IEC 61243-1:2003+AMD1:2009 CSV

IEC 61243-1 ®
Edition 2.1 2009-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Live working – Voltage detectors –
Part 1: Capacitive type to be used for voltages exceeding 1 kV a.c.

Travaux sous tension – Détecteurs de tension –
Partie 1: Type capacitif pour usage sur des tensions alternatives de plus de 1 kV
IEC 61243-1:2003+A1:2009
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IEC 61243-1 ®
Edition 2.1 2009-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Live working – Voltage detectors –
Part 1: Capacitive type to be used for voltages exceeding 1 kV a.c.

Travaux sous tension – Détecteurs de tension –
Partie 1: Type capacitif pour usage sur des tensions alternatives de plus de 1 kV

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CR
CODE PRIX
ICS 29.240.99 ISBN 978-2-88910-451-2
– 2 – 61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.4
INTRODUCTION.6
1 Scope.7
2 Normative references .7
3 Terms and definitions .8
4 Requirements .12
4.1 General requirements.12
4.1.1 Safety.12
4.1.2 Indication.12
4.2 Functional requirements .12
4.2.1 Clear indication .12
4.2.2 Clear perceptibility.13
4.2.3 Temperature and humidity dependence of the indication .14
4.2.4 Frequency dependence .14
4.2.5 Response time .14
4.2.6 Power source dependability.14
4.2.7 Testing element.14
4.2.8 Non-response to d.c. voltage .15
4.2.9 Time rating .15
4.3 Electrical requirements.15
4.3.1 Insulating material .15
4.3.2 Protection against bridging .15
4.3.3 Resistance against sparking .15
4.4 Mechanical requirements.15
4.4.1 Design.15
4.4.2 Dimensions, construction.16
4.4.3 Grip force and deflection .17
4.4.4 Vibration resistance.17
4.4.5 Drop resistance .17
4.4.6 Shock resistance .17
4.5 Markings .17
4.6 Instructions for use.18
5 Specific requirements .18
5.1 For insulating element of a voltage detector as a complete device.18
5.1.1 Dielectric strength .18
5.1.2 Leakage current .18
5.2 For indicator casing of voltage detector as a separate device.18
6 Tests .18
6.1 General .18
6.1.1 Tests under wet conditions .19
6.1.2 Type test .19

6.1.3 Test methods.20

61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009 – 3 –
6.2 Function tests.20
6.2.1 Clear indication .20
6.2.2 Clear perceptibility of visual indication.23
6.2.3 Clear perceptibility of audible indication.24
6.2.4 Frequency dependence .25
6.2.5 Response time .26
6.2.6 Power source dependability.26
6.2.7 Check of testing element .26
6.2.8 Non-response to d.c. voltage .27
6.2.9 Time rating .27
6.3 Dielectric tests .27
6.3.1 Protection against bridging for indoor/outdoor type voltage detector .27
6.3.2 Protection against bridging for outdoor type voltage detector.29
6.3.3 Spark resistance.30
6.4 Mechanical tests .31
6.4.1 Visual and dimensional inspection .31
6.4.2 Grip force and deflection (only applicable for voltage detector
as a complete device).31
6.4.3 Vibration resistance.32
6.4.4 Drop resistance .32
6.4.5 Shock resistance .32
6.4.6 Climatic dependence .33
6.4.7 Durability of markings .33
7 Specific tests.34
7.1 Leakage current for voltage detector as a complete device.34
7.1.1 Leakage current under dry conditions .34
7.1.2 Leakage current under wet conditions (for outdoor type only) .34
8 Conformity assessment of voltage detectors having completed
the production phase .35

Annex A (normative) Suitable for live working; double triangle .51
Annex B (normative) Instructions for use .52
Annex C (normative) Chronology of type tests .53
Annex D (normative) Classification of defects and tests to be allocated .55
Annex E (normative) Mechanical shock tests – Pendulum method .57
Annex F (Deleted).59
Annex G (informative) In-service care .60

Bibliography.62

– 4 – 61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LIVE WORKING – VOLTAGE DETECTORS –

