Definition of measuring (overvoltage) category – Amprobe ACD-55HPQ Clamp-Meter User Manual
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ACD-55HPQ
1.4. DEFINITION OF MEASURING (OVERVOLTAGE) CATEGORY
The norm EN 61010: Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,
control and laboratory use, Part 1: General requirements, defines what a measuring
category, usually called over voltage category, is. Circuits are divided into the following
measurement categories:
• Measurement category IV is for measurements performed at the source of the
low-voltage installation.
Examples are electric meters and measurements on primary over current protection
devices and ripple control units.
• Measurement category III is for measurements performed in the building
installation.
Examples are measurements on distribution boards, circuit breakers, wiring,
including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket-outlets in the fixed
installation, and equipment for industrial use and some other equipment, for
example, stationary motors with permanent connection to fixed installation.
• Measurement category II is for measurements performed on circuits directly
connected to the low voltage installation.
Examples are measurements on household appliances, portable tools and similar
equipment.
• Measurement category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly
connected to MAINS.
Examples are measurements on circuits not derived from MAINS, and specially
protected (internal) MAINS-derived circuits. In the latter case, transient stresses are
variable; for that reason, the norm requires that the transient withstand capability of
the equipment is made known to the user.
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