ASTM F1505-94
(Specification)Standard Specification for Insulated and Insulating Hand Tools
Standard Specification for Insulated and Insulating Hand Tools
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the acceptance testing of insulated and insulating hand held tools used for working on, or in close proximity to, energized electrical apparatus or conductors operating at maximum voltage of 1000-V ac or 1500-V dc.
1.2 The use and maintenance of these tools is beyond the scope of this specification.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test method portion only, Section 7 of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4.1 This specification does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with the use of tools on, or in close proximity to, energized electrical apparatus.
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Designation: F 1505 – 94
Standard Specification for
Insulated and Insulating Hand Tools
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1505; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This specification covers the acceptance testing of 3.1 Definitions:
insulated and insulating hand held tools used for working on, 3.1.1 insulated tools—those covered with insulating mate-
or in close proximity to, energized electrical apparatus or rial in order to protect the user from electric shock and to
conductors operating at maximum voltage of 1000-V ac or minimize the risk of short circuits between parts at different
1500-V dc. potentials.
1.2 The use and maintenance of these tools is beyond the 3.1.2 insulating tools—those made predominantly of insu-
scope of this specification. lating material, except for metal inserts used for reinforcement
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the but with no exposed metal parts, to protect the user from
standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for electric shocks as well as to prevent short-circuits between
information only. exposed parts at different potentials.
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
method portion only, Section 7 of this specification: This 3.2.1 acceptance test—a contractual test to prove to the
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, customer that the device meets certain conditions of its
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user specification.
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health 3.2.2 routine test—a test to which each individual device is
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita- subjected during or after manufacture to ascertain whether it
tions prior to use. complies with certain criteria.
1.5 This specification does not purport to address all of the 3.2.3 sampling test—a test on a number of devices taken at
safety problems associated with the use of tools on, or in close random from a batch.
proximity to, energized electrical apparatus. 3.2.4 type test—a test of one or more devices made to a
certain design to show that the design meets certain specifica-
2. Referenced Documents
tions.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Significance and Use
D 149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and
Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials 4.1 The performance and durability of the tools covered in
at Commercial Power Frequencies this specification are not covered beyond those referenced in
D 618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics and Electrical the applicable ASME/ANSI or ISO standards.
Insulating Materials for Testing 4.2 The technical requirements of this specification are in
2.2 ASME/ANSI Standard: compliance with IEC 900 at the time of issue.
ASME/ANSI B107 Series
5. Performance Requirements
2.3 IEC Standards:
5.1 Insulated and insulating tools shall be designed and
IEC 900 Hand Tools for Live Working up to 1000 V a.c.
and 1500 V d.c. manufactured in such a way that they do not constitute a danger
for the user or the installation if they are properly used.
5.2 The mechanical specifications for insulated and insulat-
ing hand tools having a similar function shall comply with the
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-18 on
Electrical Protective Equipment for Workersand is the direct responsibility of
corresponding ANSI or ISO standards. The mechanical perfor-
Subcommittee F18.35 on Tools and Equipment.
mance of the working parts shall be maintained even after the
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 1994. Pub lished April 1994.
2 application of any insulating layer(s). The insulation material
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.01.
shall be such that it will adequately withstand the electrical,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 E. 47th Street,
mechanical, and thermal stresses to which it may be exposed
New York, NY 10017.
during normal use. Insulating hand tools specially designed for
Available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., 345
live working in an environment of live parts at different
E. 47th Street, New York, NY 10017.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 1505
potentials (boxes with electrical equipment, live working on
underground cables, etc.), that are generally used to hold or
move live conductors or to cut wires of small section, must
have adequate mechanical properties to avoid the risk of
breaking and the possible corresponding electrical conse-
quences. These tools shall be checked for compliance with 7.8.
5.3 All insulating material shall be flame resistant in accor-
dance with 7.7.
5.4 The insulating coating shall consist of one or more
layers. If two or more layers are utilized, contrasting colors
shall be employed. (The inner layer may be transparent.)
5.5 The handle of the tool shall be slip resistant.
5.6 The tool shall have an operating temperature range
from − 20 to + 70°C.
5.7 The insulating material shall adhere securely to the
conductive parts of the tool and any outer layer of the material
over the temperature range from − 20 to + 70°C.
5.8 Double-ended tools such as box wrenches, keys for
hexagonal socket screws, double ended socket wrenches,
double-head open-end wrenches, etc. are not allowed for
insulated tools but are allowed for insulating tools.
