What is the IEC standard for leakage current ?

Leakage current is a phenomenon that can pose risks to people and equipment. It occurs when a small amount of electrical current escapes from its intended path and flows through unintended routes. Leakage current can be caused by insulation breakdown, electrical faults, or deteriorating components, among other factors.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) recognizes the importance of setting standards for electrical and electronic equipment to ensure the safety and performance of the equipment. The IEC has established various standards, including IEC 60601-1 for medical electrical equipment and IEC 60950-1 for information technology equipment, which specify the maximum allowable limits for leakage current.

IEC Standard for Leakage Current

The IEC standard for leakage current specifies the maximum permissible limit of leakage current that an electrical or electronic device should not exceed. The maximum limit is expressed in terms of microamperes (mA) or milliamperes (mA), depending on the application and device. These limits are based on extensive research, testing, and analysis to ensure the safety of users and prevent hazards.

IEC standards also define different types of leakage current, including patient leakage current, enclosure leakage current, and common leakage current. Patient leakage current refers to the current that flows through a patient's body during a medical procedure, while enclosure leakage current refers to the current that passes through the device's casing. Common leakage current, on the other hand, refers to the combined leakage currents from various exposed conductive parts of the device.

Leakage current poses potential hazards, including electric shock, fire, and damage to electronic devices. Therefore, it is essential to regulate and control leakage current to ensure safety in both residential and industrial environments.

IEEE Standard for Leakage Current

The IEEE standard for leakage current, also known as IEEE 60601-1: Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1: General Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance, is a widely accepted standard for medical electrical equipment. Although primarily designed for medical equipment, this standard has become widely accepted and applied to other electrical devices as well.

The standard establishes guidelines and limits for leakage current in different applications. It defines three types of equipment categories based on their usage and associated risks: Type BF (body floating), Type CF (cardiac floating), and Type B (non-floating).