What is UL60335-2-98?

UL60335-2-98 is a technical standard that focuses on the safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances. It is part of the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) series of standards, which are widely recognized and used in North America. UL60335-2-98 specifically deals with the safety requirements for electric cleaning appliances such as vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, and floor polishers. This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of UL60335-2-98 and its importance in ensuring the safety of these household appliances.

Scope and Coverage

The scope of UL60335-2-98 covers a wide range of electric cleaning appliances commonly used in households. These appliances include but are not limited to vacuum cleaners, carpet sweepers, floor polishers, and wet/dry cleaners. The standard sets forth stringent safety requirements that manufacturers need to meet for their appliances to be considered safe for use by consumers. These requirements cover various aspects including electrical insulation, protection against electric shock, temperature limits, mechanical hazards, and the prevention of fire and explosion.

Key Requirements

UL60335-2-98 outlines several key requirements that manufacturers must adhere to when designing and producing electric cleaning appliances. One such requirement is the provision of appropriate electrical insulation to prevent direct contact between live parts and the user. This includes adequate insulation thickness, usage of insulating materials, and the arrangement of live parts to minimize the risk of accidental contact.

The standard also specifies temperature limits for different components of the appliances to ensure that they do not pose a fire hazard or cause harm to users during normal operation. Additionally, it mandates the inclusion of suitable protection devices such as fuses or circuit breakers to prevent electrical overloads and faults.

Furthermore, UL60335-2-98 requires manufacturers to conduct rigorous testing and evaluation of their appliances, both during the design phase and in the final product. This includes testing for mechanical strength, resistance to heat and fire, durability, and electromagnetic compatibility.

Compliance and Certification

To demonstrate compliance with UL60335-2-98, manufacturers can seek certification from recognized third-party testing laboratories. These laboratories assess the appliances against the standard's requirements and perform various tests to ensure their safety and performance. If an appliance meets all the necessary criteria, it receives a certification mark indicating its compliance with UL60335-2-98. Consumers can look for these certification marks when purchasing electric cleaning appliances to ensure that they meet the required safety standards.

In conclusion, UL60335-2-98 plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of electric cleaning appliances used in households. By setting forth stringent requirements and conducting thorough testing and evaluation, the standard aims to minimize the risk of hazards such as electric shock, fire, and mechanical injuries. Compliance with UL60335-2-98 through certification provides consumers with confidence in the safety and reliability of these appliances, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of households.