TESTED MEASUREMENT SAFETY

These days, measurement and test instruments are essential tools when carrying out construction, repair and maintenance tasks involving electrical devices and installations.

Modern test instruments should help the user to perform safety checks, troubleshooting and function tests quickly, safely and reliably.

Internationally valid safety standards for the safety of electrical measuring and control equipment are drawn up and ratified by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). This guarantees that tests are carried out according to the same criteria and guidelines all over the world.

The presently valid standard is the ICE EN 61010 -1, which replaced the old standard ICE-EN 348 in 1988.
Measurement and test instruments are tested as follows:

CAT II 600V | 4000V peak impulse test voltage 12 Ohm source
CAT II 1000V | 6000V peak impulse test voltage 12 Ohm source
CAT III 600V | 6000V peak impulse test voltage 12 Ohm source
CAT III 1000V | 8000 V peak impulse test voltage 12 Ohm source
CAT IV 600V | 8000V peak impulse test voltage 12 Ohm source

Measuring instruments are classed according to 4 different categories that indicate for which range they are
approved.

CAT I \|	Electrical circuits that are not directly connected to the mains
-	Electronics devices
-	Fused electrical circuits in electronics devices
CAT II \|	Electrical circuits with no electrical connection to the mains
-	Socket outlets and long branch lines
-	All socket outlets that are more than 10 m removed from CAT III
-	All socket outlets that are more than 20 m removed from CAT IV
CAT III \|	In building installations, for example, distribution boards, cabling, socket outlets
-	Supply cables and short supply leads
-	Distributor boards
-	Socket outlets for large loads with short supply leads for supplying electrical energy
-	Lighting systems for large buildings
-	Supplies
-	Busbars
CAT IV \|	At the source of the low current low-voltage installation, for example electricity meters, main terminal, Primary overcurrent protective devices
-	In the open and supply cable feed
-	Supply cables from connection point to the building
-	Connection between the measuring instrument and the connection point
-	Overhead lines to individual buildings
-	Underground cables to water pumps

In order to document that the products of a manufacturer comply with the ICE EN 61010-1, the manufacturer can have these products tested by an independent approving authority to check if they conform with the requirements laid down in the standard. Once the test has been passed, the manufacturer is entitled to attach the corresponding certifi cate of the independent approving authority to his product.
As a safety conscious and responsible manufacturer, the Testboy GmbH has its products certifi ed by the TÜV - Süd GmbH (TÜV = German Technical Inspectorate).

: According to the standard IEC/EN 61010-1 there are the above illustrated measuring categories.