IEC 60335-2-81:2024

Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-81: Particular requirements for foot warmers and heating mats

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.

Appareils électrodomestiques et analogues - Sécurité - Partie 2-81: Exigences particulières pour les chancelières et les carpettes chauffantes électriques

L'IEC 60335-2-81:2024 traite de la sécurité des chancelières et des carpettes chauffantes électriques destinées à un usage domestique et analogue, dont la tension assignée est inférieure ou égale à 250 V, y compris les appareils alimentés en courant continu et les appareils alimentés par batteries.
Les appareils non destinés à un usage domestique normal, mais qui peuvent néanmoins constituer une source de danger pour le public, tels que les appareils destinés à être utilisés par des usagers non avertis dans des magasins, chez des artisans et dans des fermes, sont compris dans le domaine d'application de la présente norme.
Dans la mesure du possible, la présente norme traite des dangers ordinaires présentés par les appareils, encourus par tous les individus à l'intérieur et autour de l'habitation. Cependant, elle ne tient en général pas compte
– des personnes (y compris des enfants) dont les capacités physiques, sensorielles ou mentales; ou le manque d'expérience et de connaissance les empêchent d'utiliser l'appareil en toute sécurité sans surveillance ou instruction;
– des enfants qui jouent avec l'appareil.
Des exigences supplémentaires peuvent être nécessaires pour les appareils destinés à être utilisés dans des véhicules ou à bord de navires ou d'avions. Dans de nombreux pays, des exigences supplémentaires sont spécifiées par les organismes nationaux de la santé, par les organismes nationaux responsables de la protection des travailleurs, par les organismes nationaux responsables de l'alimentation en eau et par des organismes similaires.
La présente norme ne s'applique pas:
– aux appareils spécifiquement destinés à être utilisés sous surveillance médicale;
– aux couvertures et coussins électriques (IEC 60335-2-17);
– aux tapis chauffants électriques (IEC 60335-2-106);
– aux appareils de chauffage électrique destinés à la reproduction et à l'élevage des animaux (IEC 60335-2-71).
Cette quatrième édition annule et remplace la troisième édition parue en 2015, l'Amendement 1:2017 et l'Amendement 2:2020. Cette édition constitue une révision technique.
Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
a) le texte a été aligné sur l'IEC 60335-1:2020;
b) certaines notes ont été converties en texte normatif (Article 1, 13.2, 16.2, 21.103, 21.104, 21.105, 21.106);
c) le calibre d'essai 19 a été ajouté pour l'accessibilité (8.1.1, 8.1.3, 20.2, B.22.3, B.22.4);
d) les températures des surfaces extérieures ont été ajoutées (Article 11);
e) l'essai du 21.107 a été ajouté pour les unités de commande destinées à être placées sur une surface;
f) le texte du 30.102 a été aligné sur l'IEC 60335-2:17.
La présente partie 2 doit être utilisée conjointement avec la dernière édition de l'IEC 60335-1 et ses amendements sauf si cette édition l'exclut. Dans ce cas, la dernière édition qui n'exclut pas la présente partie 2 est utilisée. Elle a été établie sur la base de la sixième édition (2020) de cette norme.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 07-Oct-2024
• ICS: 13.120 - Domestic safety
• ICS: 97.100.10 - Electric heaters
• Technical Committee: TC 61 - Safety of household and similar electrical appliances
• Drafting Committee: MT 37 - TC 61/MT 37
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 08-Oct-2024
• Completion Date: 18-Oct-2024

Relations

• Revises: IEC 60335-2-81:2015/AMD2:2020 - Amendment 2 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-81: Particular requirements for foot warmers and heating mats
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60335-2-81:2015/AMD1:2017 - Amendment 1 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-81: Particular requirements for foot warmers and heating mats
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60335-2-81:2015 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-81: Particular requirements for foot warmers and heating mats
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 60335-2-81:2024 - "Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2‑81: Particular requirements for foot warmers and heating mats" specifies safety requirements for electrically powered foot warmers and heating mats for household and similar use. It covers appliances with a rated voltage up to 250 V (including DC) and battery‑operated designs. This fourth edition (2024) is a technical revision that replaces the 2015 edition and its amendments and is intended to be used together with IEC 60335‑1:2020 (general requirements).

