EN 60900:2012

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2012
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 60900:2004
'HORSRGQDSHWRVWMR5RþQDRURGMD]DXSRUDERSULL]PHQLþQLKQDSHWRVWLKGR
QDMYHþ9LQHQRVPHUQLKQDSHWRVWLKGR9,(&
Live working - Hand tools for use up to 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500 V d.c.
Arbeiten unter Spannung - Handwerkzeuge zum Gebrauch bis AC 1 000 V und DC 1
500 V
Travaux sous tension - Outils à main pour usage jusqu'à 1 000 V en courant alternatif et
1 500 V en courant continu
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60900:2012
ICS:
13.260 9DUVWYRSUHGHOHNWULþQLP Protection against electric
XGDURP'HORSRGQDSHWRVWMR shock. Live working
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 60900
NORME EUROPÉENNE
August 2012
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.260; 29.240.20; 29.260.99 Supersedes EN 60900:2004

English version
Live working -
Hand tools for use up to 1000 V a.c. and 1500 V d.c.
(IEC 60900:2012)
Travaux sous tension -  Arbeiten unter Spannung -
Outils à main pour usage jusqu'à 1000 V Handwerkzeuge zum Gebrauch bis AC
en courant alternatif et 1500 V en courant 1000 V und DC 1500 V
continu (IEC 60900:2012)
(CEI 60900:2012)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2012-07-19. 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 CEN-CENELEC Management Centre 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 CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

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

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

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

© 2012 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 60900:2012 E
Foreword
The text of document 78/947/FDIS, future edition 3 of IEC 60900, prepared by IEC/TC 78 "Live working"
was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as EN 60900:2012.

The following dates are fixed:
(dop) 2013-04-19
• latest date by which the document has
to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national (dow) 2015-07-19

standards conflicting with the
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60900:2004.
 general review of the requirements and test provisions;
 preparation of the elements of evaluation of defects, and general application of EN 61318:2008;
 deletion of Annexes D and E, not applicable according to EN 61318;
 introduction of a new normative Annex D on chronology of type tests;
 introduction of a new normative Annex F on classification of defects.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60900:2012 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following note has to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 60743 NOTE  Harmonized as EN 60743.

- 3 - EN 60900:2012
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

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 60060-1 - High-voltage test techniques - EN 60060-1 -
Part 1: General definitions and test
requirements
IEC 60212 - Standard conditions for use prior to and EN 60212 -
during the testing of solid electrical insulating
materials
IEC 61318 - Live working - Conformity assessment EN 61318 -
applicable to tools, devices and equipment

IEC 61477 - Live working - Minimum requirements for the EN 61477 -
utilization of tools, devices and equipment

IEC 60417 Data Graphical symbols for use on equipment - -
base
ISO 1174-1 - Assembly tools for screw and nuts - Driving - -
squares -
Part 1: Driving squares for hand socket tools

ISO 9654 - Pliers and nippers for electronics - Single-- -
purpose nippers - Cutting nippers

ISO 9655 - Pliers and nippers for electronics - Single-- -
purpose nippers - Pliers for gripping and
manipulating
ISO 9656 - Pliers and nippers for electronics - Test - -
methods
ISO 9657 - Pliers and nippers for electronics - General - -
technical requirements
IEC 60900 ®
Edition 3.0 2012-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Live working – Hand tools for use up to 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500 V d.c.

Travaux sous tension – Outils à main pour usage jusqu’à 1 000 V en courant

alternatif et 1 500 V en courant continu

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
XA
CODE PRIX
ICS 13.260; 29.240.20; 29.260.99 ISBN 978-2-83220-135-0

