International standards
The International Electronic Commission (IEC) has brought out a new Standard for measurement equipment to protect the users of dangerous contacts with high voltage and high currents. This standard valid for all measurement equipment is:
IEC 1010 - 2 - 031

Applications
Single pole safety connectors are suitable for measuring when main voltage or higher voltage up to 1000 V are being used. The enhanced contact protection prevents short circuits when working in the low voltage range and this protects the user and high value equipment that may be damaged by short circuits. Safety laboratory equipment ist used wherever contact protection is required either by the safety regulatinos or just to prevent accidents. It is used in laboratories, workshops and above all in training institutions where mains voltage is beeing used.


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Below you will find two ways to get more safety during measuring, testing and experimentating:

1. The Sliding sleeve principle
At the sliding sleeve system all contact parts are protected by an insulating sleeve. This sleeve will be retracted by pushing the connector into a socket. By pulling the plug out of the socket the spring loaded insulated sleeve will be pushed back over the contact parts and gives therefore again a protection against accidental touch.










Additional safety is been given by plugs where the insulation sleeve can only be released by pressure on the side-mounted locking spring.

Advantage

• compatible with all 4mm standard

Disadvantage

• technical costly solution sockets
• encourage to playing, therefore increases danger
• according the IEC 1010 only to be used with low voltages
  

2. Rigid sleeve principle
The single pole 4mm safety plug is enclosed in a rigid plastic insulating sleeve which cannot be pushed back. A suitable cutout is provided in the safety socket.










In addition the plug has a insulating cap. This prevents unintentional contact from the side and from the front.

Advantage

• applies to IEC 1010 standard regulation
• a unintentional contact is strictly impossible
• double insulation, touchproof up to 1000 V!

Disadvantage

• fits only in special 4 mm safety sockets (but old standard sockets could be adapted with only a poor cost)

Balance
If you are looking for a protection which strictly applies to the IEC 1010 standard and which gives you the best possible safety, please use ONLY measurement equipment according to the rigid sleeve principle. This is the only way to make sure that the complete way of your measurement experiments is been built up absolutely touchproof components.
The use of plugs according the sliding sleeve principle is only a compromise which could quickly loose their safety by unproper usage!


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