Key technical topics and requirements

The standard addresses hazards commonly associated with foot warmers and heating mats and contains detailed test and construction requirements, including:

• Heating and temperature limits - requirements and tests for internal and external surface temperatures to prevent burns and fire risks.
• Leakage current and electric strength - measurement methods at operating temperature and during abnormal conditions.
• Mechanical strength, stability and construction - durability, flexing tests for heating elements and cords, resistance to mechanical hazards.
• Protection against access to live parts and insulation/clearance/creepage requirements.
• Battery‑operated appliances - normative Annex B covers battery and separable/detachable battery requirements and charging.
• Abnormal operation and endurance - tests for faults, overloads, and long‑term operation.
• Control units and accessibility - new tests (e.g., probe 19) for accessibility and a specific test for control units placed on surfaces.
• Marking, instructions and classification - clear user information, intended use limitations, and appliance classification.
• Additional topics covered in normative annexes - software evaluation (Annex R), UV‑C effects (Annex T), flame and material tests, transformers, motors and electronic circuits.

Significant updates in this edition include alignment with IEC 60335‑1:2020, conversion of some notes to normative requirements, added surface temperature tests, and alignment with related parts (for example IEC 60335‑2‑17).

Practical applications and users

This standard is essential for:

• Manufacturers and product designers - to design compliant foot warmers and heating mats and to select materials, controls and protective measures.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies - for type testing, safety evaluation and issuing certifications (CE, CB or national approvals).
• Procurement engineers and compliance managers - to specify safety requirements in product specifications and supplier contracts.
• Regulators and safety authorities - to reference for market surveillance and national regulations.

Related standards

• IEC 60335‑1:2020 (General requirements) - to be used in conjunction with Part 2‑81.
• Exclusions / related parts: IEC 60335‑2‑17 (electric blankets/pads), IEC 60335‑2‑106 (electrically heated carpets), IEC 60335‑2‑71 (animal heating appliances).

Keywords: IEC 60335-2-81:2024, foot warmers, heating mats, electrical appliance safety, household appliance safety, leakage current, surface temperature testing, battery-operated appliances, IEC 60335.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60335-2-81 ®
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Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety –
Part 2-81: Particular requirements for foot warmers and heating mats
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IEC 60335-2-81 ®
Edition 4.0 2024-10
EXTENDED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
This full version of IEC 60335-2-81:2024 includes the content of the references made to
IEC 60335-1:2020
Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety –
Part 2-81: Particular requirements for foot warmers and heating mats
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 13.120, 97.100.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-9846-6

IEC 60335-1:2020/ISH1:2021 – 1 –
© IEC 2021
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
IEC 60335-1
Edition 6.0  2020-09
HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES – SAFETY –

Part 1: General requirements
INTERPRETATION SHEET 1
This interpretation sheet has been prepared by IEC technical committee 61: Safety of
household and similar electrical appliances.
The text of this Interpretation Sheet is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
61/5999/DISH 61/6009/RVDISH
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
___________
INTRODUCTION
Edition 6 of IEC 60335-1:2020 defines and introduces requirements for a detachable
power supply part of an appliance. In the document, 24.2 prohibits the use of a power
supply in a flexible cord.
QUESTION:
Does Subclause 24.2 prohibit the use of a detachable power supply part?
ANSWER
No, a "detachable power supply part" is a defined term and is not captured by the term
"power supply" as used in Subclause 24.2.
NOTE A detachable power supply part is captured by the defined term when the output of the power supply
part is detachable from the class III construction part of the appliance at:
– the power supply part, or
– the class III construction part of the appliance.
However, the supply cord (if any) does not have to be detachable from the detachable power supply part.
ICS 13.120; 97.030
IEC 60335-1:2020-09/ISH1:2021-11(en)

