By sion932 
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) released the third edition of IEC 60730-2-14 in April 2025, marking a significant technical revision to the standard governing automatic electric actuators. Developed by IEC Technical Committee 72 (TC 72) responsible for automatic electrical controls, this edition cancels and replaces the second edition (2017) along with its subsequent amendments (Amendment 1:2019 and Amendment 2:2021). As a pivotal international standard, IEC 60730-2-14:2025 sets forth particular requirements for electric actuators, with far-reaching implications for industries ranging from household appliances to building automation.
1. Scope and Application Boundaries
IEC 60730-2-14:2025 specifies requirements for automatic electric actuators used in, on, or in association with equipment for household appliance and similar purposes, with a broadened scope to adapt to evolving industry needs. Notably, the standard clarifies that “equipment” refers to “appliance and equipment” and “control” denotes “electric actuator” throughout the document. Its applicability extends to multiple scenarios and actuator types, including:
- Actuators for household appliances within the scope of IEC 60335, such as those used in refrigerators, washing machines, and HVAC systems for residential use.
- Devices for building automation systems compliant with the ISO 16484 series and IEC 63044 series (HBES/BACS), including independently mounted electric actuators for smart grid and HVAC air-handling systems.
- Actuators for public-use equipment in shops, offices, hospitals, farms, and commercial/industrial settings, such as those for commercial catering, heating, and air-conditioning equipment.
- Smart-enabled electric actuators, as well as AC/DC powered models with a rated voltage not exceeding 690 V AC or 600 V DC.
- Actuators integrated with systems using diverse energy sources (electricity, gas, oil, solid fuel, solar thermal energy, etc.) and those utilizing NTC/PTC thermistors or discrete thermistors (with specific requirements in Annex J).
The standard also applies to mechanically or electrically operated actuators that respond to or control parameters like temperature, pressure, humidity, light, flow, and acceleration. Additionally, manual controls integrated with automatic controls are within its scope, while manually actuated mechanical switches not part of automatic control systems are governed by IEC 61058-1-1. It is important to note that the standard excludes actuators exclusively for industrial process applications, unless specified by relevant part 2 standards or equipment norms.
2. Key Technical Revisions and Normative References
The most significant technical change in IEC 60730-2-14:2025 is the adoption of IEC 60730-1:2022, which supersedes the previous IEC 60730-1:2013 and its amendments. As a result, this edition aligns with the latest general requirements for automatic electrical controls, incorporating all major updates from IEC 60730-1:2022. This alignment ensures consistency across the IEC 60730 series, streamlining compliance for manufacturers and regulators.
As a supplementary standard to IEC 60730-1:2022, IEC 60730-2-14:2025 modifies or supplements corresponding clauses in the general requirement document to address the unique characteristics of electric actuators. Where terms like “addition,” “modification,” or “replacement” are used, the relevant requirements, test specifications, or explanatory content in IEC 60730-1:2022 shall be adjusted accordingly. The European adoption of this standard (EN IEC 60730-2-14:2025) further references EN IEC 60730-1:2024 + A11:2024, ensuring regional consistency with international norms.
3. Core Requirements and Compliance Timeline
IEC 60730-2-14:2025 focuses on three critical aspects of electric actuators: inherent safety, functional safety of actuators and safety-related systems, and performance impacts on controlled systems (e.g., electromagnetic compatibility effects). It also specifies requirements for operating values, operating times, and operating sequences related to equipment safety, along with construction, operation, and testing criteria for actuators.
For regional compliance, the European version of the standard (EN IEC 60730-2-14:2025) sets clear implementation timelines: national standards bodies must adopt it as an identical national standard by June 30, 2026, and conflicting national standards must be withdrawn by June 30, 2028. This timeline provides manufacturers with a transition period to update their products and testing processes to meet the new requirements.
4. Industry Implications and Future Outlook
The release of IEC 60730-2-14:2025 reflects the evolving needs of the electric actuator industry, particularly the integration of smart technologies and the expansion of actuator applications into building automation and commercial sectors. By aligning with the latest general requirements in IEC 60730-1:2022, the standard enhances the safety, reliability, and interoperability of electric actuators, fostering global market access for compliant products.
Manufacturers are advised to review the updated requirements, especially those related to functional safety and EMC performance, and adjust their design and testing protocols accordingly. The standard will remain stable until its scheduled review date, after which it may be reconfirmed, withdrawn, or revised based on industry feedback and technological advancements. For the latest updates on the standard’s status, stakeholders can refer to the IEC website (www.iec.ch).
IEC 60730-2-14:2025 represents a crucial update to the international standards governing electric actuators, integrating the latest general requirements and expanding applicability to meet modern industry demands. Its adoption by regional bodies like CENELEC ensures global consistency, supporting the development of safer, more reliable electric actuators across household, commercial, and building automation applications. As the industry transitions to this new edition, compliance will be key to maintaining market competitiveness and ensuring public safety.