EN 60900:2004

SLOVENSKI SIST EN 60900:2004
STANDARD
september 2004
Delo pod napetostjo – Ročna orodja za uporabo pri izmeničnih napetostih do
največ 1000 V in enosmernih napetostih do 1500 V
Live working - Hand tools for use up to 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500 V d.c.
ICS 13.260 Referenčna številka
©  Standard je založil in izdal Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje ali kopiranje celote ali delov tega dokumenta ni dovoljeno

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 60900
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM May 2004
ICS 29.260.99; 13.260; 29.240.20 Supersedes EN 60900:1993 + A1:1995 + A11:1997 + A2:2002

English version
Live working –
Hand tools for use up to 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500 V d.c.
(IEC 60900:2004)
Travaux sous tension –  Arbeiten unter Spannung -
Outils à main pour usage jusqu'à Handwerkzeuge zum Gebrauch
1 000 V en courant alternatif et bis AC 1 000 V und DC 1 500 V
1 500 V en courant continu (IEC 60900:2004)
(CEI 60900:2004)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2004-03-16. CENELEC members are bound to
comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and
notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels

© 2004 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.

Ref. No. EN 60900:2004 E
Foreword
The text of document 78/547/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 60900, prepared by IEC TC 78, Live
working, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and was approved by CENELEC as
EN 60900 on 2004-03-16.
This European Standard supersedes EN 60900:1993 + A1:1995 + A11:1997 + A2:2002.
This new EN 60900
– adds requirements concerning interchangeable tools, where the used components are from
different manufacturers;
– adds requirements and test values concerning insulating tools;
– includes bit-screwdrivers;
– includes screwdrivers with screw retaining devices;
– enlarges conditioning and test possibilities of the dielectric test;
– clarifies questions concerning quality assurance and
– includes the number of the standard with the year of publication (four digits) into the marking
requirements.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2005-01-01
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2007-04-01
Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC.
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60900:2004 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated:
IEC 60743 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60743:2001 (not modified).
ISO 9001 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 9001:2001 (not modified).
__________
- 3 - EN 60900:2004
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
NOTE Where an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant
EN/HD applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60060-1 1989 High-voltage test techniques
+ corr. March 1990 Part 1: General definitions and test HD 588.1 S1 1991
requirements
IEC 60212 1971 Standard conditions for use prior to and HD 437 S1 1984
during the testing of solid electrical
insulating materials
database
IEC 60417 Graphical symbols for use on - -
equipment
IEC 61318 2003 Live working - Quality assurance plans - -
applicable to tools, devices and
equipment
IEC 61477 2001 Live working - Minimum requirements EN 61477 2002
for the utilization of tools, devices and
equipment
A1 2002 A1 2002
ISO 1174-1 1996 Assembly tools for screw and nuts - - -
Driving squares
Part 1: Driving squares for hand socket
tools
ISO 9654 1989 Pliers and nippers for electronics - - -
Single-purpose nippers - Cutting
nippers
ISO 9655 1989 Pliers and nippers for electronics - - -
Single-purpose nippers - Pliers for
gripping and manipulating
ISO 9656 1989 Pliers and nippers for electronics - Test - -
methods
ISO 9657 1989 Pliers and nippers for electronics - - -
General technical requirements

NORME CEI
INTERNATIONALE IEC
INTERNATIONAL
Deuxième édition
STANDARD
Second edition
2004-01
Travaux sous tension –
Outils à main pour usage jusqu'à 1 000 V
en courant alternatif et 1 500 V en courant
continu
Live working –
Hand tools for use up to 1 000 V a.c.
and 1 500 V d.c.
© IEC 2004 Droits de reproduction réservés ⎯ Copyright - all rights reserved
Aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any
utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et les photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'éditeur. the publisher.
International Electrotechnical Commission, 3, rue de Varembé, PO Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 919 02 11 Telefax: +41 22 919 03 00 E-mail: inmail@iec.ch Web: www.iec.ch
CODE PRIX
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Commission Electrotechnique Internationale PRICE CODE
International Electrotechnical Commission
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Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
For price, see current catalogue

