BS en 50699 - 032413
BS en 50699 - 032413
BS en 50699 - 032413
National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 50699:2020.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee L/1, Electrotechnical Technical Policy Committee.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its committee manager.
The UK committee draws to the attention of the user that certain
test methodologies within this standard are not aligned with the
requirements specified in a number of product safety standards. As such,
the testing in this standard could result in erroneous safety test results
and possibly damage the equipment. If there is any question as to the
validity of the test method within this standard, reference should be
made to the relevant product safety standard.
Additionally, attention is drawn to the fact that some product safety
standards specify that insulation resistance shall be tested with a
voltage of 250 V DC, even though the exemption from testing at 500 V
in Table 1 does not apply (see Subclause 5.4, which states: ‘The value of
the test voltage shall not be below 500 V DC except for equipment with
embedded overvoltage suppressors, in this case the test voltage shall be
reduced to 250 V DC.’).
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
© The British Standards Institution 2021
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2021
ISBN 978 0 539 03904 7
ICS 19.080; 29.020
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 March 2021.
English Version
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2020-09-21. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
© 2020 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
EN 50699:2020 (E)
Contents
European foreword ...................................................................................................................................3
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................4
1 Scope ...............................................................................................................................................5
2 Normative references .......................................................................................................................6
3 Terms and definitions .......................................................................................................................6
4 Requirements ...................................................................................................................................9
5 Tests .............................................................................................................................................. 10
5.1 General ................................................................................................................................ 10
5.1.1 General test conditions................................................................................................ 10
5.1.2 Visual inspection ......................................................................................................... 10
5.1.3 Test of the effectiveness of protective measures against electric hazards ................. 10
5.1.4 Confirmation of the compliance of additional protective measures............................. 11
5.1.5 Documentation and evaluation of test ......................................................................... 11
5.2 Visual inspection .................................................................................................................. 11
5.3 Measuring of protective conductor resistance ..................................................................... 12
5.4 Measurement of the insulation resistance ........................................................................... 14
5.5 Measurement of protective conductor current ..................................................................... 18
5.6 Measurement of the touch current ...................................................................................... 22
5.7 Confirmation of the compliance of the specifications for the protective measure
SELV/PELV ......................................................................................................................... 25
5.8 Measurement of the leakage current produced by a floating input (measuring- and
control input) with a rated input voltage above 50 V AC or 120 V DC ................................ 26
5.9 Confirmation of the operation of further protective measures ............................................. 27
6 Documentation and evaluation of test ........................................................................................... 27
7 Test equipment .............................................................................................................................. 27
Annex A (informative) General guidance and rationale ....................................................................... 28
A.1 Intended audience ......................................................................................................................... 28
A.2 Rationale ....................................................................................................................................... 29
A.2.1 Clause 5 – Tests .................................................................................................................. 29
A.2.2 Subclause 5.3 – Measuring of protective bonding resistance ............................................. 29
A.2.3 Subclause 5.4 – Measurement of insulation resistance ...................................................... 29
A.2.4 Reasons for choosing different measuring methods for leakage current ............................ 30
A.2.5 Alternative method ............................................................................................................... 30
A.2.6 Residual method .................................................................................................................. 31
Annex B (informative) Schematics for test sequences ........................................................................ 32
B.1 Schematic test sequence for equipment of class I ........................................................................ 32
B.2 Schematic test sequence for equipment of class II ....................................................................... 33
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European foreword
This document (EN 50699:2020) has been prepared by CLC/BTTF 160-1 “Recurrent Test of Electrical
Equipment”.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
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Introduction
This document intends to provide a uniform test procedure to test the effectiveness of the protective
measures for electrical safety for recurrent tests of current-using equipment and appliances during
their operating life time at work places.
This document can be considered by employers to support compliance with the European Directive
2009/104/EC concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment
by workers at work and does not necessarily involve the manufacturer.
In general, test procedures for verification of products is the responsibility of the related product
technical committees. This document can be taken into consideration by product technical committees
if they need to take into consideration modified or additional tests for verification of products falling
within their scope.”
The described tests are simple and fast, well approved and safe for the testing person.
They can be carried out on site and/or in laboratories.
