What is EN 61010-1:2020?

EN 61010-1:2020 is a technical standard that specifies safety requirements for electrical equipment used for measurement, control, and laboratory use. It is part of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61010 series of standards and serves as a benchmark for manufacturers, ensuring the safety of their products.

Scope of EN 61010-1:2020

The scope of EN 61010-1:2020 covers electrical equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts AC and 1,500 volts DC. It applies to a wide range of equipment used in various settings, such as laboratories, test and measurement facilities, industrial environments, and medical institutions.

The standard encompasses equipment used for testing and measuring electrical parameters, controlling processes, generating or supplying electrical signals, and performing scientific experiments. This includes but is not limited to multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, function generators, and laboratory centrifuges.

Main Requirements of EN 61010-1:2020

EN 61010-1:2020 sets forth several key requirements to ensure the safety of electrical equipment:

Electrical insulation: The standard mandates sufficient insulation between live parts and accessible conductive parts to prevent electrical shock.

Protection against mechanical hazards: Equipment must be designed and constructed to minimize risks associated with moving parts, sharp edges, and other potential physical dangers.

Protection against thermal hazards: Adequate measures should be taken to prevent overheating, such as temperature limiting devices and proper ventilation.

Protection against fire and explosion hazards: Equipment must be designed to minimize the risk of fire or explosions caused by electrical faults.

Clear marking: All equipment should be clearly marked with relevant safety information, warnings, and instructions for use.

Conclusion

EN 61010-1:2020 is a crucial standard that ensures the safety of electrical equipment used for measurement, control, and laboratory purposes. It sets forth requirements related to electrical insulation, mechanical and thermal protection, and prevention of fire and explosion hazards. Compliance with this standard is essential for manufacturers to guarantee the safety of their products and protect users from potential dangers.