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Test Accessories
Whether for testing, measuring or diagnosis of components and systems, our innovative test accessories offer you the performance, dependability and repeatability you need. Our Test & Measurement product family includes our complete line of insulated test accessories that meet and exceed today's stringent safety requirements, our test accessories for high-frequency engineering, as well as our wide range of highly flexible wire. All safety test accesories are touch-protected according to IEC/EN 61010-031.
Measurement Categories according to IEC/EN 61010-031:2008:
To facilitate the assignment of test accessories to the appropriate applications, standard IEC/EN 61010-031 has established a number of categories which define where they can be used in the power supply network and to lay down appropriate requirements for each category.
Formerly (until 2002), the measurement categories now defined in standard IEC/EN 61010-031 were designated as overvoltage categories. This term originated from the fact that the classification was based primarily upon the overvoltages (surges) that were likely to occur in the mains supply.
Actually the measurement categories differ not so much in the level of the expected transient values as with regard to the available energy in each test category in the event of a short circuit.
In a higher measurement category more energy can be released than in a lower one, with results that may even have an explosive like character with very serious consequences for the user.
In standard EN 61010-031 there are four different test categories, abbreviated “CAT”. The category CAT followed by a number from I to IV is stated in our catalogues with the rated voltage, and also marked on the products.
As a general rule, the higher the CAT rating, the higher the safety requirement that applies to the product. One exception is CAT I, see below.