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1 Scope
This document specifies the requirements of the test procedures to be applied for recurrent tests of
current-using electrical equipment and appliances for the verification of the effectiveness of the
protective measures and the permissible limits
This procedure is applicable to current-using electrical equipment connected at work places to final
circuits with a rated voltage above 25 V AC and 60 V DC up to 1 000 V AC and 1 500 V DC, and
currents up to 63 A. They can be either pluggable equipment type A connected to final circuits at work
places via a plug or permanently connected equipment.
This document assumes that the current-using equipment or appliances under consideration complies
with its related product standard, has been introduced on the market and is in use.
This document does not cover:
— tests after repair defined in EN 50678;
— type tests, routine tests, sample tests, special tests and acceptance tests for product safety nor
for product functional requirements.
NOTE 1 type tests, routine tests, sample tests, special tests and acceptance tests are usually defined in
product standards. This document does not replace tests covered by product standards.
— devices and equipment that are part of the fixed electrical installations defined in
HD 60364 (all parts);
NOTE 2 For these devices, tests for initial and periodic verifications are covered by HD 60364-6.
— uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), photovoltaic inverters and power converters, e.g. AC/DC
converters;
— power Drives;
b) arc welding equipment covered by EN 60974-1. For these devices, EN 60974-4 applies;
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2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 61557-1, Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500 V d.c. -
Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures - Part 1: General requirements
EN 61557-2, Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500 V d.c. -
Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures - Part 2: Insulation resistance
EN 61557-4, Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500 V d.c. -
Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures - Part 4: Resistance of earth
connection and equipotential bonding
EN 61557-16, Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500 V d.c. -
Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures - Part 16: Equipment for testing
the effectiveness of the protective measures of electrical equipment and/or medical electrical
equipment
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
NOTE Some of the definitions are different from those in the product standards for type testing, as different
measuring methods are used.
3.1
electrical safety
protection within a piece of equipment which limits the effects of electrical current on a user or other
individuals
Note 1 to entry: Safety is defined as freedom from unacceptable risk (refer to ISO 14971:2007, definition
2.24).
3.2
testing
process of visually controlling, measuring or proving the electrical equipment in order to assure that
equipment remains safe to use
3.3
electrically skilled person
skilled person
person with relevant education and experience to enable him or her to perceive risks and to avoid
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3.4
electrically instructed person
instructed person
person adequately advised or supervised by electrically skilled persons to enable him or her to
perceive risks and to avoid hazards which electricity can create
3.5
electrical equipment
single apparatus using electrical energy and connected by plug or permanently connected to a final
circuit of the distribution system
Note 1 to entry: Equipment includes those accessories as defined by the manufacturer that are necessary to
enable the normal use of the equipment.
3.6
final circuit
electric circuit intended to directly supply electric current to current-using equipment or socket-outlets
3.7
leakage current
current flowing from live parts of the equipment to earth
[SOURCE: IEV 442-01-24 modified – the term has changed and a reference to the absence of an
insulation fault has been removed.]
3.8
touch current
current passing through a human or animal body when it touches one or more accessible parts of a
piece of electrical equipment not connected to protective earth
[SOURCE: IEV 195-05-21 modified – the wording of the definition has been narrowed]
3.9
protective conductor current
electric current which flows in a protective conductor and is frequency weighted according to the
characteristics of the human body
[SOURCE: IEV 826-11-21, modified – the wording of the definition has been expanded.]
3.10
residual current
vectorial sum of the currents flowing in the live conductors of the mains circuit of the equipment and
frequency weighted according to the characteristics of the human body
[SOURCE: IEV 826-11-19 modified – the wording of the definition has been expanded]
3.11
insulation resistance
resistance under specified conditions between two conductive elements separated by insulating
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materials
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3.12
protective bonding resistance
resistance between any accessible conductive part, which is connected for safety purposes to the
protective earth terminal, and the
3.13
SELV
electric system in which the voltage cannot exceed the value of extra-low voltage:
— under single fault conditions, including earth faults in other electric circuits
3.14
PELV
electric system in which the voltage cannot exceed the value of extra-low voltage:
— under single fault conditions, except earth faults in other electric circuits
3.15
recurrent test
periodic verification of the effectiveness of protective measures of electrical equipment
3.16
permanently connected equipment
equipment that can only be electrically connected to or disconnected from the mains by the use of a
tool
3.17
pluggable equipment type A
equipment that is intended for connection to the mains via a non-industrial plug and socket outlet or
via a non-industrial appliance coupler, or both
Note 1 to entry: Examples are appliance couplers covered by standards such as EN 60320-1.