60900 © IEC:2004 – 3 –
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.7
INTRODUCTION.11
1 Scope.13
2 Normative references .13
3 Terms and definitions .15
4 Requirements .15
4.1 General requirements.15
4.2 General requirements concerning insulating materials.19
4.3 Additional requirements.19
5 Type tests .25
5.1 General .25
5.2 Visual check.27
5.3 Dimensional check .27
5.4 Impact tests.27
5.5 Dielectric tests .29
5.6 Indentation test (for insulated tools) .33
5.7 Test for adhesion of the insulating material coating (for insulated tools) .33
5.8 Flame retardancy test.37
5.9 Mechanical tests .39
5.10 Durability of marking .41
6 Quality assurance plan .41
6.1 Routine tests .41
6.2 Sampling tests.43
6.3 Tools with negative test results .43
6.4 Records .43
6.5 Acceptance tests.43
Annex A (informative) Mechanical strength of insulating tools .77
Annex B (informative) Recommendation for use and in-service care .81
Annex C (normative) Examples of calculation of the unwinded length of coating and
acceptable leakage current .83
Annex D (normative) Sampling procedure .85
Annex E (normative) Acceptance tests.89
Bibliography.91
Figure 1 – Symbol IEC-60417-5216 (DB:2002-10) – Suitable for live working; double
triangle, and voltage indication (see 4.1.4).45
Figure 2 – Marking symbol for tools capable of being assembled and designed to be
interchangeable between different manufacturers (see 4.1.4 and 4.3.1.3.2) .45
Figure 3 – Description of the insulating overlapping element and different assembly
configurations for tools capable of being assembled with square drives (see 4.3.1.3.1) .47
Figure 4 – Illustration of insulation of typical tools (see 4.3.2 and 4.3.3) .49
Figure 5 – Illustration of insulation of pliers and knives .51

60900 © IEC:2004 – 5 –
Figure 6 – Illustration of insulation of pliers and nippers for electronics (see 4.3.4 and
5.5.4).53
Figure 7 – Example of insulation of the handles of tweezers (see 4.3.6) .55
Figure 8 – Examples of test arrangements for the impact test (see 5.4) .59
Figure 9 – Electric testing device for insulated tools (see 5.5.3).61
Figure 10 – Description of dummies for electrical tests for tools capable of being
assembled with square drives (see 5.5.3.1) .63
Figure 11 – Dielectric testing device for insulating tools (see 5.5.4) .63
Figure 12 – Indentation test (see 5.6) .65
Figure 13 – Principle of the testing device for checking adhesion of the insulating
coating on conductive parts of the tools (see 5.7.2) .69
Figure 14 – Testing device for checking adhesion of the insulating coating of
screwdrivers on conductive parts and the handle (see 5.7.3) .71
Figure 15 – Example of mountings for checking stability of adhesion of the insulation of
the entire tool (see 5.7.4).73
Figure 16 – Example of a flame retardancy test arrangement (see 5.8).75
Table 1 – Dimensions and tolerances of the insulating overlapping element .21
Table 2 – Dimensions and tolerances for dummies to be used for dielectric tests .31
Table A.1 – Torque values for insulating screwdrivers .77
Table D.1 – Classification of defects .85

60900 © IEC:2004 – 7 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
___________
LIVE WORKING –
HAND TOOLS FOR USE UP TO 1 000 V AC
AND 1 500 V DC
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60900 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 78: Live
working. This second edition
– cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 1987, and its two amendments
published in 1995 and in 2002;
– adds requirements concerning interchangeable tools, where the used components are
from different manufacturers;
– adds requirements and test values concerning insulating tools;
– includes bit-screwdrivers;
– includes screwdrivers with screw retaining devices;
– enlarges conditioning and test possibilities of the dielectric test;
– clarifies questions concerning quality assurance and
– includes the number of the standard with the year of publication (four digits) into the
marking requirements.
60900 © IEC:2004 – 9 –
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
78/547/FDIS 78/554/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
2008. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
60900 © IEC:2004 – 11 –
INTRODUCTION
This International Standard has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of
IEC 61477 where applicable.
60900 © IEC:2004 – 13 –
LIVE WORKING –
HAND TOOLS FOR USE UP TO 1 000 V AC
AND 1 500 V DC
1 Scope
This International Standard is applicable to insulated and insulating hand tools used for
working live or close to live parts at nominal voltages up to 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500 V d.c.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60060-1:1989, High-voltage test techniques – Part 1: General definitions and test
requirements
IEC 60212:1971, Standard conditions for use prior to and during the testing of solid electrical
insulating materials
IEC 60417-DB:2002 , Graphical symbol for use on equipment
IEC 61318:2003 Live working – Quality assurance plans applicable to tools, devices and
equipments
IEC 61477:2001, Live working – Minimum requirements for the utilization of tools, devices and
equipment
Amendment 1 (2002)
ISO 1174-1:1996, Assembly tools for screw and nuts – Driving squares – Part 1: Driving
squares for hand socket tools
ISO 9654:1989, Pliers and nippers for electronics – Single-purpose nippers – Cutting nippers
ISO 9655:1989, Pliers and nippers for electronics – Single-purpose nippers – Pliers for
gripping and manipulating
ISO 9656:1989, Pliers and nippers for electronics – Test methods
ISO 9657:1989, Pliers and nippers for electronics – General technical requirements
———————
“DB" refers to the IEC on-line database.
There exists a consolidated edition 1.1 (2002) that includes edition 1 and its amendment.

