IEC 60335-2-55:2002+AMD1:2008 CSV

IEC 60335-2-55
Edition 3.1 2008-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety –
Part 2-55: Particular requirements for electrical appliances for use with
aquariums and garden ponds

Appareils électrodomestiques et analogues – Sécurité –
Partie 2-55: Règles particulières pour les appareils électriques à utiliser avec les
aquariums et les bassins de jardin

IEC 60335-2-55:2002+A1:2008

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IEC 60335-2-55
Edition 3.1 2008-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety –
Part 2-55: Particular requirements for electrical appliances for use with
aquariums and garden ponds

Appareils électrodomestiques et analogues – Sécurité –
Partie 2-55: Règles particulières pour les appareils électriques à utiliser avec les
aquariums et les bassins de jardin

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CE
CODE PRIX
ICS 97.020 ISBN 2-8318-9758-0
® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission
Marque déposée de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale

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– 2 – 60335-2-55 © IEC:2002+A1:2008
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.3
INTRODUCTION.5
1 Scope.6
2 Normative references .6
3 Definitions .7
4 General requirement.7
5 General conditions for the tests .7
6 Classification.7
7 Marking and instructions.8
8 Protection against access to live parts.8
9 Starting of motor-operated appliances .9
10 Power input and current .9
11 Heating .9
12 Void.9
13 Leakage current and electric strength at operating temperature.9
14 Transient overvoltages .9
15 Moisture resistance .9
16 Leakage current and electric strength.10
17 Overload protection of transformers and associated circuits .10
18 Endurance.10
19 Abnormal operation .10
20 Stability and mechanical hazards .10
21 Mechanical strength .10
22 Construction .11
23 Internal wiring.12
24 Components .12
25 Supply connection and external flexible cords .12
26 Terminals for external conductors.12
27 Provision for earthing .12
28 Screws and connections .12
29 Clearances, creepage distances and solid insulation .12
30 Resistance to heat and fire.13
31 Resistance to rusting.13
32 Radiation, toxicity and similar hazards.13

Annexes .14

Bibliography.14

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60335-2-55 © IEC:2002+A1:2008 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________

HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES –
SAFETY –

Part 2-55: Particular requirements for electrical appliances
for use with aquariums and garden ponds



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 with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for 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 provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
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.
This part of International Standard IEC 60335 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 61:
Safety of household and similar electrical appliances.
This consolidated version of IEC 60335-2-55 consists of the third edition (2002) [documents
61/2222/FDIS and 61/2297/RVD] and its amendment 1 (2008) [documents 61/3547/FDIS and
61/3601/RVD].
The technical content is therefore identical to the base edition and its amendment and has
been prepared for user convenience.
It bears the edition number 3.1.
A vertical line in the margin shows where the base publication has been modified by
amendment 1.

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The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.
This part 2 is to be used in conjunction with the latest edition of IEC 60335-1 and its
amendments. It was established on the basis of the fourth edition (2001) of that standard.
NOTE 1 When “Part 1” is mentioned in this standard, it refers to IEC 60335-1.
This part 2 supplements or modifies the corresponding clauses in IEC 60335-1, so as to
convert that publication into the IEC standard: Safety requirements for electrical appliances
for use with aquariums and garden ponds.
When a particular subclause of Part 1 is not mentioned in this part 2, that subclause applies
as far as is reasonable. When this standard states “addition”, “modification” or “replacement”,
the relevant text in Part 1 is to be adapted accordingly.
NOTE 2 The following numbering system is used:
– subclauses, tables and figures that are numbered starting from 101 are additional to those in Part 1;
– unless notes are in a new subclause or involve notes in Part 1, they are numbered starting from 101, including
those in a replaced clause or subclause;
– additional annexes are lettered AA, BB, etc.
NOTE 3 The following print types are used:
– requirements: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– notes: in small roman type.
Words in bold in the text are defined in Clause 3. When a definition concerns an adjective, the adjective and the
associated noun are also in bold.
The following differences exist in the countries indicated below.
– 3.1.9: Normal operation is different (USA);
– 6.1: Class 0I appliances are allowed (Japan);
– 7.12.1: Additional instructions are required (USA);
– Clause 21: The tests are different (USA);
– 25.7: Ordinary polyvinyl chloride sheathed cords are allowed (Australia and New Zealand).
The committee has decided that the contents of the base publication and its amendments will
remain unchanged until the maintenance result 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.

NOTE 4 The attention of National Committees is drawn to the fact that equipment manufacturers and testing
organizations may need a transitional period following publication of a new, amended or revised IEC publication in
which to make products in accordance with the new requirements and to equip themselves for conducting new or
revised tests.
It is the recommendation of the committee that the content of the amendment 1 be adopted for implementation
nationally not earlier than 12 months or later than 36 months from the date of publication.

