DIN VDE 0701-0702

How do you measure leakage current and test the PE?

Q: What is the maximum PE current?

For class I equipment the limit under DIN VDE 0701-0702 is 3.5 mA. Heating appliances above 3.5 kW may draw higher values, up to 1 mA per kW of rated power.

Leakage current is the unwanted current that flows over the enclosure or protective earth in a fault and could pass through the user. This guide covers the repeat test of portable equipment per DIN VDE 0701-0702: protective earth resistance, insulation resistance, the three leakage-current methods, the limit values and the test report.

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3.5 mA

PE current limit, class I

0.3 MΩ

min. insulation, heating

0.3 Ω

PE resistance up to 5 m

0701-0702

reference standard

Inhalt

Basics and standard
Measurement sequence
Methods compared
Test report and records
Frequently asked questions

What is leakage current and why test it?

Leakage current is the unwanted current that escapes from the live circuit through insulation, the enclosure or the protective earth. If insulation is faulty, this current can flow through the user's body to ground and is therefore a direct safety hazard. The repeat test to DIN VDE 0701‑0702 confirms that portable electrical equipment stays safe after repair and during service life.

The standard applies to all plug-connected equipment, from power tools and soldering stations to the office coffee machine. It assigns devices to protection class I (with protective earth), class II (double insulated) and class III (safety extra-low voltage), because the test scope and limits depend on the class.

In Germany the DGUV Regulation 3 requires regular testing of portable equipment. DIN VDE 0701‑0702 defines how to test; the intervals follow from the risk assessment and from technical rule TRBS 1201.

Measure insulation resistance

How to test a device's insulation correctly against the protective earth.

Read the guide

Which measurements does the test include?

Every test starts with a visual inspection: enclosure, cable, plug and strain relief are checked for damage. Only then follow the electrical measurements with an appliance tester. Sequence and scope depend on the protection class.

For each further 7.5 m of cable, the PE resistance may be 0.1 Ω higher, but never above 1.0 Ω in total. During the measurement the supply cable is flexed to reveal intermittent contacts in the protective conductor.

Visual check: cable, plug, enclosure, cooling vents and rating label.
PE resistance RPE with a test current of at least 200 mA (class I only).
Insulation resistance RISO at 500 V DC.
Substitute leakage or direct measurement of PE / touch current.
Functional test and marking with a test label.

Which leakage-current methods exist?

DIN VDE 0701‑0702 defines three methods for determining leakage current. They give comparable results but differ in safety and practicality. Which one is allowed depends on the device and on whether it can be operated safely during the test.

The substitute-leakage method is the most common because the device stays off the mains and the measurement remains touch-safe. If a reading sits near the limit, verify it under load with the differential-current method.

Substitute leakage: mains-independent, ideal for devices that need not run.
Differential current: captures all leakage paths even without earth, realistic.
Direct measurement: only useful for fixed, earthed class I equipment.

What belongs in the test report?

Every test is documented; the report is the evidence for authorities and insurers. It records the measured values, the method used, the test instrument and the outcome. Modern appliance testers store the values and print the report via software or a label printer.

Unique device ID, description, location and protection class.
Measured values: RPE, RISO, leakage or touch current.
Test instrument used, with calibration proof and method.
Date, result (pass/fail) and the next due date.
Name and signature of the competent person per TRBS 1203.

The test label on the device shows the next due date but never replaces the report. Without complete documentation, a test counts as not performed in a dispute.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum PE current?

For class I equipment the limit under DIN VDE 0701‑0702 is 3.5 mA. Heating appliances above 3.5 kW may draw higher values, up to 1 mA per kW of rated power.

What is the difference between substitute leakage and differential current?

For substitute leakage the device is off and fed with a test voltage. Differential current is measured on the running device as the difference between line and neutral, reflecting real operating conditions.

What PE resistance must a device meet?

Up to 5 m of cable, a maximum of 0.3 Ω. For each further 7.5 m the value may rise by 0.1 Ω, but must not exceed 1.0 Ω in total.

Who may carry out the test?

Only a qualified electrician or a competent person per TRBS 1203 who can judge the device, method and limits and uses a suitable, calibrated test instrument.

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