60900 © IEC:2004 – 15 –
3 Terms and definitions
For the purpose of this document, the following terms and definitions and those of IEC 61318
apply.
NOTE For the definitions of general terms in this document, reference should be made to IEC 60050 or to special
definitions laid down in IEC 60743. Nomenclature of hand tools are found in the relevant ISO standards such as
ISO 1703, ISO 5742 and ISO 8979.
3.1
hand tool (in live working)
insulated or insulating tool designed to be used with the insulating glove working method at
low voltage
NOTE These tools are generally ordinary tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches or knives.
[IEV 651-01-27]
3.2
insulated hand tool
hand tool made of conductive materials, fully or partially covered by insulating materials
[Definition 2.3.1 of IEC 60743 and IEV 651-01-25, modified]
3.3
insulating hand tool
hand tool made totally or essentially from insulating materials except for inserts made from
conductive materials used for reinforcement, but with no exposed conductive parts
[Definition 2.3.2 of IEC 60743 and IEV 651-01-26, modified]
4 Requirements
4.1 General requirements
4.1.1 Safety
Insulated hand tools shall be manufactured and dimensioned in such a way that they protect
the user from electric shock and, when fully covered by insulating materials and used in the
correct manner, minimize the risk of short-circuits between two parts at different potentials.
Insulating hand tools shall be manufactured and dimensioned in such a way that they protect
the user from electric shock and they avoid short-circuits between two parts at different
potentials when used in the correct manner.
4.1.2 Performance under load
The mechanical specifications for insulated hand tools shall comply with the corresponding
ISO Standards, or, where no ISO standard exists, with a standard specified by the
manufacturer or the customer, (for example a national standard). The mechanical
specifications for the working parts of the tools shall be retained even after application of an
insulating layer.
Insulating tools specially designed for live working may have lower stress resistance than
insulated tools, but they shall withstand the expected work loads without failing due to
remaining deformation or breaking. These tools can be equipped with devices, that limit the
workloads that can be applied with them, for example by overload slipping clutches (see also
Annex A).
60900 © IEC:2004 – 17 –
4.1.3 Double-ended tools
Double-ended tools, such as box wrenches, keys for hexagonal socket screws, double-ended
socket-wrenches, double-head open-end wrenches, etc., are not allowed for insulated tools
but are allowed for insulating tools.
4.1.4 Marking
All markings shall be clearly identifiable by persons with normal or corrected sight without
further magnification. Each tool and/or tool component shall be legibly and permanently
marked with the following inscriptions:
• on the insulating material layer or on the metal part:
– marking of the origin (manufacturer’s name or trade mark);
• on the insulating material layer:
– model/type reference;
– year of manufacture (at least the last two digits of the year);
– symbol IEC-60417-5216 (DB:2002-10) – Suitable for live working; double triangle, with
indication 1 000 V (i.e. the electrical working limit for alternating current). The symbol
shall be at least 3 mm high; the letter and the figures shall be at least 2 mm (see
Figure 1);
NOTE For the symbol, the exact ratio of the height of the figure to the base of the triangle is 1,43. For the
purpose of convenience, this ratio can be between the values of 1,4 and 1,5.
– number of the relevant IEC standard immediately adjacent to the symbol with year of
publication (four digits), (IEC 60900:2004). Where there is a lack of space on the
product itself, it is permissible to limit this marking to the number of the standard. In
such a case, the complete marking including the year of publication shall appear with
the smallest packaging for shipping;
– for tools designed for use at extremely low temperature: letter “C” (see 4.2.2);
– additional marking for tools capable of being assembled and designed to be
interchangeable between different manufacturers (see Figure 2);
– additional marking where specified by the customer (for example ownership mark).
The tools shall bear no voltage marking apart from those described above.
NOTE For example, the indication of test voltage may lead to the assumption that the tool is suitable for work at
that voltage.
4.1.5 Separating of covers
If tools have conductive elements (for example: torque adjusting screws, operating direction
switches, etc.) which are insulated with covers of insulating materials, these covers shall be
well fastened, so that they don’t come off during normal use (see 5.7.5).
4.1.6 Instructions for use
In the case of tools which require assembly or adjustment, the proper method shall be stated
in the instructions for use, in accordance with the general provisions given in IEC 61477.
NOTE Other instructions, such as verification before use and test methods, should be given by the manufacturer
or the user (see Annex B).
60900 © IEC:2004 – 19 –
4.2 General requirements concerning insulating materials
4.2.1 Specifications concerning the insulating materials
The insulating material shall be selected according to the electrical, mechanical and thermal
stresses to which it may be exposed during use. In addition, the insulating material shall have
an adequate resistance to ageing and be flame retardant.
The insulating coating may consist of one or more layers. If two or more layers are adopted,
contrasting colours may be used.
The design and construction of the handles shall provide a secure handhold and prevent
unintentional hand slipping.
4.2.2 Thermal stability
The service ability of the tools shall not be impaired within the temperature range –20 °C to
+70 °C.
The insulating material applied on tools shall adhere securely to the conductive part from
–20 °C to +70 °C.
Tools intended for use at extremely low temperatures (down to –40 °C) shall be designated
“Category C” and shall be designed for this purpose.
4.3 Additional requirements
4.3.1 Tools capable of being assembled
4.3.1.1 Retaining devices for tools capable of being assembled
Tools capable of being assembled shall have suitable retaining devices to prevent un-
intentional separation of the assembly. The retaining forces shall be tested according to 5.9.4.
4.3.1.2 Insulation design for tools capable of being assembled
In the case of connecting parts of tools capable of being assembled, the insulation shall be
applied in such a manner that if any part becomes detached during use, no conductive part,
which may still be live, can be inadvertently touched or cause a disruptive discharge.
4.3.1.3 Tools capable of being assembled with square drives
4.3.1.3.1 General
Tools capable of being assembled with square drives shall have square drives and square
sockets in accordance with ISO 1174-1 (for separating forces, see 5.9.4.1). To ensure
compatibility of insulation between different manufacturers, these tools shall be designed with
overlapping elements described in Figure 3. Their dimensions and tolerances shall be in
accordance with Table 1.
60900 © IEC:2004 – 21 –
Table 1 – Dimensions and tolerances of the insulating overlapping element
Dimensions in millimetres
+2 +0,5 0 +1,5 0 +1,5
I d
I d d d
Nominal size I min. 3 1
2 2 3 4
1 0 -1,5 -1,5
-0,5 0 0
6,3 19 16 2 12,5 13 18 19
10 19 16 2 17,5 18 23 24
12,5 19 16 2 21,5 22 27 28
20 19 16 2 32 33 38 39
I I , I , d , d , d and d are described in Figure 3.
1, 2 3 1 2 3 4
4.3.1.3.2 Interchangeability of components made by different manufacturers
Tools capable of being assembled and designed to be interchangeable between different
manufacturers shall be specifically marked as such.
The marking symbol and the dimensions are given in Figure 2. The dimension H shall be
greater than or equal to 5 mm.
There are considerable difficulties in developing a unified standard for the mechanical joining
systems for components and tools from different manufacturers. For safety reasons, only
mechanically locked retaining systems shall be used for this kind of tools.
Manufacturers shall include the following information in the instructions for use:
To assure that the complete assembly of insulated tool components from different
manufacturers will withstand separating forces that are expected during the intended use,
prior to the use of any assembly the user shall assure, by pulling by hand in a separating
direction, that the retaining devices of all used elements are working efficiently and no
component gets separated.
4.3.2 Screwdrivers
4.3.2.1 Uninsulated areas
For all screwdrivers, an uninsulated area having a maximum length of 18 mm is permissible
on the working head (see Figure 4).
4.3.2.2 Shape of blade insulation
The blade insulation of screwdrivers shall be bonded to the handle. The outer diameter of the
insulation, over a length of 30 mm, in area c of Figure 4, shall not exceed by more than 2 mm
the width of the blade at the tip. This area may be parallel or tapered towards the tip.
This specification does not apply to insulated bit sockets (or insulated socket drivers).
4.3.2.3 Bit screwdrivers
Bit screwdrivers are regarded as tools capable of being assembled. They shall meet the
relevant requirements. The outer diameter of the insulation may exceed the dimensions of
4.3.2.2.
60900 © IEC:2004 – 23 –
4.3.2.4 Screwdrivers with screw retaining devices
If a screwdriver has a screw retaining device, the screwdriver itself shall meet the
requirements of this standard. The outer diameter of the retaining device may exceed the
dimensions of 4.3.2.2. The retaining device shall be made from insulating material.
4.3.3 Wrenches – uninsulated areas
The following uninsulated areas and lengths on the working head are permissible (see
Figure 4):
• engineers’ wrenches: the working surface;
NOTE At the request of the customer, the uninsulated area may be extended to the working head.
• box wrenches, socket-wrenches, tee wrenches: the working surface and the contact area.
4.3.4 Pliers, strippers, cable scissors, cable-cutting tools
The handle insulation shall have a guard so that the hand is prevented from slipping towards
the uncovered conductive parts of the head (see Figure 5 as an example).
The height of the guard shall be sufficient to prevent the slipping of the fingers towards the
uncovered conductive parts during the work.
For pliers, the minimum dimensions of the guard shall be (see Figure 5a as an example):
• 10 mm on the left and on the right of the pliers held on a flat surface;
• 5 mm on the upper and lower part of the pliers held on a flat surface.
The minimum insulated distance between the inner edge of the guard and the non-insulated
part shall be 12 mm (see Figure 5a, dimension d). The insulation portion in front of the guard
shall extend as far as possible towards the working head.
In the case of a slip joint, a guard of 5 mm shall be provided for the inner part of the handles.
If the handles of the tools are longer than 400 mm, a guard is not required.
In case of insulated pliers and nippers for electronics, the dimensions of the guard shall be at
least:
• 5 mm on left and right of the pliers held on a flat surface;
• 3 mm on the upper part and the lower part of the pliers held on a flat surface.
The minimum insulated distance between the inner edge of the guard and the non-insulated
part shall be 12 mm. The insulation portion in front of the guard shall extend as far as
possible towards the working head (see Figure 6).
Pliers and nippers for electronics shall be in accordance with ISO 9654, ISO 9655, ISO 9656
and ISO 9657.
For pliers, strippers, cable scissors and cable-cutting tools having an insulated shackle
surrounding thumb and/or fingers on both handles, an additional guard is not required. The
minimum insulated distance between the inner edge of the shackle and the non-insulated part
shall be 12 mm. The insulation portion in front of the shackle shall extend as far as possible
towards the working head.
60900 © IEC:2004 – 25 –
4.3.5 Knives
The minimum length of the insulated handle shall be 100 mm.
The handle shall have a guard on the side towards the working head to prevent the slipping of
the hand towards the conductive part during the work. The minimum height of the guard shall
be 5 mm.
The minimum insulated distance between the inner edge of the guard and the non-insulated
part shall be 12 mm (see Figure 5b, dimension d).
The uninsulated part of the knife blade shall be not longer than 65 mm (see Figure 5b,
letter c).
4.3.6 Tweezers
The total length l shall be 130 mm minimum and 200 mm maximum. The length of the handles
g shall be 80 mm minimum (see Figure 7).
Both handles of the tweezers shall have a guard towards the working head. The guard shall
not be movable. Its height h and width b shall be sufficient (5 mm minimum) to prevent any
slipping of the fingers during the work towards the uninsulated length u of the working head.
On both handles, the insulated length e between the guard and the working head shall be
12 mm minimum and 35 mm maximum (see Figure 7).
The uninsulated length u of the working head shall not exceed a length of 20 mm
(see Figure 7).
In the case of tweezers with a metallic working head, the metallic part shall have a minimum
hardness of 35 HRC at least from the working head up to the handles.
Insulating tweezers shall not have exposed conductive parts.
5 Type tests
5.1 General
Compliance with the requirements of Clause 4 shall be verified by means of the following type
tests.
The tests specified in 5.2 to 5.10 shall be carried out on at least three tools of the same
design and in the sequence of the subclauses mentioned.
If there is any change in the design or manufacture of the tool since the last type test, the
type test shall be repeated.
Should a tool fail any part of the type test, the type test shall be repeated on at least six
further tools of the same design. Should any one of these six tools fail any part of the type
test, the whole test shall be regarded as having been failed.
All tools that have failed the test shall be either destroyed or rendered unsuitable for use in
live working.
Unless otherwise stated, the tests shall be carried out after a minimum storage time of 16 h
under IEC climatic conditions, 23 °C ± 5 °C, relative humidity 45 % to 75 %.