– 2 – 60900 © IEC:2012
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Requirements . 9
4.1 General requirements . 9
4.1.1 Safety . 9
4.1.2 Performance under load . 9
4.1.3 Multiple-ended hand tools . 10
4.1.4 Marking . 10
4.1.5 Separating of covers . 11
4.1.6 Instructions for correct adjustment and assembly . 11
4.2 Requirements concerning insulating materials . 11
4.2.1 General . 11
4.2.2 Thermal stability . 11
4.3 Additional requirements . 11
4.3.1 Hand tools capable of being assembled . 11
4.3.2 Screwdrivers . 14
4.3.3 Wrenches – uninsulated areas . 15
4.3.4 Adjustable wrenches. 15
4.3.5 Pliers, strippers, cable scissors, cable-cutting hand tools . 16
4.3.6 Scissors . 19
4.3.7 Knives . 20
4.3.8 Tweezers . 21
5 Tests . 22
5.1 General . 22
5.2 Visual check . 23
5.3 Dimensional check . 23
5.4 Impact tests. 23
5.4.1 Type test . 23
5.4.2 Alternative means in case of insulated and insulating hand tools
having completed the production phase . 26
5.5 Dielectric tests . 26
5.5.1 General requirements . 26
5.5.2 Conditioning (for type test only) . 26
5.5.3 Dielectric testing of insulated hand tools . 27
5.5.4 Dielectric testing of insulating hand tools . 30
5.6 Indentation test (for insulated hand tools) . 31
5.6.1 Type test . 31
5.6.2 Alternative means in case of insulated hand tools having completed
the production phase . 32
5.7 Test for adhesion of the insulating material coating (for insulated hand tools) . 32
5.7.1 Conditioning . 32

60900 © IEC:2012 – 3 –
5.7.2 Type test . 33
5.7.3 Alternative means in case of insulated hand tools having completed
the production phase . 38
5.7.4 Test of adhesion of insulating covers of conductive adjusting or
switching elements . 39
5.8 Mechanical tests . 39
5.8.1 Insulated hand tools . 39
5.8.2 Insulating hand tools . 40
5.8.3 Tweezers . 40
5.8.4 Retaining force test . 40
5.9 Durability of marking . 42
5.10 Flame retardancy test . 42
5.10.1 Type test . 42
5.10.2 Alternative means in case of hand tools having completed the
production phase . 43
6 Conformity assessment of hand tools having completed the production phase . 44
7 Modifications . 44
Annex A (informative) Mechanical strength of insulating hand tools . 45
Annex B (normative) Suitable for live working; double triangle
(IEC 60417-5216:2002-10) . 47
Annex C (informative) Recommendation for use and in-service care . 48
Annex D (normative) General type test procedure . 49
Annex E (normative) Examples of calculation of the unwinded length of coating and
acceptable leakage current . 50
Annex F (normative) Classification of defects and tests to be allocated . 51
Bibliography . 52

Figure 1 – Marking of the electrical working limit adjacent to the symbol double triangle . 10
Figure 2 – Description of the insulating overlapping element and different assembly
configurations for hand tools capable of being assembled with square drives . 12
Figure 3 – Marking symbol for hand tools capable of being assembled and designed to
be interchangeable between different manufacturers . 13
Figure 4 – Illustration of insulation of typical hand tools . 14
Figure 5 – Insulated adjustable wrench . 16
Figure 6 – Insulation of pliers . 17
Figure 7 – Insulation of multiple slip joint pliers . 17
Figure 8 – Insulation of pliers with a functional area below the joint . 18
Figure 9 – Illustration of insulation of pliers and nippers for electronics . 19
Figure 10 – Insulation of scissors . 20
Figure 11 – Insulation of knives . 21
Figure 12 – Example of insulation of the handles of tweezers . 22
Figure 13 – Example of test arrangement for the impact test – Method A . 24
Figure 14 – Example of test arrangement for the impact test – Method B . 25
Figure 15 – Dielectric testing arrangement for insulated hand tools . 28
Figure 16 – Description of dummies for dielectric tests for hand tools capable of being
assembled with square drives . 29
Figure 17 – Dielectric testing arrangement for insulating hand tools . 30

– 4 – 60900 © IEC:2012
Figure 18 – Indentation test . 32
Figure 19 – Principle of the testing device for checking adhesion of the insulating
coating on conductive parts of the insulated hand tools – Test on the working head –
Method A . 34
Figure 20 – Principle of the testing device for checking adhesion of the insulating
coating on conductive parts of the insulated hand tools – Test on the working head –
Method B . 35
Figure 21 – Testing device for checking adhesion of the insulating coating of
screwdrivers on conductive parts and the handle . 36
Figure 22 – Example of mountings for checking stability of adhesion of the insulation
of the entire hand tool . 38
Figure 23 – Dummies for testing locking systems used with square drives nominal size
12,5 mm of ISO 1174 . 41
Figure 24 – Dummies for testing locking systems used with square drives nominal size
10 mm of ISO 1174 . 41
Figure 25 – Example of a flame retardancy test arrangement . 43

