1. Introduction and Scope
This document, IEC 60335-2-79:2021, addresses the safety requirements for high-pressure cleaners and steam cleaners. It specifically covers high-pressure cleaners without traction drive, intended for household and commercial indoor or outdoor use. These cleaners must have a rated pressure not less than 2.5 MPa and not exceeding 35 MPa.
The standard also applies to steam cleaners and sections of hot water high-pressure cleaners that incorporate a steam stage. For these, the capacity must not exceed 100 liters, the rated pressure must not exceed 2.5 MPa, and the product of capacity and rated pressure must not exceed 5 MPa·l. These appliances are not equipped with a traction drive.
The power systems for the high-pressure pump drive covered by this standard include:
- Mains powered motors with a rated voltage up to 250 V for single-phase machines and 480 V for other machines.
- Battery-operated motors.
- Internal combustion engines.
- Hydraulic or pneumatic motors.
2. Key Revisions and Technical Changes
This fifth edition of IEC 60335-2-79 cancels and replaces the fourth edition, which was published in 2016. This edition represents a significant technical revision. Key changes and improvements include:
- Editorial and technical alignment with IEC 60335-1:2020.
- Clarification regarding hand-held and battery-operated high-pressure cleaners.
- General editorial improvements for enhanced clarity and consistency.
This Part 2 standard is intended to be used in conjunction with the latest edition of IEC 60335-1 and its amendments. Its establishment is based on the sixth edition (2020) of that standard.
3. Exclusions
This standard does not apply to the following types of equipment or applications:
- High-pressure water jet machines with a rated pressure exceeding 35 MPa.
- Liquid or steam cleaners specifically intended for domestic use (covered by IEC 60335-2-54).
- Hand-held and transportable motor-operated electric tools (covered by IEC 60745 series, IEC 61029 series, IEC 62841 series).
- Appliances designed for medical purposes (covered by IEC 60601).
- Agricultural sprayers (covered by ISO 4254-6).
- Non-liquid, solid abrasive cleaners.
- Machines designed to be an integral part of a production process.
- Machines intended for use in corrosive or explosive environments (e.g., dust, vapor, or gas).
- Machines designed for use in vehicles or on board ships or aircraft.
4. Compliance and Safety Information
Adherence to the specifications outlined in IEC 60335-2-79:2021 is crucial for ensuring the safety of high-pressure cleaners and steam cleaners within its defined scope. Manufacturers and users are advised to consult this standard to ensure their products and practices meet the established safety criteria for electrical appliances.
This standard provides the framework for assessing and mitigating potential hazards associated with these types of cleaning equipment, contributing to safer operation and product design.
5. Document Details

Cover image for the IEC 60335-2-79 Ed. 5.0 b:2021 Standard document.
| Publisher: | International Electrotechnical Commission (Distributed through American National Standards Institute (ANSI)) |
| Publication Date: | June 23, 2021 |
| Language: | English |
| Print Length: | 139 pages |
| ISBN-10: | 2832299334 |
| ISBN-13: | 978-2832299333 |
| Item Weight: | 14.1 ounces |
| Dimensions: | 8.25 x 0.32 x 10.5 inches |
6. Support and Further Information
For further inquiries regarding the IEC 60335-2-79:2021 standard, including interpretations or purchasing additional copies, please contact the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or its authorized distributors, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Official websites typically provide access to the latest versions of standards, amendments, and related publications.