What is BS EN IEC 61058-2-1 about?
BS EN IEC 61058-2-1 applies to cord switches (mechanical or electronic) for appliances. Appliances such as those actuated by hand, by foot or by other human activity, to operate or control electrical appliances and other equipment for household or similar purposes are included. Cord switches under BS EN IEC 61058-2-1 include ones with rated voltage not exceeding 250V and a rated current not exceeding 16A.
These switches under the scope of BS EN IEC 61058-2-1 are intended to be operated by a person, via an actuating member or by actuating a sensing unit. The actuating member or sensing unit can be integral or arranged separately from the switch. The transmission of a signal between the actuating member or sensing unit and the switch can be made either physically or electrically (for example, electrical, optical, acoustic or thermal).
Switches which incorporate additional control functions governed by the switch function are within the scope of this document.
Note: Switches which incorporate additional control functions governed by the switch function are within the scope of BS EN IEC 61058-2-1.
Who is BS EN IEC 61058-2-1 for?
BS EN IEC 61058-2-1 on cord switches is applicable for:
- Manufacturers and production companies of switches and cord switches
- Dealers and suppliers of various cord switches used in appliances
- Electronic/mechanical appliance manufacturers
Why should you use BS EN IEC 61058-2-1?
Cord switches are nothing but a snap switch mounted at the end of a cord suspended from a ceiling fixture, alternately called a pendant switch.
BS EN IEC 61058-2-1 provides you with the flexibility of choosing different types of switches such as- rewireable switch and non-rewireable switches as per the requirement of your specific application. Moreover, it also provides you with the constructional requirements with regards to protection against electric shock, mounting of switches and attachments of cords. You will be able to design and locate cord anchorages for rewireable switches in a way that offers easy replacement.
With BS EN IEC 61058-2-1, you can undertake tests that will determine various vital parameters such as insulation resistance and dielectric strength, heating, endurance and mechanical strength amongst others, to ensure operational safety and efficiency of appliances.
Thus, as a buyer of BS EN IEC 61058-2-1, you will be able to bring together a standardized system of delivering efficient, safe and reliable appliances, especially those that produce large amounts of heat or require higher power. Designing and manufacturing cord switches as per BS EN IEC 61058-2-1, can minimize risk of hazards such as cuts, severe burns and explosions, which could prevent casualties and any destruction of property. As a business, you can achieve the delivery of appliances with consistent and best practices of quality and safety in the industry.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN IEC 61058-2-1:2021 supersedes BS EN 61058-2-1:2011, which will be withdrawn on 5 February 2024. BS EN IEC 61058-2-1:2021 includes the following change:
- Overall format to support IEC 61058-1, IEC 61058-1-1, IEC 61058-1-2 and the heating tests