60900 © IEC:2004 – 27 –
Unless otherwise stated, tolerances of ±5 % from any test values required are permissible.
5.2 Visual check
The tool (in particular the insulation) shall be visually checked and shall be free from external
defects.
The marking shall be checked for legibility and completeness in accordance with 4.1.4.
5.3 Dimensional check
The dimensional requirements of 4.3 shall be checked.
5.4 Impact tests
5.4.1 General
The test shall be carried out according to one of the two alternatives shown in Figures 8a and
8b.
The hammer used in the apparatus 8a and the hammer and intermediate piece used in
apparatus 8b shall be made of steel with a hardness between 20 HRC and 46 HRC.
At least three points of the insulating material or insulating layer shall be selected as testing
points, these being points which could be damaged when the tool drops on a flat surface.
The test shall be considered successful if the insulating material shows no breaks,
exfoliations or cracks penetrating the insulating layer of the insulated tool or likely to reduce
the solidity of the insulating tool.
5.4.2 Ambient temperature impact test
The tool shall be tested at the ambient temperature, 23 °C ± 5 °C, of the test room.
The height of fall H of the hammer shall be determined as a function of its weight P, so that
the energy W of impact on the tool to be tested shall be equal to that of this tool falling on a
hard surface from a height of 2 m:
W 2 × F
H = =
P P
where
H is the height of fall of the hammer, in metres;
F is the weight of the tool tested, in newtons;
P the weight of the hammer, in newtons.
5.4.3 Low temperature impact test
Tools, excluding those of category "C", shall be conditioned in a cooling chamber for 2 h at
–25 °C ± 3 °C. The impact test shall start 120 s after removal from the cooling chamber. The
ambient temperature of the test room shall be 23 °C ± 5 °C.
The height of fall H of the hammer shall be determined as a function of its weight P, so that
the energy W of impact on the tool to be tested shall be equal to that of this tool falling on a
hard surface from a height of 0,6 m:

