EN 61010-031:2002

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2003
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 61010-2-031:1995
9DUQRVWQH]DKWHYH]DHOHNWULþQRRSUHPR]DPHULWYHQDG]RURYDQMHLQODERUDWRULMVNR
XSRUDERGHO9DUQRVWQH]DKWHYH]DURþQHVRQGH]DHOHNWULþQHPHULWYHLQ
SUHVNXãDQMD
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory
use -- Part 031: Safety requirements for hand-held probe assemblies for electrical
measurement and test
Sicherheitsbestimmungen für elektrische Mess-, Steuer-, Regel- und Laborgeräte -- Teil
031: Sicherheitsbestimmungen für handgehaltenes Messzubehör zum Messen und
Prüfen
Règles de sécurité pour appareils électriques de mesurage, de régulation et de
laboratoire -- Partie 031: Prescriptions de sécurité pour sondes équipées tenues à la
main pour mesurage et essais électriques
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 61010-031:2002
ICS:
19.080 (OHNWULþQRLQHOHNWURQVNR Electrical and electronic
SUHVNXãDQMH testing
71.040.10 Kemijski laboratoriji. Chemical laboratories.
Laboratorijska oprema Laboratory equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 61010-031
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM February 2002
ICS 19.080 Supersedes EN 61010-2-031:1994
English version
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,
control and laboratory use
Part 031: Safety requirements for hand-held probe assemblies
for electrical measurement and test
(IEC 61010-031:2002)
Règles de sécurité pour appareils Sicherheitsbestimmungen für elektrische
électriques de mesurage, Mess-, Steuer-, Regel- und Laborgeräte
de régulation et de laboratoire Teil 031: Sicherheitsbestimmungen
Partie 031: Prescriptions de sécurité für handgehaltenes Messzubehör
pour sondes équipées tenues à la main zum Messen und Prüfen
pour mesurage et essais électriques (IEC 61010-031:2002)
(CEI 61010-031:2002)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2002-02-01. 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, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, 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
© 2002 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 61010-031:2002 E
Foreword
The text of document 66/262/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 61010-031, prepared by IEC TC 66, Safety of
measuring, control, and laboratory equipment, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and
was approved by CENELEC as EN 61010-031 on 2002-02-01.
This European Standard supersedes EN 61010-2-031:1994.
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) 2002-11-01
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2005-02-01
In this standard, the following print types are used:
– requirements and definitions: in roman type;
– NOTES: in smaller roman type;
– conformity and tests: in italic type;
– TERMS USED THROUGHOUT THIS STANDARD WHICH HAVE BEEN DEFINED IN CLAUSE 3: IN SMALL ROMAN
CAPITALS.
Annexes designated "normative" are part of the body of the standard.
Annexes designated "informative" are given for information only.
In this standard, annexes A, B, C and ZA are normative and annex D is informative.
Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC.
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61010-031:2002 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 60065 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60065:1998 (modified).
IEC 60270 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60270:2001 (not modified).
IEC 60664-1 NOTE Harmonized as HD 625.1 S1:1996 (modified).
IEC 61032 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61032:1998 (not modified).
IEC 61010 (Series) NOTE Harmonized as EN 61010 (Series) (modified).
__________
- 3 - EN 61010-031:2002
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any
of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or
revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies (including
amendments).
NOTE When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant
EN/HD applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60027 Series Letter symbols to be used in electrical--
technology
IEC 60060 Series High-voltage test techniques HD 588.1 S1 1991
EN 60060-2 1994
IEC 60417 Series Graphical symbols for use on equipment EN 60417 Series
1) 2)
IEC 60529 - Degrees of protection provided by EN 60529 1991
enclosures (IP Code) + corr. May 1993
1) 2)
IEC 60664-3 - Insulation coordination for equipment HD 625.3 S1 1997
within low-voltage systems
Part 3: Use of coatings to achieve
insulation coordination of printed board
assemblies
1)
ISO 7000 - Graphical symbols for use on equipment ---
Index and synopsis
1)
Undated reference.
2)
Valid edition at time of issue.