3.18
current-using equipment
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electrical equipment intended to convert electrical energy into another form of energy, for example
light, heat, mechanical energy
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3.19
hazardous live parts
live part which, under certain conditions, can give a harmful electric shock
4 Requirements
— by the intended use of the equipment, minimized hazard for the user or the environment
originates.
The electrically skilled person who is responsible for the test shall decide if additional tests are
required to meet the protective measures.
During a recurrent test the equipment shall not be disassembled. The electrically skilled person may
decide that, for equipment that is connected to the distribution system with fixed and protected wiring
and is not intended to be hand-held during operation, the test is carried out according to this document
and/or according to the relevant clauses of HD 60364-6.
The test procedure shall be interrupted and the equipment shall be disconnected from mains and
marked as failed, if it is found that during the test:
— reduced safety levels are present due to damage or from unintended use;
and/or
— functional hazards could occur.
NOTE The frequency of testing can be determined by the national requirements or recommendation of the
manufacturer. Where no national requirements or information of the manufacturer is existing a risk analysis can
be used.
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5 Tests
5.1 General
The tests may be performed at the ambient temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure present
at the location of testing.
If it is obvious that the equipment is contaminated by dust or moisture, it is allowed to clean the
equipment under test and/or to allow it to dry before starting the tests
The operational limits of the test equipment and the equipment under test shall be taken into account.
The equipment shall be tested according to the test steps in 5.1.1 to 5.1.5, as long as it is possible
with the equipment under test. The sequence of testing shall be as defined in this document.
Each individual performed test shall be passed before proceeding to the next test.
If it is not possible to perform a certain test step, an electrically skilled person shall decide if the safety
of the equipment under test can be confirmed without the test step or by other means. This decision
shall be justified and reported.
Manufacturer’s instructions on tests to be performed, shall be considered.
The values in this document shall be used unless the product standard specifically provides in-service
limits in which case the product standard limits shall be used or justified values from the manufacturer.
External equipment that could influence the tests should be disconnected, if possible.
Measurement of leakage currents using the direct or residual method shall be performed using a TN
supply system or a TT supply system with an earth resistance below 1000 Ω.
NOTE 1 It is preferable to use a TN supply for the measurement of leakage currents using the direct or
residual method.
Accessible conductive parts not relevant for touch current measurement can be identified by risk
analysis. Risk assessment and risk analysis should be carried out by skilled persons and should be
based on knowledge of the electrical circuitry and construction of the Equipment Under Test (EUT).
NOTE 2 In general this document does not address the measurement of DC leakage currents.
Test of the protective measures against electric hazards shall be performed according to 5.3 to 5.8.
— Confirmation of the effectiveness of the protective bonding to all accessible conductive parts
connected for safety reasons to protective earth according to 5.3.
— Confirmation of the effectiveness of the insulation by measuring the insulation resistance between
live parts and accessible conductive parts:
— protected by double or reinforced Insulation and not connected to protective earth (primarily
on class II equipment but also on class I equipment) according to 5.4;
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— Confirmation of the compliance with the limits for the leakage currents by measuring of:
— The touch current of accessible conductive parts not connected to protective earth, if
applicable, according to 5.6.
NOTE 1 The measurement of leakage current can be omitted on extension leads, detachable power cables,
multiple socket-outlets without electrical parts between live conductors and protective earth.
NOTE 2 The measurement of protective earth leakage current can be omitted on permanently connected
(installed) equipment.
— Confirmation of the compliance with the requirements for the protective measure SELV/PELV by
measuring the output voltage, if the output voltage is accessible according to 5.7.
— Confirmation of the compliance with the limits for the leakage currents produced by a floating
input (e.g. inputs for measuring and control) with a rated input voltage above 50 V AC or
120 V DC according to 5.8.
The documentation and the evaluation of the tests shall be according to Clause 6.
The visual inspection shall take place to detect external defects and, if possible, to determine the
qualification of the suitability of the equipment for the environment.
