This International Standard defines measurement methods for
- d.c. or a.c. of sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal waveform, which could flow through the human body, and
- current flowing through a protective conductor.
The measuring methods recommended for touch current are based upon the possible effects of current flowing through a human body. In this standard, measurements of current through networks representing the impedance of the human body are referred to as measurements of touch current. These networks are not necessarily valid for the bodies of animals.
The specification or implication of specific limit values is not within the scope of this standard. IEC 60479-1 provides information regarding the effects of current passing through the human body from which limit values may be derived.