1.4.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORIES - DEFINITIONS
IEC/EN61010-1 (Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control
and laboratory use, Part 1: General requirements) defines what a measurement category
(usually called "overvoltage category") is. At § 6.7.4: Measuring circuits it quotes: Circuits
are divided into the following measurement categories:
Measurement Category IV is for measurements performed at the source of low
voltage installations.
Examples are electricity meters and measurements on primary overcurrent protection
devices and ripple control units
Measurement Category III is for measurements performed in building installations.
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 installations.
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 withstanding capability of
the equipment is made known to the user.
EN - 4
HT10