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These two national standards for household switches will be officially implemented from October 1, 2025

Time：

2025-10-09

The national standards for household switches, GB/T 16915.1-2024 "Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements" and GB/T 16915.2-2024 "Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 2-1: Special requirements for electronic control devices", will officially come into effect on October 1, 2025.

According to the announcement released by the State Administration for Market Regulation (State Standardization Administration), two national standards for household switches, GB/T 16915.1-2024 "Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements" and GB/T 16915.2-2024 "Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 2-1: Special requirements for electronic control devices", will be officially implemented from October 1, 2025.

Interpretation of Standard Core

1、 GB/T 16915.1-2024 "Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements"

Implementation date: October 1, 2025

Full replacement standard: GB/T 16915.1-2014 "Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements"

（1） Scope of application

As the core standard for household electrical device switches, the new version focuses on improving the performance of products in diverse loads and harsh environments. Its scope of application is clearly defined as indoor and outdoor fixed manual operated switches with a rated voltage not exceeding 440V and a rated current not exceeding 63A, especially for non threaded terminal switches with a rated current upper limit set at 16A. It has added adaptation requirements for self ballasted lamp (SBL) loads, halogen lamps, and intelligent switches to adapt to the development trend of modern lighting technology.

（2） Main technological changes

1. Strengthening of load testing requirements

Mandatory Self ballasted Lamp (SBL) Testing: For switches with rated current ≤ 20A (excluding momentary and high voltage code switches), SBL load testing is required (Article 19.3 of the standard) to simulate the on-off characteristics of loads such as LED lights and ensure the durability of contact materials and structures.

SBL rated power adjustment: For example, the rated power of the 16A switch SBL has been reduced from the old version of 250W to 200W, but manufacturers are allowed to declare higher power to meet diversified market demands.

2. Comprehensive improvement in performance and security

Environmental adaptability: It is specified that the switch is suitable for environments with temperatures typically not exceeding 35 ℃ and occasionally reaching 40 ℃, which is more stringent than IEC standards and in line with the characteristics of China's humid and hot climate.

Structural optimization: Add regulations for drainage hole identification and semiconductor switch symbols, strengthen anti electric shock protection and grounding measures.

Weather resistance testing: Introduce low-temperature testing (-25 ℃) and extend the artificial accelerated aging cycle to ensure reliability under extreme weather conditions.

3. Detection methods and classification refinement

Experimental method update: such as adjusting the length of the connecting cable from 0.3m to 1m, which is more in line with the actual installation scenario; The Rockwell hardness range for impact resistance testing has been expanded from 100HR to 85-100HR, enhancing its applicability.

Classification extension: Added definitions for terms such as "micro gap structure switch", refined switch performance classification, and supplemented 45A and 50A rated current specifications.

2、 GB/T 16915.2-2024 "Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 2-1: Special requirements for electronic control devices"

Implementation date: October 1, 2025

Full replacement standards: GB/T 16915.2-2012 "Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 2-1: Special requirements for electronic switches", GB/T 16915.6-2015 "Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 2-5: Switches and related accessories for residential and building electronic systems (HBES)"

（1） Scope of application

Clear object: The standard name clearly points to "electronic switch". This includes but is not limited to touch switches, induction switches, remote control switches, smart switches (supporting Wi Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.), dimming/speed control switches, etc. Its core feature is to rely on electronic circuits (including semiconductor devices) to achieve on/off or control functions.

Fill the gap and standardize development: There are significant differences in the working mechanism and potential risks between traditional mechanical switches (GB/T 16915.1) and switches that rely on electronic technology. The primary value of this standard is to provide a dedicated safety assessment framework for the flourishing development of electronic switch products, ending the previous situation where some products may have vague requirements based on mechanical switch standards.