60900 © IEC:2004 – 29 –
W 0,6 × F
H = =
P P
where
H is the height of fall of the hammer, in metres;
F is the weight of the tool tested, in newtons;
P is the weight of the hammer, in newtons.
5.4.4 Extreme low temperature impact test
Tools of category "C" shall be conditioned in a cooling chamber for 2 h at –40 °C ± 3 °C.
The impact test shall be carried out according to 5.4.3.
5.5 Dielectric tests
5.5.1 General requirements
For tests to be carried out according to IEC 60060-1, the test voltage shall be increased and
reduced at a uniform rate of approximately 1 000 V/s.
The dielectric testing shall be started at the latest 5 min after conditioning is completed.
5.5.2 Conditioning
5.5.2.1 General
Before testing, the tools shall be conditioned in accordance with one of the two possibilities
described in 5.5.2.2 and 5.5.2.3. Tools with inner cavities having a port to the outside shall
be conditioned in a wet chamber (5.5.2.3).
5.5.2.2 Water bath
The tools shall be totally immersed in a bath of tap water at room temperature as specified
in 5.1 (23 °C ± 5 °C) for 24 h ± 0,5 h. After this conditioning, the tools shall be wiped dry and
submitted to the dielectric test.
5.5.2.3 Wet chamber
The tools shall be stored at a relative humidity between 91 % and 95 % at a temperature of
23 °C ± 5 °C for 48 h. Tools capable of being assembled shall not be assembled prior to
conditioning.
NOTE This humidity conditioning may be obtained by storing the tools in a closed chamber which contains a
saturated solution of sodium sulphate decahydrate Na SO 10H O (Glauber's salt) having a large exposed
2 4 2
surface.
5.5.3 Dielectric testing of insulated tools
The tool shall be immersed with its insulated part in a bath of tap water up to a level of
24 mm ± 2 mm from the nearest non-insulated part. The conductive part shall be above the
water level (see Figure 9).
Pliers and similar tools shall be tested in such a position that the gap d between the two inner
sides of the insulated handles is 2 mm to 3 mm, or the minimum possible by the tool’s
construction but not less than 2 mm (see Figure 9).

