Molex Mini-Fit 4.2 mm pitch connectors are among those being adapted to meet the requirements of IEC 60335-1.

Since successfully addressing the well publicized issues created by the RoHS and WEEE directives on the restriction of hazardous substances, the connector industry is now facing a new challenge -— Glow Wire. Although the IEC 60335-1 standard is primarily relevant in Europe, North American companies need to comply in order to service their global customers.

IEC 60335-1 was quietly put together in 1998, although its effects have only really become apparent since mid-2006. In the past, the emphasis was on the ability of electrical appliances and components to self-extinguish in accordance with the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard in the event of a naked flame. However, damage is now increasingly being caused by devices self-igniting when components malfunction — damage that may occur in particular when appliances are left unattended.

Because IEC 60335-1 describes the “Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances,” it is primarily about protecting end users and has also been adopted as a basic standard by well-known consumer protection organizations, such as the CE mark. Even the CCC mark, established in China, refers to IEC 60335-1.

Looking at the history of the standard, one can understand why there is now some urgency to its adoption. The standard’s origins go back to 1991, but led to lengthy discussions and objections. In fact, it was not passed until 2005. Consequently, during this time, appliance manufacturers were effectively excused from complying with the standard. Now, however, the uncertainty no longer exists, and appliances must conform to the standard and the resulting test procedure, which was defined under IEC 695-2-1.

With regard to connectors and wiring, the standard requires that insulation materials (connector housings, conductor insulation and printed circuit boards) in all circuits carrying more than 0.2 A be able to resist ignition in the event of glow-wire overload. A distinction is made between attended and unattended appliances.