Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This one, about Class II hand tools and the electrical protection they provide, is answered by SELECT:
Answer: Class II hand tools rely on their construction for protection - i.e. the live part is insulated (provides basic protection - previously known as 'Direct Contact' protection) and then an additional layer - or layers - of insulation is applied (providing fault protection - previously known as 'Indirect Contact' protection). Therefore, there are no exposed conductive parts.
This is a recognised method of providing basic and fault protection in BS 7671: 2008 and is referred to either as 'Double Insulation' or 'Reinforced Insulation'.
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