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60335-2-55 © IEC:2002+A1:2008 – 5 –
INTRODUCTION
It has been assumed in the drafting of this International Standard that the execution of its
provisions is entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced persons.
This standard recognizes the internationally accepted level of protection against hazards such
as electrical, mechanical, thermal, fire and radiation of appliances when operated as in
normal use taking into account the manufacturer's instructions. It also covers abnormal
situations that can be expected in practice and takes into account the way in which
electromagnetic phenomena can affect the safe operation of appliances.
This standard takes into account the requirements of IEC 60364 as far as possible so that
there is compatibility with the wiring rules when the appliance is connected to the supply
mains. However, national wiring rules may differ.
If an appliance within the scope of this standard also incorporates functions that are covered
by another part 2 of IEC 60335, the relevant part 2 is applied to each function separately, as
far as is reasonable. If applicable, the influence of one function on the other is taken into
account.
When a part 2 standard does not include additional requirements to cover hazards dealt with
in Part 1, Part 1 applies.
NOTE 1 This means that the technical committees responsible for the part 2 standards have determined that it is
not necessary to specify particular requirements for the appliance in question over and above the general
requirements.
This standard is a product family standard dealing with the safety of appliances and takes
precedence over horizontal and generic standards covering the same subject.
NOTE 2 Horizontal and generic standards covering a hazard are not applicable since they have been taken into
consideration when developing the general and particular requirements for the IEC 60335 series of standards. For
example, in the case of temperature requirements for surfaces on many appliances, generic standards, such as
ISO 13732-1 for hot surfaces, are not applicable in addition to Part 1 or part 2 standards.
An appliance that complies with the text of this standard will not necessarily be considered to
comply with the safety principles of the standard if, when examined and tested, it is found to
have other features that impair the level of safety covered by these requirements.
An appliance employing materials or having forms of construction differing from those detailed
in the requirements of this standard may be examined and tested according to the intent of
the requirements and, if found to be substantially equivalent, may be considered to comply
with the standard.

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HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES –
SAFETY –

Part 2-55: Particular requirements for electrical appliances
for use with aquariums and garden ponds



1 Scope
This clause of Part 1 is replaced by the following.
This International Standard deals with the safety of electric appliances for use with aquariums
and garden ponds for household and similar purposes, their rated voltage being not more
than 250 V.
NOTE 101 Examples of appliances within the scope of this standard are
– aerators;
– aquarium heaters;
– automatic food dispensers;
– sludge-suction appliances.
Appliances not intended for normal household use but that nevertheless may be a source of
danger to the public, such as appliances intended to be used by laymen in shops and in light
industry and farms, are within the scope of this standard.
As far as is practicable, this standard deals with the common hazards presented by
appliances that are encountered by all persons in and around the home. However, in general,
it does not take into account
– persons (including children) whose
• physical, sensory or mental capabilities; or
• lack of experience and knowledge
prevents them from using the appliance safely without supervision or instruction;
– children playing with the appliance.
NOTE 102 Attention is drawn to the fact that
– for appliances intended to be used in vehicles or on board ships or aircraft, additional requirements may be
necessary;
– in many countries additional requirements are specified by the national health authorities, the national
authorities responsible for the protection of labour and similar authorities.
NOTE 103 This standard does not apply to
– pumps (IEC 60335-2-41);
– other portable immersion heaters (IEC 60335-2-74);
– luminaires for aquariums and garden ponds (IEC 60598-2-18);
– appliances intended for outdoor use having a rated power input exceeding 100 W;
– appliances intended exclusively for professional use;
– appliances intended to be used in locations where special conditions prevail, such as the presence of a
corrosive or explosive atmosphere (dust, vapour or gas).
2 Normative references
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.

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60335-2-55 © IEC:2002+A1:2008 – 7 –
3 Definitions
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows.
3.1.9 Replacement:
normal operation
operation of the appliance under the following conditions
Aerators are operated with the outlet immersed in water at a depth of 1 m or at the maximum
operating depth if this results in a higher power input.
Sludge-suction appliances are operated with the inlet immersed in water at a depth of 1 m
or at the maximum operating depth if this results in a higher power input.
Automatic food dispensers are operated with the dispenser initially filled with the maximum
quantity of food.
Heaters are operated in a sufficient quantity of water to maintain the water temperature
between 20 °C and 25 °C without the thermostat cycling.
3.101
aerator
appliance that pumps air into the water in order to increase the oxygen content
3.102
sludge-suction appliance
hand-held appliance for removing deposits from aquariums or ponds
4 General requirement
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
5 General conditions for the tests
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows.
5.2 Addition:
NOTE 101 If the test of 21.103 has to be carried out, an additional sample is required.
6 Classification
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows.
6.2 Addition:
Appliances for use in water shall be IPX8.
Appliances for use above water shall be at least IPX7 unless they are intended to be fixed, in
which case they shall be at least IPX4.

