Navigating the EN IEC 62115 Safety Standard for Electric Toys
EN IEC 62115 is a European safety standard for toys that require electricity for at least one function. For manufacturers and importers aiming to market such toys within the EU, understanding this standard is crucial to ensure regulatory adherence and market access.
This article will explain the essentials of EN IEC 62115, guiding you through its requirements and applicability to help you ensure your electrical toy products are safe and compliant.
What Is EN IEC 62115:2020?
EN IEC 62115 is the European adaptation of the global standard IEC 62115:2017, the safety standard for electric toys. The standard specifies how electric toys for children under 14 should be designed and tested to ensure they are safe.
EN IEC 62115 is harmonized with the European Union's Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC), which means that compliance with the standards demonstrates compliance with the Directive. In supporting the EU Toy Safety Directive, the standard facilitates the marketing of safe electric toys across EU countries, ensuring uniform safety standards that benefit consumers, manufacturers, and market surveillance authorities alike.
Initially published in 2005, the latest version of the standard, published in 2020, has undergone significant revisions to enhance safety protocols, especially concerning battery accessibility, electromagnetic fields (EMF), and optical radiation emitted by toys.
Learn more about international requirements for electric toys: What Safety Standards Should Electric Toys Meet?
What Products Are Covered?
EN IEC 62115 applies to toys that require electricity for at least one function designed or intended for play by children under 14 years of age. It includes toys powered by various energy sources, including:
Batteries: Toys that operate with standard or rechargeable batteries.
Transformers: Toys that use wall plugs through transformers for power.
Solar cells: Toys powered by sunlight, incorporating solar panels.
Inductive connections: Toys that charge or operate via wireless electricity.
Examples of toys covered by EN IEC 62115 include electric toy computers, functioning electric toys that mimic adult products like vacuum cleaners, doll houses or other products with lamps, and more.
Does EN IEC 62115 Apply to Me?
EN IEC 62115 is essential for entities involved in the design, manufacture, import, and sale of electric toys in the European Union. The Toy Safety Directive specifies the legal obligations for toy safety, and EN IEC 62115 lays out the technical standards manufacturers must implement to fulfill these requirements.
Entities that should ensure compliance include:
Manufacturers: Companies that produce electric toys need to adhere to these safety standards during the design and manufacturing process.
Importers: Entities that import electric toys into the EU must verify that the products meet EN IEC 62115 before distribution.
Retailers: Sellers within the EU need to ensure that the electric toys they offer comply with this standard to avoid legal issues and ensure customer safety.
All mentioned responsible parties must fulfill all requirements; the responsibility of compliance is not limited to a single party such as the manufacturer.
Compliance with the EN IEC 62115 safety guidelines helps you:
Meet regulatory requirements of Directive 2009/48/EC
Build trust with consumers
Reduce the risk of penalties for noncompliance, including safety incidents, product recalls, bans, fines, and damage to brand reputation
What Does EN IEC 62115 Evaluate?
EN IEC 62115 evaluates a comprehensive set of safety aspects related to the electrical functions of toys. This evaluation ensures that toys not only operate safely under normal use but also under reasonably foreseeable misuse. Here are the key areas that EN IEC 62115 covers in its assessments:
Electrical Safety: Ensures that toys are designed to prevent hazards associated with electrical circuits, such as electric shocks and overheating. This includes checking the insulation and spacing of components, the integrity of wiring, and the robustness of battery compartments.
Mechanical and Physical Safety: Evaluates toys for small parts that could pose choking hazards, sharp edges that could cause cuts, and any moving parts that could pinch or crush.
Thermal Safety: Tests toys to ensure they do not become dangerously hot during operation or charging.
Resistance to Fire: Assesses the flammability of toys to ensure they are not easily ignited and do not contribute to fire hazards.
Optical Radiation Sources Safety: Includes specific requirements for UV-emitting lamps, LED and laser light sources in electric toys, ensuring they do not expose children to harmful levels of non-ionizing radiation.
The requirements listed above are not exhaustive, but represent some of the more critical testing requirements included. Examples of specific tests and requirements include, but are not limited to:
Battery Safety: Toys are tested for secure battery installation and protection against leakage.
Durability of Markings: Ensures that safety warnings and instructions are durable and legible.
Overload Protection: Verifies that toys have mechanisms in place to handle electrical overloads safely.
EN IEC 62115 Lab Testing
Laboratory toy testing ensures that toys meet the rigorous safety requirements set by standards like EN IEC 62115 by conducting detailed evaluations of their electrical and mechanical properties in controlled environments. With QIMA’s laboratory and regulatory experts, you can ensure that your products meet EN IEC 62115 standards and uphold the quality and safety levels expected in global markets.
Contact us to learn more about our toy testing services, or book a test today.
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