60900 © IEC:2004 – 31 –
For tools capable of being assembled and for those tools where the design does not allow
testing in a water bath, the water bath shall be replaced by a bath of nickel stainless steel
balls 3 mm in diameter (measured with normal industrial tolerances).
A voltage of 10 kV r.m.s. at 50 Hz or 60 Hz shall then be continuously applied for 3 min
according to IEC 60060-1, and the leakage current is measured. This current shall be smaller
than 1 mA for 200 mm of coated tool. This corresponds to a maximum value of the leakage
current of:
I = 5 L
M
where
I is the maximum leakage current (in milliamperes) rounded to the upper value in
M
milliamperes;
L is the unwinded length (in metres) of coating rounded to the lower value in
centimetres.
NOTE Annex C gives examples of calculation of the unwinded length of coating and the limits of acceptable
leakage current.
Tools capable of being assembled shall be tested in all possible variations. Tools with holding
devices shall be tested on both end positions, if applicable.
The test shall be considered successful if no electrical puncture, sparkover or flashover
occurs during the test period, and if the limits of leakage current are not exceeded.
5.5.3.1 Dielectric tests of tools capable of being assembled with square drives
(see 4.3.1.3.1)
In case of tools capable of being assembled with square drives, the tools can be tested in
separate parts, if the parts are assembled with dummies described in Figure 10. The
dimensions and tolerances of the dummies shall be in accordance with Table 2.
Table 2 – Dimensions and tolerances for dummies to be used for dielectric tests
Dimensions in millimetres
Nominal size
L ±±±± 0,1 L ±±±± 0,1 E ±±±± 0,05 D ±±±± 0,05 D ±±±± 0,05 D ±±±± 0,05
1 2 1 1 2 3
6,3 19 16 8,4 11 14,5 16,5
10 19 16 12,7 16 19,5 21,5
12,5 19 16 16,9 20 23,5 25,5
20 19 16 25,4 30,5 34,5 35,6
L , L , E , D , D and D are described in Figure 10.
1 2 1 1 2 3
Dummy part 1 shall be assembled with female tool ends and dummy part 2 with male tool
ends.
On all single parts tested with dummies, the dielectric testing on the complete assembly is not
required.
The test shall be considered successful if no electrical puncture, sparkover or flashover
occurs during the test period, and if the limits of leakage current are not exceeded.