Table 1 – Dimensions and tolerances of the insulating overlapping element . 13
Table 2 – Dimensions and tolerances for dummies to be used for dielectric tests . 29
Table A.1 – Torque values for insulating screwdrivers . 45
a
Table D.1 – Sequential order for performing type tests . 49
Table F.1 – Classification of defects and associated requirements and tests . 51

60900 © IEC:2012 – 5 –
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 itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
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 third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 2004. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
It includes the following significant technical changes with regard to the previous edition:
• general review of the requirements and test provisions;
• preparation of the elements of evaluation of defects, and general application of
IEC 61318:2007 (Ed.3);
• deletion of Annexes D and E, not applicable according to IEC 61318 Ed.3;
• introduction of a new normative Annex D on chronology of type tests;
• introduction of a new normative Annex F on classification of defects.

– 6 – 60900 © IEC:2012
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
78/947/FDIS 78/953/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
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
60900 © IEC:2012 – 7 –
INTRODUCTION
This International Standard has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of
IEC 61477 where applicable.
The product covered by this standard may have an impact on the environment during some or
all stages of its life cycle. These impacts can range from slight to significant, be of short-term
or long-term, and occur at the global, regional or local level.
This standard does not include requirements and test provisions for the manufacturers of the
product, or recommendations to the users of the product for environmental improvement.
However, all parties intervening in its design, manufacture, packaging, distribution, use,
maintenance, repair, reuse, recovery and disposal are invited to take account of
environmental considerations.
– 8 – 60900 © IEC:2012
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.
The products designed and manufactured according to this standard contribute to the safety
of the users provided they are used by skilled persons, in accordance with safe methods of
work and the instructions for use (where appropriate).
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. 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, High-voltage test techniques – Part 1: General definitions and test requirements
IEC 60212, Standard conditions for use prior to and during the testing of solid electrical
insulating materials
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment
IEC 61318, Live working – Conformity assessment applicable to tools, devices and equipment
IEC 61477, Live working – Minimum requirements for the utilization of tools, devices and
equipment
ISO 1174-1, Assembly tools for screw and nuts – Driving squares – Part 1: Driving squares for
hand socket tools
ISO 9654, Pliers and nippers for electronics – Single-purpose nippers – Cutting nippers
ISO 9655, Pliers and nippers for electronics – Single-purpose pliers – Pliers for gripping and
manipulating
ISO 9656, Pliers and nippers for electronics – Test methods
ISO 9657, Pliers and nippers for electronics – General technical requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61318 and the
following apply.
60900 © IEC:2012 – 9 –
NOTE For the definitions of general terms in this document, reference should be made to the IEC 60050 series 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 (for live working)
hand held insulated or insulating tool
Note 1 to entry: Hand tools are normally tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches or knives.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-651:1999, 651-01-27, modified – The scope of the definition has been
enlarged.]
3.2
insulated hand tool
hand tool made of conductive materials, fully or partially covered by insulating materials
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-651:1999, 651-01-25, modified – The definition has been changed to
refer specifically to hand tools.]
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
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-651:1999, 651-01-26, modified - The definition has been changed to
refer specifically to hand tools and its scope has been narrowed. ]
4 Requirements
4.1 General requirements
4.1.1 Safety
Insulated and insulating hand tools shall be manufactured and dimensioned in such a way
that they protect the user from electric shock.
NOTE Insulated hand tools completely covered by insulating materials and insulating tools minimize the risk of
short circuits between two parts at different potentials when they are used in the correct manner.
The following requirements have been prepared in order that the hand tools covered by this
standard are designed and manufactured to contribute to the safety of the users, provided
they are used by persons skilled for live working, in accordance with safe methods of work
and the instructions for use (where appropriate).
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 hand tools shall be retained even after application
of an insulating layer.
Insulating hand tools specially designed for live working may have lower stress resistance
than insulated hand tools, but they shall withstand the expected workloads without failing due
to remaining deformation or breaking. These hand 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).
– 10 – 60900 © IEC:2012
4.1.3 Multiple-ended hand tools
Multiple-ended hand 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
hand tools but are allowed for insulating hand tools if the design assures that there is no
conductive connection between two of the working heads.
4.1.4 Marking
The marking shall be clearly identifiable by persons with normal or corrected sight without
further magnification. Each hand tool and/or tool component shall be legibly and permanently
marked with the following items of marking:
• on the insulating material or on the metal part:
– marking of the origin (manufacturer’s name or trade mark);
• on the insulating material:
– model/type reference;
– year of manufacture (at least the last two digits of the year);
– symbol IEC 60417-5216:2002-10 – Suitable for live working; double triangle (see
Annex B);
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.
– indication 1 000 V (i.e. the electrical working limit for alternating current), immediately
adjacent to the symbol double triangle (see Figure 1 for an example);
1 000 V
IEC  1042/12
Figure 1 – Marking of the electrical working limit adjacent to the symbol double triangle
– number of the relevant IEC standard immediately adjacent to the symbol double
triangle, (IEC 60900);
– for hand tools designed for use at extremely low temperature: letter “C” (see 4.2.2);
– additional marking for hand tools capable of being assembled and designed to be
interchangeable between different manufacturers (see 4.3.1.3.2);
– additional marking where specified by the customer (for example ownership mark).
The hand 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 hand tool is suitable for
work at that voltage.
Other characteristics or information not needed at the work location, like the year of
publication of the standard, shall be associated to the product item by other means, such as
coded information (bar codes, microchips, etc.), or shall be associated to its packaging.

