EN 50260-1:2002

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2002
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Safety of hand-held battery-powered motor-operated tools and battery packs -- Part 1:
General requirements
Sicherheit für handgeführte akkubetriebene Elektrowerkzeuge und Akkublöcke -- Teil 1:
Allgemeine Anforderungen
Sécurité des outils électroportatifs alimentés sur batterie et des blocs de batteries --
Partie 1: Règles générales
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50260-1:2002
ICS:
25.140.20 (OHNWULþQDRURGMD Electric tools
29.220.20 .LVOLQVNLVHNXQGDUQLþOHQLLQ Acid secondary cells and
EDWHULMH batteries
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50260-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM May 2002
ICS 25.140.20
English version
Safety of hand-held battery-powered motor-operated tools
and battery packs
Part 1: General requirements
Sécurité des outils électroportatifs Sicherheit für handgeführte
alimentés sur batterie akkubetriebene Elektrowerkzeuge
et des blocs de batteries und Akkublöcke
Partie 1: Règles générales Teil 1: Allgemeine Anforderungen
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2002-03-05. CENELEC members are bound to
comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and
notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels
© 2002 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 50260-1:2002 E
Foreword
This European Standard has been prepared by the Technical Committee CENELEC TC 61F, Hand-held
and transportable electric motor-operated tools.
A first draft was submitted to the Unique Acceptance Procedure in August 1996 with positive results. A
second draft incorporating the editorial comments received during the UAP and the modifications
necessary to incorporate the mechanical requirements which have been agreed for hand-held tools, was
submitted to the formal vote in November 1999 and was approved on 2000-08-01.
Based on comments received from directive consultants, a further draft was submitted to a 2 months' vote
and was approved by CENELEC as EN 50260-1 on 2002-03-05.
The following dates were fixed:
- latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2003-03-01
- latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2005-03-01
Other standards referred to in this European Standard are listed in annex F. The annex lists the valid
edition of those documents at the time of issue of this EN. All references are however to be understood
as references to the latest edition.
This European Standard is divided into two parts:
Part 1: General requirements which are common to most hand-held battery powered motor operated
tools (for the purpose of this European Standard referred to simply as tools).
Part 2: Requirements for particular types of tool which either supplement or modify the requirements
given in Part 1 to account for the particular hazards and characteristics of these specific tools.
This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN and CENELEC by the
European Commission and the European Free Trade Association and supports the essential health and
safety requirements of the Machinery Directive.
Compliance with the clauses of Part 1 together with a relevant Part 2 of this standard provides one means
of conforming with the essential health and safety requirements of the Directive.
A relevant Part 2 is one in which the type of the tool or an accessory which is to be used with the tool is
within the scope of that Part 2.
When a relevant Part 2 does not exist, Part 1 can help to establish the requirements for the tool, but will
not by itself provide a means of conforming with the relevant essential health and safety requirements of
the Machinery Directive.
Warning: Other requirements and other EC Directives can be applicable to the products falling within the
scope of this standard.
Hand held motor-operated tools are covered by the EN 50144 series. In order to be consistent with the
EN 50144 series, the same order of clauses has been kept; the missing clauses are considered void.
CEN Technical Committees have produced a range of standards dealing with a similar range of non-
electrically powered tools. Where necessary normative references are made to these standards in the
relevant Part 2.
This standard follows the overall requirements of EN 292-1 and EN 292-2.
NOTE In this standard the following print types are used:
- Requirements proper;
- Test specifications;
- Explanatory matter.
