【Safety Certification】Definitions relating to Protective Separation in IEC/EN/UL 61800-5-1

• Protective Separation

separation between circuits by means of basic and supplementary protection (basic insulation plus supplementary insulation or protective screening) or by an equivalent protective provision (for example, reinforced insulation)
 

• Double Insulation

insulation comprising both basic insulation and supplementary insulation
 

• Reinforced Insulation

single insulation system, applied to live parts, which provides a degree of protection against electric shock equivalent to double insulation under the conditions specified in the relevant IEC standard
 

• Protective Screening

separation of circuits from hazardous live-parts by means of an interposed conductive screen, connected to the means of connection for a protective earthing conductor
 

• Protective Impedance

impedance connected between live parts and accessible conductive parts, of such value that the current, in normal use and under likely fault conditions, is limited to a safe value, and which is so constructed that its reliability is maintained throughout the life of the equipment
 
[Note]
- IEC/ EN/ UL 61800-5-1:
Adjustable Speed Electrical Power Drive Systems – Part 5-1, Safety Requirements – Electrical, Thermal and Energy
 
- Basic Insulation
insulation applied to live parts to provide basic protection against electrical shock
 
- Supplementary Insulation
independent insulation applied in addition to basic insulation in order to provide protection against electric shock in the event of a failure of basic insulation
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GCS Safety Team