NORME CEI
INTERNATIONALE IEC
61010-031
INTERNATIONAL
Première édition
STANDARD
First edition
2002-01
PUBLICATION GROUPÉE DE SÉCURITÉ
GROUPED SAFETY PUBLICATION
Règles de sécurité pour appareils électriques
de mesurage, de régulation et de laboratoire –
Partie 031:
Prescriptions de sécurité pour sondes équipées
tenues à la main pour mesurage et essais
électriques
Safety requirements for electrical equipment
for measurement, control and laboratory use –
Part 031:
Safety requirements for hand-held probe
assemblies for electrical measurement and test
 IEC 2002 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
utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et les including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in
microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'éditeur. writing from the publisher.
International Electrotechnical Commission 3, rue de Varembé Geneva, Switzerland
Telefax: +41 22 919 0300 e-mail: inmail@iec.ch IEC web site http://www.iec.ch
CODE PRIX
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
XB
PRICE CODE
International Electrotechnical Commission
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
For price, see current catalogue

61010-031  IEC:2002 – 3 –
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.7
1 Scope and object .11
1.1 Scope.11
1.2 Object .11
1.3 Verification .13
1.4 Environmental conditions .13
2 Normative references.13
3 Definitions .15
3.1 Parts and accessories .15
3.2 Electrical quantities .17
3.3 Tests.17
3.4 Safety terms .17
3.5 Insulation.19
4 Tests .25
4.1 General .25
4.2 Sequence of tests.27
4.3 Reference test conditions .27
4.4 Testing in SINGLE FAULT CONDITION .29
5 Marking and documentation .33
5.1 Marking .33
5.2 Warning markings .37
5.3 Durability of markings .39
5.4 Documentation .39
6 Protection against electric shock.41
6.1 General .41
6.2 Determination of ACCESSIBLE parts .43
6.3 Permissible limits for ACCESSIBLE parts .47
6.4 Insulation requirements for protection against electric shock .53
6.5 CLEARANCES and CREEPAGE DISTANCES.61
6.6 Dielectric strength tests .73
6.7 Constructional requirements for protection against electric shock .79
7 Protection against mechanical HAZARDS .85
8 Mechanical resistance to shock and impact.85
8.1 Rigidity test .87
8.2 Drop test .87
8.3 Impact swing test.89
9 Temperature limits and protection against the spread of fire.89
9.1 General .89
9.2 Temperature tests .91
10 Resistance to heat .91
10.1 Integrity of CLEARANCES and CREEPAGE DISTANCES .91
10.2 Resistance to heat.91

61010-031  IEC:2002 – 5 –
11 Protection against hazards from fluids.93
11.1 General .93
11.2 Cleaning.93
11.3 Specially protected PROBE ASSEMBLIES .47
12 Components .93
12.1 General .93
12.2 Fuses .95
12.3 HIGH-INTEGRITY components .95
Annex A (normative) Measuring circuits for ACCESSIBLE current (see 6.3).99
Annex B (normative) Standard test fingers (see 6.2). 107
Annex C (normative) Measurement of CREEPAGE DISTANCES and CLEARANCES . 111
Annex D (informative) Index of defined terms . 119
Bibliography . 121
Figure 1 – Examples of type A and C PROBE ASSEMBLIES.23
Figure 2 – Examples of type B PROBE ASSEMBLIES.25
Figure 3 – Methods for determination of ACCESSIBLE parts (see 6.2)
and for voltage tests of (see 6.4.1) .45
Figure 4 – Example of application of metal foil for ACCESSIBLE current measurement.47
Figure 5 – Charged capacitance level in SINGLE FAULT CONDITION (see 6.3.2.3).51
Figure 6 – Protection against touching a PROBE TIP (see 6.4.4) .59
Figure 7 – Flexing test.83
Figure 8 – Flexing test for cable used in PROBE ASSEMBLIES (see 6.7.4).85
Figure 9 – Impact swing test (see 8.3) .89
Figure A.1 – Measuring circuit for d.c. and for a.c. with frequencies up to 1 MHz.99
Figure A.2 – Measuring circuits for d.c. and for a.c. with sinusoidal frequencies
up to 100 Hz . 101
Figure A.3 – Current measuring circuit for electrical burns . 103
Figure A.4 – Current measuring circuit for WET CONTACT . 105
Figure B.1 – Rigid test finger . 107
Figure B.2 – Jointed test finger. 109
Table 1 – Symbols .35
Table 2 – Multiplication factors for CLEARANCE for altitudes up to 5 000 m .63
Table 3 – CLEARANCES for measurement categories II, III and IV.65
Table 4 – CLEARANCE values for the calculation of 6.5.2.2.69
Table 5 – CREEPAGE DISTANCES .71
Table 6 – Test voltages for BASIC INSULATION .77
Table 7 – Correction factors for test voltage according to test site altitude .79
Table 8 – Pull force for cable attachment.83
Table C.1 – Relation between POLLUTION degrees and width of grooves . 111

