This document applies to cord switches (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 250 V and a rated current not exceeding 16 A.

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

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 or arranged separately from the switch. The transmission of a signal between the actuating member or sensing unit and the switch can be made either physically or electrically (for example, electrical, optical, acoustic or thermal).

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 a part of an appliance 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.