BS EN IEC 60730-2-7:2020: Automatic Electrical Controls - Particular Requirements for Timers and Time Switches

In the ever-evolving world of technology and automation, the need for precise and reliable control systems is paramount. The BS EN IEC 60730-2-7:2020 standard is a crucial document that sets out the specific requirements for automatic electrical controls, focusing particularly on timers and time switches. This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and technicians who are involved in the design, production, and implementation of these devices.

Overview of the Standard

The BS EN IEC 60730-2-7:2020 standard provides comprehensive guidelines and requirements that ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of timers and time switches used in various applications. Released on May 6, 2020, this standard is a part of the broader IEC 60730 series, which addresses automatic electrical controls for household and similar use.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN IEC 60730-2-7:2020
• Pages: 30
• ISBN: 978 0 580 84440 9
• Status: Standard

Importance of Timers and Time Switches

Timers and time switches are integral components in a wide range of applications, from household appliances to industrial machinery. They are used to control the operation of devices based on time, ensuring that processes occur at the right moment and for the correct duration. This can lead to increased efficiency, energy savings, and enhanced safety.

Applications

Some common applications of timers and time switches include:

• Lighting Control: Automating lighting systems to turn on or off at specific times, reducing energy consumption and enhancing security.
• Heating and Cooling Systems: Regulating HVAC systems to maintain optimal temperatures while minimizing energy use.
• Industrial Processes: Ensuring that machinery operates at precise intervals to maintain production efficiency and safety.
• Appliance Control: Managing the operation of household appliances such as washing machines and ovens to improve convenience and energy efficiency.

Compliance and Safety

Adhering to the BS EN IEC 60730-2-7:2020 standard is crucial for ensuring that timers and time switches meet the necessary safety and performance criteria. This standard outlines the tests and requirements that these devices must pass to be considered safe for use. Compliance with this standard helps manufacturers avoid potential liabilities and ensures that end-users receive products that are both reliable and safe.

Testing and Certification

The standard specifies a range of tests that timers and time switches must undergo, including:

• Electrical Safety Tests: Ensuring that the device can operate safely under various electrical conditions.
• Mechanical Durability Tests: Assessing the physical robustness of the device to withstand regular use.
• Environmental Tests: Evaluating the device's performance under different environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity.

Benefits of the Standard

Implementing the guidelines set forth in the BS EN IEC 60730-2-7:2020 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Safety: By ensuring that devices meet stringent safety requirements, the risk of accidents and malfunctions is significantly reduced.
• Improved Reliability: Products designed in accordance with this standard are more likely to perform consistently and reliably over their lifespan.
• Market Access: Compliance with international standards can facilitate access to global markets, as many regions require adherence to recognized standards.
• Consumer Confidence: Products that meet established standards are more likely to be trusted by consumers, leading to increased sales and brand loyalty.

Conclusion

The BS EN IEC 60730-2-7:2020 standard is an essential resource for anyone involved in the design, production, or implementation of timers and time switches. By providing clear and comprehensive guidelines, this standard helps ensure that these devices are safe, reliable, and effective in their intended applications. Whether you are a manufacturer looking to certify your products or an engineer seeking to understand the requirements for these controls, this standard is an invaluable tool in achieving your goals.

BS EN IEC 60730-2-7:2020

This standard BS EN IEC 60730-2-7:2020 Automatic electrical controls is classified in these ICS categories:

• 39.040.99 Other time-measuring instruments
• 97.120 Automatic controls for household use

This clause of Part 1 is applicable except as follows:

1.1 Replacement:

In general, this part of IEC 60730 applies to timers and time switches that may use electricity, gas, oil, solid fuel, solar thermal energy, etc. or a combination thereof, including heating, air conditioning and similar applications.

This standard is also applicable to individual timers utilized as part of a control system or timers which are mechanically integral with multifunctional controls having non-electrical outputs. This standard does not apply to time-delay switches (TDS) within the scope of IEC 60669-2-3.

NOTE 1 Throughout this standard, the word “timers” means timers and time switches, unless the type is specifically mentioned.

NOTE 2 Devices which only indicate time or passage of time are not included.

NOTE 3 This standard does not apply to multi-functional controls having an integrated timing function which is not capable of being tested as a separate timing device.

1.1.1 Replacement:

This standard applies to the inherent safety, to the operating characteristics where such are associated with equipment protection and to the testing of timers used in appliances and other apparatus, electrical and non-electrical, for household and similar purposes, but also extended to industrial purposes when no dedicated product standards exist, such as that for central heating, air conditioning, process heating, etc.

Timers for equipment not intended for normal household use, but which nevertheless may be used by the public, such as equipment intended to be used by laymen in shops, in light industry and on farms, are within the scope of this standard.

This standard is also applicable to timers for appliances within the scope of IEC 60335-1.

1.1.2 Replacement:

This standard applies to manual controls when such are electrically and/or mechanically integral with timers.

1.4 Replacement:

This standard applies also to timers incorporating electronic devices, requirements for which are contained in Annex H.

This standard applies also to timers using NTC or PTC thermistors, requirements for which are contained in Part 1, Annex J.

1.5 Normative references

This subclause of Part 1 applies except as follows:

Addition:

IEC 60669-1:1998, Switches for household and similar fixed-electrical installations – Part 1: General requirements¹

IEC 60669-1:1998/AMD1:1999

IEC 60669-1:1998/AMD2:2006

IEC 60695-11-10:2013, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-10: Test flames – 50 W horizontal and vertical flame test methods