IEC 60335-2-81:2024 deals with the safety of electric foot warmers and heating mats for household and similar purposes, their rated voltage being not more than 250 V including direct current (DC) supplied appliances and battery-operated appliances.
Appliances not intended for normal household use but which nevertheless can be a source of danger to the public, such as appliances intended to be used by laypersons in shops, in light industry and on farms, are within the scope of this standard.
As far as is practicable, this standard deals with the common hazards presented by appliances that are encountered by all persons in and around the home. However, in general, it does not take into account
– persons (including children) whose physical, sensory or mental capabilities; or lack of experience and knowledge prevents them from using the appliance safely without supervision or instruction;
– children playing with the appliance.
Additional requirements can be necessary for appliances intended to be used in vehicles or on board ships or aircraft. In many countries, additional requirements are specified by the national health authorities, the national authorities responsible for the protection of labour, the national water supply authorities and similar authorities.
This standard does not apply to:
– appliances specifically intended for use under medical supervision;
– electric blankets and pads (IEC 60335-2-17);
– electrically heated carpets (IEC 60335-2-106);
– electrical heating appliances for breeding and rearing animals (IEC 60335-2-71).
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2015, Amendment 1:2017 and Amendment 2:2020. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) alignment with IEC 60335-1:2020;
b) conversion of some notes to normative text (Clause 1, 13.2, 16.2, 21.103, 21.104, 21.105, 21.106);
c) addition of test probe 19 for accessibility (8.1.1, 8.1.3, 20.2, B.22.3, B.22.4);
d) addition of external surface temperatures (Clause 11);
e) addition of the test of 21.107 for control units intended to be placed on a surface;
f) alignment of 30.102 with IEC 60335-2-17.
This part 2 is to be used in conjunction with the latest edition of IEC 60335-1 and its amendments unless that edition precludes it; in that case, the latest edition that does not preclude it is used. It was established on the basis of the sixth edition (2020) of that standard.