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Other appliances shall be at least IPX4.
These requirements do not apply to class III appliances.
7 Marking and instructions
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows.
7.1 Addition:
Appliances for use in water shall be marked with the maximum operating depth, if greater
than 1 m.
7.6 Addition:
. . . m
 maximum operating depth
7.12 Addition:
The instructions shall include details regarding
– the operation of the appliance;
– the precautions to be taken for appliances not intended to be used in water;
– the maintenance of the appliance.
The instructions for appliances intended to be fully immersed in water shall state the
maximum operating depth.
The instructions for appliances, other than class III appliances, shall include the substance
of the following:
WARNING: Unplug or switch off all appliances in the aquarium or pond before carrying
             out maintenance.
7.12.1 Addition:
The installation instructions for appliances intended to be used above water shall include
details regarding fixing, unless they are at least IPX7.
The installation instructions of appliances for outdoor use shall state that the appliance is to
be supplied through a residual current device (RCD) having a rated residual operating current
not exceeding 30 mA.
The installation instructions of class III appliances shall include details regarding the fixing
and location of safety isolating transformers to prevent them from falling into the water or from
being affected by water.
8 Protection against access to live parts
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.

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60335-2-55 © IEC:2002+A1:2008 – 9 –
9 Starting of motor-operated appliances
This clause of Part 1 is not applicable.
10 Power input and current
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
11 Heating
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows.
11.7 Replacement:
Appliances are operated until steady conditions are established.
12 Void
13 Leakage current and electric strength at operating temperature
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
14 Transient overvoltages
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
15 Moisture resistance
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows.
15.1.2 Addition:
Appliances for use in water are immersed for 24 h in water containing approximately
1 % NaCl and having a temperature of 15 °C ± 5 °C. The appliance is immersed in its normal
position of use so that
– its lowest point is located 1 m below the surface, for appliances having a height less than
0,85 m;
– its highest point is located 0,15 m below the surface of the water, for other appliances.
However, if the appliance is marked with a maximum operating depth, its lowest point shall be
located at this depth.
During immersion, the appliance is supplied at rated voltage and operated in cycles, each
cycle consisting of 1 h on and 1 h off.
15.3 Addition:
Appliances classified IPX8 are not subjected to this test.

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16 Leakage current and electric strength
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
17 Overload protection of transformers and associated circuits
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
18 Endurance
This clause of Part 1 is not applicable.
19 Abnormal operation
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows.
19.1 Addition:
Aerators are also subjected to the test of 19.101.
19.2 Addition:
Heaters are operated in their normal position of use but without being immersed.
19.101 Aerators for use in water are supplied at rated voltage and operated under normal
operation until steady conditions are established. Valves are rendered inoperative in turn
and in any combination. After cooling down, the aerator is removed from the water.
Inspection shall show that water has not entered places where electrical components are
located. The conditions of 19.13 are not applicable.
Other aerators are supplied at rated voltage and operated for 5 min with the aerator and its
outlet placed in the most unfavourable position with regard to the water level. Valves are
rendered inoperative in turn and in any combination.
NOTE The aerator is not placed in water.
20 Stability and mechanical hazards
This clause of Part 1 is applicable.
21 Mechanical strength
This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows.
21.1 Addition:
After the application of the impact hammer, aerators for use in water are subjected to the test
of 21.101.

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60335-2-55 © IEC:2002+A1:2008 – 11 –
For aquarium heaters having a glass enclosure, the impact energy is reduced to 0,2 J and the
blows are applied once to three points of the enclosure that are likely to be weak.
NOTE 101 Care is to be taken to ensure that the complete length of the glass enclosure is in contact with the
polyamide sheet.
The heater is then subjected to the test of 21.102.
Class II appliances for use in water are subjected to the test of 21.103, which is carried out
on a new appliance.
21.101 Aerators for use in water are operated at rated voltage while immersed in water at
a depth of 1 m or at the maximum operating depth, whichever is greater, until steady
conditions are established. The aerator is then switched off, allowed to cool down and
removed from the water.
Inspection shall show that water has not entered places where electrical components are
located.
21.102 Heaters having a glass enclosure are fully immersed in water in the vertical position.
The quantity of water in the vessel is between 0,33 l and 0,5 l for each watt of rated power
input. The heater is supplied at rated voltage and operated so that the water temperature
stabilizes between 20 °C and 25 °C. Water is then removed until half the length of the glass
enclosure is exposed. When the he
...