60900 © IEC:2004 – 33 –
5.5.4 Dielectric testing of insulating tools
Tools having no exposed conductive parts shall be tested as follows.
NOTE The purpose of this test is to check the dielectric quality of the material used for the tool.
Electrodes of conductive tape or conductive paint, in 5 mm wide strips, shall be placed on the
surface of the handle at intervals of 24 mm ± 2 mm (see Figure 11). In accordance with
IEC 60060-1, a voltage of 10 kV r.m.s. at 50 Hz or 60 Hz shall then be continuously applied
for 3 min between each adjacent electrode.
The test shall be considered successful if no electrical puncture, sparkover or flashover
occurs during the test period, and if the leakage current is less than 0,5 mA multiplied by the
number of inter-electrode spacings.
5.6 Indentation test (for insulated tools)
All parts of the insulating coating, electrically tested as indicated in 5.5, shall pass this test.
The test shall be performed on the most vulnerable part(s) for screwdrivers with insulated
blades, and for other tools at the external middle part of the handle or legs.
If the radius R at the test point is equal to or larger than 10 mm, the test shall be made with a
test device according to Figure 12a. The part of the mass m in contact with the test piece
shall be a stainless steel hemispheric nose-piece of 5 mm diameter. The applied force F shall
be 20 N.
If the radius R at the test point is less than 10 mm, a rod of 4 mm diameter and at least 30 mm
in length placed at right angles to the tool axis shall be used with the same force F of 20 N
(see Figure 12b).
The tool shall be clamped in such a way that the insulating material coating at the test point is
in a horizontal position. After setting up the testing device, the arrangement shall be held
according to code 2 h/70C/<20 % of IEC 60212, in a heating chamber with ventilation. At the
end of the heating time and after a cooling period outside the chamber of 5 min, a voltage of
5 kV r.m.s. at 5
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