Protection class
IEC/EN 61140 classifies electrical equipment with regard to safety against dangerous body currents and electric shock. The design features of devices are assigned to the following protection classes:
– Protection class 0: No protection. Such devices are not permitted in the European Union.
– Protection class I: Device with protective conductor connection and basic insulation between touchable parts and the protective conductor. A correct protective conductor connection is mandatory.
– Protection class II: Device with double or reinforced insulation between touchable and touch-hazardous parts. There is no connection option for a protective earth conductor on these devices.
– Protection class III: Device which is supplied by SELV or PELV circuits and in which no higher voltages are generated than are permitted for SELV or PELV.
