CAT IV

The scope of IEC 61010-1:2001
specifies general safety requirements for the test and measurement, control and
laboratory equipment. It also includes the accessories used with these types of
equipment.

For the first time the IEC
61010-1:2001 has specified the requirements for measuring category IV (CAT IV).
This category refers to the source of the mains voltage installation. Examples would
be electricity meters, measurements on primary over-current protection and
ripple control units. The previous version of the standard only defines
applications upto Category III (CAT III), the building installation including
distribution boards, circuit breakers, bus bars and junction boxes. Category II
(CAT II) refers to the circuits that are directly connected to the mains
voltage installation such as household appliances or portable tools. Category
–I (CAT I) circuits are not directly connected.

Using a properly rated test
instrument on your projects can mean the difference between completing the task
without accident or suffering or a serious injury.

Test instruments that meet the
requirements of the IEC standard 61010-1, provide transient protection levels
far greater than the instrument’s maximum rated input. Using a test instrument
without this additional protection against transient over voltages can result
in serious injury or even death.

CAT-I rated test instruments are
signal-level tools for telecommunications and electronic equipment. Transient voltage
risk is limited, but still exists, due to the distances between equipment
location and other equipment located between it and the primary electrical
supply. The IEC no longer specifies protection levels for CAT I instruments.

CAT-II rated test instruments
cover the local level of circuits for fixed or non-fixed power devices. This
includes most lightning equipment, appliances and 120V or 240V equipment inside
a building.

CAT-III rated test instruments
can withstand the transient voltage range found on most distribution circuits.
These instruments are used primarily on fixed primary feeders or branch
circuits. They are separated from CAT IV utility service or other high-voltage
source equipment by at-least one level or through transformer isolation.

CAT-IV rated test instruments are
designed for testing on the primary supply source, which also includes 120V or
240V overhead or underground lines that power detached buildings or underground
lines that power well pumps. The CAT IV rating covers the highest and most
dangerous level of transient over-voltage, electricians encounter when working
on utility service equipment like exterior transformer.

The RISH Multi Series comply with
the CAT-IV i.e. IEC 61010-1:2001 safety standard. Thus ensuring the best of the
safety to the user, circuit under test and the multimeter used for testing
purpose.

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