Part 1: Capacitive type to be used for voltages
exceeding 1 kV a.c.
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
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agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
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between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
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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
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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 61243-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 78: Live
working.
This edition includes the following major technical changes from the previous edition:
a) the Scope has been extended to cover the use on electrical systems for voltages up to
765 kV a.c.;
b) the notion of family of voltage detectors which are identical in terms of design and
dimensions and only differ by their nominal voltages (or nominal voltage ranges) has been
included;
c) the classification in terms of the setting of the threshold voltage to give a clear indication
has been eliminated;
d) a new test set-up with bars has been introduced. Depending on the nominal voltage of the
voltage detector, it is required or becomes an alternative test set-up for checking the
influence of interference fields, the influence of interference voltages, the protection
against bridging and the spark resistance;

61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009 – 5 –
e) the revision of specific dielectric tests has been included;
f) some test procedures (clear perceptibility of audible indication, drop resistance, climatic
dependence) have been improved and completed.
This consolidated version of IEC 61243-1 consists of the second edition (2003) [documents
78/527/FDIS and 78/537/RVD], its amendment 1 (2009) [documents 78/751/CDV and
78/794/RVC] and its corrigendum of October 2005.
The technical content is therefore identical to the base edition and its amendment and has
been prepared for user convenience.
It bears the edition number 2.1.
A vertical line in the margin shows where the base publication has been modified by
amendment 1.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
IEC 61243 consists of the following parts, under the general title Live working – Voltage
detectors:
Part 1: Capacitive type to be used for voltages exceeding 1 kV a.c.
Part 2: Resistive type to be used for voltages of 1 kV to 36 kV a.c.
Part 3: Two-pole low-voltage type
Part 5: Voltage detecting systems (VDS)
The committee has decided that the contents of the base publication and its amendments will
remain unchanged until the maintenance result 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.
– 6 – 61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009
INTRODUCTION
This International Standard has been prepared according to the requirements of IEC 61477,
where applicable.
61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009 – 7 –
LIVE WORKING – VOLTAGE DETECTORS –

Part 1: Capacitive type to be used for voltages
exceeding 1 kV a.c.
1 Scope
This part of IEC 61243 is applicable to portable voltage detectors, with or without built-in
power sources, to be used on electrical systems for voltages of 1 kV to 765 kV a.c., and
frequencies of 50 Hz and/or 60 Hz.
This part applies only to voltage detectors of capacitive type used in contact with the part to
be tested, as a complete device including its insulating element or as a separate device,
adaptable to an insulating stick which, as a separate tool, is not covered by this standard
(see 4.4.1 for general design).
Other types of voltage detectors are not covered by this part of the standard.
Some restrictions on their use are applicable in the case of factory-assembled switchgear and
on overhead systems of electrified railways (see Annex B, instructions for use).
NOTE Except where otherwise specified, all the voltages defined in this standard refer to values of phase-to-
phase voltages of three-phase systems. In other systems, the applicable phase-to-phase or phase-to-earth
(ground) voltages should be used to determine the operating voltage.
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 60068-1, Environmental testing -Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-6:1995, Environmental testing – Tests – Test Fc and guidance: Vibration
(sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-14:1984, Environmental testing – Tests – Test N: Change of temperature
Amendment 1 (1986)
IEC 60068-2-32:1975, Environmental testing – Tests – Test Ed: Free fall

Amendment 2 (1990)
IEC 60071-1:2006, Insulation co-ordination – Part 1: Definitions, principles and rules
IEC 60417-DB:2002 , Graphical symbols for use on equipment
IEC 60942, Electroacoustics – Sound calibrators
IEC 61260:1995, Electroacoustics – Octave-band and fractional-octave-band filters
___________
“DB” refers to the IEC on-line database.

