2 Do Do
this shall be documented.
101 CATEGORY OR TYPE OF APPLIANCE WITH WHICH THE SWITCH MAY BE USED
101.1 Cord switch intended exclusively for controlling Do Do
luminaries.
101.2 Category or type of appliance according to IEC 60335- Do Do
2-17 with which the switch may be used
Addition:
8.101 For cord switches intended exclusively for controlling luminaires, no “OFF”- marking
is required.
9 Protection against electric shock
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:
9.1 Addition at the end of the subclause:
For cord switches, the test is made when the switch is fitted with cords either of the
smallest or of the largest nominal cross-sectional area specified in Table 4, whichever is
more unfavourable.
9.1.2 Replacement:
9.1.2 If a cover or cover-plate or a fuse can be removed without the use of a tool, the
protection against contact with live parts shall be assured even after removal of the cover
or cover-plate.
61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 9 –
If there is a marking outside on the switch showing that a fuse is inside and the cover or

cover-plate has to be removed with a tool the protection against contact with live parts shall

be assured even after removal of the cover or cover-plate.

If there is no marking outside on the switch but the instruction sheet shows that a fuse is

inside and the cover or cover-plate has to be removed with a tool, either the protection

against contact with live parts shall be assured even after removal of the cover or cover-

plate, or the instruction sheet shall state that the disconnection from the supply before

opening shall be performed.
Compliance is checked with the standard test finger, test probe B according to IEC 61032.

Addition:
9.101 Non rewirable switches are tested with the cords as fitted by the manufacturer.
10 Provision for earthing
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:
10.1 Addition at the end of the subclause:
Terminals provided for earthing continuity are permitted if they are separated from live
parts by basic insulation and from accessible parts by supplementary insulation.
NOTE An example of the insulation system for earthing continuity is given in Figure 105.
10.3 This subclause does not apply.
Addition:
10.101 The printed conductors of printed circuit boards may be used to provide earthing
continuity under the following conditions:
– at least two tracks are used with independent soldering points and the switch complies
with 10.4 for each track;
– the material of the printed circuit board consists of epoxide woven glass fabric copper-
clad laminated sheet;
– the printed conductors withstand the short circuit test according to 23.3.

11 Terminals and terminations
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:
Replacement:
Table 4 – Resistive current carried by the terminal and related cross-sectional areas
of terminals for unprepared conductors
Resistive current carried by the Flexible conductors
terminal
Cross-sectional areas
Terminal
A mm
size
Minimum Medium Maximum
- 0,5 0,75 -
Over 0
and including 3
– 10 – 61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010
0,5 0,75 1,0 0
Over 3
and including 6
0,75 1,0 1,5 1
Over 6
and including 16
11.1.2 Not applicable for rewirable cord switches.

12 Construction
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:
12.1.2 Addition:
– short rigid wires are not regarded as liable to come away from a terminal, if they remain
in position when the terminal screw is loosened.
Addition:
12.1.101 If solder terminals are classified according to 7.2.12, additional provisions for
securing the conductors shall be provided.
12.3.101 Cord switches shall have cord anchorages such that the conductors are relieved
from strain, including twisting, where they are connected to the terminals, and that the
sheath of the cord is protected from abrasion and kept in position.
12.3.102 It shall be clear how the relief from strain and the prevention of twisting is
intended to be effected.
12.3.103 Makeshift methods such as tying the cord into a knot, or tying the ends with
string shall not be used.
12.3.104 Cord anchorages of cord switches shall be of insulating material, or, if of metal,
be insulated from accessible metal parts or accessible insulating surfaces, by insulation
complying with the requirements for supplementary insulation.
12.3.105 For rewirable cord switches the cord anchorages shall be so designed that their
parts do not fall out when the cover of the switch is removed, even if the switches are not
fitted with their cords.
12.3.106 Cord anchorages shall be so designed that
– for any attachment method, the cord is not fixed by penetration of its insulation in such
a way that the insulation of the cord is cut or otherwise significantly damaged;
NOTE A soft deformation of the insulation in such a way that the insulation of the cord is not cut or otherwise
significantly damaged is allowed.
– the cord cannot touch clamping screws of the cord anchorage if these screws are
accessible or electrically connected to accessible metal parts;
– the cord is not clamped by a screw which bears directly on the cord, except where the
screw is made of insulating material;
– for rewirable switches at least one part is securely fixed to the switch;
– for rewirable switches replacement of the cord does not require the use of a special
purpose tool;
– for rewirable switches they are suitable for the different types of cords which may be
connected.
61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 11 –
12.3.107 Cord anchorages for rewirable switches shall be so designed and located that

replacement of the cord is easy.

