The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is an international standards organization that develops and publishes standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies. One such standard is the IEC 60335-2-174:2020, which is specifically related to the safety requirements for electrically operated toys and children’s products.
The Scope of IEC 60335-2-174:2020
The IEC 60335-2-174:2020 standard provides safety requirements for electrically operated toys and children's products intended for use by children under 14 years of age. It covers a wide range of products, including but not limited to:
Battery-operated toys
Toys with built-in heating elements
Electrically operated ride-on toys
Toys with motors or solenoids
Plush toys with electric components
The key objective of this standard is to ensure that these products do not pose any direct or indirect risk to the safety of children during normal use, as well as foreseeable misuse. It sets forth specific guidelines for design, construction, testing, and labeling of the products to minimize potential hazards.
Key Requirements of IEC 60335-2-174:2020
IEC 60335-2-174:2020 outlines various requirements that manufacturers and designers must adhere to in order to comply with the standard. These requirements include:
Protection against electric shock: The standard specifies measures to prevent electric shock hazards, such as insulation requirements and grounding provisions.
Protection against mechanical hazards: It addresses potential risks related to moving parts, sharp edges, and entanglement in cords or strings.
Protection against thermal hazards: The standard sets limits on temperature rise to prevent burns or fire hazards.
Chemical safety: It covers restrictions on the use of hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, or asbestos.
Labeling requirements: The products must carry appropriate markings, warnings, and instructions for safe use.
Compliance and Certification
To ensure compliance with IEC 60335-2-174:2020, manufacturers need to perform tests on their products according to the specified standards. They can either conduct these tests in their own facilities or seek the services of accredited third-party testing laboratories.
Once a product meets all the safety requirements outlined in the standard, it can be certified by an authorized certification body. The certification mark indicates that the product has undergone rigorous testing and verification processes and is deemed safe for use by children.
It is essential for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to be aware of and adhere to the guidelines set forth by the IEC 60335-2-174:2020 standard to ensure the safety of children using electrically operated toys and children's products.
Nina She