Electricians work with live parts every day and are therefore constantly exposed to risks. To minimise these risks, the right choice of tools is crucial. In this context, our KNIPEX VDE pliers and other insulated tools are indispensable. But what does VDE actually mean and why is it so important?
What does VDE stand for?
VDE stands for Verband der Elektrotechnik, Elektronik und Informationstechnik e.V., founded in 1893 as the Association of German Electrical Engineers. This German association, along with others such as TÜV, is responsible for the testing and certification of electrical devices and tools. The VDE test marks guarantee that a product fulfils the high safety and quality standards required for handling electricity.
VDE pliers: Safety and quality in one
Our VDE pliers are specially designed for use in electrical environments. They offer increased protection against electric shock and are approved for work on live parts up to 1,000 volts AC (alternating current) and 1,500 volts DC (direct current). These pliers undergo stringent tests to ensure that they fulfil the high requirements.
Features of VDE pliers
- Insulated handles: VDE pliers from KNIPEX have insulated handles that protect the user from electric shocks. This insulation is made of high-quality plastic and provides a stronger safety barrier.
- High mechanical strength: The pliers are made of robust steel and can withstand high mechanical loads. This ensures a long service life and reliability in daily use.
- Ergonomic design: Our pliers are ergonomically designed to increase comfort and efficiency when working. This reduces fatigue and prevents accidents, as the focus is on the work and not on the sore hand or the awkward handling of the tool.
How to recognise our VDE-tested pliers
You can recognise our VDE-tested tools by our familiar yellow and red handles, but also by the fact that the products are marked with all the elements prescribed in the standard and are marked with 1000 V.
The collar on our insulated pliers is also significantly wider than on our other handle variants. This prevents you from accidentally touching the exposed steel head of the pliers at the front.
By the way: The products with the thicker red-dipped sleeves are also insulated and approved!
VDE tests: Strict controls for maximum safety
The VDE tests comprise a series of tests to ensure that tools and devices meet the highest safety standards. These tests are carried out in specialised laboratories, such as our in-house test laboratory. There we put our products through their paces. These tests include:
- High voltage tests: these tests check whether the insulation of the tools reliably insulates live parts up to 10,000 volts. This is crucial to prevent electric shocks.
- Mechanical load tests: These tests check whether the tools can withstand the mechanical loads that can occur in daily use. This includes tests for bending strength, tensile strength and impact resistance.
- Temperature tests: Tools must also function safely and reliably at extreme temperatures. The temperature tests ensure that the insulation does not become brittle in the cold and does not soften in the heat.
- Ageing tests: These tests simulate the long-term use of the tools and ensure that they are still safe even after years of use.
Note: It is nevertheless the user's duty of care to visually inspect the pliers before each use to ensure that the insulation and the entire pliers are intact.
Why VDE pliers are essential for electricians
Electricians often work in potentially harmful conditions. Contact with live parts can be life-threatening. It is therefore of the utmost importance that they can rely on their tools. VDE pliers and other VDE-tested tools offer this safety.
- Protection from electric shocks: The insulated handles of the pliers, which are approved for up to 1000 V, protect electricians from dangerous electric shocks. This is particularly important when working on live parts.
- Reliability and durability: The strict VDE tests ensure that the tools are robust and durable. Electricians can rest assured that their tools will work reliably even under tough conditions.
- Compliance with legal regulations: In many countries, electricians are required by law to use approved tools in accordance with the standards. This serves to protect workers and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Increased work efficiency: High-quality tools enable precise and efficient work. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors and accidents.
VDE worldwide: International significance and recognition
Although the VDE Association has its origins in Germany, the VDE certification mark is also highly recognised internationally. In many countries around the world, VDE-tested tools and devices are regarded as synonymous with the highest levels of safety and quality. Electricians and engineers around the world rely on VDE certifications to ensure that their tools meet the necessary safety standards.
What role does VDE play for KNIPEX as a manufacturer?
VDE certification plays a central role for KNIPEX as a manufacturer of pliers. We attach great importance to offering our customers tools of the highest quality and safety. Compliance with the IEC 60900 standard is an essential element of our production and quality control processes.
Significance of VDE certification for KNIPEX
- Quality assurance: VDE certification ensures that KNIPEX tools meet the highest quality and safety standards.
- Customer safety: KNIPEX takes the safety of its end users very seriously. VDE certification ensures that electricians and other professionals use tools that effectively protect them from electrical hazards.
Conclusion
Insulated tools are indispensable for electricians. They not only provide the necessary protection against electrical hazards, but also ensure the reliability and durability of the tools. The strict VDE tests ensure that only the best and safest tools come onto the market.
Electricians who use VDE-certified tools are investing in their own safety and the quality of their work. The international recognition of the VDE seal emphasises the importance and trust that professionals worldwide place in this certification.
For us at KNIPEX, VDE certification is an essential part of our quality strategy to guarantee the highest safety and quality standards.