61010-031  IEC:2002 – 7 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
___________
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
FOR MEASUREMENT, CONTROL AND LABORATORY USE –
Part 031: Safety requirements for hand-held probe assemblies
for electrical measurement and test
FOREWORD
1) The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the 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, the IEC publishes International Standards. 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. The 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 the 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 National Committees.
3) The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in the form
of standards, technical specifications, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National
Committees in that sense.
4) In order to promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC International
Standards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Any
divergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding national or regional standard shall be clearly
indicated in the latter.
5) The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with one of its standards.
6) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject
of patent rights. The IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61010-031 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 66:
Safety of measuring, control and laboratory equipment.
This new edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61010-2-031 (1993).
It has the status of a group safety publication in accordance with IEC Guide 104.
IEC 61010-031 is a stand-alone standard and consequently no reference is required to
IEC 61010-1, except as mentioned in the note to 1.1.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
66/262/FDIS 66/272/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 3.
Annexes A, B and C form an integral part of this standard.

61010-031  IEC:2002 – 9 –
In this standard the following print types are used:
– requirements and definitions: in roman type;
– NOTES: in smaller roman type;
– conformity and tests: in italic type;
– terms used throughout this standard which have been defined in clause 3: SMALL ROMAN
CAPITALS.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until 2004.
At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
61010-031  IEC:2002 – 11 –
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
FOR MEASUREMENT, CONTROL AND LABORATORY USE –
Part 031: Safety requirements for hand-held probe assemblies
for electrical measurement and test
1 Scope and object
1.1 Scope
This part of IEC 61010 applies to hand-held and hand-manipulated PROBE ASSEMBLIES of the
types described below, and related accessories which are intended for professional, industrial
process, and educational use. These PROBE ASSEMBLIES are for use in the interface between an
electrical phenomenon and test or measurement equipment. They may be fixed to the
equipment or be detachable accessories for the equipment.
a) Low-voltage and high-voltage, non-attenuating PROBE ASSEMBLIES (type A). Non-attenuating
PROBE ASSEMBLIES that are RATED for direct connection to voltages exceeding 33 V r.m.s. or
46,7 V peak or 70 V d.c., but not exceeding 63 kV. They do not incorporate active
components, nor are they intended to provide a voltage divider function or a signal
conditioning function, but they may contain passive non-attenuating components such as
fuses.
b) High-voltage attenuating or divider PROBE ASSEMBLIES (type B). Attenuating or divider
PROBE ASSEMBLIES that are RATED for direct connection to secondary voltages exceeding
1 kV but not exceeding 63 kV. The divider function may be carried out wholly within the
PROBE ASSEMBLY, or partly within the test or measurement equipment to be used with the
PROBE ASSEMBLY.
c) Low-voltage attenuating or divider PROBE ASSEMBLIES (type C). Attenuating, divider or other
signal conditioning PROBE ASSEMBLIES for direct connection to voltages exceeding 33 V
r.m.s or 46,7 V peak or 70 V d.c., but not exceeding 1 kV r.m.s. or 1,5 kV d.c. The signal
conditioning function may be carried out wholly within the PROBE ASSEMBLY, or partly within
the test or measurement equipment intended to be used with the PROBE ASSEMBLY.
NOTE PROBE ASSEMBLIES which
– are not within the definitions of types A, B or C, or,
– which are designed to be powered from a low-voltage mains supply, or
– include other features not specifically addressed in this standard
1)
may also need to meet the relevant requirements of other parts of IEC 61010 [6] .
1.2 Object
1.2.1 Aspects included in scope
The object of this standard is to ensure that the design and methods of construction used
provide adequate protection for the OPERATOR and the surrounding area against:
a) electric shock or burn (see clauses 6, 10 and 11);
b) mechanical HAZARDS (see clauses 7, 8 and 11);
c) excessive temperature (see clause 9);
d) spread of fire from the PROBE ASSEMBLY (see clause 9).
NOTE Attention is drawn to the existence of additional requirements which may be specified by national
authorities responsible for health and safety of labour forces.
________
1)
Figures in square brackets refer to the bibliography.