Special attention shall be paid to the following (if applicable):
— any damage or contamination;
— that all cables and connectors are connected in their intended way ;
— checking by hand to ensure that the anchorages and the inlets of each connector are properly
fixed.
— condition of the mains plug and the mains connectors and conductors;
— damage of the housing and protective cover that could give access to live or dangerous moving
parts;
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— tightness of container for water, air, or other medium, condition of pressure control valve;
— readability and completeness of all safety relevant markings, labels or symbols, of the ratings and
of the position indicators;
— all fuses accessible from the outside are complying with the data given by the manufacturer (rated
current, characteristics) ;
— assess the relevant accessories together with the equipment (e.g. detachable or fixed power
supply cords tubing);
NOTE 1 It is appropriate to determine during the visual inspection if accessible conductive parts, that have to
be tested according to 5.3 to 5.8, are present.
— measuring the resistance between the protective earth terminal of the equipment (where
applicable contact on the mains plug) and each accessible conductive part, directly connected to
the protective earth.
NOTE 1 Conductive parts, which are not part of the protective measures, could have a higher measured
resistance values (e.g. mechanical construction parts, decorative parts, functional earthing, etc.). On these parts,
touch current measurements are used.
NOTE 2 During the measurement, the conductor is flexing over the entire length and at the point of entry on
the equipment and the mains plug. Flexing is not required for permanently connected equipment where the
conductor is not accessible.
where
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NOTE 3 The value of 0,1 Ω in the formulae above takes into account the influence of the contact resistance.
If fixed installed equipment is measured using an adjacent connection, an electrically skilled person
shall decide which value shall be added.
It is recommended that care be taken to ensure that the contact resistance between the test probe and
the metal part under test does not influence the test result.
When equipment under test is permanently connected to the distribution system, an earth reference
point on the fixed installation is required to measure the earth continuity. The protective earth
conductor shall not be disconnected from the installation and protective covers shall not be removed.
NOTE 4 During this measurement parallel earth connections, for example due to the type of installation (water
pipe or data line), can influence the result.
NOTE 5 Some equipment under test could have accessible metal parts which are earthed only for functional
or screening purposes with protection against electric shock being provided by double or reinforced insulation.
a) Example of test circuit for the measurement of protective earth resistance in equipment that
is disconnected from the supply mains
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b) Example of test circuit for the measurement of protective earth resistance in equipment,
which for functional reasons cannot be disconnected from supply mains, or in equipment or
permanently connected to mains
Key
G generating measuring supply
1 test equipment
2 equipment under test
3 fuse or circuit breaker
4 socket
5 N (neutral) or live interrupted
6.1 test point(s), accessible conductive parts, connected to PE
6.2 test point(s), accessible conductive parts, not connected to PE
7 earth potential
8 equipment is isolated from earth
9.1 test probe to protective earth and to accessible protective parts, connected to PE
9.2 test probe to protective earth and to accessible protective parts, not connected to PE
9.3 test probe to live parts
10 possible earth connections
11 double or reinforced insulation
Figure 1 — Example of test circuits for the measurement of protective earth resistance
— between live parts of a SELV/PELV circuit and live parts of mains supply.
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Examples for equipment that could be damaged includes information technology, audio, video etc.
equipment
The value of the test voltage shall not be below 500 V DC except for equipment with embedded
overvoltage suppressors, in this case the test voltage shall be reduced to 250 V DC.
For testing live parts with the protective means SELV/PELV against accessible conductive parts, the
test voltage may be reduced to 250 V DC.
The test circuits and limits in Table 1 shall be used. The equipment under test shall be disconnected
from mains supply. To include all insulation of all live parts, all switches, controls etc. shall be closed
during the measurement. If necessary, the measurements shall be repeated in all switch positions.
It shall be confirmed that the values of the insulation resistance is not below the limits of Table 1.
If devices of the class I with heating elements > 3,5 kW do not fulfil the insulation resistance limits, the test is passed if the
limits of the earth leakage current according to 5.5 are not exceeded.
Equipment under test with supply voltages < 25 V DC and < 60 V DC shall not be tested.
Accessible conductive parts of electrical equipment, marked according to IEC 60417, 5180 (see
Figure 2) with supply voltages ≥ 25 V AC or ≥ 60 V DC shall be tested.