60900 © IEC:2012 – 11 –
The symbol double triangle shall be at least 3 mm high; the letter and the figures of the
electrical working limit shall be at least 2 mm (see Figure 1).
4.1.5 Separating of covers
If hand 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 do not come off during normal use (see 5.7.4).
4.1.6 Instructions for correct adjustment and assembly
Where the manufacturer deems that instructions are necessary for correct adjustment or
assembly, then the manufacturer shall provide these in accordance with the general
provisions given in IEC 61477 (see also Annex C).
4.2 Requirements concerning insulating materials
4.2.1 General
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 hand tools shall not be impaired within the temperature range –20 °C
to +70 °C.
The insulating material applied on hand tools shall adhere securely to the conductive part
from –20 °C to +70 °C.
Hand 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 Hand tools capable of being assembled
4.3.1.1 Retaining devices for hand tools capable of being assembled
Hand tools capable of being assembled shall have suitable retaining devices to prevent
unintentional separation of the assembly. The retaining forces shall be tested according to
5.8.4.
4.3.1.2 Insulation design for hand tools capable of being assembled
In the case of connecting parts of hand tools capable of being assembled, the insulation shall
be applied in such a manner that if any part becomes detached during use by exceeding the
retaining forces according to 5.8.4, no conductive part, which may still be live, can be
inadvertently touched or cause a disruptive discharge.

– 12 – 60900 © IEC:2012
4.3.1.3 Hand tools capable of being assembled with square drives
4.3.1.3.1 General
Hand 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 5.8.4.2). To ensure
compatibility of insulation between different manufacturers, these hand tools shall be
designed with overlapping elements described in Figure 2. Their dimensions and tolerances
shall be in accordance with Table 1.

IEC  1043/12
Key
A admitted shapes
Figure 2 – Description of the insulating overlapping element and different assembly
configurations for hand tools capable of being assembled with square drives