Compliance with the requirements of 12.3.101 to 12.3.107 is checked by inspection and by a

pull test in an apparatus similar to that shown in Figure 101, followed by a torque test in an

apparatus similar to that shown in Figure 104:

– non rewirable switches are tested with the cord as delivered and three new test

specimens shall be used for the tests;

– three new rewirable switches are tested with PVC sheathed cords having the smallest

and largest cross-sectional area as shown in Table 101. Before the test, the free length

of the cord shall be cut to 150 mm ± 5 mm;
– rewirable switches provided with entries specially designed for the connection of PVC
insulated flat cords (IEC 60227) are tested with flat cords only.
Table 101 – Rated currents for resistor loads and related type of cords
Rated current Types of cord
Overall diameter
Nominal cross-
for resistor according to
Number of
section
load IEC 60227
cores
Minimum Maximum
mm
A fl = flat
mm mm
0,5 4,8 6,0
52 (fl)
52 5,2 6,4
0,75
Over 0,2
52 (fl)
3,2 ´ 5,2 3,9 ´ 6,4
and including 3
0,5 52 5,0 5,2
0,75 52 5,4 6,8
52 5,2 6,4
52 (fl) 3,2 ´ 5,2 3,9 ´ 6,4
2 0,75
53 6,0 7,6
53 (fl) 3,8 ´ 6,0 5,2 ´ 7,6
53 5,9 7,5
2 1
Over 3
53 (fl) 3,9 ´ 6,2 4,7 ´ 7,5
and including 6
52 5,4 6,8
3 0,75
53 6,4 8,0
0,75 53 7,6 9,4
1,0 53 7.6 9,4
52 5,2 6,4
52 (fl) 3,2 ´ 5,2 3,9 ´ 6,4
0,75
53 6,0 7,6
53 (fl)
3,8 ´ 6,0 5,2 ´ 7,6
1,0 53 6,4 8
1,5 53 7,4 9,0
Over 6
and
52 5,4 6,8
0,75
including 16
53 6,4 8,0
1,0 53 6,8 8,4
1,5 53 8,0 9,8
1,0 53 7,6 9,4
1,5 53 9,0 11.0
– 12 – 61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010
Conductors of the cord are introduced into the terminals of rewirable switches, and the

terminal metal screws are tightened just sufficient/y to prevent the conductors from easily

changing their position.
The cord anchorage is used in the normal way, clamping screws being tightened with two

thirds of the torque specified in 19.2 and insulating material screws with two-thirds of the

torque specified in Table 103. After reassembly of the switch, its component parts shall fit

snugly and it shall not be possible to push the cord into the switch to any appreciable

extent.
The switch is first fixed in the test apparatus according to Figure 101 so that the axis of the

cord is vertical where it enters the specimen. The cord is then subjected 100 times to a pull
of 60 N. The pulls are applied without jerks, each time for 1 s.
Immediately after this test, the cord is subjected for 1 min to a torque with an apparatus
similar to that shown in Figure 104 of
– 0,15 Nm for cords having a nominal cross-sectional area of up to and including
0,75 mm ;
2 2
– 0,25 Nm for cords having a nominal cross-sectional area of 1 mm and 1,5 mm .
The torque is applied as near as possible to the switch.
For switches for blankets, pads and similar flexible heating appliances according to
IEC 60335-2-17, the pull and torque tests are performed with a pull force of 100 N and a
torque of 0,15 Nm.
During the tests, the cord shall not be damaged. After the tests, the cord shall not have
been displaced longitudinally by more than 2 mm, and there shall be no appreciable strain at
the connection. Creepage distances and clearances shall not have been reduced below the
value specified in Clause 20. For non rewirable switches, there shall be no break in the
electrical connections.
For the measurement of the longitudinal displacement a mark is made on the cord while it is
subjected to the first pull. After the tests the displacement of the mark on the cord in
relation to the specimen is measured while the cord is subjected to an additional pull.
12.3.108 Non rewirable switches shall be provided with a cord complying with either
IEC 60227-5 or IEC 60245.
Compliance is checked by inspection.

12.3.109 Screws, if any, which have to be operated when replacing the cord, shall not
serve to fix any other component, unless either the switch is rendered inoperable or
manifestly incomplete if they are omitted or incorrectly replaced, or the component intended
to be fixed cannot be removed without the aid of a tool when replacing the cord.
NOTE This does not exclude that the cover may serve as a cord anchorage or as a part of a cord anchorage.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
12.3.110 Cord-switches shall be designed so that the cords are capable of withstanding
the bending likely to occur in normal use. The inlet or bushing shall have no sharp edges.
If a cord-guard is provided to meet this requirement it shall not be integral with the cord
except for switches with terminals classified according to 7.2.3 where special cords with for

61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 13 –
example moulded-on cord guards can be fixed but where it is not possible to fit a standard

cord without a cord guard during servicing.