- 3 - EN 50260-1:2002
Contents
1 Scope. 5
2 Definitions .5
3 General requirements. 7
4 General conditions for the tests. 7
5 Rating . 8
6(void)
7 Marking and information for use . 8
8 Protection against electric shock . 12
9(void)
10 (void)
11 (void)
12 (void)
13 Environmental requirements. 13
14 Moisture resistance . 18
15 Insulation resistance and electric strength. 19
16 (void)
17 Abnormal operation. 19
18 Mechanical hazards . 20
19 Mechanical strength . 21
20 Construction. 22
21 Components. 25
22 Internal wiring.26
23 (void)
24 (void)
25 (void)
26 Screws and connections . 27
27 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through insulation. 28
28 Resistance to heat, fire and tracking . 30
29 Resistance to rusting. 31

Annex A (void)
Annex B (void)
Annex C (normative) Measurement of creepage distances and clearence . 39
Annex D (void)
Annex E (informative) Rules for routine tests. 44
Annex F (normative) Normative references . 45
Annex G (void)
Figures. 32

- 5 - EN 50260-1:2002
1 Scope
This standard applies to hand-held rechargeable battery-powered, motor-operated or magnetically driven
tools intended for indoor or outdoor use designed for use by one person and the battery packs for such
tools including those intended to be charged from chargers with a non-isolated output with an output
voltage of not more than 250 volts.
Battery operated tools which can be operated while connected to the mains shall also comply with
EN 50144-1.
This Part 1 is to be used in conjunction with the appropriate Part 2, which contains clauses which
supplement or modify the corresponding clauses in Part 1 to provide the complete requirement for each
sort of tool.
It also applies, as far as is reasonable, to tools not mentioned in Part 2 and to those designed on basically
new principles in which case additional requirements may be necessary.
This standard covers tools which can be used in a fixed support. Unless the requirement for such a
support is given in a relevant Part 2, this standard alone will not be sufficient to ensure that the
combination of tool and support is adequate.
Tools or battery packs incorporating battery chargers are also within the scope of this standard but such
tools and packs are also required to comply with EN 60335-2-29.
This standard does not apply to:
- tools used for preparing or processing food;
- tools used in explosive atmospheres.
It does not apply to a general purpose battery that may be purchased and installed by the user.
It does not apply to battery chargers.
Battery chargers with an output at safety extra-low voltage are covered by EN 60335-2-29.
2 Definitions
2.1
(hand-held) tool
battery powered motor-operated or magnetically driven machine intended to do mechanical work and so
designed that the motor and the machine form an assembly which together with its battery or battery pack
can easily be brought to its place of operation and which is held in the hand during operation
2.2
rated no-load speed
no-load speed at rated voltage or at the upper limit of the rated voltage range, assigned to the tool by the
manufacturer
2.3
rated voltage
voltage assigned to the tool or battery pack by the manufacturer
2.4
rated voltage range
voltage range assigned to the tool or battery pack by the manufacturer

2.5
fully charged battery
battery or battery pack which has been through at least two charge and discharge cycles with an interval
of at least two hours between cycles and is then fully charged in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions
2.6
battery pack
self contained assembly of one or more secondary cells which is detachable from the tool for recharging
or replacement
2.7
detachable part
part which can be removed or opened without the aid of a tool or a part the manufacturer instructs the
user to remove even if the use of a tool is needed for removal
2.8
use of a tool; aid of a tool
expression to indicate the use of a screwdriver, coin or any other object which may be used to operate a
screw or other fixing means
2.9
charger with non-isolated output
battery charger in which the output voltage for charging a battery is not isolated from the mains supply by
means of a safety isolating transformer
2.10
safety isolating transformer
transformer, the input winding of which is electrically separated from the output winding by an insulation
at least equivalent to double or reinforced insulation and which is designed to supply an output voltage at
safety extra-low voltage
2.11
safety extra-low voltage
voltage not exceeding 42 V between conductors and between conductors and earth, the no-load voltage
not exceeding 50 V
2.12
type 1 battery pack or tool
construction where the battery is intended to be charged by means of a charger with non-isolated output
2.13
type 2 battery pack or tool
construction where the battery is intended to be charged from a battery charger where the output is
isolated from the mains supply by means of a safety isolating transformer (see EN 60335-2-29)
2.14
basic insulation
insulation applied to live parts to provide basic protection against electric shock
NOTE Basic insulation does not necessarily include insulation used exclusively for functional purposes.
