Electric motor-operated hand-held tools, transportable tools and lawn and garden machinery - Safety - Part 2-11: Particular requirements for hand-held reciprocating saws (IEC 62841-2-11:2015, modified); German version EN 62841-2-11:2016
1Key Takeaways
This section applies to reciprocating saws, such as reciprocating saws and miter saws. (This section applies to reciprocating saws, such as reciprocating saws and miter saws.)
2Expert Interpretation
A comprehensive interpretation of the DIN EN 62841-2-11 (VDE 0740-2-11) safety standard for handheld reciprocating saws, covering technical requirements, safety precautions, test methods, and EU Machinery Directive compliance requirements, providing professional guidance for manufacturers and users.
Standard Overview and Background
DIN EN 62841-2-11:2016-12 is a dedicated standard published by the German Institute for Standardization regarding safety requirements for hand-held reciprocating saws. This standard also serves as the VDE 0740-2-11 specification. This standard replaces the previous version DIN EN 60745-2-11:2011-01, with a transition period until December 23, 2019. The standard is based on IEC 62841-2-11:2015 and incorporates joint amendments from CENELEC.
Scope of Application and Key Definitions
This standard applies to all electrically driven hand-held reciprocating saws, including jigsaws (Stichsägen) and saber saws (Säbelsägen). The standard clearly defines the relevant terms:
| Term type | Definition content | Safety requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Reciprocating saws | Electrical tools that use one or more saw blades with reciprocating or oscillating motion to saw different materials | Must comply with general safety requirements and special protective measures | n
| Jigsaws | Reciprocating saws with adjustable tilt angle base | Require specific saw blade guards |
| Saber saws | Reciprocating saws with a guide plate allowing tilting motion | Require protective devices to prevent accidental contact with the saw blade |
Main Safety Technical Requirements
Mechanical Hazard Protection
Chapter 19 of the standard specifies the requirements for mechanical hazard protection in detail. For jigsaws, a guard must be provided to prevent accidental contact with the saw blade's tooth edge above the base plate from the front of the tool. The guard must not obstruct observation of the point where the saw blade contacts the workpiece.
Performance level requirements
Table 4 of the standard specifies the minimum performance level requirements for safety-related functions:
| Type of safety function | Minimum performance level | Applicable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Prevention of unexpected start-up | PL b | All reciprocating saws |
| Provide intentional shutdown function | PL a (jig saws) PL b (saber saws) | Applicable separately |
| Protection against temperature excursions | PL a | All reciprocating saws |
Test and measurement requirements
Noise measurement
The standard specifies that noise emissions are measured in the no-load state, using the smallest saw blade specified for sawing particleboard. The oscillation system (if present) is set to its maximum effective position. The measurement uncertainty K and K values are expected to be 5 dB.
Vibration test
The vibration test needs to be carried out under load. The specific test conditions vary depending on the type of saw:
| Test type | Test material | Test conditions | Measurement requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jig saw test | Particleboard + metal plate | Horizontal cutting, feed force (35±5)N | Record ah,PB and ah,M values |
| Saber saw test | Particleboard + wooden beam | Vertical cutting, feed force (40±5)N | Record the ah,PB and ah,WB values. |
The test requires three series of measurements, each consisting of five consecutive single measurements, with each series performed by a different operator. The total vibration value ah is determined by connecting the results for the three directions using equation (I.3).
Special requirements for battery-powered equipment
For reciprocating saws with built-in batteries, the standard specifies special safety requirements in annexes K and L:
Disconnect device requirements
Reciprocating saws with built-in batteries must be equipped with a disconnect device to prevent the risk of injury from mechanical hazards during user maintenance. The disconnect device must:
- ensure reliable disconnection of at least one battery pole from the associated powered equipment
- have a reliable mechanical connection between the manual override and the disconnect element
- have an indicator clearly showing the status of the disconnect device
- prevent accidental reconnection
Examples include a detachable wire bridge, a removable battery, or an electromechanical power switch with a direct mechanical connection between the manual override and the contacts.
Compliance with the EU Machinery Directive
This standard provides a voluntary means of complying with the essential requirements of the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Compliance with all sections of this standard provides a presumption of conformity with the relevant essential requirements of the directive.
Implementation timeline
The standard applies from 1 December 2016, with a transition period for the older standard DIN EN 60745-2-11:2011-01 until 23 December 2019. Manufacturers need to complete product updates and certification conversions during this period.
Technological evolution and major changes
Compared to the previous version of the standard, this version mainly includes the following technical updates:
Standard structure adjustment
The standard has been revised and adjusted according to IEC 62841-1 to form a more systematic safety requirements system. General requirements are concentrated in Part 1, and special requirements are supplemented or modified in this part.
Improved test methods
The vibration and noise test methods are more detailed and scientific, taking into account the influence of different sawing materials and operating conditions, providing a more accurate basis for safety assessment.
Enhanced safety of battery equipment
Targeting the increasingly popular battery-powered tools, special safety requirements and test specifications have been added, especially the requirements for disconnect devices, to ensure maintenance safety.
Implementation recommendations and application guidance
Implementation recommendations for manufacturers
Manufacturers should focus on the following aspects during product design and production:
| Implementation phase | Key considerations | Evidence of conformity |
|---|---|---|
| Design phase | Saw blade guard design, performance level assessment, disconnect device integration | Design calculations, risk assessment report |
| Test verification | Vibration and noise test, mechanical strength test, verification of guard effectiveness | Test report, certification certificate |
| Document preparation | Instruction manual safety tips, technical documentation preparation, declaration of conformity | Technical documentation, declaration of conformity documents |
User safety guide
Based on the requirements of the standard, users should pay attention to the following safety points:
- Always hold the insulated gripping surface during operation
- Use clamps or other means to stabilize the workpiece
- Choose a suitable saw blade for sawing the corresponding material
- Clean the chip opening regularly and keep it unobstructed
- Follow the vibration protection recommendations provided by the manufacturer
This standard provides comprehensive safety guidance for the design, manufacture and use of handheld reciprocating saws through detailed technical specifications and safety requirements, ensuring the safe performance of the tool throughout its life cycle.