Classification of test probes

There are many different kinds of test probes in IEC standards, which could cause confusion sometimes. In IEC 61032, the classification method is given and it helps to understand those probes better.

Test probes are classified as follows:

a) according to their designation

– IP code probes;

– other probes;

b) according to the kind of protection they are intended to check

– access probes;

– object probes;

c) according to the specific hazard they are intended to check

– probes mainly intended to be used to verify the protection of persons against access to

hazardous live parts or hazardous mechanical parts;

– probes specifically intended to be used to verify the protection of persons against access to hazardous mechanical parts;

– probes mainly intended to be used to verify the protection of persons against access to internal parts involving thermal hazard, for instance internal hot or glowing parts;

– probes intended to be used to verify the protection of equipment against ingress of solid foreign objects.