2.15
supplementary insulation
independent insulation applied in addition to the basic insulation, in order to provide protection against
electric shock in the event of a failure of the basic insulation

- 7 - EN 50260-1:2002
2.16
double insulation
insulation system comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation
2.17
reinforced insulation
single insulation applied to live parts, which provides a degree of protection against electric shock
equivalent to double insulation under the conditions specified in this standard
NOTE It is not implied that the insulation is one homogeneous piece. The insulation may comprise several layers which cannot
be tested singly as supplementary insulation or basic insulation.
2.18
class II construction
part of a tool or battery pack for which protection against electric shock relies upon double insulation or
reinforced insulation
2.19
accessible part
part or surface which can be touched by means of the test finger shown in Figure 1, including any
conductive part connected to accessible metal parts
2.20
creepage distance
shortest path between two conductive parts or between a conductive part and the accessible surface of
the tool or battery pack, measured along the surface of the insulating material
2.21
clearance
shortest distance between two conductive parts or between a conductive part and the accessible surface
of the tool or battery pack, measured through air
3 General requirements
Tools shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use they function safely and cause no danger
to persons or surroundings, even in the event of such careless use as may occur in normal service.
The materials used for the construction of the tool shall not introduce additional hazards during the use or
disposal of the tool.
In general, compliance in checked by carrying out all the relevant tests.
4 General conditions for the tests
4.1 Tests according to this standard are type tests.
4.2 Unless otherwise specified, the tests are made on a single sample as supplied which shall
withstand all the relevant tests.
4.2.1 If the tool is designed for different supply voltages, speeds, etc., more than one sample may be
required.
4.2.2 The testing of components may necessitate the submission of additional samples of these
components. When the submission of such samples is necessary, they should be submitted together with
the tool.
4.3 Unless otherwise specified, the tests are carried out in the order of the clauses of this standard.
Before testing is started, the tool is operated with a fully charged battery in order to verify that it is in
working order.
4.4 Unless otherwise specified, the tests are carried out at an ambient temperature of (20 ± 5) °C, the
tool being placed in the most unfavourable position which may occur in normal use.
4.5 Unless otherwise specified, a fully charged battery shall be used for each test. Where consecutive
tests on the same battery are specified, there shall be a minimum of 1 min rest time between tests.
4.6 Tools provided with a regulating device or a similar control, shall be tested with these controls
adjusted to their most unfavourable setting within the range specified by the manufacturer for the
particular application, if the setting can be altered by the user.
Adequate sealing is regarded as preventing alteration of the setting by the user.
If the adjusting means of the control is accessible without the aid of a tool, this subclause applies whether
the setting can be altered by hand or with the aid of a tool; if the adjusting means is not accessible without
the aid of a tool, this subclause applies only if the setting can be altered by hand.
4.7 Tools intended to be used with a non-detachable flexible cable or cord shall be tested with the
flexible cable or cord connected to the tool.
4.8 Tools for which alternative accessories are available shall be tested with that accessory within the
manufacturer’s specification which gives the most unfavourable results.
For accessories performing a function which is within the scope of one of the Part 2’s, the tests are made
in accordance with that Part 2.
4.9 If a torque is to be applied, the method of loading shall be chosen so as to avoid additional
stresses, such as those caused by side thrust. Additional loads necessary for the correct operation of the
tool shall however be taken into consideration.
5Rating
The maximum rated voltage for tools and battery packs is 75 V d.c. or 50 V a.c.
6Void
7 Marking and information for use
7.1 Tools shall be marked with
- rated voltage(s) or rated voltage range(s) in Volts,
- symbol for nature of supply, if applicable,
- manufacturer’s name or trade mark,
- manufacturer’s address or country of origin,
- manufacturer’s model or type reference and serial number (if any),
- symbol for Class II construction, if type 1,
- symbol for degree of protection against moisture, if applicable,
- rated no-load speed in revolutions per minute.
