EN 60335-2-2 Figure Z101 and UL 1447 Figure 66.1 Foot Probe

The EN 60335-2-2 Figure Z101 and UL 1447 Figure 66.1 Foot Probe is a precision-engineered safety testing instrument designed specifically for compliance verification of portable heating appliances, including electric irons, steam generators, and handheld smoothing brushes. This specialized tool simulates accidental foot contact with appliance bases, cord entry points, and lower housing sections to evaluate two critical safety parameters: protection against electric shock (detecting accessibility to live heating elements or internal wiring) and structural integrity (verifying housing resistance to cracking or component exposure under applied foot pressure).

Constructed with a precision-machined conductive stainless steel foot tip and a heat-resistant insulated handle, this probe delivers controlled force application for consistent, standard-aligned testing procedures. The stainless steel tip maintains high conductivity (resistance ≤ 0.1Ω) with corrosion resistance and thermal tolerance up to 120°C, while the silicone-coated PP plastic handle provides complete electrical insulation (resistance ≥ 100MΩ) with ergonomic grip design for operator safety during proximity testing with active heating appliances.

This durable and reliable testing instrument is essential for manufacturers and testing laboratories to demonstrate compliance with European EN 60335-2-2 and North American UL 1447 safety standards for small heating devices.

Specifications

• Tool Type: EN 60335-2-2 Figure Z101 Foot Probe (for portable heating appliance foot-contact safety testing)
• Foot Tip Material: Stainless steel (high conductivity, resistance ≤ 0.1Ω; corrosion-resistant; heat-tolerant up to 120°C; shaped to Figure Z101 specifications)
• Handle Material: Heat-resistant silicone-coated PP plastic (fully insulated, resistance ≥ 100MΩ; ergonomic grip; safe for proximity to heating appliances)
• Core Function: Tests portable heating appliances for electric shock risks and structural stability under accidental foot contact; complies with EN 60335-2-2 Figure Z101 and UL 1447 Figure 66.1 test requirements

Test Procedures

1. Inspect the probe for physical damage (bent tip, cracked insulation, poor conductivity) and connect the conductive tip to a live-part detection instrument.
2. Power on the portable heating appliance (e.g., electric iron) and set it to standard operating temperature (e.g., medium heat setting).
3. Hold the insulated handle and position the foot tip over designated test areas (appliance base, cord entry points, lower housing seams).
4. Apply a steady 100N force to the foot tip, maintaining consistent pressure for 10 seconds duration.
5. Monitor for two critical outcomes: (1) detection signal from live-part detection instrument indicating electric shock risk, and (2) visual inspection for housing deformation, cracking, or internal component exposure.