– 8 – 61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009
IEC 61318:2007, Live working – Conformity assessment applicable to tools, devices and
equipment
IEC 61477:2001, Live working – Minimum requirements for the utilization of tools, devices and
equipment
Amendment 1 (2002)
IEC 61672-1:2002, Electroacoustics – Sound level meters – Part 1: Specifications
ISO 286-1:1988, ISO system of limits and fits – Part 1: Bases of tolerances, deviations and
fits
ISO 286-2:1988, ISO system of limits and fits – Part 2: Tables of standard tolerance grades
and limit deviations for holes and shafts
ISO 3744:1994, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound pressure – Engineering method in an essentially free field over a reflecting plane
CIE (International Commission on Illumination) 15.2:1986, Colorimetry
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61318:2007 and the
following apply.
3.1
voltage detector
device used to provide clear evidence of the presence or the absence of the operating voltage
NOTE For example, voltage detectors can be described as capacitive type or resistive type.
[Definition 11.2.5 of IEC 60743, modified, and IEV 651-10-04, modified]
3.2
voltage detector of capacitive type
device whose operation is based on the current passing through the stray capacitance to
earth (ground)
NOTE The term voltage detector is used in this document for voltage detector of capacitive type.
3.3
designs of voltage detectors
different constructions of voltage detectors, either as a complete device with or without
contact electrode extension, or as a separate device intended to be equipped with an
insulating stick, with or without contact electrode extension
NOTE Some parts such as the contact electrode, the contact electrode extension (if existing), or the insulating
element of a voltage detector as a complete device may be dismantled.
3.4
family of voltage detectors
for testing purposes, a group of voltage detectors, delimited by a minimum and a maximum
rated voltage, that are identical in design (including dimensions) and only differ by their
nominal voltages or nominal voltage ranges
___________
There exists a consolidated edition 1.1 (2002) that includes edition 1 and its amendment.

61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009 – 9 –
3.5
contact electrode
bare conductive part of the conductive element which establishes the electric connection to
the component to be tested
[IEV 651-10-09]
3.6
contact electrode extension
externally insulated conductive element between the indicator and the contact electrode,
intended to achieve the correct position of the indicator relative to the installation being tested
3.7
indicator
part of the voltage detector which indicates the presence or absence of the operating voltage
at the contact electrode
[IEV 651-10-08, modified]
3.8
adaptor
part of a voltage detector as a separate device which permits attachment of an insulating stick
3.9
insulating element
part of a voltage detector as a complete device that provides adequate safety distance and
insulation to the user
3.10
insulating stick
insulating tool essentially made of an insulating tube and/or rod with end fittings
[Definition 2.5.1 of IEC 60743 and IEV 651-02-01]
NOTE For voltage detection, an insulating stick is intended to be attached to a voltage detector as a separate
device in order to provide the length to reach the installation to be tested and adequate safety distance and
insulation to the user.
3.11
limit mark
distinctive location or mark to indicate to the user the physical limit to which the voltage
detector may be inserted between live parts or may touch them
3.12
hand guard
distinctive physical guard separating the handle from the insulating element
NOTE Its purpose is to prevent the hands from slipping and passing into contact with the insulating element.
3.13
testing element
built-in or external device, by means of which the functioning of the voltage detector can be
checked by the user
[IEV 651-10-11, modified]
3.14
accessories
items used to lengthen the handle or the contact electrode, to improve the efficiency of the
contact electrode or to enable the contact electrode to reach the part to be tested

– 10 – 61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009
3.15
nominal voltage
U
n
suitable approximate value of voltage used to identify a system or device
[IEV 601-01-21, modified]
NOTE The nominal voltage of the voltage detector is the parameter associated with its clear indication. A voltage
detector may have more than one nominal voltage, or a nominal voltage range. Limit values of the nominal voltage
range are named U min and U max.
n n
3.16
operating voltage (in a system)
value of the voltage under normal conditions, at a given instant and a given point of the
system
NOTE This value may be expected, estimated or measured.
[IEV 601-01-22]
3.17
threshold voltage
U
t
minimum voltage between the live part and earth (ground) required to give a clear indication
corresponding to specific conditions as defined in the corresponding test
NOTE As defined in this part of IEC 61243, threshold voltage is related to specific test conditions. Users should be
aware that their requirements for threshold voltage for field operation need to be related to the test conditions in
the standard.
3.18
rated voltage
U
r
value of voltage generally agreed upon by manufacturer and customer, to which certain
operating specifications are referred. The rated voltage of the voltage detector is the voltage
selected from IEC 60071-1, Tables 2 and 3, column 1, which should either be equal to the
nominal voltage (or the highest nominal voltage of its nominal voltage range), or the next
higher voltage selected from those tables
3.19
interference voltage
voltage picked up inductively or capacitively by the part to be tested
3.20
interference field
superposed electric field which may affect the indication. It may result from the part to be
tested or other adjacent parts, and may have any phase relationship
NOTE The extreme cases for the tests are:
– an in-phase interference field exists when a small change of potential in the direction of the voltage detector
axis results in an incorrect indication. This occurs as a result of the dimensions and/or configuration of the part
of installation to be tested (or of adjacent parts of the installation having voltages in the same phase);
– an interference field in phase opposition exists when a strong change of potential in the direction of the voltage
detector axis results in an incorrect indication. This occurs as a result of the adjacent parts of the installation
having voltages in phase opposition.

