BS EN 60990:2016

What is BS EN 60990-Methods of measurement of touch current and protective conductor current about?  

BS EN 60990 is a European standard that discusses the methods of measurement of touch current and protective conductor current to ensure protection to workers from electric shocks. 

BS EN 60990 defines measurement methods for: 

• D.c. or a.c. the current of the sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal waveform, which could flow through the human body 
• Current flowing through a protective conductor 

The measuring methods recommended for TOUCH CURRENT are based upon the possible effects of current flowing through a human body. In BS EN 60990, measurements of current through networks representing the impedance of the human body are referred to as measurements of TOUCH CURRENT. These networks are not necessarily valid for the bodies of animals. 

Note: The methods of measurement in BS EN 60990 are not intended to be used for: 

• TOUCH CURRENTS having less than 1 s duration 
• Patient currents as defined in IEC 60601-1 
• A. c. at frequencies below 15 Hz 
• Currents above those chosen for ELECTRIC BURN limits 

Who is BS EN 60990-Methods of measurement of touch current and protective conductor current for? 

BS EN 60990 on methods of measurement of touch current and protective conductor current is useful for: 

• Electrical engineers 
• Electrical industries 
• Occupational health and safety departments 
• Risk assessment departments 

Why should you use BS EN 60990-Methods of measurement of touch current and protective conductor current?  

Touch current is "electric current through a human body when it touches one or more accessible parts". Protective conductor current is thought of as the difference between the currents flowing in the line and neutral conductors. Typically, this is between the current-carrying conductors and the case or frame of the electrical device, which is inevitably connected to the earth. 

BS EN 60990 provides you with test site environments, measuring equipment, selection of measuring network, test procedures, evaluation of results, and much more. 

The test methods and procedures provided by BS EN 60990 assist you in measuring touch current and protective conductor current and ensuring protection from electric shock and allowing sufficient current to flow so the protective devices can trip. 

With obedience and compliance to BS EN 60990, you can enhance the efficacy of the electrical devices and manufacture a standardized product. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 60990:2016 supersedes BS EN 60990:1999, which is withdrawn. BS EN 60990:2016 has made some technical changes compared to the previous edition BS EN 60990:1999. These include: 

• The effects names have been updated to reflect increased understanding of the range of effects and is in concert with present usage 
• The conditions of use invoking a GRIPPABLE PART have been reduced in the application of the requirements based upon the current understanding of this effect. Former informative Annex H (GRIPPABLE PART) has been deleted 
• The Bibliography (formerly Annex M) has been updated with additional references for completeness