Issued Amendment IEC 60335-1:2020/A1:2025

A new amendment to the IEC 60335-1 international safety standard has been introduced. The IEC 60335-1:2020/A1:2025 amendment brings clearer definitions, additional safety requirements, and updated testing procedures.

One of the focuses of the update is the inclusion of software architecture principles. This ensures that critical safety functions remain protected from errors or interference from other system components. These requirements are particularly important as appliances increasingly rely on programmable electronics and remote communication technologies.

The standard also introduces new requirements for appliances capable of remote communication through public networks. These devices must include safeguards to prevent unauthorized access and ensure proper software separation between communication functions and safety-critical software.

Battery-operated appliances, remote controls, and accessories containing batteries must now be tested according to the updated requirements of Annex B. New conditions require tests using the battery type that produces the most unfavourable result.

The amendment introduces stricter rules for small batteries, coin batteries, and button batteries.
Mechanical stability tests and requirements to prevent rolling or sliding appliances have also been strengthened. These changes ensure that appliances remain safe even when exposed to public use conditions.

Updates of references for components were replaced with newer versions to maintain consistency with current international guidelines.

One of the important updates concerns the new requirements of Clause 22.42 related to protective impedance. Protective impedance shall consist of:

– at least two separate components or
– a single class Y1 capacitor complying with IEC 60384-14:2023 including Subclause 8.4.1, with a
passive flammability category B and a minimum duration of 21 days for the damp heat.

Optical radiation safety is another area addressed by the amendment. Appliances must not present an optical radiation hazard during normal use. Compliance of electrical light sources and luminaires incorporated in the appliance predominantly emitting radiation in the visible range and used to illuminate spaces or objects is checked following the measurement procedure described in IEC 62471 and assessed after IEC 62471-7.

More information:
Andrej Perko
E-mail: andrej.perko@siq.si
Tel.: +386 1 4778 245