SIST EN 60335-2-26:2003/A11:2020

Overview

SIST EN 60335-2-26:2003/A11:2020 is a critical European standard issued by CENELEC under the CLC/TC 61 committee, focusing on the safety of household and similar electrical appliances - specifically clocks. This amendment to the original EN 60335-2-26:2003 standard updates particular safety requirements to ensure better compliance with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU and incorporates essential safety considerations for mechanical moving parts under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. The standard addresses reasonably foreseeable hazards for all users, emphasizing electrical safety aspects critical to consumer protection.

Key dates related to this document include the latest national implementation by November 8, 2020, and the withdrawal of conflicting national standards by May 8, 2023. SIST EN 60335-2-26:2003/A11:2020 complements EN 60335-1:2012 and integrates new safety clauses to address evolving risks related to household clocks.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application: The amendment clarifies that the standard covers hazards encountered during the normal use of household clocks and similar electrical appliances, focusing on risks of electrical origin. It excludes unsupervised use by very young children and behavior such as children playing with the device.

• Safety Requirements: Enhanced criteria for protection against electrical shock, fire, and mechanical injuries associated with moving parts in clocks. It extends the existing safety mandates from earlier amendments and harmonizes with directives governing electrical equipment safety.

• Legislative Alignment: The standard aligns fully with the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and addresses the essential safety objectives of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC for products featuring mechanical parts, although the Machinery Directive itself is not directly applicable.

• Risk Assessment: Incorporates risk assessment strategies to identify and mitigate electrical hazards and mechanical risks within the scope of household clock appliances.

• Exclusions: Emphasizes that the standard does not apply to unsupervised use by children or vulnerable individuals needing special accommodations beyond the standard’s scope.

Applications

SIST EN 60335-2-26:2003/A11:2020 is essential for manufacturers, designers, and safety assessors of household electrical clocks, including digital, analog, and mechanically operated models. Its application ensures:

• Product Safety Compliance: Meets European regulatory requirements for placing clocks on the market.
• Risk Mitigation: Protects consumers from electric shock, fire hazards, and injuries due to mechanical parts.
• Market Access: Facilitates CE marking by demonstrating compliance with harmonized standards under the LVD.
• Quality Assurance: Guides quality management in manufacturing processes related to electrical clocks.

This standard benefits various sectors including domestic appliance manufacturers, importers, quality control laboratories, and certification bodies operating within European markets.

Related Standards

• EN 60335-1:2012 – General safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances which EN 60335-2-26 supplements.
• EN 60335-2-26:2003/A1:2008 – Previous amendment covering specific clock requirements.
• Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU – Regulatory framework for electrical product safety in European markets.
• Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC – Governs safety of machinery with mechanical components, referenced for risk coverage.
• CLC/TS 50625 series – Complementary technical specifications on electrical equipment testing and safety.

By adhering to SIST EN 60335-2-26:2003/A11:2020, stakeholders ensure clocks meet stringent safety standards - reducing hazards while complying with European legislative frameworks. This facilitates safe, reliable, and market-ready electrical clocks for household use.