61010-031  IEC:2002 – 13 –
1.2.2 Aspects excluded from scope
This standard does not cover
a) reliable function, performance or other properties of the PROBE ASSEMBLY;
b) effectiveness of transport packaging;
c) servicing (repair);
d) protection of servicing (repair) personnel.
NOTE Servicing personnel are expected to be reasonably careful in dealing with obvious HAZARDS, but the design
should protect against mishap in an appropriate manner, and the service documentation should point out any
residual HAZARDS.
1.3 Verification
This standard also specifies methods of verifying, through inspection and TYPE TESTING, that
the PROBE ASSEMBLY meets the requirements of this standard.
1.4 Environmental conditions
This standard applies to PROBE ASSEMBLIES designed to be safe at least under the following
conditions:
a) altitude up to 2 000 m, or above 2 000 m if specified by the manufacturer;
b) temperature 5 °C to 40 °C; or below 5 °C or above 40 °C if specified by the manufacturer;
c) maximum relative humidity 80 % for temperatures up to 31 °C decreasing linearly to 50 %
relative humidity at 40 °C;
d) applicable RATED POLLUTION degree.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this part of IEC 61010. For dated references, subsequent amendments
to, or revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements
based on this part of IEC 61010 are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the
most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For undated references,
the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of IEC and ISO
maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
IEC 60027 (all parts), Letter symbols to be used in electrical technology
IEC 60060 (all parts), High-voltage test techniques
IEC 60417 (all parts), Graphical symbols for use on equipment
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60664-3, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 3: Use of
coatings to achieve insulation coordination of printed board assemblies
ISO 7000, Graphical symbols for use on equipment – Index and synopsis

61010-031  IEC:2002 – 15 –
3 Definitions
For the purpose of this part of IEC 61010, the following definitions apply.
Unless otherwise specified, the terms "voltage" and "current" mean the r.m.s. values of an
alternating, direct or composite voltage or current. Where the term "mains" is used, it refers to
the low-voltage electricity supply system (above the values of 6.3.2.1).
3.1 Parts and accessories
3.1.1
TERMINAL
component provided for the connection of a device (equipment) to external conductors
[IEV 151-01-03, modified]
NOTE TERMINALS can contain one or several contacts and the term includes sockets, pins, connectors, etc.
3.1.2
ENCLOSURE
part providing protection of equipment against certain external influences and, in any direction,
protection against direct contact
3.1.3
BARRIER
part providing protection against direct contact from any usual direction of access
NOTE ENCLOSURES and BARRIERS may provide protection against the spread of fire (see 9.1).
3.1.4
PROBE ASSEMBLY
device for making temporary contact between test or measurement equipment and a point on
an electrical circuit being measured or tested. It includes the cable and the means for making a
connection with the test or measurement equipment
NOTE See figures 1 and 2 for examples of PROBE ASSEMBLIES and an explanation of the function of their parts.
3.1.5
PROBE TIP
part of the PROBE ASSEMBLY which makes the connection to the point being measured or tested
3.1.6
REFERENCE CONNECTOR
device used to connect a reference point in the test or measurement equipment (usually the
functional earth TERMINAL) to a reference point on the electrical circuit being measured or
tested
3.1.7
TOOL
external device, including a key or coin, used to aid a person to perform a mechanical function