Additional markings are allowed, provided they do not give rise to misunderstanding.

- 9 - EN 50260-1:2002
7.2 Battery packs shall be marked with
- rated voltage or rated voltage range, in volts,
- symbol for nature of supply, if applicable,
- manufacturer’s name or trade mark,
- manufacturer’s model or type reference,
- symbol for Class II construction, if type 1.
7.3 If a cell or a battery is intended to be replaced by the user and it is possible for it to be put in a
reverse polarity then the correct location and polarity shall be marked at its intended location.
7.4 If the tool can be adjusted to suit different rated voltages, the voltage to which it is adjusted shall be
easily and clearly discernible.
7.5 At least the following symbols shall be used as appropriate.
n .Rated no load speed
V . Volts
A .Amperes
W .Watts
h. Hours
min. Minutes
s . Seconds
-1
min or ./min. Revolutions or reciprocations per minute
.................................................................................................................................Alternating current
................................................................................................................................ Direct current
..............................................................................................................................Class II construction
The symbol for nature of supply shall be placed next to the marking for rated voltage. The dimensions of
the symbol for Class II construction shall be such that the length of the sides of the outer square is about
twice the length of the sides of the inner square. The length of the sides of the outer square shall not be
less than 5 mm, unless the largest dimension of the tool does not exceed 15 cm, in which case the
dimensions of the symbol may be reduced, but the length of the sides of the outer square shall not be
less than 3 mm.
The symbol for Class II construction shall be so placed that it will be obvious that it is a part of the
technical information and is unlikely to be confused with any other marking.
7.6 For tools that might cause danger when started unexpectedly, the „off“ position of the mains switch
shall be indicated unless this position is obvious to the user; the indication, if required, shall be the
figure 0.
The figure 0 shall not be used for any other indication.
7.7 Regulating devices and the like, intended to be adjusted during operation of the tool, shall be
provided with an indication for the direction of adjustment to increase or to decrease the value of the
characteristic being adjusted.
This requirement does not apply to regulating devices provided with reciprocating adjusting means, if its
„fully-on“ position is opposite to its „off“ position.
If figures are used for indicating the different positions, the „off“ position shall be indicated by the figure 0
and the position of a greater output, input, speed, etc., shall be indicated by a higher figure.
An indication of + and - is considered to be sufficient.
The indications for the different positions of the operating means of a control device need not be placed
on the device itself.
7.8 The tool shall be accompanied by an instruction sheet, relevant to the tool concerned, in one of the
official languages of the country in which it is to be sold.
7.8.1 The instruction sheet shall include at least the following:
- the name and address of the manufacturer or the country of origin;
- a repeat of the safety markings (e.g. maximum speed, capacity, etc.) that are to be marked on the
tool and for those with separate battery packs its part number;
- an explanation of any symbols or pictograms marked on the tool relevant to safe use;
- instruction related to safe use including normal operating conditions, assembly, adjustment,
maintenance, etc. and draw attention to ways in which the tool shall not be used;
- list of accessories to be used with the tool;
- warnings against leakage of electrolyte under extreme conditions and information on action to be
taken (e.g. flush with water/neutralizing agent, seek medical help if it comes in contact with the
eyes etc.);
- the vibration level, if applicable, according to EN 292-2, subclause A.2.2 (measured in accordance
with 13.3);
- the declared noise emission according to EN 292-2, subclause A.1.7.4f (measured in accordance
with 13.2);
- a recommendation for the operator to wear hearing protection;
- details of the battery charger to be used;
- if necessary, instructions concerning the use of personal protective equipment.
7.8.2 The general safety instructions shall include the substance of the following text, as appropriate.
WARNING!  When using battery operated tools, basic safety precautions should always be followed to
reduce the risk of fire, leaking batteries and personal injury, including the following:
Read all these instructions before operating this product and save these instructions.