61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009 – 11 –
3.21
active signal
audible or visual phenomenon whose presence, absence or variation is considered as
representing information on the condition “voltage present” or “voltage not present”
[IEV 101-12-02, modified]
NOTE A signal indicating that the voltage detector is ready to operate is not considered an active signal.
3.22
clear indication
unambiguous detection and indication of the voltage state at the contact electrode
[IEV 651-10-10]
3.23
clear perceptibility
case where the indication is unmistakably discernible by the user under specific
environmental conditions when the voltage detector is in its operating position
3.24
response time
time delay between sudden change of the voltage state on the contact electrode and the
associated clear indication
3.25
protection against bridging
protection against flashover or breakdown, when the insulation between the parts of
installation to be tested, at different potentials, is reduced by the presence of the voltage
detector
3.26
stand-by state
state at which the voltage detector is ready to work without manual switching on
3.27
indoor type
voltage detector designed for use in dry conditions, normally indoors
3.28
outdoor type
voltage detector designed for use in wet conditions, either indoors or outdoors

3.33
maintenance test
test carried out periodically on a device or equipment to ascertain and, if necessary, make
certain adjustments to ensure that its performance remains within specified limits
[IEV 151-16-25 modified]
– 12 – 61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009
4 Requirements
4.1 General requirements
4.1.1 Safety
The voltage detector shall be designed and manufactured to be safe for the user, provided it
is used in accordance with safe methods of work, and the instructions for use.
4.1.2 Indication
The voltage detector shall give a clear indication of the state "voltage present" and/or "voltage
not present", by means of the change of the status of the signal. The indication shall be visual
and/or audible.
4.2 Functional requirements
4.2.1 Clear indication
The voltage detector shall give an unambiguous indication of the presence and/or the
absence of the system operating voltage as a function of the nominal voltage or nominal
voltage range of the voltage detector, and its nominal frequency or nominal frequencies.
Indication may not be reliable in the vicinity of large conductive parts that create equipotential
zones.
When the voltage detector is used in accordance with instructions for use, the presence of an
adjacent live or earthed part shall not affect its indication.
When used in accordance with instructions for use, the voltage detector shall not indicate
"voltage present" for usual values of interference voltages.
4.2.1.1 Continuous indication
The voltage detector shall give continuous indication when in direct contact with a live part.
4.2.1.2 Threshold voltage
4.2.1.2.1 General
The user shall not have access to the threshold voltage setting.
The indication “voltage present” shall appear if the voltage to earth on the part to be tested is
greater than 45 % of the nominal voltage.
NOTE 1 45 % of the nominal voltage corresponds to 0,78U 3 .
n
The indication "voltage present" shall not appear if the voltage to earth on the part to be
tested is equal to or less than 10 % of the nominal voltage.
NOTE 2 10 % of the nominal voltage corresponds to 0,17U 3 and is the maximum phase to earth induced
n
voltage normally encountered in the field.
To fulfil the above requirements, the threshold voltage U shall satisfy the following
t
relationship:
0,10 U max< U ≤ 0,45 U min
n t n
61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009 – 13 –
For voltage detectors with only one nominal voltage, U max. equals U min.

