The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) officially released the sixth edition of IEC 60335-2-31 in February 2024, replacing the fifth edition (2012) and its 2016 and 2018 revisions. This revision incorporates seven major technical changes and reflects the latest developments in safety requirements for household kitchen range hoods.
This standard applies to electric range hoods and other cooking fume extractors with a rated voltage not exceeding 250V (including DC-powered devices) designed for installation above, adjacent to, behind, or below household stoves, cooktops, and similar cooking appliances. Notably, the standard explicitly states that cooking appliances may be powered by electricity or other fuels (such as gas).
| Equipment type | Scope of application | Exclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Household range hoods | Rated voltage ≤ 250V | Equipment for commercial use |
| Embedded smoke extractors | AC/DC power supply | Use in special environments |
| Downdraft system | New test requirements | Corrosive environment |
The new standard adds specific requirements for accessible surface temperature limits. Under normal operating conditions, the maximum temperature rise of specific external accessible surfaces must comply with Table 101. This change significantly improves user safety and prevents burn risks.
The test installation requirements have been updated to include downdraft systems, reflecting the increasing product diversity in the market. Testing must be conducted according to the cooktop layout shown in Figure 102 to ensure that test conditions are consistent with actual usage environments.
A new reference has been added to IEC TR 62854:2014, requiring the use of a sharp edge test device and test procedures to determine compliance in cases of doubt. This requirement ensures that all edges and sharp corners of the range hood do not pose a hazard to the user.
Clarifies the requirements for remote operation of range hoods and other cooking fume extraction devices, including safety requirements for control methods such as remote controls and smartphone apps.
Clause 30.101 clarifies the requirements for grease and odor extraction filters. The standard requires these filters to have adequate flame retardancy to prevent fire risks that may arise during cooking.
| Filter Types | Material Requirements | Test Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Grease Filters | High-Temperature-Resistant Materials | 550°C Glow-Wire Test |
| Odor Extraction Filters | Flammability Grade V-0 | Needle Flame Test |
| Electrostatic Air Filters | Must Comply with IEC 60335-2-65 | Additional Electrical Tests |
According to IEC recommendations, national implementation of this standard by countries should take place no earlier than 12 months after publication and no later than 36 months. This provides ample time for manufacturers to adjust their product designs and testing procedures.
Equipment manufacturers and testing agencies may need a transition period to manufacture products in accordance with the new requirements and equip themselves with the equipment required for new or revised tests. Companies are advised to immediately initiate product upgrade plans to ensure compliance during the transition period.
The standard adds three new normative references: IEC 60584-1 (thermocouples), IEC 61231 (International Luminaire Numbering System), and IEC TR 62854:2014 (sharp edge test). Testing agencies will need to update their testing equipment and procedures to accommodate these new requirements.
The standard requires the use of the "Replace any broken protective cover" pictogram shown in Figure 101, which improves the standardization of product safety warnings.
This standard is aligned with IEC 60335-1:2020, ensuring consistency across the entire 60335 series. The requirements of IEC 60364 are also considered to ensure compatibility with wiring regulations when connecting equipment to the power supply network.
It should be noted that while the standard takes international harmonization into account whenever possible, wiring regulations may vary from country to country, and manufacturers must consider the specific requirements of target markets when exporting their products.
Manufacturers are advised to fully consider all requirements of the new standard during the product design phase, particularly the accessible surface temperature limits and structural safety requirements. A modular design can more easily meet the certification requirements of different markets.
Establish a comprehensive testing and verification process, especially for the newly added testing requirements for downdraft systems. Early communication with the certification body is recommended to ensure that the testing plan complies with the latest standard requirements.
Update product manuals, safety warning labels, and technical documentation in a timely manner to ensure that all information complies with the new standard requirements. Multi-language versions need to be updated simultaneously to meet the needs of the global market.
With the development of smart home technology, the functions of range hoods are becoming increasingly complex. New functions such as remote control and automatic adjustment have placed higher demands on safety standards. It is expected that standards will continue to be updated in the future to adapt to technological innovation and changes in market demand.
Manufacturers should closely monitor the technological developments of IEC TC 61 and actively participate in the standard-setting process to gain an advantage in product design and market competition. At the same time, it is recommended to establish a comprehensive standards tracking and response mechanism to ensure that companies are always at the forefront of compliance.
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Update:
Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:08:55 +0000