5.9 Tools capable of being assembled shall have retaining
devices to avoid unintentional separation of the assembly.
5.10 In the case of connecting parts of tools capable of
being assembled, the insulation shall be applied in such a
manner that if any part becomes detached during use, no
conductive part, which may still be live, can be inadvertently
touched or cause a flashover.
6. Other Requirements
NOTE 1—a 5 conductive part,
6.1 Screwdrivers and Wrenches—The following uninsu- b 5 working part,
c 5 insulation, and
lated areas on the working head are permissible:
9 d 5 contact area.
6.1.1 Screwdrivers for slotted head screws 15-mm ( ⁄16-in.)
NOTE 2—Dimensions in millimetres.
maximum length,
FIG. 1 Illustrations of Insulation of Typical Tools (Examples)
6.1.2 Other types of screwdrivers 18-mm ( ⁄4-in.) maximum
length, and
NOTE 1—Sufficient length of grip shall be provided so as to permit use
6.1.3 Open-end wrenches, box wrenches, socket wrenches,
of the tool without placing fingers over guards.
and tee wrenches: the working surfaces that contact the
fastener. 6.3.3 In the case of a slip joint, a guard of 5 mm ( ⁄16 in.)
6.2 The blade insulation of screwdrivers shall be bonded to minimum shall be provided for the inner part of the handles.
the handle. The outer diameter of the insulation, over a length 6.3.4 In the case of “micro tools,” the hand guard may be
of 30 mm (1 ⁄16 in.), in Area C of Fig. 1, shall not exceed the reduced.
width of the blade at the tip, by more than 2 mm ( ⁄16 in.). This 6.3.5 If the handles of the tools exceed the length of 400 mm
area may be parallel or tapered towards the tip. (16 in.), a guard is not required.
6.3 Pliers, Strippers, Cable Cutting Tools (and Other 6.4 Knives—The minimum length of the insulated handle
Hinge-Jointed Tools): shall be 100 mm (4 in.). The handle shall have a guard on the
side (see Fig. 2(b)) toward the blade to prevent the slipping of
6.3.1 The handle insulation shall have a guard so that the
hand is prevented from slipping towards the uncovered metal the hand onto the conductive blade. The minimum height of the
guard shall be 5 mm ( ⁄16 in.). The minimum distance between
parts of the head. (See Fig. 2(a).) The height of the guard shall
be sufficient to resist slippage of the fingers towards the the inner edge of the guard and the non-insulated part shall be
12 mm ( ⁄2 in.) (see Fig. 2(b)). The maximum length of the
conductive part during work. For pliers, theminimum dimen-
3 1
sions of the guard shall be 10 mm ( ⁄8 in.) on the left and the uninsulated part of the knife blade shall be 65 mm (2 ⁄2 in.).
right side of the pliers positioned on a flat surface; 5 mm ( ⁄16 6.5 Product Marking:
in.) on the top and on the bottom of the pliers positioned on a 6.5.1 Each tool or tool component, or both, shall be perma-
flat surface (see Fig. 2(a)). nently and legibly marked with the following information:
6.3.2 The minimum insulated distance between the inner 6.5.2 On insulating material layer or on the metal conduc-
edge of the guard and the tool shall be 12 mm ( ⁄2in.). (See Fig. tive part, manufacturer’s name or trademark.
2(a).) The insulating material shall extend as far as possible 6.5.3 On insulating material layer:
towards the working end of the tool. 6.5.3.1 Type or product reference,
F 1505
for use. Other instructions such as verification before use and
test methods should be given by the manufacturer, distributor,
or user. (See Appendix X1.)
7. Type Tests
7.1 General Test Specification—The following tests shall be
utilized to check compliance with the requirements outlined
above:
7.1.1 Carry out the test procedure in 7.2 through 7.10 on
each specimen sample in the sequence listed.
7.1.2 Carry out the type test on at least three samples.
7.1.3 If there is any change in the design or manufacture of
the tool since the last type test, repeat the type test.
7.1.4 Should a sample fail any part of the type tests, repeat
the type tests on at least six additional samples. Should any one
sample then fail in any part of the repeated type test, the whole
test is to be regarded as having failed.
7.1.5 Unless stated in the specification, carry out the test
after a minimum storage time of 16 h under IEC climatic
conditions; 236 5°C, relative humidity 45 to 75 %.
7.1.6 Unless otherwise stated in test clauses, deviations of
5 % from any test values required are permissible.
