What is IEC 60335-2-116:2020?

IEC 60335-2-116:2020 is an international standard that focuses on the safety of electric heating appliances for breeding and rearing animals, such as pet warming mats or terrarium heaters. It provides guidelines and requirements to ensure the safe operation of these appliances and protect both human users and animals from potential risks.

Safeguarding Human Users

The standard sets forth various safety measures to protect human users from hazards associated with electric heating appliances used in animal care. One such provision is the requirement of proper insulation to prevent electrical shock. It mandates that the heating elements should be adequately separated from users through appropriate housing and insulation materials.

In addition, IEC 60335-2-116:2020 specifies temperature limitation functions that prevent the appliance from overheating and causing burns or fire. It outlines criteria for the control devices and their response time, ensuring that the equipment shuts off automatically when reaching potentially dangerous temperatures.

Ensuring Animal Welfare

The welfare of the animals being cared for is a significant concern addressed by IEC 60335-2-116:2020. The standard emphasizes the need for optimal living conditions and mitigates potential risks. It requires the heating elements to distribute heat evenly without local hotspots, preventing thermal discomfort or injuries to the animals.

Moreover, the standard mandates additional protective mechanisms for situations where animals come into direct contact with the heating elements. It specifies that these components should remain within safe temperature limits even under abnormal conditions, avoiding burns or harm to the animals.

Testing and Certification

To ensure compliance with IEC 60335-2-116:2020, manufacturers of electric heating appliances for animal care must subject their products to rigorous testing procedures. These tests evaluate various safety aspects, including electrical insulation, overheating protection, and temperature control accuracy.

Furthermore, certified testing laboratories play a crucial role in this process. They conduct independent assessments of the products' conformity with the standard's requirements, issuing appropriate certification marks that demonstrate compliance. This certification enables consumers to identify products that have successfully met the international safety standards.

Conclusion

IEC 60335-2-116:2020 is an essential document that ensures the safety of electric heating appliances used for breeding and rearing animals. By providing guidelines for both human user protection and animal welfare, this standard helps to minimize risks associated with these types of products. Through strict testing and certification processes, manufacturers can meet these requirements and offer reliable and safe appliances to consumers.