Fire Protection Standards: Safeguarding Appliances, Buildings, and Machinery in Modern Environments

In today’s rapidly evolving world, ensuring protection against fire is a top priority for both residential and industrial stakeholders. By adhering to internationally recognized fire protection standards, businesses and organizations can minimize fire risks, enhance safety, and meet compliance requirements with confidence. This article delves into three essential international standards for fire safety in the environment category: EN IEC 60335-2-108:2026 (household electrolysers), SIST EN 1364-6:2025 (open-state cavity barriers), and SIST EN 62061:2021/kprA2:2025 (functional safety for machine control systems). We’ll explore their scopes, requirements, benefits, and implementation strategies so that professionals, facility managers, building owners, and manufacturers can understand not just how to comply, but also how these standards help their organizations scale, innovate, and protect lives and property.

Overview / Introduction

As urban environments, manufacturing processes, and household technologies grow more sophisticated, the need for comprehensive fire protection has become paramount. Fires pose risks not only to human life but also to property, business continuity, and reputation. International fire protection standards help ensure a universal, measurable approach to safety—one that keeps pace with new technologies and changing risks.

Why do fire protection standards matter?

• Consistency: They establish a reliable benchmark for safety across products and buildings.
• Risk Minimization: Regular testing and clear criteria reduce the likelihood of fire outbreaks or failures.
• Legal Compliance: Adhering to standards like EN IEC 60335, EN 1364-6, and EN 62061 is often required by law or contractual obligation.
• Enhanced Market Access: Certification demonstrates a commitment to safety, opening doors to new customers and markets.

What will you learn? This guide introduces the key features, requirements, and impacts of three central standards. Whether you develop appliances, construct commercial spaces, manage industrial facilities, or are responsible for workplace safety, this article provides actionable insights for selecting, implementing, or certifying fire protection solutions—all while incorporating both common and long-tail fire safety keywords for SEO.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN IEC 60335-2-108:2026 – Safety Requirements for Electrolysers in Household Appliances

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2-108: Particular Requirements for Electrolysers

EN IEC 60335-2-108:2026 details specific safety requirements for electrolysers used in household and similar appliances, where they generate low viscosity, ionized liquids (often used as detergent-free wash water). This standard supplements the general base requirements of IEC 60335-1 by focusing on risks unique to electrolysers.

What does this standard cover?

It applies to electrolysers tested separately under the most severe anticipated conditions in normal use, with rated voltages not exceeding 250 V. These appliances are typically found in advanced laundry machines, dishwashers, and other cleaning equipment where ionized water acts as an alternative to traditional detergents. The standard addresses a comprehensive array of risks—electrical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical—to ensure safe operation and lasting durability. It replaces and updates older editions, aligning the requirements with the latest IEC 60335-1 revision.

Key requirements and specifications:

• Electrical safety: Insulation, resistance to electric shock, avoidance of live parts exposure, and proper earthing.
• Thermal and fire protection: Protection against overheating, abnormal operation, and faults; new requirements for maximum external surface temperature.
• Mechanical safety: Mechanical strength and stability during normal and abnormal use.
• Resistance to environmental hazards: Protection against moisture ingress, corrosion, and chemical hazards due to the nature of electrolysis.
• Endurance and lifecycle: Tests for aging, robust build, and safe failure modes.
• User warning and marking: Clear labeling and instructions for safe use by non-technical users.

Who needs to comply?

• Appliance manufacturers (particularly for laundry machines and dishwashers with electrolysers)
• Testing laboratories evaluating household electrical devices
• Component suppliers for electrolysis technology
• Brands looking to market advanced water-based cleaning appliances in regulated markets

Practical implications:

Complying with EN IEC 60335-2-108 enables manufacturers to access European and global markets, reduces liability, and ensures consumer trust. It also underpins sustainable innovation by enabling devices that minimize detergent usage, lower maintenance needs, and align with eco-friendly claims.