For safe operations:
1 Keep work area clean
- Cluttered areas and benches invite injuries.
2 Consider work area environment
- Do not expose tools to rain. Do not use tools in damp or wet locations. Keep work area well lit.
Do not use tools where there is risk to cause fire or explosion.
3 Keep children away
- Do not let visitors touch the tool. All visitors should be kept away from work area.
4 Store batteries or idle tools
- When not in use, tools and batteries should be stored separately in a dry, high or locked up
place, out of reach of children.
- Ensure that battery terminals cannot be shorted by other metal parts such as screws nails etc.
5 Do not force the tool
- It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was intended.
6 Use the right tool
- Do not force small tools or attachments to do the job of a heavy duty tool. Do not use tools for
purposes not intended.
7 Dress properly
- Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery, they can be caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves
and non-skid footwear are recommended when working outdoors. Wear protecting hair
covering to contain long hair.
8 Use safety glasses
- Also use face or dust mask if the cutting operation is dusty.
9 Connect dust extraction equipment
- If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure
these are connected and properly used.

- 11 - EN 50260-1:2002
10 Do not abuse the supply cord (if fitted)
- Never carry the tool by the cord or yank it to disconnect it from the socket. Keep the cord away
from heat, oil and sharp edges.
11 Secure work
- Use clamps or a vice to hold the work. It is safer than using your hand and it frees both hands
to operate the tool.
12 Do not overreach
- Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
13 Maintain tool with care
- Keep cutting tools sharp and clean for better and safer performance. Follow instructions for
lubrication and changing accessories. Inspect tool cord periodically and if damaged have it
repaired by an authorized service facility. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and
grease.
14 Disconnect tools
- Where the designs permits, disconnect the tool from its battery pack when not in use, before
servicing and when changing accessories such as blades, bits and cutters.
15 Remove adjusting keys and wrenches
- Form the habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from the tool
before turning it on.
16 Avoid unintentional starting
- Do not carry the tool with a finger on the switch.
17 Stay alert
- Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate the tool when you are tired.
18 Check damaged parts
- Before further use of the tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, free running of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting and any
other conditions that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should be
properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service centre unless otherwise indicated in this
instruction manual. Have defective switches replaced by an authorized service facility. Do not
use the tool if the switch does not turn it on and off.
19 Warning
- The use of any accessory or attachment, other than those recommended in this instruction
manual, may present a risk of personal injury.
- Ensure that the battery pack is correct for the tool.
- Ensure that the outside surface of battery pack or tool is clean and dry before plugging into
charger.
- Ensure that batteries are charged using the correct charger recommended by the
manufacturer. Incorrect use may result in a risk of electric shock, overheating or leakage of
corrosive liquid from the battery.
20 Have your tool repaired by a qualified person
- This tool is in accordance with the relevant safety requirements. Repairs should only be carried
out by qualified persons using original spare parts, otherwise this may result in considerable
danger to the user.
21 Disposal of battery
- Ensure battery is disposed of safely as instructed by the manufacturer.
22 If under abusive conditions, liquid is ejected from the battery, avoid contact
- If this accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes additionally, seek medical
help.
7.9 Marking specified in 7.1 to 7.5 shall be placed on the main part of the tool in such a way that it is
clearly discernible when the tool is ready for use.
Marking on, indications for switches, thermal cut-outs and similar control devices, shall be placed in the
vicinity of these components; they shall not be placed on removable parts if these parts can be replaced
in such a way that the marking is misleading.
Compliance with the requirements of 7.1 to 7.9 is checked by inspection.
7.10 Marking shall be easily legible and durable.
Self adhesive labels glued in recesses in the enclosure of the tool are allowed.
Compliance is checked by inspection and by rubbing the marking by hand for 15 s with a piece of cloth
soaked with water and again for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with petroleum spirit.