（2） Main technological changes

1. Functional safety and misoperation protection

The essence of "switch" cannot be shaken: the standard primarily ensures that electronic switches can reliably achieve their basic function as "switches" in any situation (such as electronic component failures, software errors, control signal interference, power fluctuations) - to safely connect or disconnect circuits. Prevent the fatal risk of "continuous shutdown" or "accidental conduction".

Fault state safety: Electronic switches are required to maintain a safe state (usually in the "off" state) after a single internal fault (such as a short circuit or open circuit in a critical component), or provide clear indication (such as a fault light), and must not accidentally power on the load or generate hazardous energy due to internal faults. This is the top priority of electronic switch safety design.

Anti interference capability: Pay special attention to the resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI). The switch must be able to operate stably in the expected electromagnetic environment (such as nearby wireless devices, variable frequency appliances), avoiding accidental opening/closing or other dangerous states caused by interference. The relevant testing requirements (such as electrical fast transient burst EFT, surge surge) are the focus of evaluation.

2. Standby and sleep power consumption

Dual control of energy efficiency and fire hazards: Electronic switches typically require continuous power supply to maintain control functions (such as standby signal reception). The standard has for the first time explicitly set a maximum standby power consumption limit (specific values can be found in the standard terms). This not only responds to the macro policy of energy conservation and consumption reduction in the country, but also directly reduces the risk of fires caused by local overheating due to long-term electrification. Optimize the power supply scheme and sleep strategy during design.

3. Protection against abnormal working conditions

Overvoltage/undervoltage adaptability: Electronic switches are more sensitive to the voltage range of the power supply. The standard requires that it should not experience dangerous faults (such as continuous conduction caused by switch component breakdown) during voltage fluctuations in the power grid (such as undervoltage and overvoltage), and should be able to restore to a safe state.

Temperature adaptability: The performance of electronic components is greatly affected by temperature. The standard requires that the switch function must be normal and safe within the environmental temperature range declared by the manufacturer.

4. Special considerations for mechanical and electrical durability

Although the mechanical life testing requirements for the "operating components" of electronic switches (such as touch panels and buttons) may be lower than those for traditional mechanical switches (40000/20000 cycles in GB/T 16915.1), the standard emphasizes more on the electrical reliability of the electronic control part within its claimed life cycle. The on/off capability of electronic switches (especially capacitive and inductive loads) and stability under long-term operation (such as avoiding parameter drift and misoperation caused by component aging) are the key to verification.

5. Creepage distance, electrical clearance, and material requirements

On the basis of following basic insulation principles, the standard provides clear requirements for the creepage distance and electrical clearance of critical paths on PCB boards (such as primary and secondary sides, safety extra low voltage SELV circuits and hazardous voltage circuits), and considers factors such as operating voltage (including peak value), pollution level, and material group (CTI value). This is the basic guarantee to prevent short circuits or fires caused by high voltage breakdown, leakage tracking.

For supporting live parts and insulation materials that may undergo thermal aging (such as shells and PCB substrates), the requirements for flame retardancy (glow wire test, needle flame test) and heat resistance (ball pressure test) are mandatory safety red lines that cannot be compromised.

The implementation of GB/T 16915.1-2024 and GB/T 16915.2-2024 marks a move towards intelligent and high reliability standards for household switches. They are not only technical barriers to market access, but also technical codes that guide product design innovation and ensure the safety of people's lives and property. Enterprises need to optimize product design in accordance with new requirements, ensure compliance with the latest standards, and ensure product compliance and safety.

As a professional third-party testing and certification service organization, Jiayu Testing strictly builds a parts laboratory with advanced and precise testing instruments and equipment in accordance with international standards. It has qualifications recognized by CMA, CNAS, CBTL, and has been accredited by multiple authoritative certification institutions at home and abroad. It is equipped with a skilled professional technical team, rich industry service experience, and strong testing technology capabilities. Jiayu Testing provides one-stop testing and certification services for various electrical accessories and other parts products, ensuring that the quality and safety of the products meet international or national standards. Welcome to contact us at 400-9269-886!