– 2 – IEC 60335-2-81:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
INTRODUCTION to IEC 60335-1:2020 . 9
INTRODUCTION to IEC 60335-2-81:2024 . 11
1 Scope . 12
2 Normative references . 12
3 Terms and definitions . 17
4 General requirement . 29
5 General conditions for the tests . 29
6 Classification . 34
7 Marking and instructions . 34
8 Protection against access to live parts . 43
9 Starting of motor-operated appliances . 45
10 Power input and current . 45
11 Heating . 47
12 Charging of metal-ion batteries . 53
13 Leakage current and electric strength at operating temperature . 55
14 Transient overvoltages . 58
15 Moisture resistance . 58
16 Leakage current and electric strength . 61
17 Overload protection of transformers and associated circuits . 63
18 Endurance . 64
19 Abnormal operation . 64
20 Stability and mechanical hazards . 74
21 Mechanical strength . 76
22 Construction . 80
23 Internal wiring . 93
24 Components . 95
25 Supply connection and external flexible cords . 100
26 Terminals for external conductors . 108
27 Provision for earthing . 111
28 Screws and connections . 112
29 Clearances, creepage distances and solid insulation . 115
30 Resistance to heat and fire . 123
31 Resistance to rusting . 129
32 Radiation, toxicity and similar hazards . 129
Annex A (informative) Routine tests . 148
Annex B (normative) Battery-operated appliances, separable batteries and detachable
batteries for battery-operated appliances . 150
Annex C (normative) Ageing test on motors . 171
Annex D (normative) Thermal motor protectors . 172
Annex E (normative) Needle-flame test . 173
Annex F (normative) Capacitors . 174

Annex G (normative) Safety isolating transformers . 176
Annex H (normative) Switches . 177
Annex I (normative) Motors having basic insulation that is inadequate for the rated
voltage of the appliance . 179
Annex J (normative) Coated printed circuit boards . 181
Annex K (informative) Overvoltage categories . 182
Annex L (informative) Guidance for the measurement of clearances and creepage

distances . 183
Annex M (informative) Pollution degree . 186
Annex N (normative) Proof tracking test . 187
Annex O (informative) Selection and sequence of the tests of Clause 30 . 188
Annex P (informative) Guidance for the application of this standard to appliances
used in tropical climates . 193
Annex Q (informative) Sequence of tests for the evaluation of electronic circuits . 195
Annex R (normative) Software evaluation . 198
Annex S (informative) Guidance for the application of this standard on measurement
of power input and current based on the requirements of 10.1 and 10.2 concerning the

representative period . 212
Annex T (normative) UV-C radiation effect on non-metallic materials . 213
Annex U (normative) Appliances intended for remote communication through public
networks . 216
Bibliography . 220
Index of defined terms . 223

Figure 1 – Circuit diagram for leakage current measurement at operating temperature
for single-phase connection of class II appliances and for parts of class ll construction . 130
Figure 2 – Circuit diagram for leakage current measurement at operating temperature
for single-phase connection of other than class II appliances or parts of class ll
construction . 131
Figure 3 – Circuit diagram for leakage current measurement at operating temperature
for three-phase with neutral class II appliances and for parts of class ll construction . 132
Figure 4 – Circuit diagram for leakage current measurement at operating temperature
for three-phase with neutral appliances other than those of class II or parts of class ll
construction . 133
Figure 5 – Small part . 134
Figure 6 – Example of an electronic circuit with low-power points . 134
Figure 7 – Test finger nail . 135
Figure 8 – Flexing test apparatus . 136
Figure 9 – Constructions of cord anchorages . 137
Figure 10 – An example of parts of an earthing terminal . 138
Figure 11 – Examples of clearances . 139
Figure 12 – Example of the placement of the cylinder . 140
Figure 13 – Small parts cylinder . 141
Figure 14 – Example of a specified operating region of a lithium-ion cell during
charging . 142
Figure 101 – Probe for measuring surface temperatures . 142
Figure 102 – Equipment for the flexing test for foot warmers . 143