After all the tests of this specification, the marking shall be easily legible; it shall not be easily possible to
remove labels and they shall show no curling.
The petroleum spirit to be used for the test is aliphatic solvent hexane having a maximum aromatics
content of 0,1% by volume, a kauri-butanol value of 29, an initial boiling point of approximately 65 °C, a
dry point of approximately 69 °C and a specific mass of approximately 0,66 kg/l.
8 Protection against electric shock
This clause applies only to type 1 tools or battery packs when connected to their chargers.
8.1 Tools and battery packs shall be so constructed and enclosed that there is adequate protection
against accidental contact with live parts and with metal parts separated from live parts by basic
insulation only, even after removal of detachable parts. There shall be in addition adequate protection
against risk of contact with basic insulation.
Enclosures shall have no openings giving access to live parts other than openings necessary for the use
and working of the tool or battery pack.
The insulating properties of lacquer, enamel, cotton, paper, oxide film on metal parts, beads, sealing
compound and similar coverings shall not be relied upon to give the required degree of protection against
accidental contact with live parts.
Compliance is checked by inspection and, if necessary, by a test with the standard test finger shown in
Figure 1.
In addition, apertures are tested with the test pin shown in Figure 2.
After removal of parts other than the battery pack which may be detached without the use of a tool, the
test finger and the test pin are applied in every possible position, the test finger being applied without
appreciable force and the test pin with a force of 10 N. Apertures preventing the entry of the test finger
are further tested by means of a straight unjointed test finger of the same dimensions, which is applied
with a force of 50 N; if this finger enters, the test with the test finger shown in Figure 1 is repeated, except
that the force necessary to push the finger through the aperture is exerted. An electrical contact indicator
is used to show contact.
It shall not be possible to touch bare live parts or live parts protected by lacquer, enamel, paper, cotton,
oxide film, beads, sealing compound or similar coverings only, with the test finger or with the test pin.
It shall not be possible to touch metal parts separated from live parts by basic insulation only or the
surface of basic insulation, with the test finger.
The standard test finger must be so designed that each of the jointed sections can be turned through an
angle of 90° with respect to the axis of the finger in the same direction only.

- 13 - EN 50260-1:2002
8.2 Parts providing protection against shock shall have adequate mechanical strength and shall not
work loose in normal use. It shall not be possible to remove them without the aid of a tool.
Compliance is checked by inspection, by manual test and by the tests of clause 19.
8.3 Shafts of operating knobs, handles, levers and the like shall not be live.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
9Void
10 Void
11 Void
12 Void
13 Environmental requirements
13.1 Void
13.2 Noise measurement
13.2.1 Noise reduction
Noise reduction at tools is an integral part of the design process and shall be achieved by particularly
applying measures at source to control noise, see for example EN ISO 11688-1. The success of the
applied noise reduction measures is assessed on the basis of the actual noise emission values in relation
to other machines of the same type with comparable non acoustical technical data.
The major sound sources of tools are: motor, fan, gear.
13.2.2 Noise test code (grade 2)
13.2.2.1 General
Noise emission values like the emission sound pressure level L and the sound power level L to be
pA WA
quoted in the user instructions as required by 7.8.1 shall be measured according to the test procedure
described in 13.2.2.1 to 13.2.2.6.
The overall noise can be divided into the pure machine noise and the noise of processing the workpiece.
Both are influenced by the method of operation, however for percussive tools the noise emission of the
workpiece can be dominant. The load conditions for particular tools are therefore specified in the relevant
Part 2.
Noise emission values obtained under the measurement conditions will not necessarily correspond to the
noise levels produced under the operational conditions of practical use.
NOTE It is not possible to simulate all conditions of practical use. A statement of process noise could therefore:
- be misleading and cause faulty assessment of the risk in individual cases,
- discourage the development of more silent machines,
- lead to low repeatability of measurements and thus cause problems when verifying declared noise values,
- make the comparison of the noise emission from different tools difficult.
