scope:

This Part of IEC 61058 applies to change-over selectors (mechanical or electronic) for appliances 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 change-over selectors 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 can involve transmission of a signal, for example electrical, optical, acoustic or thermal, between the actuating member or sensing unit and the switch.

Change-over selectors 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 a part of an appliance or equipment such as a door.

NOTE 1 Electronic change-over selectors can be combined with mechanical change-over selectors giving full disconnection or micro-disconnection.

NOTE 2 Electronic change-over selectors 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 change-over selectors 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 change-over selectors.

NOTE 5 Throughout this document, the word "appliance" means "appliance or equipment".

This document applies to change-over selectors intended to be incorporated in, on, or with an appliance.

This document also applies to change-over selectors incorporating electronic devices.