On September 20, 2023, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) officially released the new version of the standard IEC61010-2-033:2023 "Safety Requirements for Measuring, Controlling and Laboratory Electrical Equipment - Part 2-033: Special Requirements for Handheld Multimeters and Other Household and Professional Instruments Capable of Measuring Power Supply Voltage".

The new standard introduces:

This standard stipulates the safety requirements for handheld multimeters and other household and professional instruments that can measure power. Handheld multimeters are multi-range multi-function measuring instruments designed to measure voltage and other electrical quantities such as resistance or current. Their main purpose is to measure the voltage on live power sources. They are suitable for use with one hand during normal operation.

Changes in the new standard:

a) Clause 2, all normative references have been dated and new normative references have been added;

b) New clause 4.4.2.101 regarding surge protectors;

c) Sub-clause 6.6.101 has modified the previous 6.6.101 and 6.6.102 of the previous version.

1) In 6.6.101.1, it is permitted to use Group I insulating materials to determine the creepage distance of the measurement circuit terminals;

2) In 6.6.101.2, the gap and creepage distance for the circuit terminals used for measuring the unconnected position, not exceeding 3000V, are specified;

3) In 6.6.101.3, the requirements for measuring the circuit terminals at partially connected positions are stipulated;

4) In 6.6.101.4, the requirements for measuring the circuit terminals at connected positions are specified;

5) The sub-clause 6.6.101.5 replaces 6.6.102;

d) The 6.101 clause replaces the previous version 6.9.101 by amendment;

e) 9.101 is a new sub-clause, considering the protection of the measurement circuit from the spread of fire and arc flash;

f) In 9.101.2, the position of 101.3 in the previous version is repositioned;

g) In 9.101.3, the position of 101.4 in the previous version is repositioned;