This document applies to independently mounted switches for appliances (mechanical or
electronic) actuated by hand, by foot or by other human activity, to operate or control
electrical appliances and other equipment for household or similar purposes with a rated
voltage not exceeding 480 V and a rated current not exceeding 63 A.
These switches are intended to be operated by a person, via an actuating member or by
actuating a sensing unit. The actuating member or sensing unit can be integral with or
arranged separately, either physically or electrically, from the switch and involve transmission
of a signal, for example, electrical, optical, acoustic or thermal, between the actuating
member or sensing unit and the switch.
Switches which incorporate additional control functions governed by the switch function are
within the scope of this document.
This document also covers the indirect actuation of the switch when the operation of the
actuating member or sensing unit is provided by a remote control or by a part of an appliance
or equipment, such as a door.
NOTE 1 – Electronic switches can be combined with mechanical switches giving full disconnection or microdisconnection.
NOTE 2 – Electronic switches without a mechanical switch in the supply circuit provide only electronic
disconnection. Therefore, the circuit on the load side is always considered to be live.
NOTE 3 – For switches used in tropical climates, additional requirements can apply.
NOTE 4 – Attention is drawn to the fact that the standards for appliances can contain additional or alternative
requirements for switches.
NOTE 5 – Throughout this document, the word "appliance" means "appliance or equipment".