What is EN 60335-2-40:2008?

EN 60335-2-40:2008 is a professional technical standard that deals with the safety requirements for electrical heat pumps, air-conditioners, and dehumidifiers. This standard is part of a larger series of standards known as the IEC 60335 series, which covers the safety of household and similar electrical appliances.

Scope and Purpose

The scope of EN 60335-2-40:2008 includes heat pumps, air-conditioners, and dehumidifiers that are designed for use in households, commercial buildings, and similar applications. The purpose of this standard is to ensure the safe operation of these appliances by setting specific requirements regarding their construction, insulation, earthing, moving parts, and other related aspects.

Main Requirements

The main requirements outlined in EN 60335-2-40:2008 are divided into different categories to address various aspects of safety. These include electrical safety, mechanical safety, thermal safety, and additional requirements for specific types of appliances within the scope of this standard.

One of the key electrical safety requirements is the provision of adequate electrical insulation to prevent the risk of electric shock. This entails testing the insulation resistance and creepage distances of the component parts of the appliance. The standard also specifies the minimum requirements for the grounding of these appliances to minimize the risk of electric shock due to faulty wiring or external sources.

The mechanical safety requirements focus on preventing hazards associated with moving parts. The standard mandates the inclusion of protective measures such as guards or shields to prevent accidental contact with fans, belts, or other rotating components. It also sets limits on the maximum permissible noise levels generated by these appliances to ensure user comfort and safety.

Compliance and Certification

Manufacturers of heat pumps, air-conditioners, and dehumidifiers must ensure that their products comply with the requirements specified in EN 60335-2-40:2008. Compliance can be demonstrated through various means, such as conducting specific tests according to the standard or providing evidence of equivalent safety measures.

Certification bodies play a crucial role in verifying compliance and issuing certificates indicating that a product meets the requirements of EN 60335-2-40:2008. These certifications provide assurance to consumers and regulatory authorities that the appliances have undergone rigorous testing and are safe to use.

In conclusion, EN 60335-2-40:2008 is a critical standard for ensuring the safety of electrical heat pumps, air-conditioners, and dehumidifiers. By following the requirements outlined in this standard, manufacturers can produce appliances that prioritize user safety and meet the necessary certification criteria.