61010-031  IEC:2002 – 17 –
3.2 Electrical quantities
3.2.1
RATED (value)
quantity value assigned, generally by a manufacturer, for a specified operating condition of a
component, device or equipment
[IEV 151-04-03]
3.2.2
RATING
set of RATED values and operating conditions
[IEV 151-04-04]
3.2.3
WORKING VOLTAGE
highest voltage which can continuously appear across an insulation during NORMAL USE
NOTE Both open-circuit conditions and normal operating conditions are taken into account.
3.3 Tests
3.3.1
TYPE TEST
test of one or more samples of equipment (or parts of equipment) made to a particular design,
to show that the design and construction meet one or more requirements of this standard
NOTE This is an amplification of the IEV 151-04-15 definition to cover both design and construction requirements.
3.4 Safety terms
3.4.1
ACCESSIBLE (of a part)
able to be touched with a standard test finger or test pin, when used as specified in 6.2
3.4.2
HAZARDOUS LIVE
capable of rendering an electric shock or electric burn in NORMAL CONDITION or SINGLE FAULT
CONDITION (see 6.3.1 for values applicable to NORMAL CONDITION and 6.3.2 for the higher values
deemed to be appropriate in SINGLE FAULT CONDITION)
3.4.3
HIGH INTEGRITY
not liable to become defective in such a manner as to cause a risk of HAZARD; a HIGH INTEGRITY
part is considered as not subject to failure when tests under fault conditions are made
3.4.4
PROTECTIVE IMPEDANCE
component, assembly of components or the combination of BASIC INSULATION and a current or
voltage limiting device, the impedance, construction and reliability of which are such that when
connected between parts which are HAZARDOUS LIVE and ACCESSIBLE conductive parts,
it provides protection to the extent required by this standard in NORMAL CONDITION and SINGLE
FAULT CONDITION
61010-031  IEC:2002 – 19 –
3.4.5
NORMAL USE
operation, including stand-by, according to the instructions for use or for the obvious intended
purpose
NOTE In most cases, NORMAL USE also implies NORMAL CONDITION, because the instructions for use will warn
against using the equipment when it is not in NORMAL CONDITION.
3.4.6
NORMAL CONDITION
condition in which all means for protection against HAZARDS are intact
3.4.7
SINGLE FAULT CONDITION
condition in which one means for protection against HAZARD is defective or one fault is present
which could cause a HAZARD
NOTE If a SINGLE FAULT CONDITION results unavoidably in another SINGLE FAULT CONDITION, the two failures are
considered as one SINGLE FAULT CONDITION.
3.4.8
OPERATOR
person operating equipment for its intended purpose
OPERATOR
NOTE The should have received training appropriate for this purpose.
3.4.9
RESPONSIBLE BODY
individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, and for ensuring
that OPERATORS are adequately trained
3.4.10
WET LOCATION
Location where water or another conductive liquid may be present and is likely to cause
reduced human body impedance due to wetting of the contact between the human body and
the equipment, or wetting of the contact between the human body and the environment
3.4.11
HAZARD
potential source of harm (see 1.2)
3.5 Insulation
3.5.1
BASIC INSULATION
insulation, the failure of which could cause a risk of electric shock
NOTE BASIC INSULATION may serve also for functional purposes.
3.5.2
SUPPLEMENTARY INSULATION
independent insulation applied in addition to BASIC INSULATION in order to provide protection
against electric shock in the event of a failure of BASIC INSULATION
3.5.3
DOUBLE INSULATION
insulation comprising both BASIC INSULATION and SUPPLEMENTARY INSULATION

61010-031  IEC:2002 – 21 –
3.5.4
REINFORCED INSULATION
insulation which provides protection against electric shock not less than that provided by
DOUBLE INSULATION
NOTE REINFORCED INSULATION may comprise several layers which cannot be tested singly as SUPPLEMENTARY
INSULATION or BASIC INSULATION.
3.5.5
POLLUTION
any addition of foreign matter, solid, liquid or gaseous (ionized gases), that may produce a
reduction of dielectric strength or surface resistively
3.5.6
POLLUTION degree
for the purpose of evaluating CLEARANCES one of three degrees of POLLUTION in the micro-
environment, which are recognized for use with this International Standard
3.5.6.1
POLLUTION degree 1
no POLLUTION or only dry, non-conductive POLLUTION
NOTE The POLLUTION has no influence.
3.5.6.2
POLLUTION degree 2
only non-conductive POLLUTION. Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused by
condensation must be expected
3.5.6.3
POLLUTION degree 3
conductive POLLUTION occurs or dry non-conductive POLLUTION occurs which becomes conduc-
tive due to condensation which is to be expected
3.5.7
CLEARANCE
shortest distance in air between two conductive parts
3.5.8
CREEPAGE DISTANCE
shortest distance along the surface of the insulating material between two conductive parts
[IEV 151-03-37]
61010-031  IEC:2002 – 23 –
IEC  2597/01
Key
1 Typical connectors 5 Crocodile clip
2PROBE TIP 6 Reference connector
3 Probe body 7 BNC connector
4 To equipment 8 Examples of accessories
Figure 1 – Examples of type A and C PROBE ASSEMBLIES

61010-031  IEC:2002 – 25 –
IEC  2598/01
Key
1PROBE TIP
2 To equipment
3 Reference connector
4BARRIER
5 Hand-held area of probe body
Figure 2 – Examples of type B PROBE ASSEMBLIES
4 Tests
4.1 General
Tests in this standard are TYPE TESTS to be carried out on samples of PROBE ASSEMBLIES or
their parts. Their only purpose is to check that the design and construction ensure conformity
with this standard.
Tests on components or parts of the PROBE ASSEMBLY meeting the requirements of the relevant
standards need not be repeated during TYPE TESTS of the whole PROBE ASSEMBLY.