– 4 – IEC 60335-2-81:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
Figure 103 – Equipment for flexing heating elements and internal wiring . 144
Figure 104 – Apparatus for pressure test on connectors . 145
Figure 105 – Equipment for the spark ignition test . 146
Figure 106 – Details of the mask. 147
Figure B.1 – Examples of battery-operated appliance constructions and application of
normative Annex B (1 of 2) . 169
Figure B.2 – Examples of correct polarity connection marking representing three

batteries . 170
Figure I.1 – Simulation of faults . 180
Figure L.1 – Sequence for the determination of clearances . 183
Figure L.2 – Sequence for the determination of creepage distances . 184
Figure L.3 – Measurement of clearances . 185
Figure O.1 – Tests for resistance to heat . 188
Figure O.2 – Selection and sequence of tests for resistance to fire in hand-held
appliances . 189
Figure O.3 – Selection and sequence of tests for resistance to fire in attended
appliances . 189
Figure O.4 – Selection and sequence of tests for resistance to fire in unattended
appliances . 190
Figure O.5 – Some applications of the term "within a distance of 3 mm" . 192
Figure Q.1 – Flowchart outlining the sequence of tests for the evaluation of electronic
circuits (1 of 2) . 196
Figure S.1 – Flowchart giving guidance on measurement of power input and current
concerning the representative period . 212

Table 1 – Power input deviation . 45
Table 2 – Current deviation . 46
Table 3 – Maximum normal temperature rises . 50
Table 101 – Maximum temperature rises for specified external and other surfaces
under normal operating conditions . 53
Table 4 – Voltage for electric strength test . 57
Table 5 – Characteristics of high-voltage sources . 57
Table 6 – Impulse test voltage . 58
Table 7 – Test voltages. 63
Table 8 – Maximum winding temperature . 67
Table 9 – Maximum abnormal temperature rise . 72
Table 10 – Dimensions of cables and conduits . 101
Table 11 – Minimum cross-sectional area of conductors . 103
Table 12 – Pull force and torque . 105
Table 13 – Nominal cross-sectional area of conductors . 110
Table 14 – Torque for testing screws and nuts . 114
Table 15 – Rated impulse voltage . 116
Table 16 – Minimum clearances . 116
Table 17 – Minimum creepage distances for basic insulation . 120
Table 18 – Minimum creepage distances for functional insulation . 121

Table 19 – Minimum thickness for accessible parts of reinforced insulation consisting
of a single layer . 123
Table A.1 – Test voltages . 149
Table B.1 – Artificial source characteristics . 152
Table B.2 – Total area of openings for metal-ion cells . 160
Table B.3 – Volume of air injected at 2 070 kPa . 160
Table C.1 – Test conditions . 171
Table R.1 – General fault/error conditions . 200
Table R.2 – Specific fault/error conditions . 202
Table R.3 – Semi-formal methods . 208
Table R.4 – Software architecture specification . 208
Table R.5 – Module design specification . 209
Table R.6 – Design and coding standards . 210
Table R.7 – Software safety validation . 210
Table T.1 – Minimum property retention limits after UV-C exposure . 214
Table T.2 – Minimum electric strength for internal wiring after UV-C exposure . 215
Table U.1 – Examples of acceptable measures against unauthorised access and

transmission fault/error modes . 218

– 6 – IEC 60335-2-81:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES –
SAFETY –
Part 2-81: Particular requirements for foot warmers and heating mats

FOREWORD
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This extended version (EXV) of the official IEC Standard provides the user with the full
content of the Standard.
made to IEC 60335-1:2020.
The specific content of IEC 60335-2-81:2024 is displayed on a blue background.

IEC 60335-2-81 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 61: Safety of household and
similar electrical appliances. It is an International Standard.
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.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
61/7272/FDIS 61/7298/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all parts of the IEC 60335 series, under the general title: Household and similar
electrical appliances – Safety, can be found on the IEC website.
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.
NOTE 1 When "Part 1" is mentioned in this standard, it refers to IEC 60335-1.
This part 2 supplements or modifies the corresponding clauses in IEC 60335-1, so as to convert
that publication into the IEC standard: Particular requirements for foot warmers and heating
mats.
When a particular subclause of Part 1 is not mentioned in this part 2, that subclause applies as
far as is reasonable. When this standard states "addition", "modification" or "replacement", the
relevant text in Part 1 is to be adapted accordingly.
NOTE 2 The following numbering system is used:
– subclauses, tables and figures that are numbered starting from 101 are additional to those in Part 1;
– unless notes are in a new subclause or involve notes in Part 1, they are numbered starting from 101, including
those in a replaced clause or subclause;
– additional annexes are lettered AA, BB, etc.
NOTE 3 The following print types are used:

– 8 – IEC 60335-2-81:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
– requirements: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– notes: in small roman type.
Words in bold in the text are defined in Clause 3. When a definition concerns an adjective, the adjective and the
associated noun are also in bold.
The following differences exist in the countries indicated below.
– 6.1: Class 0 appliances are allowed if their rated voltage does not exceed 150 V (Japan)
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
NOTE 4 The attention of National Committees is drawn to the fact that equipment manufacturers and testing
organizations can need a transitional period following publication of a new, amended or revised IEC publication in
which to make products in accordance with the new requirements and to equip themselves for conducting new or
revised tests.
It is the recommendation of the committee that the content of this publication be adopted for implementation nationally
not earlier than 12 months or later than 36 months from the date of publication.

IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

INTRODUCTION to IEC 60335-1:2020
It has been assumed in the drafting of this International Standard that the execution of its
provisions is entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced persons.
Guidance documents concerning the application of the safety requirements for appliances can
be accessed via TC 61 supporting documents on the IEC website –
www.iec.ch/tc61/supportingdocuments
This information is given for the convenience of users of this International Standard and does
not constitute a replacement for the normative text in this standard.
This standard recognizes the internationally accepted level of protection against hazards such
as electrical, mechanical, thermal, fire and radiation of appliances when operated as in normal
use taking into account the manufacturer's instructions. It also covers abnormal situations that
can be expected in practice and takes into account the way in which electromagnetic
phenomena can affect the safe operation of appliances.
This standard takes into account the requirements of IEC 60364 as far as possible so that there
is compatibility with the wiring rules when the appliance is connected to the supply mains.
However, national wiring rules may differ.
If the functions of an appliance are covered by different parts 2 of IEC 60335, the relevant part 2
is applied to each function separately, as far as is reasonable. If applicable, the influence of
one function on the other is taken into account.
Throughout this publication, when "part 2" is mentioned, it refers to the relevant part of
IEC 60335.
When a part 2 standard does not include additional requirements to cover hazards dealt with in
Part 1, Part 1 applies.
NOTE 1 This means that the technical committees responsible for the part 2 standards have determined that it is
not necessary to specify particular requirements for the appliance in question over and above the general
requirements.
This standard is a product family standard dealing with the safety of appliances and takes
precedence over horizontal and generic standards covering the same subject.
NOTE 2 Horizontal publications, basic safety publications and group safety publications covering a hazard are not
applicable since they have been taken into consideration when developing the general and particular requirements
for the IEC 60335 series of standards.
Individual countries may wish to consider the application of this standard, as far as is
reasonable, to appliances not mentioned in a part 2, and to appliances designed on new
principles. In this case, consideration should be given to defining normal operation, specifying
the classification of the appliance according to Clause 6 and specifying whether the appliance
is operated attended or unattended. Consideration should also be given to particular categories
of likely users and to related specific risks such as access to live parts, hot surfaces or

hazardous moving parts.
An appliance that complies with the text of this standard will not necessarily be considered to
comply with the safety principles of this standard if, when examined and tested, it is found to
have other features which impair the level of safety covered by these requirements.

– 10 – IEC 60335-2-81:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
An appliance employing materials or having forms of construction differing from those detailed
in the requirements of this standard may be examined and tested according to the intent of the
requirements and, if found to be substantially equivalent, may be considered to comply with this
standard.
NOTE 3 Standards dealing with non-safety aspects of household appliances are:
– IEC standards published by TC 59 concerning methods of measuring performance;
– CISPR 11, CISPR 14-1 and relevant IEC 61000-3 series standards concerning electromagnetic emissions;
– CISPR 14-2 concerning electromagnetic immunity;
– IEC standards published by TC 111 concerning environmental matters.

