IEC 61010: Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use

What is IEC 61010?

IEC 61010 provides safety guidelines and requirements for electrical equipment used in various settings, including laboratories, measurement and control systems, and similar environments. Its primary objective is to ensure the safety of personnel who work with or are in proximity to such equipment.

The standard covers a wide range of electrical equipment, including but not limited to:

• Medical laboratory equipment
• Electrical medical equipment
• Test and measurement instruments
• Industrial process control equipment
• Electrical test equipment
• Automatic control systems

IEC 61010 specifies safety features, protective measures, and performance requirements for these types of equipment as well as addresses various potential hazards, such as electrical shock, fire, mechanical hazards, and hazards related to energy sources.

Benefits of IEC 61010

Compliance with IEC 61010 is essential for manufacturers, designers, and users of electrical equipment, as it helps ensure the safety of both operators and the surrounding environment. The standard is regularly updated and revised to keep pace with technological advancements and evolving safety practices.

IEC 61010 also helps identify and mitigate potential risks associated with electrical equipment. The standard addresses a wide range of hazards, including electrical, mechanical, and energy-related risks. By incorporating safety features and protective measures outlined in the standard, the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and property damage can be significantly reduced.

IEC 61010 provides a globally recognized framework for safety requirements, ensuring consistency and harmonization across different countries and regions. This international consensus promotes interoperability, facilitates trade, and simplifies the process of developing and adopting electrical equipment across borders.

Intertek's Solutions for IEC 61010

To ensure your equipment remains in compliance with the latest revision of 61010, our regulatory experts are dedicated to helping you identify areas of product non-compliance. Risk Management is a key component in your product evaluation to 61010-1, Third Edition and involves a three-step risk assessment including Risk Analysis, Risk Evaluation and Risk Reduction. Determine which risk management compliance method is right for your equipment; here are some examples from Clause 17 of 61010-1, Third Edition:

• ANSI B11.TR3
• IEC 61508
• ISO 14121-1
• ISO 14971
• SEMI S10-1296

We also offer alternatives to traditional testing, including Limited Product Certification and Field Labeling to provide a flexible, cost-effective solution for evaluating your laboratory equipment, regardless of quantity.

EN IEC 61010-2-101:2022 + A11:2022 Updates