Better safe than sorry

When working on live parts, safety is without doubt the most important prerequisite. This applies for the tools as well.

In order to reduce the risk of an accident as far as possible, our tools have to pass nine important tests to meet the demanding standard of the VDE (Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies). If we discover a flaw, the tool or the entire series is scrapped. The tool with VDE label only reaches your workplace after it has passed all of the tests.

We differentiate between random sample testing and routine testing. During the latter, every single item is 100% tested for errors. We would like to present some of these tests here. Because you can rely on our tools – without fail.

100% insulated

Electrical insulation is essential when working with electricity. This is why we test every single one of our VDE tools in a special water quench through which a 10 kV current flows. The current is conducted to the tool’s insulation for 10 seconds in the water quench. It may not be electrically penetrated. We also prolong this test to three minutes during random sample testing.

Visual check

Every PB Swiss Tools VDE tool undergoes a visual check. A qualified specialist hereby checks the insulation and handles in particular. Labels must be legible and include the designation of origin as well as the year the model was released. By the way, we perform a different test to ensure the labels last a long time.

Measurement check

We are also very fussy when it comes to dimensions. Our specialists check compliance with the requirements an the VDE-tested tool using a vernier caliper. The uninsulated tip may not be longer than 18 mm and we also check the exact thickness of the insulation.

Chill out

We test our tools in an impact test to ensure they remain safe, even in extremely cold conditions. We begin by leaving the tool in a freezer at -40° for two hours. A predefined weight is then allowed to fall on the insulation three times in succession. No cracks should then be visible.

Unyielding

High torques may occur when working with a screwdriver. The tip of the tool in particular has to withstand these torques. We test this in a special device. The tool is clamped in this and subjected to high stresses. The test is deemed to have been passed if the mechanical requirements of the corresponding ISO standards are met.

Tested for heat

Electric current is also a potential source of ignitions. This is why we also test the flammability of our VDE tools. To this end, the tool is clamped horizontally over a flame. The test has been passed if the flame at the tool does not exceed 120 mm in height for 20 seconds.