IEC 60051-2:2018

Overview

IEC 60051-2:2018 is an essential international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies special requirements for direct acting indicating analogue ammeters and voltmeters and their accessories. This edition, version 5.0, supersedes the 1984 edition and provides a comprehensive technical revision aligned with the latest IEC standards, including IEC 60051-1:2016 and IEC 60051-9. It applies primarily to analogue electrical measuring instruments with direct actuation and an analogue display, also covering those with electronic components in their measuring or auxiliary circuits.

This standard excludes special-purpose instruments and accessories governed by their own specific IEC standards. IEC 60051-2:2018 is crucial for manufacturers, designers, and users of analogue ammeters and voltmeters, ensuring conformity, safety, and reliability across various electrical measurement applications.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application The standard addresses direct acting ammeters and voltmeters, including instruments whose scale markings may not directly correspond to electrical input quantities but are calibrated against a known relationship. Instruments with integrated electronic devices are also covered under this standard's purview.
• Technical Requirements
  • Limits of intrinsic uncertainty and accuracy classes
  • Nominal range of use and permissible variations
  • Operating and overall system uncertainties
  • Electrical safety, self-heating, overloads, and temperature limits
  • Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) to prevent measurement interference
  • Constructional aspects including damping, mechanical adjusters, vibration resistance, and degree of protection
• Marking and Information The standard defines clear guidelines on the markings, symbols, and instructions for use to ensure proper identification, handling, and safety of instruments and accessories. This includes precise labelling of terminals with special attention to earthing and measuring circuit connections.
• Testing and Classification IEC 60051-2:2018 introduces Annex A for test nonconformity classification, providing an organized methodology for evaluating compliance during quality control and certification procedures.

Applications

This IEC standard is widely applied in industries and sectors where accurate electrical current (ammeters) and voltage (voltmeters) measurements are critical. Typical applications include:

• Power generation, transmission, and distribution systems
• Industrial automation and process control
• Electrical equipment testing and calibration laboratories
• Maintenance and troubleshooting of electrical machinery
• Educational and training environments involving electrical measurements Compliance with IEC 60051-2:2018 ensures instruments deliver reliable analogue readings for safe and efficient electrical system monitoring and control.

Related Standards

IEC 60051-2:2018 is part of the IEC 60051 series, which covers various types of direct acting indicating analogue electrical measuring instruments. Key related parts include:

• IEC 60051-1:2016 – General definitions and requirements common across all instrument types
• IEC 60051-9 – Recommended test methods, referenced for updated testing procedures
• Other parts in the series addressing wattmeters, varmeters, frequency meters, phase meters, ohmmeters, multifunction instruments, and accessory requirements

Organizations involved in the design, manufacture, and use of electrical measuring instruments are encouraged to consult the full IEC 60051 series for comprehensive guidance on analogue electrical instrumentation.

Keywords: IEC 60051-2:2018, analogue ammeters, analogue voltmeters, direct acting indicating instruments, electrical measuring standards, IEC electrical standards, electrical instrument calibration, analogue electrical meters, electrical safety standards, instrument uncertainty, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), measuring instrument accessories.