7.2 Visual and Dimensional Check:
7.2.1 Visual—The tool and insulation shall be visually
checked and shall be free from external defects. The marking
shall be checked for legibility and completeness in accordance
with 6.5.
7.2.2 Dimensional— Check the dimensions in accordance
with Section 6.
(a) Insulation of Pliers
(b) Insulation of Knives 7.3 Impact Test:
7.3.1 Carry out the test in accordance with one of the two
NOTE 1—Dimensions in millimetres.
alternatives shown in Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 4(b). The hardness of
NOTE 2—a 5 insulated handle or leg,
the hammer shall be at least 20 HRC.
b 5 guard,
7.3.2 Select at least three points of the insulating material or
c 5 working head (not insulated), and
insulating layer as testing points, these being points that could
d 5 distance between the inner edge of the guard and the
be damaged when the tool drops on a flat surface.
non-insulated part.
FIG. 2 Illustrations of Insulation of Pliers and Knives 7.3.3 The test is passed if the insulating material shows no
breaks, exfoliations, or cracks penetrating the insulating layer
of the insulated tool, or are likely to reduce the solidity of the
6.5.3.2 The double triangle symbol (see Fig. 3),
insulating tool.
6.5.3.3 1000-V (the electrical working limit for alternating
7.3.4 Ambient Temperature Test:
current), and
7.3.4.1 Test the tool at the ambient temperature of the test
6.5.3.4 Year of manufacture (at least the last two digits of
room.
the year).
1 7.3.4.2 Determine the fall height as a function of its weight,
6.5.4 The symbol shall be at least 3 mm ( ⁄8 in.) high; the
P, so that the energy, W, of impact on the tool to be tested shall
letters and the figures shall be at least 2 mm ( ⁄16 in.) high. (See
be equal to that of this tool falling from a height of 2 m onto
Fig. 3.)
a hard surface:
6.5.5 The voltage markings shown above shall be the only
voltage shown on the tool. W 2 3 F
H 5 5
P P
NOTE 2—The indication of a test voltage may lead to the erroneous
assumption that the tool is suitable for work at that voltage.
where:
H 5 fall height of the hammer, m,
6.6 Instructions for Use—In the case of tools that require
F 5 weight of the tool tested, N, and
assembly, the proper method shall be stated in the instructions
P 5 weight of the hammer, N.
7.3.5 Low-Temperature Test—Condition the tool by place-
ment in a cooling chamber for2hat−256 3°C. The impact
test shall take place within 2 min after removal from the
cooling chamber. The ambient temperature shall be 23 6 5°C.
FIG. 3 Marking Symbol Determine the fall height as a function of its weight, P, so that
F 1505
(a) Method A
(b) Method B
NOTE 1—Dimensions in millimetres.
FIG. 4 Example of Test Arrangement for the Low-Temperature Impact Test
W 0.6 3 F
the energy, W, of the impact on the tool to be tested shall be
H 5 5
P P
equal to that of the tool falling from a height of 0.6 m onto a
hard surface:
F 1505
positions, if applicable. The test is considered passed if no
where:
electrical puncture, sparkover, or flashover occurs during the
H 5 fall height of the hammer, m,
test period, and the limits of the leakage current are not
F 5 weight of the tool tested, N, and
P 5 weight of the hammer, N. exceeded.
7.4 Dielectric Test—Conditioning Before Testing— 7.4.2 Insulating Tools—Dielectric Test Between the Working
Condition the tools by total immersion in a bath of tap water at Head and the Handle (or Handles):
room temperature for a period of 24 6 0.5 h. After this 7.4.2.1 Tools Having Only One Working Head With or
conditioning, wipe the tools dry and submit to the following Without a Conductive Part—Cover the working head with
tests: conductive tape, foil, or conductive paint in contact with all
7.4.1 Insulated Tools— Immerse the sample tool (see Fig. 5) exposed conductive parts of the working head. Also cover the
with its insulated part in a bath of tap water to a level of 24 6 body of the tool (one or two handles) with conductive tape,
2mm(1 6 ⁄16 in.) from the nearest non-insulated part. The foil, or conductive paint, and in the places usually touched by
conductive part shall be above water level. the user’s hand (guard included). The distance between the
7.4.1.1 Test pliers and similar tools in such a position that conductive tape placed on the working head, or any metallic
the gap “D” between the two inner sides of the insulated part related to it, and the conduct
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