If the measured value of the insulation resistance is much below the limits of Table 1, it can indicate
an insulation fault. Where accessible conductive parts are identified as not relevant for the insulation
resistance measurement by risk assessment, tests can be omitted.
The measurement of the insulation resistance may be omitted where equipment utilizes components
(e.g. relays, double pole switch, etc.) that isolates (breaks) all live conductors of the mains supply, as
only the insulation of the live parts up to the isolator component is tested.
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If the accompanying documentation supplied by the manufacturer of the equipment under test states
that the equipment under test is fitted with protective impedances between the live parts and
protective earth, this impedance is the limit for the measurements.
NOTE 1 All supply conductors can be connected in parallel with poly-phase electrical equipment.
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a) Example of test circuit for the measurement of insulation resistance – equipment with
protective earth connector and a plug
b) Example of test circuit for the measurement of insulation resistance – equipment with
protective earth connector fixed installed and accessible conductive parts not connected to
protective earth
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e) Example of test circuit for the measurement of insulation resistance — equipment with
protective earth connector and a plug and accessible conductive parts not connected to
protective earth
f) Example of test circuit for the measurement of insulation resistance — equipment with
protective isolation transformers, verifying the safe insulation
NOTE 2 For Figure 3e, additional measurements on accessible conductive connectors for SELV/PELV (low-
voltage) (e.g. interface, sensor…)
The protective conductor current shall be measured on equipment having protective bonding that is
not permanently connected to the supply system.
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Depending on the equipment one of the following methods of measuring, the protective conductor
current may be used:
— alternative method (Figure 4c) see A.2.5
NOTE 1 The listed order of measurement methods is in order of safety offered to the tester and those who
could be present in the test vicinity.
The alternative method shall not be used where active components switch (isolate) all live conductors
(e.g. a relay isolating all live conductors unless activated). Switching of a single (individual) live
conductor is permitted. In case of doubt the direct method or the residual current method shall be used.
NOTE 2 If the alternative method is used, all supply conductors can be connected in parallel with poly-phase
electrical equipment.
If the direct method is used, no part of the equipment under test shall be connected to earth except via
the protective conductor of the device.
NOTE 3 Leakage currents in parallel earth paths could influence the direct method
If the alternative method is used, the measured values could exceed the maximum permitted values of
the direct and differential measuring method. Where the alternative method measured value exceeds
3.5 mA the residual or direct method shall be used.
NOTE 4 Using the alternative method results in measured values typically up to double the direct and
differential method measured.
If the connection to the mains supply of an equipment is non-polarized (mains connector without
polarity), the measurement shall be performed in all possible positions of the mains plug. Equipment
shall be tested in all operating conditions (e.g. switch positions) which influence the protective
conductor current. The highest value and the related condition, if relevant, shall be documented.
Information from the manufacturer shall be followed.
It shall be confirmed that the protective conductor current comply with Table°2.
Table 2 — Limits (maximum values) for protective conductor current for equipment that is not
permanently connected to the supply system
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a) Example of test circuit for the measurement of protective conductor current — direct method
b) Example of test circuit for the measurement of protective conductor current — residual
current method
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c) Example of test circuit for the measurement of protective conductor current — alternative
method
d) Example of test circuit for the measurement of protective conductor current — residual
current method
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e) Example of test circuit for the measurement of protective conductor current — direct method
with clamp
NOTE 1 Figure 4a shows equipment with plug and possible additional capacitors.
NOTE 2 Figure 4b shows equipment with plug, possible additional capacitors and additional earth connection.
NOTE 3 Figure 4c shows equipment with protective earth conductor and a plug.
NOTE 4 Figure 4d and 4e shows equipment fixed installed and with protective earth conductor. It might not be
possible to access individual conductors as shown but this measurement is optional for fixed equipment.
The method shown in Figure 4e should not be used unless it is confirmed that no alternate paths to
earth exists to the equipment (i.e. the isolation from alternate earth paths shall be confirmed before
testing).
Figure 4 — Examples of test circuits for the measurement of protective conductor current
On each accessible conductive part of the equipment under test, not connected to protective earth
conductor, the touch current shall be measured.
