Electrical Industry Canada: Test & Measurement Issue - 8

IMPROVE TEST & MEASUREMENT SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY BY MATCHING THERMAL
IMAGING-ENABLED DEVICES WITH THE APPROPRIATE CAT RATING CNT'D.
IEC supplies a quick-reference chart to determine whether or not a given electrical tool is appropriate for the task at hand.

IEC 61010-1
2nd Edition

Rated Voltage
150V
300V
600V
1,000V
Resistance

CAT IV
4000V
6000V
8000V
12kV
2-ohms

CAT III
2500V
4000V
6000V
8000V
2-ohms

UL 61010B-1
(UL 31111-1)
CAT II
1500V
2500V
4000V
6000V
12-ohms

CAT II
2500V
4000V
6000V
8000V
2-ohms

CAT II
1500V
2500V
4000V
6000V
12-ohms

CAT I
800V
1500V
2500V
4000V
30-ohms

Matching the Right Electrical Tools for the Job
Included below are some test and measurement examples where thermal imaging and CAT ratings play a crucial role in the user's safety and
efficiency.
Multimeters
Thermal imaging-enhanced multimeters can help guide electrical professionals to the precise location of temperature anomalies and potential
problems. For instance, when facing a maze of wires or scanning complex electrical panels for issues, that visibility is invaluable to pinpoint likely
issues without requiring any direct contact with the test site. Once an issue is observed, leveraging a properly CAT rated multimeter's current,
voltage and other advanced functions will allow the user to accurately diagnose the equipment problem.
Clamp Meters
Clamp meters with built-in thermal imaging can eliminate guess work to quickly identify issues while keeping a safe distance from contact with
panels, cabinets, or cluttered wires and cables that may present a safety hazard. For a situation where the issue appears to be a failing motor or
compressor, a thermal camera-enabled clamp meter can help quickly verify the source-is it the power supply, or something else? For clamping
around electrical conductors, ensuring the device has the right CAT rating for the job becomes crucial to maintaining an appropriate safety
environment, no matter what additional precautions are taken.
ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY CANADA

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

8
Electrical Industry Canada: Test & Measurement Issue

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Electrical Industry Canada: Test & Measurement Issue
