IEC releases new safety standards for household and similar electrical appliances, motors, and compressors

In November 2024, the International Electrotechnical Commission released a new version of the safety standard IEC 60335-2-34:2024 for household and similar electrical appliances, focusing on the safety requirements for electric motors and compressors, aiming to ensure the safety and reliability of related electrical products in the global market and provide consumers with a safer environment for use.

1、 Revision focus

1. Consistent with IEC 60335-1:2020: Ensure compatibility with the latest version of universal safety standards.

2. Expand the scope of application: Raise the upper limit of the rated voltage to 600 volts to cover a wider range of motor compressors.

3. Update terminology definitions: For example, change "design pressure" to "maximum allowable pressure" and introduce new definitions such as "maximum load condition (MLC)" and "transcritical back pressure category".

4. Improve testing methods: Modified electrical strength testing and updated compliance requirements for pressure testing.

5. Added Appendix: Introduced a new Appendix FF on compatibility testing of motor rotors or coils.

2、 Main content

1. Scope: Suitable for single-phase motor compressors with rated voltage not exceeding 250 volts and multi-phase, 600 volt DC motor compressors with rated voltage not exceeding 600 volts, including multi speed and variable capacity motor compressors.

2. Testing conditions: The testing conditions for the motor compressor are specified, including maximum load conditions, transcritical back pressure categories, etc.

3. Safety requirements: Safety requirements are proposed for the structure, electrical performance, mechanical strength, heat resistance, and fire resistance of the motor compressor.

4. Testing method: The testing method for the motor compressor is specified, including rotor locking test, overload test, fatigue test, etc.

The release of the new IEC 60335-2-34 standard will further enhance the safety level of motor compressors in household and similar electrical appliances, promote technological progress in the industry, protect consumer rights, and promote the healthy development of the global electrical appliance market.