Depending on the equipment, one of the following methods of measuring the touch current may be
used:
— direct method (Figure 5b, Figure 5d); see Table A.2
— alternative method (Figure 5c), if the equipment under test contains no voltage dependent
switches and if an insulation resistance measurement is satisfactory. See A.2.5.
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The alternative method shall not be used where active components switch (isolate) all phase
conductors (e.g. a relay isolating all phase conductors unless activated). Switching of a single
(individual) phase conductor is permitted.
In case of doubt the direct method or the residual current method shall be used.
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If the direct method is used, extraneous connections between the part under test and parts with earth
potential (e.g. water pipe or data lines) could influence the test result.
If the residual current method is used to measure touch current on equipment with a protective earth
conductor, the measured value will include the protective conductor current. If the total current
exceeds the touch current limit, the direct method may be used when no connections to protective
earth are present. The alternative method may be used when no mains supply dependent circuits are
present and an insulation resistance measurement is satisfactory.
If the alternative method is used, all supply conductors may be connected in parallel with poly-phase
electrical equipment.
If the connection to the mains supply of an equipment is non-polarized (mains connector without
polarity), the measurement shall be performed in all possible positions of the mains plug. Equipment
shall be measured in all intended operational conditions (e.g. switch positions) that influence the touch
current. The highest value and the related condition, if relevant, shall be documented. Information from
the manufacturer shall be followed.
It shall be confirmed that the touch current complies with Table°3.
Accessible parts not connected to protective earth 0,5 mA If the limits are exceeded, it shall
be observed, if limits from the
product standard or limits from the
manufacturer apply
The measurement should only be performed to the body or frame of a connector to avoid physical
and/or electrical damage.
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a) Example of test circuit for the measurement of touch current — residual current method
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b) Example of test circuit for the measurement of touch current – direct method
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c) Example of test circuit for the measurement of touch current — alternative method
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d) Example of test circuit for the measurement of touch current; direct method — on
SELV/PELV connectors
NOTE 1 Figure 5a shows equipment double insulated with plug and accessible conductive parts.
NOTE 2 Figure 5b shows equipment double insulated, fixed installation with accessible conductive parts.
NOTE 3 Figure 5c shows equipment with protective earth conductor and a plug and accessible conductive
parts; additional measurements on accessible conductive connectors for SELV/PELV (e.g. interface, sensor…)
NOTE 4 Figure 5d shows equipment with protective earth conductor, protective isolation transformers, a plug
and accessible conductive parts; Additional measurements on accessible conductive connectors for SELV/PELV
(e.g. interface, sensor…)
Figure 5 — Examples of test circuits for the measurement of touch current — different
measuring methods
5.7 Confirmation of the compliance of the specifications for the protective measure
SELV/PELV
For equipment generating SELV/PELV voltage by means of a protective isolation transformer, the
effectiveness of the protective measure shall be verified by:
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— confirmation of the compliance of the rated voltage with the specification for PELV or SELV;
— measurement of the insulation resistance according to 5.4 between primary and secondary side
of the voltage source;
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— measurement of the insulation resistance according to 5.4 between live parts of SELV/PELV
output and accessible conductive parts not connected to protective earth.
For such kind of equipment, for example power analyser or multimeter, the touch current and the
protective conductor current shall be measured according to 5.5 and 5.6. Additionally, the leakage
current caused by the rated input voltage on the input terminals shall be measured.
NOTE The highest rated input voltage is normally marked next to the measurement category (CAT) rating
near the input connector. This voltage can be much higher than 230 V.
If no applicable voltage source is available, the leakage current shall be measured in 3 steps:
1) Evaluating the leakage current according to 5.5 and 5.6 without connecting the input.
2) Evaluating the leakage current according to 5.5 and 5.6 caused by the voltage used by the
alternative method. The leakage current shall be calculated to the highest rated voltage specified
for the inputs.
3) The total protective conductor current and/or touch current shall be evaluated by addition of the
leakage current in step 1) and step 2).
Figure 6 shows an example of leakage current produced by a floating input with a rated input voltage.
Provided by : www.spic.ir
Figure 6 — Example of test circuit for the measurement of leakage current produced by a
floating input with a rated input voltage
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EN 50699:2020 (E)
If the equipment under test includes further protective measures for electrical safety and if it is visible
for the person performing the test, an electrically skilled person shall decide how to perform the testing.
