IEC 60050-195:2021

Overview

IEC 60050-195:2021, titled International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) - Part 195: Earthing and protection against electric shock, is an internationally recognized standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This publication offers fundamental terms and definitions specifically related to earthing (grounding) and protective measures against electric shock. The 2021 edition is a technical revision of the earlier 1998 version, incorporating updates consistent with the IEC 61140:2016 standard, and has the status of a horizontal publication per IEC Guide 108. Its terminology aligns with other specialized parts of the broader IEC 60050 Electrotechnical Vocabulary series.

Key Topics

IEC 60050-195:2021 covers a comprehensive range of terms and definitions organized into clearly defined sections to support professionals in electrical engineering and safety:

• Fundamental concepts: Basic definitions related to earthing principles and electric shock hazards.
• Electrical installations and equipment: Vocabulary concerning the components and arrangements used in electrical systems for safety.
• Electric shock and threshold currents: Critical terms defining the effects of electrical currents on the human body and safety thresholds.
• Operation: Terminology regarding the functioning of earthing and protection devices.
• Voltages and currents: Definitions specifying different types of voltages and currents relevant to protection against electric shock.
• Protective measures and safety provisions: Terms describing strategies, devices, and procedures designed to ensure electrical safety and prevent shock incidents.

This vocabulary is multilingual, with terms available in English, French, and several other languages, facilitating global understanding and implementation.

Applications

This standard serves as a vital reference for:

• Electrical engineers and designers specifying earthing systems and protective arrangements in electrical installations.
• Safety professionals developing safety protocols against electric shock in residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
• Standards developers and educators who require consistent and harmonized terminology in electrical safety documentation and training.
• Regulatory bodies and inspectors ensuring compliance with international safety frameworks.
• Manufacturers of electrical equipment to align product specifications and instructions with internationally recognized terms.

By using standardized vocabulary, this document supports enhanced communication, clarity, and safety in designing, operating, and maintaining electrical systems worldwide.

Related Standards

IEC 60050-195:2021 complements several key standards in electrical safety and terminology:

• IEC 61140:2016 - Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and equipment
• IEC 60050 series - The broader International Electrotechnical Vocabulary series covering diverse electrotechnical fields such as Electromagnetic Compatibility (IEC 60050-161) and Rotating Machines (IEC 60050-411)
• IEC Guide 108 - Providing the framework for horizontal publications applicable across electrical engineering domains
• National and regional electrical safety standards that adopt or reference IEC terminology for consistency

Utilizing these interrelated standards ensures comprehensive coverage of electrical safety principles with harmonized definitions.

Keywords: IEC 60050-195, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary, earthing, electrical grounding, protection against electric shock, electric shock safety, electrical installations, electrical safety standards, IEC vocabulary, electrical engineering terminology, IEC 61140, horizontal publication, electrotechnical standards.