n n
NOTE 3 There is a theoretical limit of 4,5 to the ratio between U max. and U min. to achieve clear indication of

n n
the voltage detector. This value corresponds to the division of 0,45 by 0,1.
NOTE 4 It may happen that the induced voltage level on a specific network is higher than 10 % of the nominal
voltage or of the maximum nominal voltage of the range.
It may also happen that the variations of the nominal voltage network are such that the 0,45 U or 0,45 U max. is
n n
not the lowest possible value.
Moreover, when is it expected that the voltage detector will be used in the vicinity of large conductive parts that
create equipotential zones (see 4.2.1), the customer may specify a low value of the threshold voltage.
In all these cases, manufacturer and customer should reach an agreement to set the appropriate value for the
threshold voltage, while keeping it within the range specified above. The setting of the threshold voltage is further
limited by the requirements for clear indication which shorten the range of possible values, and the relevant tests
(clear indication) have to be passed.
4.2.1.2.2 Particular case of voltage detectors to be used on networks with low values
of interference voltage
In some cases, the customer may wish to take advantage of a network with low values of
interference voltage by reducing the lower limit of the threshold voltage below 0,10 U max.
n
NOTE 1 This particular case could help to deal with the use of the voltage detector in the vicinity of large
conductive parts. In spite of this change of the threshold voltage for a lower value, the theoretical limit of 4,5 for
the ratio between U max. and U min. still remains valid, and the relevant tests (clear indication) have to be

n n
passed.
In such case, the voltage detector shall have a special marking and a warning shall be
included in the instructions for use to inform the users of the modification brought to the
threshold voltage.
NOTE 2 The special marking should be the result of an agreement between the manufacturer and the client.
4.2.2 Clear perceptibility
The voltage detector shall give a clear indication under normal light and noise conditions.
The types of indications of voltage detector are divided into three groups:
– group I: Indication with at least two distinct active signals, which give an indication of the
condition "voltage present" and "voltage not present". The "stand-by" state is not
necessary;
– group II: Indication with at least one active signal, which gives an indication of the
condition "voltage not present" and is activated by manually switching "on", and is
suppressed when the contact electrode is put into contact with a live part;
– group III: Indication with at least one active signal, which gives an indication of the
condition "voltage present", and shall have a stand-by state.
4.2.2.1 Visual indication
The indication shall be clearly visible to the user in the operating position and under normal
light conditions.
When two visual signals are used, the indication shall not rely solely on lights of different
colours for perceptibility. Additional characteristics, such as physical separation of the light
sources, distinctive form of the light signals, or flashing light shall be used.

– 14 – 61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009
4.2.2.2 Audible indication
The indication shall be clearly audible to the user when in the operating position, and under
normal noise conditions.
When two audible signals are used, the indication shall not rely solely on sounds of different
sound pressure level for perceptibility. Additional characteristics, such as tone or
intermittence of the audible signals shall be used.
4.2.3 Temperature and humidity dependence of the indication
There are three categories of voltage detectors according to climatic conditions of operation:
cold (C), normal (N), and warm (W).
The voltage detector shall operate correctly in the temperature range of its climatic category,
according to Table 1.
The voltage detector shall operate correctly in case of sudden change of temperature in the
temperature range of its climatic category.
In these cases, the threshold voltage shall satisfy 4.2.1.2.
Table 1 – Climatic categories
Climatic conditions ranges
(operation and storage)
Climatic categories
Temperature Humidity
°C %
(C) Cold –40 to +55 20 to 96
(N) Normal –25 to +55 20 to 96
(W) Warm –5 to +70 12 to 96
4.2.4 Frequency dependence
A voltage detector shall operate between 97 % and 103 % of its nominal frequency or of each
of its nominal frequencies.
4.2.5 Response time
The response time shall be less than 1 s.
4.2.6 Power source dependability
A voltage detector with a built-in power source shall give a clear indication until the source is
exhausted, unless its usage is limited by an indication of non-readiness or automatic shut-off,
as mentioned in the instructions for use.
4.2.7 Testing element
The testing element, whether a built-in or separate item, shall be capable of testing all the
electrical circuits, including energy source and the functioning of the indication. When all
circuits cannot be tested, any limitation shall be clearly stated in the instructions for use.
These circuits shall be constructed with high reliability. When there is a built-in testing
element, the voltage detector shall give an indication of "ready" or "not ready".