INTRODUCTION to IEC 60335-2-81:2024
It has been assumed in the drafting of this International Standard that the execution of its
provisions is entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced persons.
Guidance documents concerning the application of the safety requirements for appliances can
be accessed via TC 61 supporting documents on the IEC website
https://www.iec.ch/tc61/supportingdocuments
This information is given for the convenience of users of this International Standard and does
not constitute a replacement for the normative text in this standard.
This standard recognizes the internationally accepted level of protection against hazards such
as electrical, mechanical, thermal, fire and radiation of appliances when operated as in normal
use taking into account the manufacturer's instructions. It also covers abnormal situations that
can be expected in practice and takes into account the way in which electromagnetic
phenomena can affect the safe operation of appliances.
This standard takes into account the requirements of IEC 60364 as far as possible so that there
is compatibility with the wiring rules when the appliance is connected to the supply mains.
However, national wiring rules can differ.
If an appliance within the scope of this standard also incorporates functions that are covered
by another part 2 of IEC 60335, the relevant part 2 is applied to each function separately, as
far as is reasonable. If applicable, the influence of one function on the other is taken into
account.
When a part 2 standard does not include additional requirements to cover hazards dealt with in
Part 1, Part 1 applies.
NOTE 1 This means that the technical committees responsible for the part 2 standards have determined that it is
not necessary to specify particular requirements for the appliance in question over and above the general
requirements.
This standard is a product family standard dealing with the safety of appliances and takes
precedence over horizontal and generic standards covering the same subject.
NOTE 2 Horizontal publications, basic safety publications and group safety publications covering a hazard are not
applicable since they have been taken into consideration when developing the general and particular requirements
for the IEC 60335 series of standards.
An appliance that complies with the text of this standard will not necessarily be considered to
comply with the safety principles of the standard if, when examined and tested, it is found to
have other features that impair the level of safety covered by these requirements.
An appliance employing materials or having forms of construction differing from those detailed
in the requirements of this standard may be examined and tested according to the intent of the
requirements and, if found to be substantially equivalent, may be considered to comply with the
standard.
NOTE 3 Standards dealing with non-safety aspects of household appliances are:
– IEC standards published by TC 59 concerning methods of measuring performance;
– CISPR 11, CISPR 14-1 and relevant IEC 61000-3 series standards concerning electromagnetic emissions;
– CISPR 14-2 concerning electromagnetic immunity;
– IEC standards published by TC 111 concerning environmental matters.

– 12 – IEC 60335-2-81:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES –
SAFETY –
Part 2-81: Particular requirements for foot warmers and heating mats

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60335 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).
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60034-1, Rotating electrical machines – Part 1: Rating and performance
IEC 60061-1, Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of interchangeability
and safety – Part 1: Lamp caps
IEC 60065:2014, Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus – Safety requirements

IEC 60068-2-2, Environmental testing – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-31, Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests – Test Ec: Rough handling shocks,
primarily for equipment-type specimens
IEC 60068-2-75, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60068-2-78, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state
IEC TR 60083, Plugs and socket-outlets for domestic and similar general use standardized in
member countries of IEC
IEC 60085:2007, Electrical insulation – Thermal evaluation and designation
IEC 60112:2003, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices
of solid insulating materials
IEC 60112:2003/AMD1:2009
IEC 60127 (all parts), Miniature fuses
IEC 60227 (all parts), Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V
IEC 60227-5:2011, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V – Part 5: Flexible cables (cords)
IEC 60238, Edison screw lampholders
IEC 60245 (all parts), Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V
IEC 60320-1, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 1: General
requirements
IEC 60252-1:2010, AC motor capacitors – Part 1: General – Performance, testing and rating –
Safety requirements – Guidance for installation and operation
IEC 60252-1:2010/AMD1:2013
IEC 60309-2, Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes – Part 2: Dimensional
interchangeability requirements for pin and contact-tube accessories
IEC 60320 (all parts), Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes
IEC 60320-1, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 1: General
requirements
IEC 60320-2-3, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 2-3:
Appliance couplers with a degree of protection higher than IPX0
IEC 60320-3, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes – Part 3: Standard
sheets and gauges
___________
There exists a consolidated edition 4.1:2009 that includes edition 4 and its Amendment 1.
There exists a consolidated edition 2.1:2013 that includes edition 2 and its Amendment 1.

– 14 – IEC 60335-2-81:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
IEC 60384-14:2013, Fixed capacitors for use in electronic equipment – Part 14: Sectional
specification – Fixed capacitors for electromagnetic interference suppression and connection
to the supply mains
IEC 60384-14:2013/AMD1:2016
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment
IEC 60445:2017, Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and
identification – Identification of equipment terminals, conductor terminations and conductors
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)

IEC 60529:
...