The instructions of the manufacturer as well as the requirements and tests specified by the product
standard shall be taken into account.
NOTE Examples of further protective measures are RCD, PRCD (Portable RCD), under-voltage protection
devices.
The test is passed if all applicable test steps according to Clause 5 are passed. The equipment under
test should be marked.
If the test is not passed, the equipment under test shall be marked accordingly and the responsible
organization shall be informed.
All tests performed shall be documented comprehensively (e.g. a test label and/or electronic test
record).
It is recommended that the following information be also recorded as documentation:
— Identification of the equipment under test;
7 Test equipment
For measurements according to this document, only test equipment in compliance with EN 61557-1,
EN 61557-2, EN 61557-4 and EN 61557-16 shall be used.
The test equipment used for the tests shall be calibrated in regular intervals taking into account the
information given by the manufacturer.
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EN 50699:2020 (E)
Annex A
(informative)
Table A.1 lists to whom this document is addressed and their possible interests in this document.
– Set of test methods to verify the condition of the equipment under test during
the useful life under normal condition without destruction
Manufacturer of testing – To develop test equipment which provides all the necessary
equipment test methods in one tester
It is assumed, that users of this document are electrotechnical experts. Suitable (standardized) test
equipment are assumed to be used and testing personnel are assumed to be adequately trained and
instructed individuals. Therefore it has to be ensured within the organizational framework that the
experts do have adequate knowledge of the applicable safety regulations, instructions for use and
working instructions which are related to their work and the special requirements for the
equipment/system under test. It also should be ensured that they continuously adapt their knowledge
to the current state of the art.
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A.2 Rationale
Clause 5 comprises a series of tests, which may be used in recurrent testing. A transfer of many tests
from type testing as defined in various product standards could be often not practicable for the
following reasons:
a) tests, that could damage the equipment under test, should not be applied;
b) the safety of the person(s) conducting the tests, or other individuals and/or the environment of the
equipment/system should be ensured;
c) the most important parameters of safety should be determined with a minimum of tests in a
simple, reproducible and comparable manner.
d) levels of requirements for recurrent tests need to be reduced for taking into account possible
ageing of equipment during their lifetime
Commonly in standards for electrical installations there are no requirements for the values of the
protective earth resistance. The values for the resistance of the protective earth are covered by the
requirement for a certain cross-sectional area of the relevant protective earth conductor in relation to
the technical data of a fuse. In product standards, a mains supply cable of 3 m length is required with
a minimum cross-sectional area of 0,75 mm2. The resistance of the protective earth conductor in this
cable is about 0,1 Ω. Another 0,1 Ω is accepted to protect the enclosure of the equipment.
In this document the limits for the resistance of the protective earth conductor are 0,1 Ω higher than
those in product standards. The reason for accepting these higher limits is that during the lifetime of
the equipment under test, higher values could appear, e.g. caused by oxidation on connectors. These
higher values are still justifiable from the safety point of view. For new equipment protective earth
resistance less than 0,2 Ω is expected. It is preferable to correct protective earth resistance to less
than 0,2 Ω.
A value of 0,3 Ω was selected as it is an acceptable compromise between the requirement for lowest
possible resistances and the technical possibilities.
A.2.3 Subclause 5.4 – Measurement of insulation resistance
will add approximately 7 µA to leakage current (at 230 V). This would not register as a significant
increase in measured AC leakage current, thus masking a potentially serious deterioration, for
example due to spillage.
Generally, insulation resistance greater than 50 MΩ can be expected. However, insulation resistance
not less than 1 MΩ is acceptable provided that the reasons for the low value are known and
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EN 50699:2020 (E)
understood (e.g. mineral insulated heaters), and that the leakage currents are within the acceptable
values.
Insulation resistance tests also have an important role to play in contributing to the safety of the
personnel carrying out the tests provided they are carried out at the correct point in the sequence of
tests.
