Wiha Tools Product Catalogue 2012-2014 - Manual (Page 164)

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Wiha VDE tools.
VDE in detail.
Wiha Info
What is VDE?
The VDE Testing and Certification Institute is a nationally and
internationally accredited institution in the field of testing
and certification of electrical engineering devices, components
and systems. These electrical products are tested for safety,
electromagnetic compatibility and other product properties.
Double triangle and voltage range
If insulated tools or aids are
marked with the symbol of the
double triangle and the assigned
voltage or voltage range specifica-
tion or the class, they are suitable
for working on energised parts.
VDE-GS Mark
Technical working equipment and
consumable materials subject to
the applicable device and product
safety laws bear the VDE-GS mark,
which stands for the safety of the
product with regard to electrical,
mechanical, thermal, toxicological,
radiological and other dangers.
In addition, tools with the VDE-GS
mark conform to the VDE regulations
or European or internationally
harmonised standards, i.e. they
confirm the compliance with the
safety requirements of the respec-
tive guidelines.
IEC 60900:2004
An international standard which,
among other things, describes the
design of insulated tools in detail.
For example, the thickness of the
protective insulation is specified.
In addition, the standard defines
individual tests (piece tests) as
well as series and random sample
tests for checking the electrical
safety of the protective insulation.
Wiha VDE tools are subjected to extremely
demanding safety test methods. Pressure tests
No disruptive discharge may occur at
a pressure load of 20 N, a temperature of
70° C and a test voltage of 5,000 V AC. Testing the combustion behaviour
A flame is pointed at the tool for ten seconds.
The insulating material may then not continue
to burn, but instead must extinguish.
Testing the adhesion of the
insulating material coating
To test the adhesion of the insulating
coating, the adhesion is tested with a
tensile force of 500 N following storage
for 168 hours at 70° C.
When doing so, the insulating material
must continue to be firmly connected to
the basic tool. Testing the electrical insulating
properties
The tools are stored in water for 24 hours.
Then they are tested at 10,000 V AC for
three minutes. Neither a sparkover nor a
disruptive discharge through the insulation
may occur.
Voltage test (piece test)
Wiha VDE tools are tested individually.
All tools with the special marking were
tested with 10,000 V AC and are therefore
approved for 1,000 V AC (and 1,500 V DC).
This means: ten-fold safety. Cold shock test
The tools are cooled down to -25 °C.
The insulating material must retain its
toughness in the process so that it does not
break when subjected to impacts and jolts.
Safety test method according to IEC
using the example of a pair of Wiha pliers
For all work on or near live parts,
use the following required for
the respective work
• insulating personal safety
equipment,
• insulating safety equipment
and
• insulated tools.
Work should generally not be
carried out on live active parts of
electrical systems and electrical
equipment. As a result, the parts
must be deenergised before
starting work and this state must
be ensured for the duration of
the work.
This is done by complying with
the five safety rules.
Before beginning work:
• Isolate
• Protect against being
switched on again
• Determine deenergised state
• Earth and short-circuit
• Cover or block access to
neighbouring live parts.
Protective measures