60900 © IEC:2012 – 13 –
Table 1 – Dimensions and tolerances of the insulating overlapping element
Dimensions in millimetres
Nominal size of
+0,5 0 +1,5 0 +1,5
+2 I
I d d d d
the square I min.
2 0 1 -1,5 2 3 -1,5 4
1 -0,5 0 0
drive
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 2.
1 2 3 1 2 3 4
4.3.1.3.2 Interchangeability of components made by different manufacturers
Hand 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 3. The dimension H shall be
greater than or equal to 5 mm.
Dimensions in millimetres
0,3 H 0,3 H 0,3 H
IEC  1044/12
Figure 3 – Marking symbol for hand tools capable of being assembled
and designed to be interchangeable between different manufacturers
The reliable function of locking systems used for those hand tools shall be tested by applying
a separation test in accordance with 5.8.4 with a corresponding dummy.
For this kind of hand tools, instructions for correct assembly are mandatory. The manufacturer
shall include the following information: “To assure that the complete assembly of insulated
hand 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”.
0,6 H
– 14 – 60900 © IEC:2012
4.3.2 Screwdrivers
4.3.2.1 Uninsulated areas
For screwdrivers, an uninsulated conductive area having a maximum length of 18 mm is
permissible on the working head (see Figure 4).
Dimensions in millimetres
≤ 18 30 ≤ 18 30
IEC  1045/12
Key
a conductive part
b working surface
c insulation
d contact area
W working head
Figure 4 – Illustration of insulation of typical hand tools
4.3.2.2 Shape of shaft insulation
The shaft 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

60900 © IEC:2012 – 15 –
the width of the shaft at the tip or the width of the tip, whatever is the larger dimension. This
area may be parallel or tapered towards the tip.
This requirement does not apply to insulated bit sockets (or insulated socket drivers).
4.3.2.3 Screwdrivers with exchangeable working heads
Screwdrivers with exchangeable working heads are regarded as hand 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.
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 Adjustable wrenches
The insulation of adjustable wrenches shall be applied as far as possible towards the working
head.
The uninsulated area may be extended to the working head. If the working head remains
uninsulated, a guard shall be applied so that the hand is prevented from slipping towards the
uncovered conductive parts of the head (see an example in Figure 5).

– 16 – 60900 © IEC:2012
Dimensions in millimetres
IEC  1046/12
Figure 5 – Insulated adjustable wrench
4.3.5 Pliers, strippers, cable scissors, cable-cutting hand 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 6 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 6 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 each guard and any non-insulated
parts shall be 12 mm (see Figure 6). The insulation portion in front of the guard shall extend
as far as possible towards the working head.

60900 © IEC:2012 – 17 –
Dimensions in millimetres
IEC  1047/12
Figure 6 – Insulation of pliers
In the case of a slip joint, a guard of 5 mm shall be provided for the inner part of the handles.
Refer to Figure 7 for further dimensioning.
Dimensions in millimetres
IEC  1048/12
Figure 7 – Insulation of multiple slip joint pliers
Where there is a functional surface below the joint, an inner guard shall be provided (as used
with multiple slip joint pliers). See Figure 8.

– 18 – 60900 © IEC:2012
IEC  1049/12
Figure 8 – Insulation of pliers with a functional area below the joint
Where the handles of the hand 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 9).
Pliers and nippers for electronics shall be in accordance with ISO 9656 and ISO 9657 and,
where relevant, with ISO 9654 or ISO 9655

60900 © IEC:2012 – 19 –
Dimensions in millimetres
IEC  1050/12
Figure 9 – Illustration of insulation of pliers and nippers for electronics
4.3.6 Scissors
A typical insulation of scissors is shown in Figure 10.
The shackles of the scissors shall have one of both designs presented in Figures 10a and
10b.
The maximum length of the uninsulated parts of scissors shall not exceed 100 mm.
The insulation portion in front of the guard shall extend as far as possible towards the working
head. If the insulated length in front of the shackle is less than 50 mm, at least one guard is
required.
– 20 – 60900 © IEC:2012
Dimensions in millimetres
IEC  1051/12
Figure 10a
IEC  1052/12
Figure 10b
Figure 10 – Insulation of scissors
4.3.7 Knives
Figure 11 shows an example for the application of the insulation of knives. The dimensions of
insulated knives shall be in accordance with Figure 11.

60900 © IEC:2012 – 21 –
Dimensions in millimetres
IEC  1053/12
Key
a insulated handle or leg
b guard
c working head (not insulated)
d distance between the inner edge of the guard and the non-insulated part
Figure 11 – Insulation of knives
4.3.8 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 12).
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 t
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