IEC 61010-2-033:2019

Overview

IEC 61010-2-033:2019 is the IEC particular standard that defines safety requirements for hand-held multimeters and other hand-held meters for domestic and professional use that are capable of measuring mains voltage. Edition 2.0 (2019) is a technical revision of the 2012 edition and is intended to be used together with IEC 61010-1 (the general requirements for measurement, control and laboratory equipment).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope narrowed to hand-held multimeters: voltmeters and clamp meters were removed and are addressed by other parts (IEC 61010-2-030 and IEC 61010-2-032).
• Measuring-circuit safety: requirements for measuring circuits up to and beyond 1 000 V a.c. (and up to 3 000 V) have been added, including protection against mains overvoltage.
• Clearances and creepage distances: specified for wet locations and for terminals exceeding 1 000 V a.c. / 1 414 V d.c., to reduce risk of flashover and insulation breakdown.
• Insulation and impulse testing: Clause updates and a rewritten Clause 102 cover insulation, impulse voltages and testing criteria for indicating devices and circuits.
• References to probe and sensor standards: cross-references to IEC 61010-031 (probe assemblies) and IEC 61010-2-032 (current sensors) are added to clarify accessory and sensor safety responsibilities.
• Removed and revised clauses: some transient overvoltage-limiting device clauses were removed; other clauses were reorganized for clarity.
• Informative annexes: Annex CC (dimensions for 4-mm “banana” terminals) and Annex DD (flowchart for insulation by circuit type) provide practical guidance.

Practical applications and users

Who uses IEC 61010-2-033:2019?

• Manufacturers and designers of hand-held multimeters and portable test meters that measure mains voltage.
• Test and quality engineers validating product safety and compliance for domestic and professional markets.
• Certification bodies and conformity assessment laboratories performing safety tests to IEC requirements.
• Product managers and procurement teams specifying compliant meters for field service, electrical installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Why it matters:

• Ensures safer designs for hands-on voltage measurement on live mains circuits.
• Provides clear rules for insulation, terminal spacing, and protection against overvoltage - key for reducing electric shock and fire risks.

Related standards

• IEC 61010-1 (general safety requirements)
• IEC 61010-2-030 (voltmeters and related equipment)
• IEC 61010-2-032 (clamp/current sensors)
• IEC 61010-031 (probe assemblies)
• IEC 61010-2-034 (insulation resistance and high-voltage test equipment)

Keywords: IEC 61010-2-033:2019, hand-held multimeters, safety requirements, mains voltage, clearances, creepage distances, insulation, probe assemblies, current sensors.