61010-031  IEC:2002 – 27 –
If a PROBE ASSEMBLY is of more than one probe type (see 1.1), each type shall be tested
according to its applicable requirements.
Conformity with the requirements of this standard is checked by carrying out all applicable
tests, except that a test may be omitted if examination of the PROBE ASSEMBLY demonstrates
conclusively that it would pass the test. Tests are carried out under
a) reference test conditions (see 4.3);
b) SINGLE FAULT CONDITIONS (see 4.4).
RATED PROBE ASSEMBLIES
NOTE 1 If the range of environmental conditions for is wider than that stated in 1.4,
the manufacturer should make sure (for example, by suitable alteration of test requirements or additional tests) that
the safety requirements of this standard are still fulfilled.
NOTE 2 If when carrying out a conformity test, there is any uncertainty about the exact value of the applied or
measured quantity (for example, voltage) due to the tolerance,
– the manufacturer should ensure that at least the specified test value is applied;
– the test house should ensure that no more than the specified test value is applied.
NOTE 3 PROBE ASSEMBLIES which have been TYPE TESTED may no longer be suitable for their intended function
because of the residual effect of stresses resulting from tests. For this reason TYPE TESTS should never be carried
out (for example, by the RESPONSIBLE BODY) after the PROBE ASSEMBLIES have left the manufacturer.
4.2 Sequence of tests
The sequence of tests is optional unless otherwise specified in the standard. The PROBE
ASSEMBLIES under test shall be carefully inspected after each test. If the result of a test causes
doubt whether any earlier tests would have been passed if the sequence had been reversed,
these earlier tests shall be repeated. Tests under fault conditions may be destructive and may
follow those under reference test conditions.
4.3 Reference test conditions
4.3.1 Environmental conditions
Unless otherwise specified in this standard, the following environmental conditions (but not
conflicting with those of 1.4) shall exist in the test location:
a) a temperature of 15 °C to 35 °C;
b) a relative humidity of not more than 75 %;
c) an air pressure of 75 kPa to 106 kPa;
d) no hoarfrost, dew, percolating water, rain, solar irradiation, etc.
4.3.2 State of PROBE ASSEMBLIES
Unless otherwise specified, tests shall be carried out on the PROBE ASSEMBLIES assembled for
NORMAL USE and under the least favourable combination of the conditions given in 4.3.3 to 4.3.9.
When dimensions or mass make it unsuitable to carry out particular tests on a complete PROBE
ASSEMBLY, tests on sub-assemblies are allowed, provided it is verified that the assembled
PROBE ASSEMBLY will be in accordance with this standard.

61010-031  IEC:2002 – 29 –
4.3.3 Position of the PROBE ASSEMBLY
The PROBE ASSEMBLY shall be in any position of NORMAL USE and with any ventilation
unimpeded
4.3.4 Accessories
Accessories and OPERATOR interchangeable parts available from, or recommended by, the
manufacturer for use with the PROBE ASSEMBLY under test shall be either connected or not
connected.
4.3.5 Covers and removable parts
Covers or parts which can be removed without using a TOOL shall be removed or not removed.
4.3.6 Input and output voltages
Input and output voltages, including floating voltages shall be set to any voltage within the
RATED voltage range.
4.3.7 Controls
Controls which the OPERATOR can adjust by hand shall be set to any position except for
combinations of settings prohibited by the manufacturer, as shown by marking on the PROBE
ASSEMBLY.
4.3.8 Connections
The PROBE ASSEMBLY shall be connected for its intended purpose, or not connected.
4.3.9 Duty cycle
PROBE ASSEMBLIES for short-term or intermittent operation shall be operated for the longest
period and have the shortest recovery period consistent with the manufacturer's instructions.
4.4 Testing in SINGLE FAULT CONDITION
4.4.1 General
The following requirements apply.
a) Examination of the PROBE ASSEMBLY and its circuit diagram will generally show the fault
conditions which are liable to result in HAZARDS within the meaning of this standard and
which, therefore, shall be applied.
b) Fault tests shall be made unless it can be demonstrated that no HAZARD could arise from a
particular fault condition.
c) The PROBE ASSEMBLY shall be operated under the least favourable combination of reference
test conditions (see 4.3). These combinations may be different for different faults and they
should be recorded for each test.

