Bruksområde

Bruksområde is a Swedish term that denotes the defined range of use for a product, method, or system. It specifies the conditions, environments, and contexts in which something is intended to function safely and effectively. The concept is common in technical documentation, standards, and regulatory texts, where it helps clarify what is approved or supported and where limitations apply.

In practice, bruksområde covers factors such as operating conditions (temperature, humidity, mechanical loads), materials or substances it may come into contact with, user groups, and intended applications. For software, it can list supported platforms, versions, and use cases; for hardware or instruments, it includes installation environments and range of measurements; for chemicals, it defines permitted applications and handling requirements. Documentation often couples bruksområde with safety warnings, performance data, and compliance criteria to ensure proper use and to guide testing and certification.

Respecting the bruksområde reduces risks related to misuse, damage, or invalid warranties. Using a product beyond its defined use may void guarantees and increase liability, and can require additional evaluation or testing to extend the scope. The term is closely related to concepts like intended use, scope of application, and usage area.

Etymology: bruks means use, and område means area. In English texts the term is usually translated as intended use or scope of application, depending on context.