EN 61010-1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use

EN 61010-1 is a key electrical safety standard that sets out general safety requirements for electrical equipment intended for measurement, control and laboratory use. The standard ensures the safety of the equipment for both the user and the environment.

The EN 61010-1 standard requirements for the following categories of equipment:

• Equipment that measures or records electrical or physical quantities (e.g. multimeters, oscilloscopes and signal generators).

• Equipment that controls one or more output variables to specified values (e.g. process controllers).

• Electrical laboratory equipment: equipment used for the investigation or processing of materials (e.g. centrifuges, furnaces, mixers and analytical equipment, including equipment for in vitro diagnostics).

The standard applies to this equipment regardless of whether it is used in professional activities, education or industry.

Product testing in accordance with standard EN 61010 focuses, in particular, on the following hazards:

Electric shock hazard: verification of the adequacy of insulation distances, enclosures and earthing.

Mechanical hazards: strength of the device, sharp edges and protection of moving parts.

Fire safety: the device’s ability to prevent ignition and the spread of fire in the event of a fault.

Environmental conditions: the functionality and safety of the device at specified temperatures and humidity levels.