61010-031  IEC:2002 – 31 –
4.4.2 Application of fault conditions
Fault conditions shall include those specified in 4.4.2.1 to 4.4.2.4. They shall be applied only
one at a time and shall be applied in turn in the most convenient order. Multiple simultaneous
faults shall not be applied unless they are a consequence of an applied fault.
After each application of a fault condition, the PROBE ASSEMBLY or part shall pass the applicable
tests of 4.4.4.
4.4.2.1 PROBE ASSEMBLIES or parts for short-term or intermittent operation
These shall be operated continuously if continuous operation could occur in a SINGLE FAULT
CONDITION.
4.4.2.2 Outputs
Outputs of type B and C PROBE ASSEMBLIES shall be short-circuited one at a time.
4.4.2.3 Insulation between circuits and parts
Insulation between circuits and parts which is below the level specified for BASIC INSULATION
shall be bridged to check against the spread of fire.
NOTE See 9.1 for an alternative method of checking protection against spread of fire.
4.4.2.4 Components
Components (except HIGH INTEGRITY components) of type B and type C PROBE ASSEMBLIES shall
be short-circuited or open-circuited, whichever is less favourable.
4.4.3 Duration of tests
The PROBE ASSEMBLY shall be operated until further change as a result of the applied fault
is unlikely. Each test is normally limited to 1 h since any secondary fault arising from a SINGLE
FAULT CONDITION will usually manifest itself within that time. If at the end of 1 h there is an
indication that a risk of electric shock, spread of fire or injury to persons may eventually occur, the
test shall be continued until one of these HAZARDS does occur or for a maximum period of 4 h.
If a fault is terminated by the opening of a fuse and if the fuse does not operate within
approximately 1 s, the current through the fuse under the relevant fault condition shall be
measured. Evaluation with the pre-arcing time/current characteristics shall be made to find out
whether the minimum operating current of the fuse is reached or exceeded and what is the
maximum time before the fuse operates. The current through the fuse may vary as a function
of time. If the minimum operating current of the fuse is not reached in the test, the equipment
shall be operated for a period corresponding to the maximum fusing time or continuously for
the duration specified in 4.4.3.1.

61010-031  IEC:2002 – 33 –
4.4.4 Conformity after application of SINGLE FAULT CONDITIONS
4.4.4.1 Conformity with requirements for electric shock protection is checked after the
application of SINGLE FAULTS as follows:
a) by making the measurements of 6.3.2 to check that no ACCESSIBLE conductive parts have
become HAZARDOUS LIVE, except as permitted by 6.1.1;
b) by performing a voltage test on DOUBLE INSULATION or REINFORCED INSULATION to check that
there is still one level of protection by insulation. The voltage test is made as specified in
6.6 (without humidity preconditioning) with the test voltage for BASIC INSULATION.
4.4.4.2 Conformity with requirements for temperature protection is checked by determining
the temperature of the outer surface of the PROBE ASSEMBLY.
The temperature of the outer surface shall not exceed 105 °C at maximum RATED ambient
temperature.
This temperature is determined by measuring the temperature rise of the surface or part and
adding it to the maximum RATED ambient temperature.
4.4.4.3 Conformity with requirements for protection against the spread of fire is checked by
placing the PROBE ASSEMBLY on white tissue-paper covering a softwood surface and covering
the PROBE ASSEMBLY with cheesecloth. No molten metal, burning insulation, flaming particles,
etc. shall fall on the surface on which the PROBE ASSEMBLY stands and there shall be no
charring, glowing, or flaming of the tissue paper or cheesecloth. Melting of insulation material
shall be ignored if the molten material could not contribute to starting a fire, and if it would be
obvious to the operator that the PROBE ASSEMBLY needs to be de-energized and allowed to cool
before it is touched.
4.4.4.4 Conformity with the requirements for protection against other HAZARDS is checked as
specified in clauses 7 to 11.
5 Marking and documentation
5.1 Marking
5.1.1 General
PROBE ASSEMBLIES shall bear markings in accordance with 5.1.2 to 5.2. Markings applying to a
PROBE ASSEMBLY as a whole shall not be put on parts which can be removed by an OPERATOR
without the use of a TOOL.
Letter symbols for quantities and units shall be in accor
...