Notable features:

• Integrates test probe 19 for enhanced physical hazard assessment
• Includes extended guidance for battery-operated or detachable-battery designs
• Details requirements for elastomeric component aging and durability

Key highlights:

• Focused on safety of electrolysers in household appliances
• Seeks to minimize risks from electrical, thermal, and chemical hazards
• Facilitates eco-friendly innovation in cleaning technology

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60335-2-108:2026 on iTeh Standards

SIST EN 1364-6:2025 – Fire Resistance Testing for Open-State Cavity Barriers

Fire Resistance Tests for Non-Loadbearing Elements – Part 6: Open-State Cavity Barriers

SIST EN 1364-6:2025 defines rigorous test methods for evaluating the fire resistance of open-state cavity barriers used in non-loadbearing building structures. Open-state cavity barriers play a vital role in contemporary architecture, where ventilated facades, rain screens, and roof eaves are increasingly common. Their primary function is to permit airflow and drainage under normal conditions, but rapidly close during a fire to prevent smoke and flames spreading through hidden cavities.

What does this standard cover?

This European standard specifies:

• How to test vertically or horizontally oriented open-state cavity barriers
• Heating and pressure protocols simulating fire scenarios (based on EN 1363-1)
• Performance criteria and reporting requirements for test results

The standard is not applicable to:

• Barriers with penetration seals (see EN 1366-3)
• Closed cavity barriers (see EN 1366-4)

Key requirements and specifications:

• Test conditions: Strict control of furnace temperature and pressure during the test
• Specimen preparation: Dimensional specifications and number of test samples required
• Performance criteria: Integrity (preventing flame or smoke passage) and insulation (limiting heat transfer)
• Activation time: Time elapsed until the barrier closes upon fire exposure (passive to activated state)
• Results expression: Time-based pass/fail criteria and reporting format
• Documentation: Comprehensive reporting, including conditions, findings, and any deviations

Who needs to comply?

• Construction product manufacturers (especially for facade and roof ventilation systems)
• Building developers and contractors aiming for regulatory approval
• Testing laboratories specializing in fire resistance certification
• Architects and building engineers seeking to specify compliant products for new builds and renovations

Practical implications:

Properly tested cavity barriers are essential for preventing unseen fire spread, particularly in multi-story or complex buildings. Using certified products gives peace of mind to developers, fire officers, insurance companies, and building owners alike—crucial for risk management and marketability in the construction sector.

Notable features:

• Adapted specifically for modern ventilated facades and rain screening systems
• Ensures ventilation during normal operation, but reliable closure under fire
• Support for advanced fire engineering and compliance with evolving regulations

Key highlights:

• Governs fire resistance criteria for open-state (ventilated) cavity barriers
• Supports safety and compliance for modern architectural facades
• Delivers clear, laboratory-based test and reporting techniques

Access the full standard:View SIST EN 1364-6:2025 on iTeh Standards

SIST EN 62061:2021/kprA2:2025 – Functional Safety for Safety-Related Machine Control Systems

Amendment 2 – Safety of Machinery – Functional Safety of Safety-Related Control Systems

SIST EN 62061:2021/kprA2:2025 is a recent amendment to the major European standard addressing the functional safety of safety-related control systems (SRCS) in machinery. This standard is aimed at machinery manufacturers, integrators, and operators who must ensure their control systems address fire risks (among other hazards) by reliably preventing, detecting, or containing dangerous conditions.

What does this standard cover?

This amendment updates requirements for the design, implementation, and validation of electronic, programmable, and hardware-based safety controls within machinery. It applies to all industries where the failure of a control system function could increase fire or safety risks, including:

• Manufacturing and assembly plants
• Automated warehouses
• Food processing and packaging machinery
• Material handling and logistics

Key requirements and specifications:

• Risk assessment: Rigorous, systematic evaluation of potential hazards (including fire risk)
• Performance levels/SIL (Safety Integrity Level): Quantitative targets for system reliability
• System design: Structured approaches for hardware and software development, covering redundant and fail-safe configurations
• Validation and testing: Detailed guidance on verifying safety functionality meets the specified requirements
• Documentation: Emphasis on traceability, regular maintenance, and continuous improvement

Who needs to comply?

• Machine builders and OEMs integrating safety control systems
• Industrial automation integrators and robotics specialists
• Facility and operations managers with responsibility for workplace safety
• Inspection and certification bodies

Practical implications:

Ensuring functional safety in machinery control systems reduces the likelihood of fires caused by electrical faults, mechanical failures, or hazardous process conditions. Adopting this standard also streamlines product certification, supports CE marking, and provides a robust defense against liability claims associated with fire or injury.

