Chapter 1
Introduction
©
National Instruments Corporation
1-13
standard impulse withstand voltage levels that commonly occur in
electrical distribution systems. The following is a description of installation
categories:
•
Installation Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not
directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to as
MAINS
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voltage. This category is for measurements of voltages from
specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements
include signal levels, special equipment, limited-energy parts of
equipment, circuits powered by regulated low-voltage sources, and
electronics.
•
Installation Category II is for measurements performed on circuits
directly connected to the electrical distribution system. This category
refers to local-level electrical distribution, such as that provided by a
standard wall outlet (for example, 115 V for U.S. or 230 V for Europe).
Examples of Installation Category II are measurements performed on
household appliances, portable tools, and similar products.
•
Installation Category III is for measurements performed in the building
installation at the distribution level. This category refers to
measurements on hard-wired equipment such as equipment in fixed
installations, distribution boards, and circuit breakers. Other examples
are wiring, including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches,
socket-outlets in the fixed installation, and stationary motors with
permanent connections to fixed installations.
•
Installation Category IV is for measurements performed at the primary
electrical supply installation (<1,000V). Examples include electricity
meters and measurements on primary overcurrent protection devices
and on ripple control units.
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MAINS is defined as a hazardous live electrical supply system that powers equipment. Suitably rated measuring circuits may
be connected to the MAINS for measuring purposes.