61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009 – 15 –
4.2.8 Non-response to d.c. voltage
The voltage detector shall not respond to a d.c. voltage.
4.2.9 Time rating
The voltage detector shall be able to perform without failure when subjected to the operating
voltage for 5 min.
4.3 Electrical requirements
4.3.1 Insulating material
The insulating materials shall be adequately rated (nature of material, dimensions) for the
nominal voltage (or the maximum nominal voltage of the voltage range) of the voltage
detector.
NOTE When tubes of insulating material with circular cross section are used in the design of voltage detectors,
they should meet the requirements of IEC 60855 or IEC 61235.
For a voltage detector as a complete device the user shall be provided with adequate
insulation by means of an insulating element.
NOTE For a voltage detector as a separate device, the user should be provided with adequate insulation by means
of an adaptable insulating stick.
4.3.2 Protection against bridging
Protection shall be such that the voltage detector cannot cause flashover or breakdown
between live parts of an installation or between a live part of an installation and earth.
4.3.3 Resistance against sparking
The voltage detector shall be constructed so that the indicator cannot be damaged or shut off
as a result of a low energy electric arc.
4.4 Mechanical requirements
For a voltage detector as a complete device the user shall be provided with adequate
distance by means of an insulating element.
NOTE For a voltage detector as a separate device, the user should be provided with adequate distance by means
of an adaptable insulating stick.
4.4.1 Design
4.4.1.1 General design
a) The voltage detector as a complete device shall include at least the following elements:
handle, hand guard, insulating element, limit mark, indicator and contact electrode (see
Figure 1a).
b) The voltage detector as a separate device shall include at least: adaptor, indicator, and
contact electrode (see Figure 1b).
NOTE The insulating stick used in conjunction with the voltage detector as a separate device should fulfil the
requirements of 4.3.1 and 4.4.2 even if not provided with the voltage detector.
The voltage detector shall not have any external conductive connection, or any other device
to make such connection, except for the contact electrode.

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4.4.1.2 Category
– The voltage detector without contact electrode extension shall have category marking L.
NOTE It is used mainly on overhead lines.
– The voltage detector with contact electrode extension shall have category marking S.
NOTE It is mainly used in indoor substations.
4.4.2 Dimensions, construction
The minimum length of the insulating element of a voltage detector as a complete device shall
be in accordance with Table 2.
Table 2 – Minimum length of the insulating element (L )
i
of a voltage detector as a complete device
U L
r i
kV
mm
1 < U ≤ 7,2
r
7,2 < U ≤ 12 360
r
12 < U ≤ 17,5 370
r
17,5 < U ≤ 24 470
r
24 < U ≤ 36
r
36 < U ≤ 72,5
r
72,5 < U ≤ 123 1 300
r
123 < U ≤ 170 1 700
r
170 < U ≤ 245 2 300
r
3 600
245 < U ≤ 420
r
4 300
420 < U ≤ 525
r
6 600
525 < U ≤ 765
r
NOTE 1 The nominal voltage U is used when the parameters to be specified are related to the installation
n
dimensioning or to the functional performance of the voltage detector, while the rated voltage U is used when
r
insulation performance of the voltage detector is concerned.
NOTE 2 The L values of Table 2 correspond to the minimum distance in air (obtained from Tables 1 and 2 of
i
IEC 61936-1) plus an additional safety distance.
NOTE 3 The L values of Table 2 can be used as a guidance to determine the length of the insulating stick used
i
with a voltage detector as a separate device. However, the length of the insulating stick for live working can be
shortened for voltage detectors as a separate device taking into account the minimum approach distances or in
accordance with national or regional regulations.
For L equal to or greater than 520 mm, conductive parts not exceeding 200 mm (in total),
i
measured from the limit mark towards the handle, are allowed within the minimum length of
the insulating element if they are completely externally insulated.
The limit mark shall be about 20 mm wide, permanent, and clearly recognisable by the user.
If there is no limit mark on a voltage detector as a separate device, the end of the adaptor
shall act as the limit mark (Figure 1b).
For a voltage detector as a complete device, the handle shall be at least 115 mm in length.
NOTE The handle may be made longer for two-hand operation.

61243-1 © IEC:2003+A1:2009 – 17 –
For a voltage detector as a complete device, the hand guard shall be permanently fixed and
have a minimum height (h ) of 20 mm.
HG
In order to adapt the voltage detector to different uses, the contact electrode readily may be
interchangeable or completed with other types of contact electrodes depending on the type of
installation and instructions for use.
4.4.3 G
...