13.2.2.2 Sound power level determination
The sound power level shall be measured according to EN ISO 3744, where the acoustic environment,
instrumentation, quantities to be measured, quantities to be determined, and the measurement procedure
are specified.
The sound power level shall be given as A-weighted sound power level in dB reference 1 pW. The A-
weighted sound pressure levels, from which the sound power is to be determined, shall be measured
directly, and not calculated from frequency band data. Measurements shall be made in an essentially free
field over a reflecting plane.

For all hand-held electric power tools, the sound power level shall be determined by using a
hemispherical / cylindrical measurement surface according to Figure 3.
The hemispherical / cylindrical measurement surface is described by a hemisphere standing on a
cylindrical pedestal (see Figure 3). Five microphone positions shall be located 1 m from the geometric
centre of the power tool. Four positions shall be spaced at regular intervals on a plane defined as passing
through the geometric centre of the power tool and parallel to the reflecting plane; the fifth position shall
be located at a distance of 1 m above geometric centre of the power tool.
The A-weighted sound power level, L , shall be calculated, in accordance with EN ISO 3744,
WA
subclause 8.6, as follows:
S
L = L + 10lg( ) , in dB (1)
WA pfA
S
with L determined from
pfA
�1 �
0,1L′
pA,i
L = 10 −K −K
10lg
pfA � 1A 2A
� �
� i=1 �
where
is the A-weighted surface sound pressure level according to EN ISO 3744
L
pfA
A-weighted sound pressure level measured at the i-th microphone position, in decibels
L′
pA,i
Background noise correction, A-weighted
K
1A
Environmental correction, A-weighted
K
2A
Area of the measurement surface, in m
S
= 1 m
S
For the hemispherical/cylindrical measurement surface shown in Figure 3, the area S of the measurement
surface is calculated as follows:
2 2
S = 2π(R + Rd) , in m.(2)
where
d = 1 m is the height of the distance of the geometrical centre of the power tool above the reflecting
plane
and
R = 1 m is the radius of the hemisphere and of the cylinder which comprise the measurement
surface.
Therefore,
S = 4πm ,
so, from equation (1)
L = L +11 , in dB. (3)
WA pfA
- 15 - EN 50260-1:2002
13.2.2.3 Emission sound pressure level determination
The A-weighted emission sound pressure level at the work station, L , shall be determined in
pA
accordance with EN ISO 11203 as follows:
L = L − Q , in dB (4)
pA WA
where
Q = 11,  in dB
NOTE 1 This value of Q has been determined, during experimental investigations, to be applicable to hand-held power tools. The
resulting A-weighted emission sound pressure level at the workstation is equivalent to the value of the surface sound pressure level
at a distance of 1 m from the power tool. This distance has been chosen to give satisfactory reproducibility of results, and to permit
comparison of the acoustic performance of different hand-held power tools which do not, in general, have uniquely defined work
stations. Under free field conditions, where it may be required to estimate the emission sound pressure level, L , at a distance r in
pA1 1
m from the geometric centre of the power tool, this may be done by applying the formula:
L = L + 20 lg ( ) , in dB
pA1 pA
r
NOTE 2 At any given position in relation to a particular machine, and for given mounting and operating conditions, the emission
sound pressure levels determined by the method of this European Standard will in general be lower than the directly measured
sound pressure levels for the same machine in the typical workroom where it is used. This is due to the influence of sound reflecting
surfaces in the workroom compared to the free field conditions of the test specified here. A method of calculating the sound
pressure levels in the vicinity of a machine operating alone in a workroom is given in EN ISO 11690-3. Commonly observed
differences are 1 dB to 5 dB, but in extreme cases the difference may be even greater.
If required, the C-weighted peak emission sound pressure level L shall be measured at each of the
pCpeak
five measurement positions specified in 13.2.2.2. The C-weighted peak emission sound pressure level at
the work station is the highest C-weighted peak sound pressure level measured at any of the five
microphone positions; no corrections are permitted.
