EN IEC 61058-1 Switches for Appliances - Part 1: General Requirements

The “EN IEC 61058-1 Switches for appliances - Part 1: General requirements” standard, developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and later published as a European standard as part of harmonization efforts, applies to switches for household appliances. These switches are designed to control electrical appliances and other equipment for household or similar purposes with a nominal voltage not exceeding 480 Volts and a nominal current not exceeding 63 A.

Switches for household appliances are designed to operate in the following way:

• By a person through an operating element
• Indirect employment
• An operation detection unit

Signal transmission between the actuator or sensing unit and the switch can be established via optical, acoustic, thermal, electrical, or other related connections and may include remote control units.

This standard applies to switches for household appliances that have additional control functions managed by the switch, supplied with electronic circuits and devices necessary for the intended or correct operation of the switch. This standard applies to circuits that are considered together with a switch and are necessary for the switching function.

However, this standard does not apply to devices covered under the following standards:

• IEC 60669 (all parts): Switches for fixed electrical installations in homes and similar places.
• IEC 60730 (all parts): Automatic electrical controls

Switches can be operated by hand, foot, or other human actions (directly or indirectly, for example via remote control, door mechanisms, or sensor units). These may include:

• Integrated into/embedded in devices
• Cable switches (connected to flexible cables)
• Independently mounted switches
• Replacement selectors (with some specific requirements on the relevant parts)

The primary purpose is to provide protection against electrical hazards (shock, overheating, excessive arc formation), fire risks, mechanical failures, and malfunctions under normal and abnormal conditions.

The main requirements covered by this standard are as follows:

• Classification of switches (e.g., by actuation type, disconnection level: full, micro-disconnect, electronic disconnection).
• Labeling and instructions for safe use and installation.
• Protection against electric shock (leakage gaps, openings, insulation).
• Electrical and thermal durability (on/off capacity, temperature rise tests).
• Mechanical strength and durability (operating cycles, actuator tests).
• Resistance to heat, fire, and monitoring.
• Abnormal operating and malfunction conditions.
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) aspects (in coordination with relevant directives).
• Test methods for verifying compliance.

The EN IEC 61058-1 standard is a key compliance standard under various EU directives, including the low voltage directive 2014/35/EU, and is often referenced in the EMC directive 2014/30/EU for appliance switches. Compliance helps manufacturers demonstrate safety for CE marking on appliances containing such switches (e.g., power tools, kitchen appliances, lighting controls, vacuum cleaners, etc.).

The EN IEC 61058-1 standard is widely used in the appliance manufacturing industry and helps ensure that switches used in appliances such as washing machines, coffee makers, power tools, and lighting equipment operate safely and reliably throughout their service life.

In short, this standard defines requirements for keys used for the following purposes:

• To control electrical devices that operate at voltages up to 480 Volts.
• Typically capable of carrying currents up to 63 A.
• For use in household and similar equipment.
• To operate manually or automatically.

Examples of applicable products include:

• Power switches on household appliances
• Push button and rocker switches
• Rotary and slide switches
• Electronic switching devices integrated into the devices

This standard aims to ensure that device switches provide the following:

• To operate safely under normal and abnormal conditions.
• To provide adequate electrical insulation.
• To be resistant to mechanical wear and environmental stresses.
• To prevent electric shock, fire, and overheating hazards.

Manufacturers must demonstrate compliance through type testing and design evaluation.

The main technical requirements are as follows:

• Structural requirements: This standard defines how switches should be designed. These include:
• Sufficient mechanical strength
• Protection against accidental contact with live parts.
• Appropriate terminal design and conductor connection.
• Durable operating mechanisms

Switches must be designed so that they do not fail dangerously easily.

• Electrical values: Each switch should be rated according to the following values:
• Rated voltage
• Rated current
• Electrical endurance (switching cycles)

The switch must reliably control the load type, such as:

• Resistive loads
• Inductive loads
• Motor loads
• Temperature and heat resistance: The switches are tested to ensure they can withstand the following:
• Heat generated during normal operation
• High ambient temperatures inside the devices

Tests typically include:

• Temperature rise measurement
• Ball pressure test for thermoplastic parts.
• Red wire test to assess fire resistance.
• Electrical insulation and dielectric strength: To prevent electric shock and insulation failure, the standard specifies the following:
• Minimum openings and leakage distances
• Dielectric strength tests between live parts and accessible surfaces.
• Resistance to monitoring and insulation degradation.
• Mechanical durability: The switches must withstand thousands of operating cycles without failure. Typical tests include:
• Repeated switching under load
• Actuator durability testing
• Evaluation of contact wear and stability.

Mechanical durability ensures reliable operation throughout the device's lifespan.

• Abnormal operation and failure testing: This standard includes tests that simulate failures such as:
• Overload conditions
• Contact source
• Blockage of moving parts

The switch must not pose any hazards such as fire, electric shock, or overheating.

• Labeling and documentation: The keys must be clearly labeled with the following information:
• Nominal voltage and current
• Producer identity
• Type or model description

The documentation should also include installation and operating instructions.

Compliance with the EN IEC 61058-1 standard requires the following comprehensive tests:

• Electrical endurance tests
• Mechanical durability tests
• Temperature increase tests
• Insulation resistance tests
• Dielectric strength tests
• Red wire and fire hazard tests

These tests confirm that the switch functions reliably under realistic operating conditions.

The EN IEC 61058-1 standard is generally applied in the following sectors:

• Manufacturing of household appliances
• Consumer electronics
• Industrial equipment
• power tools
• HVAC systems

Manufacturers frequently use this standard to support CE marking and demonstrate compliance with European safety regulations.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services compliant with the EN IEC 61058-1 standard.