IEC 60335-2-98:2023 deals with the safety of electric humidifiers for household and similar use, their rated voltage being not more than 250 V for single-phase appliances and 480 V for other appliances, including direct current (DC) supplied appliances and battery-operated appliances.
Examples of appliances that are within the scope of the standard are
- appliances that atomize water;
- appliances that evaporate water by heating;
- appliances that blow air through a moist element.
Appliances that are not intended for normal household use, but that nevertheless can be a source of danger to the public, such as appliances intended to be used by laymen 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.
Attention is drawn to the fact that
- for appliances intended to be used in vehicles or on board ships or aircraft, additional requirements can be necessary;
- in many countries additional requirements are specified by the national health authorities, the national authorities responsible for the protection of labour and similar authorities.
This standard does not apply to
- appliances for heating liquids (IEC 60335-2-15);
- humidifiers intended for use with heating, ventilation or air-conditioning systems (IEC 60335-2-88);
- appliances for medical purposes (IEC 60601 series);
- appliances intended exclusively for industrial purposes;
- appliances intended to be used in locations where special conditions prevail, such as the presence of a corrosive or explosive atmosphere (dust, vapour or gas).
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2002, Amendment 1:2004 and Amendment 2:2008. 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) additional requirements for a humidifier shaped or decorated like a toy (7.12, 8.1.1, 21.101, 22.12, 22.44, 22.54, 22.105);
c) additional requirements are included for the temperature of accessible surfaces (11.8);
d) application of test probes 18 and 19 has been introduced (Clause 8, 20.2, B.22.3, B.22.4);
e) additional guidance is provided for humidifiers for remote operation.
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.