standard byInternational Electrotechnical Commission , 02/01/2026
IEC 60335-2-23:2026 This part of IEC 60335 deals with the safety of electric appliances for the care of the hair of
persons or animals and similar appliances, intended for household and similar purposes, their
rated voltage being not more than 250 V including direct current (DC) supplied appliances and
battery-operated appliances.
Examples of appliances that are within the scope of this standard are
– curling combs;
– curling irons;
– hairdryers;
– hair straighteners;
– hand dryers;
– heaters for detachable curlers;
– permanent-wave appliances.
Appliances covered by this standard can incorporate steam-producing or spray-producing
devices.
NOTE 101 Hand dryers can have a feature to redirect the air so that it can be used to dry the face or hair.
Appliances not intended for normal household use but that nevertheless can be a source of
danger to the public, such as appliances intended to be used by laymen in shops, in light
industry and on farms, are within the scope of this standard. Examples are appliances for use
in hairdressing salons.
This standard deals with the reasonably foreseeable hazards presented by appliances that are
encountered by all persons. However, in general, it does not take into account
– persons (including children) whose
• physical, sensory or mental capabilities; or
• lack of experience and knowledge
prevents them from using the appliance safely without supervision or instruction;
– children playing with the appliance.
Attention is drawn to the fact that
– it is recognized that persons having very extensive and complex disabilities can have needs
beyond the level addressed in this standard.
– for appliances intended to be used in vehicles or on board ships or aircraft, additional
requirements can be necessary;
– in many countries, additional requirements are specified by the national health authorities,
the national authorities responsible for the protection of labour and similar authorities.
This standard does not apply to
– appliances intended exclusively for industrial purposes;
– appliances intended to be used in locations where special conditions prevail, such as the
presence of a corrosive or explosive atmosphere (dust, vapour or gas);
– shavers, hair clippers and similar appliances (IEC 60335-2-8);
– cosmetic and beauty care appliances incorporating lasers and intense light sources
(IEC 60335-2-113);
– appliances intended for skin care (IEC 60335-2-115).
