VDE 1000 V Tools to IEC 60900
Tools
VDE 1000 V tools to IEC 60900 are insulated hand tools for working on or near live parts. Every single piece is proof tested at 10,000 V and rated for use up to 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC; the handle carries the double triangle symbol together with the 1000 V rating. The category brings together shapes from every product group that have passed this test: screwdrivers, pliers, socket wrenches, interchangeable blades and voltage testers for electrical installation, switchgear building and maintenance. The range holds 1103 items, with Wiha, Knipex, Bernstein, Wera and Bahco as the leading brands. A VDE tool protects the person, not the component: the insulation is highly resistive and can hold a charge, so work inside an EPA calls for the ESD tools to IEC 61340-5-1.
| Test criterion | IEC 60900 (VDE) | IEC 61340-5-1 (ESD) |
|---|---|---|
| Testing before delivery | every piece proof tested at 10,000 V | no piece testing, evidence comes from the resistance figure |
| Rated voltage | 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC | no voltage rating, use only on de-energised work |
| Handle construction | two insulating layers in contrasting colours | dissipative material, 10⁶ to 10⁹ Ω |
| Withdrawal criterion | lower colour layer visible, crack or cut in the insulation | resistance leaves the permitted range |
| Charge behaviour | highly resistive, the tool can hold a charge | charge drains to earth in a controlled way |
Typical applications: electrical installation in building and plant services; control cabinet and switchgear building up to 1000 V AC; maintenance and fault finding on machines and drives; work on photovoltaic and battery systems in the DC range up to 1500 V DC; testing and measurement with voltage testers in distribution boards; field service across changing installations. On electronic assemblies a VDE tool is no substitute for an ESD tool; where both are required, order a version built to IEC 60900 and IEC 61340-5-1 at once.