A.2.4 Reasons for choosing different measuring methods for leakage current
Table A.2 — Reasons for choosing different measuring methods for leakage current
Measuring
method Reasons for Reasons against
Direct method - Possibility to measure both AC and DC - The need to interrupt protective earth terminal
leakage current (PE) for the measurement
- Highest accuracy on low leakage current - by connecting a 1 kΩ resistor (MD) within the PE
measurement compared to other methods conductor during measurement, which could lead
to increased hazard for the person conducting
- Not influenced by the type of switching in
the measurement
the mains supply
- on devices with high leakage current (because of
- Measures true leakage that would occur
a fault in the device under test [DUT])
whilst the electrical equipment is in typical
use - by disconnecting the measurement device
residual method - Not influenced by the type of switch in the - Less suitable for lower leakage current
mains supply measurements
- DUT does not need to be isolated from - Influenced by external magnetic field, current
earth during measurement frequency and current consumption of DUT
- It measures the total leakage current - Measurement could be required with each
polarity of mains supply
- Increased safety for the tester as the
earth is not disconnected. - Accuracy and frequency range could be limited
compared with the other measuring methods
Alternative method - Does not need a TN-System - Not suitable where active components in the
equipment disconnect all supply (live) carrying
- Only one measurement necessary
conductors of the mains circuits.
(polarity of mains supply does not matter)
- Results not directly comparable to the other
- Highest safety for person doing the test
measurement methods, as values can be up to
(because DUT is disconnected from
double the direct and residual methods but will
mains supply)
be in line with an open neutral value.
- DUT does not need to be isolated during
- Not suitable for equipment with thermal heating
measurement
components (leakage current in cold operation
mode, might not conform to normal operation
mode).
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This specific method for measuring the alternative equipment leakage currents is advantageous
because of its good reproducibility, compared to typical measurement methods on equipment in
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EN 50699:2020 (E)
operation (as a result of using a galvanic isolation) because all mains conducting parts are shorted
together and applied to the mains voltage at the same time.
The alternative method is not suitable where active components switch (disconnect) all live conductors
(e.g. a relay isolating all live conductors unless activated).
Although the outcome of the alternative leakage currents measurement cannot directly be compared
to the leakage current values as defined in product standard, the results of the alternative equipment
leakage current measurement can, in general, be compared to the leakage current values expected
when performing an open neutral test as defined in some product standards.
A.2.6 Residual method
The residual method is to measure the sum of the momentary values of all currents in the active
conductors of the supply mains. This is commonly known as the residual current defined in EN 61008
series and 61009 series: vector sum of the instantaneous current flowing in the main circuit.
This sum is usually achieved from a differential transformer. Equipment without leakage current will
result in zero residual current flow, as the current into the device and the current flowing reverse are of
equal value. Any leakage current does not flow back through the measuring transformer; so there is a
difference of currents. This residual current is measured by means of an additional winding on a
transformer; it corresponds to the leakage current.
This measuring method allows measurements on equipment which has connections to earth in
addition to a protective earth connection (e.g. LAN-connection, water pipes). Equipment under test
may be operated directly from mains, without the use of any isolating transformer.
The method of measuring residual current is not always practicable on equipment having electronic
mains parts (e.g. switch-mode power supplies). When using this method, the information of the
manufacturer of the equipment and the test equipment (measuring transformer) should be considered.
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EN 50699:2020 (E)
Annex B
(informative)
BS EN 50699:2020
32
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EN 50699:2020 (E)
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BS EN 50699:2020
EN 50699:2020 (E)
Annex C
(normative)
Special national condition: National characteristic or practice that cannot be changed even over a
long period, e.g. climatic conditions, electrical earthing conditions.
NOTE If it affects harmonization, it forms part of the European Standard or Harmonization Document.
For the countries in which the relevant special national conditions apply these provisions are
normative, for other countries they are informative.
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EN 50699:2020 (E)
Bibliography
EN 60335 (series), (part 1 – part 2-113), Household and similar electrical appliances
EN 60601-1, Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and
essential performance
EN 62020, Electrical accessories - Residual current monitors for household and similar uses (RCMs)
EN 62353, Medical electrical equipment - Recurrent test and test after repair of medical electrical
equipment
EN 61010-1:2010, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use - Part 1: General requirements
EN 61010-2-030:2010, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use - Part 2-030: Particular requirements for testing and measuring circuits
EN 61010-2-032, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use - Part 2-032: Particular requirements for hand-held and hand-manipulated
current sensors for electrical test and measurement
Provided by : www.spic.ir
___________
1 Available at http://www.electropedia.org
35
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