Compliance is checked by subjecting the switch, fitted with the cord, or range of cords, for

which it is designed, to the following tests.

The switch is mounted in the flexing apparatus shown in Figure 102. For the purpose of the

test, the following conditions apply:

a) the test is performed only once with a cord of the maximum dimension attached;

b) for switches having a rated current over 3 A, a cord of type IEC 60227-5 shall be used;

c) if the switch is classified according to 7.1.103.3, the test shall be done with both types of
cords;
d) if the switch is classified according to 7.1.103.2, then the flat type shall be used;
e) for non rewirable switches, further test specimens shall be used.
The axis of oscillation is so chosen that the weight attached to the cord, and the cord itself,
make the minimum lateral movement during the test. Specimens with flat cords are mounted
so that the major axis of the cross-section is parallel to the axis of oscillation.
Each cord passing through the inlet opening is loaded with a weight having a mass of 1 kg.
A current equal to the rated current passing through that particular core when the switch is
operated at rated voltage is passed through each core, the voltage between the cores being
maximum rated voltage. The oscillating member is moved backwards and forwards through
an angle of 22,5° (on either side of the vertical), the number of flexings (that is 1 movement
through 45°) being 5 000, and the rate of the flexing being 60 flexings per minute.
For switches for blankets, pads and similar flexible heating appliances according to
IEC 60335-2-17, the movement of the oscillating member is through an angle of 45 ° (on
either side of the vertical) and the load on the cord is 0,5 kg.
Rewirable switches are subjected to 10 000 flexings and non rewirable switches to 20 000
flexings.
During the test there shall be no interruption of the test current and no short circuit between
conductors.
After the test, the specimens shall show no damage within the meaning of this publication.

12.3.111 For rewirable cord switches the space for the external conductors inside the
switch shall be adequate to allow the conductors to be easily introduced and connected, and
the cover, if any, fitted without risk of damage to the conductors or their insulation.
It shall be possible to check that the conductors are correctly connected and positioned
before the cover is fitted.
Compliance is checked by inspection and by connecting cords of the maximum cross-
sectional area according to Table 4.
12.3.112 Rewirable single-pole cord switches shall be provided with an additional terminal
or terminals which will allow the connection of the non switched conductor or conductors.
This terminal or terminals shall allow the connection of both the incoming and the outgoing
ends of the non switched conductor or conductors.

– 14 – 61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010
12.3.113 Non rewirable cord switches shall be provided with soldered, welded, crimped or

equally effective permanent connections.

The construction of the switch is such that

– the cord cannot be separated from the switch,

– the switch cannot be opened by hand or by using a tool,

without making the switch permanently inoperative.

The switch is considered being permanently inoperative if, for the reassembly of the switch,

parts or materials other than the original ones must be used.
NOTE Original parts are considered to be parts from the original switch and not being spare parts.
Compliance is checked by inspection and by manual test. For screwless terminals the
thermal endurance test of 11.1.3.4 has to be applied.
12.3.114 For prewired cord switch assemblies the current rating of the cord shall be
compatible with the current rating of the switch and shall be in accordance with the values
given in Table 102.
Table 102 – Size of conductor
Rated resistive current of a switch Cross sectional area of the conductor
A mm
Over 0 and including 3 0,5 – 0.75
Over 3 and including 6 0,75 – 1,0
Over 6 and including 10 0,75 – 1,0
Over 10 and including 16 0,75 – 1,0 – 1,5

12.3.115 Rewirable cord switches with terminals provided for earthing continuity shall be
designed with ample space for slack of the protective earth conductor in such a way that, if
the strain relief should fail, the connection of the protective earth conductor is subjected to
strain after the connections of the current-carrying conductors, and that, in case of
excessive stresses, the protective earth conductor will break after the current-carrying
conductors.
Compliance is checked by the following test.
The cord is connected to the cord switch in such a way that the current-carrying conductors
are led from the strain relief to the corresponding terminals along the shortest possible path.
After they are correctly connected, the core of the protective earth conductor is led to its
terminal and cut off at a distance 8 mm longer than necessary for its correct connection.
The protective earth conductor is then connected to its terminal. It must then be possible to
house the loop, which is formed by the protective earth conductor owing to its surplus
length, freely in the wiring space without squeezing or pressing the core when the cover of
the cord switch is remounted and fixed correctly.
12.3.116 Switches with means for suspension shall have adequate mechanical strength to
withstand the stress imposed during use.

