The standard EN 60335-2-78:2018, also known as IEC 60335-2-78:2018, is an international technical standard for the safety of household and similar electrical appliances. It specifically addresses the safety requirements for hairdryers and hand-held dryers used for personal hygiene purposes.
The main purpose of this standard is to ensure that these appliances do not pose any hazards such as fire, electric shock, or mechanical injury to the users. It includes various tests and criteria that manufacturers need to comply with in order to meet the safety standards set by regulatory bodies.
Key Safety Requirements
The EN 60335-2-78:2018 standard covers a wide range of safety requirements for hairdryers and hand-held dryers. Some of the key requirements include:
Electrical insulation: The appliances must have adequate electrical insulation to prevent any leakage of current to the user.
Temperature control: The devices are required to have temperature limiters or other means to control the maximum surface temperature, preventing burns or overheating.
Cord anchorage: Hairdryers must have secure anchorage points for the power cord to prevent accidental detachment.
Protection against water ingress: The appliances should be designed to protect against water splashes or accidental immersion.
Testing and Compliance
In order to comply with the EN 60335-2-78:2018 standard, manufacturers need to subject their products to various tests and evaluations. These include:
Insulation resistance test: This test checks the electrical insulation properties of the appliance.
Heating test: The device is tested for its surface temperature under normal or abnormal operating conditions.
Moisture resistance test: This test evaluates the protection against water ingress in the appliance.
Mechanical strength test: The hairdryers must pass tests related to their mechanical strength and robustness.
Manufacturers must comply with all relevant provisions of this standard and ensure that their products meet the specified safety requirements. Compliance with this standard is often a mandatory requirement for placing these appliances on the market for sale.
The Significance of EN 60335-2-78:2018
This standard plays a crucial role in protecting the users from potential hazards associated with hairdryers and hand-held dryers. By ensuring that these appliances comply with strict safety requirements, it reduces the risks of electric shock, burns, or other injuries.
Additionally, this standard also facilitates international trade by harmonizing the safety requirements for these devices across different countries. It helps manufacturers to design and produce safer products that can be internationally marketed with confidence.
Nina She