Notable features:

• Clarifies links to risk assessment standards and other safety disciplines
• Reflects the latest IEC/ISO best practices in hardware and software risk management
• Strengthens requirements for the ongoing validation and continuous improvement of SRCS

Key highlights:

• Provides a framework for evaluating and managing fire and other risks in safety-related control systems
• Supports compliance in highly automated or industrial environments
• Emphasizes the whole safety lifecycle, not just initial design

Access the full standard:View SIST EN 62061:2021/kprA2:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Organizations that implement these fire protection standards benefit in several critical ways:

How do these standards affect businesses?

• Legal compliance and market access: Meeting these well-established standards is often a legal requirement and is universally recognized by regulatory agencies and clients.
• Risk management: Proactive fire risk minimization helps reduce insurance premiums, business interruption, and costly incidents.
• Brand reputation: Certification demonstrates due diligence and builds trust among clients, investors, and insurers.
• Operational excellence: Adopting best practices for fire protection optimizes maintenance, reduces downtime, and increases asset longevity.
• Scalability and innovation: Compliance provides a foundation for expanding product lines, accessing new markets, and adopting new technologies safely.

Benefits of adopting fire protection standards

• Protects lives and property
• Reduces maintenance and liability costs
• Facilitates product innovation (e.g., eco-friendly cleaning, smart buildings)
• Enhances competitiveness and public trust

Risks of non-compliance

• Regulatory penalties and potential shutdowns
• Increased exposure to catastrophic fire events
• Difficulty obtaining insurance or investment
• Loss of credibility and client trust

Implementation Guidance

Common approaches to implementation

1. Gap analysis: Assess existing products or processes against the latest standard’s requirements.
2. Design and development: Incorporate necessary safety features early in product or facility design stages.
3. Testing and validation: Use accredited laboratories to carry out prescribed fire resistance or functional safety tests.
4. Documentation: Maintain detailed records of risk assessments, test reports, and quality procedures.
5. Training: Equip your staff—from engineering to facility maintenance—with up-to-date training on standard requirements and fire safety procedures.

Best practices for adopting these standards

• Engage early: Involve standard compliance at the design phase, not just pre-market.
• Continuous improvement: Monitor for amendments (like updates to EN 62061) and regularly update systems and training accordingly.
• Third-party certification: Use accredited bodies for testing and certification, ensuring impartiality and widely recognized proof of compliance.
• Integrated approach: Coordinate fire safety measures across appliances, building fabric, and process machinery for holistic protection.

Resources for organizations

• Consult the iTeh Standards platform for current full-text standards, guidance, and implementation tools: Visit iTeh Standards
• Engage industry associations and professional fire safety consultants for benchmarking and knowledge sharing.
• Utilize manufacturer and trade association resources for sector-specific implementation advice.

Conclusion / Next Steps

In today’s world, fire protection standards are not just a box to tick—they are vital to sustainable business growth, community safety, and operational resilience. The three standards explored here—EN IEC 60335-2-108:2026, SIST EN 1364-6:2025, and SIST EN 62061:2021/kprA2:2025—help manufacturers, building professionals, facility owners, and machine builders manage risks while supporting innovative, eco-friendly, and scalable solutions.

Key takeaways:

• Each standard targets a specific fire safety concern—appliances, building cavities, and integrated control systems—creating a robust multi-layered protection scheme for modern environments.
• Adopting these standards reduces liability, enhances operational security, and opens doors to new business opportunities.
• Staying updated with amendments and proactively investing in compliance ensures your organization remains both competitive and responsible.

Recommendation: Take a proactive approach: assess where these standards apply in your organization, invest in the right training and resources, and explore the detailed specifications on iTeh Standards to gain full benefit. By championing best-in-class fire protection, you safeguard not just buildings and machinery—but your reputation and your future.

Discover full details, implementation documents, and further resources at iTeh Standards and the included links below.

https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/clc/8a98001f-8c8b-46b4-8603-22e738bacaab/en-iec-60335-2-108-2026

https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/d8124c28-2d16-41d1-99c5-a56001f00e61/sist-en-1364-6-2025

https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/23f61e74-925d-440c-9536-20bb7f785121/sist-en-62061-2021-kpra2-2025