61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 15 –
Compliance is checked by the following tests.

Barriers, between the space intended for the suspension means fixed to the wall and the

live parts, likely to be subjected to mechanical strain when the switch is suspended on a

wall, are tested as follows.
A cylindrical steel rod, having a diameter of 3 mm and a hemispherical end with a radius of

1,5 mm, is pushed perpendicular to the supporting wall surface, in the most unfavourable

position, for 10 s against the barrier, with a force of 75 N. The rod shall not pierce the

barrier.
The switch mounted with the flexible cord is suspended on the wall as in normal use, by
means of a cylindrical steel rod having the same dimensions as the rod described above and
a length sufficient to touch the rear of the barrier.
A pull of 60 N is applied, in the most unfavourable position, to the supply flexible cord for
10 s.
During the test, the switch means for suspension on a wall shall nor break or, if they break,
live parts shall not become accessible to the standard test finger.
12.3.117 The switch is suspended on the wall as in normal use, using a round head screw
with a shank diameter of 3 mm, and is subjected to a pull test with 50 N applied without
jerks.
The pull force is applied for 10 s in a direction giving the greatest strain on the suspension
means.
During the test, the switch means for suspension on a wall shall nor break or, if they break,
live parts shall not become accessible to the standard test finger.
NOTE The tests are carried out on each means for suspension, in the case of more than one means.
13 Mechanism
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
14 Protection against solid objects, ingress of water and humid conditions

This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
15 Insulation resistance and dielectric strength
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
16 Heating
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
17 Endurance
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.

– 16 – 61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010
18 Mechanical strength
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:

18.2 Addition at the end of the subclause:

For the test of 18.2, cord switches other than foot-operated types, are held in contact with a

sheet of plywood having a thickness of 15 mm.

Foot operated types are placed on a solid hardwood board having a thickness of 25 mm.

Addition:
18.101 Cord switches, other than foot-operated types, are tested in a tumbling barrel as
shown in Figure 103. The width of the barrel shall be not less than 275 mm, but the actual
width must be such that the free fall of the switch fitted with the cord(s) specified is
ensured. Only one specimen is tested in the barrel at a time.
Rewirable switches are fitted with the cord or cords according to Table 101 having the
smallest cross-sectional area and a free length of approximately 50 mm. Terminal screws
are tightened with two-thirds of the torque specified in 19.2.
Non rewirable switches shall be tested with the cord or cords supplied, the cord or cords
being cut so that a free length of about 50 mm projects from the switch.
The specimen falls from a height of 50 cm on to a steel plate, 3 mm thick, the number of
falls being as follows:
– 1000 if the mass of the specimen without cord does not exceed 100 g;
– 500 if the mass of the specimen without cord exceeds 100 g but does not exceed 200 g;
– 100 if the mass of the specimen without cord exceeds 200 g.
The barrel is turned at a rate of 5 revolutions per min, 10 falls per min thus taking place.
After the test, the specimen shall show no damage to impair compliance with this standard.
After this test, special attention is paid to the connection of the cord(s).
Small pieces may be broken and the actuation member may be damaged without causing
rejection, provided that the protection against electric shock is not affected and provided

that any declared disconnection can be obtained by using the actuating member even if
damaged. Connections shall not become loose during the test.
18.102 Cord switches of the foot-operated type are subjected to a compression test as
follows:
– the switch, with the appropriate cord(s) fitted, is placed in the normal operation position
on a horizontal flat steel plate, having a thickness of 15 mm, which is rigidly supported.
Any movement of the switch on the plate is prevented;
– the switch is subjected to a force applied via a 50 mm diameter steel rod. The initial
force of 250 N ± 5 N is increased to 750 N ± 5 N over a period of 1 min. This force is
maintained for a further minute and then removed;
– the test is repeated twice more with the force applied to different positions. The three
positions are chosen so that the points most likely to fail are tested.
After the tests, the specimen shall show no damage to impair compliance with this standard.

61058-2-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 17 –
19 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections

This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:

Addition:
19.101 Insulating material screws

Table 103 – Torque values for insulating material screws
Nominal diameter of a thread Torque
mm
+10
Nm ( % )
-0
Up to and including 2.8 0,2
Over 2,8 and including 3 0,25
Over 3 and including 3.2 0,3
Over 3.2 and including 3,6 0,4
Over 3.6 and including 4,1 0,5
Over 4.1 and including 5,3 0,6
Over 5,3 0,7
19.102 It shall not be possible to replace screws of insulating material with metal screws,
if that exchange impairs safety, e.g. decreases the clearance.
20 Clearances, creepage distances and distances through insulation and
coatings of rigid printed board
...