Routine tests are performed to reveal variations in manufacturing that could result in unsafe products.
Routine tests are regular checkups to monitor if everything is still in good order. Routine tests are well known when it is about checking your own health; but routine tests also make perfect sense when you need to check if manufactured products still meet the required safety levels.
Quality assurance includes making sure that all manufactured products are safe. Full compliance tests are typically performed on just a few samples only. It is important to verify that all products from series production also meet at least the essential safety requirements.
For household appliances within the scope of the EN 60335 series there is a dedicated routine test standard: EN 50106.
EN 50106 and EN 60335
The routine tests of EN 50106 should be carried out by the manufacturer and apply to all products within the scope of EN 60335-1: household and similar electrical appliances.
The tests should reveal possible deviations in manufacturing that could impair product safety. Routine tests should be carried out on each manufactured appliance. The tests are normally carried out on the complete appliance after manufacturing and assembly but the manufacturer may perform the tests during production as well.
It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to decide what tests are practical and appropriate to cover all essential safety aspects of his product and that suite his production arrangements.
General tests
The first section of EN 50106 defines three general tests for all household appliances:
Earth continuity test – to check if the connections between the earth contact of the mains plug and all accessible (earthed) metal parts are in place.
Electric strength test – to check if the insulation of the appliance is sufficient.
Functional test – the correct functioning of the appliance is checked by inspection or test.
Specific tests
The second section of EN 50106 defines specific tests on safety related aspects like construction, marking, instructions or specific aspects like microwaves leakage.
The second section applies to the following products: Cooking ranges, hobs, ovens; grills, toasters; heating blankets, pads, clothing; water heaters; microwave ovens; battery chargers; dehumidifiers, air-conditioners and portable heating tools.
