How to Choose A Reliable Insulated Tools-The Certifications
What are Insulated Hand Tools?
Insulated hand tools are designed for repair, maintenance, and assembly tasks. Their primary function is to prevent electrical shocks and mitigate potential electrical hazards that technicians and mechanics face daily.
Choosing Reliable Insulated Hand Tools
When selecting insulated hand tools, the paramount consideration is adherence to international standards. These standards ensure critical safety functions are never compromised. Many organizations have established worldwide standards to certify that products undergo rigorous testing and perform as expected.
Commonly Used Insulated Hand Tool Certifications
- DIN/IEC/EN 60900
According to the International Electrotechnical Commission, "IEC 60900:2018 is applicable to insulated, insulating and hybrid hand tools used for working live or close to live parts at nominal voltages up to 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC.”
*While IEC 60900, DIN 60900, and EN 60900 all refer to the same foundational standard for insulated hand tools, they indicate different levels of adoption and standardization: international (IEC), national (DIN for Germany), and European (EN).
- ASTM F1505-10
ASTM International states, "This specification covers the testing and corresponding design and performance requirements for insulated and insulating hand tools used for working on, or in close proximity to, energized electrical apparatus or conductors operating at maximum voltage of 1000 V ac or 1500 V dc."
As per VDE Testing and Certification, "Worldwide, VDE marks on electrical products represent safety and security. Through the testing of electro technical products in a comprehensive, impartial and independent manner, the VDE Institute ensures the products' safety, electromagnetic compatibility and usability.”
Key Similarities Among Certifications
Voltage Rating: All standards indicate that insulated tools can safely be used on or near live parts up to 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC.
Dielectric Testing: Insulated tools must pass high-voltage tests to confirm their insulation's reliability.
Design and Performance: The tools are designed to prevent electrical shocks and are built to withstand professional use.
Marking: Tools meeting these standards are marked with the official 1000-volt rating symbol, indicating compliance.
Prioritizing Safety
Regardless of the certification chosen by the manufacturer, these standards guarantee that every insulated tool has undergone rigorous testing and is certified to keep you safe from electrical hazards.
When selecting tools for your next job, the first consideration should be the certification. These marks are not just symbols; they are assurances that the tools meet the highest safety standards. So, the next time you're at a hardware store or ordering online, ensure the tools carry the stamp of approval. Your safety depends on it.
HTI: A Promising Total Solution Provider
At Hand Tools International(HTI), we honored every craftsman’s effort, by providing premiere quality hand tools, we serve the clients world widely across North America, Europe, Japan and Southeast Asia. HTI has 30+ years of experience in supplying hand tools, serving as one of the leading distributors in the hand tools field, as well as providing personal protection equipment and electrician tools.
All of our insulated hand tools adhere to the rigorous safety standards outlined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), European Norms (EN), and Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) 60900. Each tool undergoes extensive testing to ensure compliance with these standards, guaranteeing the utmost safety and reliability for our clients and end users.