DIN EN 61010-1 / VDE 0411-1

• Content: General safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use

• Field of application:** Electrical test and measurement equipment, industrial process control equipment, laboratory equipment for professional and non-professional applications

• Scope:** Insulation requirements, protection against mechanical hazards, limits for surface temperatures, protection against radiation, assessment of foreseeable misuse and ergonomic aspects, risk assessment for non-covered hazards and environments

Content, scope and tests

DIN EN IEC 61010-1 is a comprehensive standard that deals with the safety requirements for electrical equipment used in measurement, control, regulation and laboratory environments. It establishes basic safety standards to protect both professional and non-professional users from potential hazards that may arise from these devices.

Scope of application:

The scope of the standard covers a wide range of electrical equipment, including electrical test and measurement equipment, industrial process control equipment and laboratory equipment. The third edition of the standard, published in 2010, extended the scope to include all places where these products may be used. This means that both professional and non-professional versions of these products are covered by the standard.

A key aspect of the standard is the insulation requirements, which have been completely revised in the latest version. These requirements aim to ensure adequate protection against electric shock by defining the necessary electrical insulation between different parts of the appliance. The tests in this area typically include dielectric strength tests and insulation resistance measurements under different environmental conditions.

Protection against mechanical hazards is another important part of the standard. The tests in this area focus on the stability of the device, the strength of enclosures and protection against moving parts. This can include drop tests, impact tests and assessments of accessibility to hazardous parts.

The standard also specifies limit values for surface temperatures, which have been adapted to the limits of EN 563. These tests are intended to ensure that the surfaces of the appliance do not pose a risk of burns to the user. Temperature measurements are carried out under various operating conditions, including normal operation and possible fault conditions.

Another important aspect is the requirements relating to radiation. The standard distinguishes between intentional and unintentional emissions and specifies corresponding limit values and test methods. This may include measurements of electromagnetic fields, optical radiation or ionizing radiation, depending on the type of device.

DIN EN IEC 61010-1 also takes into account the possibility of foreseeable misuse and ergonomic aspects. This means that not only the intended use, but also possible operating errors are taken into account during testing. Ergonomic assessments can include the user-friendliness of controls, the legibility of displays and the general handling of the device.

A significant innovation in the current version of the standard is the introduction of a section dealing with hazards and environments not explicitly covered by the standard. This is accompanied by a new informative annex on risk assessment. This extension recognizes that it is impossible to foresee all potential hazards and provides guidance to manufacturers on how to deal with unforeseen risks.

Test conditions:

The test conditions for the various tests vary depending on the type of test and the device being tested. In general, the tests are carried out under controlled laboratory conditions, taking into account factors such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure. The standard gives specific instructions for the preparation and performance of each test, including the measuring equipment to be used and the tolerances to be applied.

The samples to be tested should be representative of series production. In many cases, multiple samples are required to evaluate different aspects of safety. Some tests may be destructive, so it is important to have a sufficient number of samples available.

Evaluation and documentation:

The test results are generally evaluated by comparing them with the limit values or criteria specified in the standard. In some cases, a visual inspection may be required to assess damage or changes to the device. The standard provides clear guidelines for interpreting the results and determining conformity.

Documentation of the tests is an essential part of the proof of conformity. The standard requires a detailed record of all tests performed, including the methods used, the test conditions, the results and the conclusions. This documentation forms the basis for the manufacturer's declaration of conformity and can be submitted to market surveillance authorities if required.

Other Aspects:

An important aspect of the standard is the consideration of the degree of pollution of the environment in which the appliance is operated. A new informative annex deals with methods for reducing the pollution level of a microenvironment. This can be particularly relevant for devices used in harsh or polluted environments.

The standard also contains requirements for the qualification of coatings to protect against contamination. This is particularly important for devices used in environments with high humidity or corrosive atmospheres. Testing in this area may include humidity and corrosion tests as well as evaluations of the coatings' adhesion and resistance.

Another important aspect of the standard is the determination of the working voltage of a mains circuit. A new informative annex has been added to further explain this process. This is crucial for the correct dimensioning of insulation and other protective measures.

In summary, DIN EN IEC 61010-1 provides a comprehensive framework for the safety of electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use. The standard covers a wide range of safety aspects and provides detailed instructions for performing tests and assessing conformity. Regular updating and extension of the standard ensures that it keeps pace with technological developments and changing safety requirements.

Alternative standards with similar content and scope:

1. IEC 60601-1: Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance

2. IEC 61326-1: Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - EMC requirements - Part 1: General requirements

3. ISO 13485: Medical devices - Quality management systems - Requirements for regulatory purposes

4. IEC 62368-1: Audio/video, information and communication technology - Part 1: Safety requirements

5. IEC 60950-1: Information technology equipment - Safety - Part 1: General requirements