13.2.2.4 Installation and mounting conditions of the power tools during noise tests
The installation and mounting conditions shall strictly be the same for the determination of both sound
power level and emission sound pressure level at the work station.
The power tool under test shall be new and equipped with accessories which affect the acoustic
properties, as recommended by the manufacturer. Prior to commencing testing, the power tool (including
any required ancillary equipment) shall be set up in a stable condition in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.
The tool is held by the operator or suspended in such a way as to correspond to normal use, as specified
in the relevant Part 2.
o
If the power tool is used horizontally, it shall be positioned so that its axis is at 45 between the
microphone positions 1 - 4 and 2 - 3; its geometrical centre shall be 1 m above the ground (reflecting
plane). If these requirements are impracticable or the tool is not used horizontally, the adopted positions
shall be recorded and described in the test report.
The operator shall not be positioned directly between any microphone position and the power tool.
13.2.2.5 Operating conditions
The operating conditions shall be identical for the determination of both sound power level and emission
sound pressure level at the work station.
Measurements shall be carried out on a new tool.
Tools are tested under the two operating conditions “no load” or “load” as appropriate for the type of tool
and specified in the relevant Part 2.
A measurement under “load” is to be carried out during processing of a workpiece or under external
mechanical load equivalent to normal operation.

Where tests are required to be carried out on a bench it shall be in accordance with the test bench shown
in Figure 4.
Before starting the test, the tool shall be operated under these conditions for a period of at least 1 min.
Care shall be taken that the location of the work piece on its support does not adversely affect the result
of the test. If necessary, or when specified in the relevant Part 2, the work piece shall be supported on a
resilient material 20 mm thick compressed to 10 mm under the weight of the work piece.
Three consecutive tests for no-load or five for load shall be carried out and the result of the test L
WA
shall be the arithmetic mean, rounded to the nearest decibel, of the three or five tests.
During measurements, the power tool shall operate under stable conditions. Once the noise emission is
steady, the measurement time interval shall be at least 15 s, unless the operating conditions specified in
the relevant Part 2 do not require another time interval. If measurements are to be made in octave or one-
third octave frequency bands, the minimum period of observation shall be 30 s for the frequency bands
centred on or below 160 Hz, and 15 s for the frequency bands centred on or above 200 Hz.
13.2.2.6 Measurement uncertainties
A standard deviation of reproducibility of less than 1,5 dB is expected for the A-weighted sound power
level determined according to EN ISO 3744 and the A-weighted emission sound pressure level
determined according to EN ISO 11203.
13.2.2.7 Information to be recorded
The information to be recorded covers all of the technical requirements of this noise test code. Any
deviations from this noise test code or from the basic standards upon which it is based are to be recorded
together with the technical justification for such deviations.
13.2.2.8 Information to be reported
The information to be included in the test report is at least that which is required to prepare a noise
declaration or to verify the declared values. Thus as a minimum the following information shall be
included:
− reference to this noise test code and to the basic standards used;
− description of the power tool;
− description of the mounting and operating conditions;
− the noise emission values obtained.
It shall be confirmed that all requirements of the noise test code have been fulfilled, or, if this is not the
case, any unfulfilled requirements shall be identified. Deviations from the requirements shall be stated
and technical justification for the deviations shall be given.
13.2.2.9 Declaration and verification of noise emission values
The declaration of the noise emission values as required according to EN 292-2, subclause A.1.7.4f shall
be made as a dual number noise emission declaration according to EN ISO 4871. It shall declare the
noise emission value L (L ,L andL ) and separately the respective uncertainty K
pA pCpeak WA
(K ,K and K ) .
pA pCpeak WA
For a standard deviation of reproducibility of 1,5 dB and for a typical standard deviation of production, the
values for the uncertainty, K ,K andK respe
...