This part of GB 4793 specifies general safety requirements for electrical equipment intended for professional, industrial process, and educational use, any of which may incorporate computing devices, as defined in a) to d) below, when used under the environmental conditions of 1.4.
a) Electrical test and measurement equipment
This is equipment which by electrical means tests, measures, indicates or records one or more electrical or non-electrical quantities, also non-measuring equipment such as signal generators, measurement standards, power supplies, transducers, transmitters, etc.
Note: All indicating and recording electrical measuring instruments (except those excluded in 1.1.2) fall within the scope of GB 4793 unless they are panel meters designed only for building-in to other equipment. Built-in panel meters are considered to be components and only need to meet the relevant requirements of GB 4793, or other standards, as part of the equipment into which they are built.
b) Electrical control equipment
This is equipment which controls one or more output quantities to specific values, with each value determined by manual setting, by local or remote programming, or by one or more input variables.
c) Electrical laboratory equipment
This is equipment which measures, indicates, monitors or analyses substances, or is used to prepare materials, and includes in vitro diagnostic (IVD) equipment.
This equipment may also be used in areas other than laboratories, for example self-test IVD equipment may be used in the home.
d) Accessories intended for use with the above (for example, sample handling equipment).
1.1.2 Equipment excluded from scope
This standard does not apply to equipment within the scope of
a) GB 8898 (Safety requirements for audio, video and similar electronic apparatus);
b) GB 4706 (Safety of household and similar electrical appliances);
c) GB 4943 (Safety of information technology equipment, except as specified in 1.1.3);
d) GB 9706 (Medical electrical equipment);
e) GB/T 15283 (Class 0.5, 1 and 2 alternating current watthour meters);
f) GB 19212 (Power transformers, power supply units and similar);
g) IEC 60204 (Controls for electrical machines);
h) IEC 60364 (Electrical installations of buildings);
i) IEC 60439-1 (Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies).
1.1.3 Computing equipment
This standard applies only to computers, processors, etc. which form part of equipment within the scope of this standard or are designed for use exclusively with the equipment.
Note: Computing devices and similar equipment within the scope of GB 4943 and conforming to its requirements are considered to be suitable for use with equipment within the scope of this standard. However, some of the requirements of GB 4943 for resistance to moisture and liquids are less stringent than those in this standard. If hazards from moisture or liquids could affect equipment that conforms to GB 4943 and is used with equipment which conforms to this standard, the instructions for use should specify any additional precautions required.
1.2 Object
1.2.1 Aspects included in scope
The purpose of the requirements of this part is to ensure that the design and methods of construction used provide adequate protection for the operator and the surrounding area against
a) electric shock or burn (see clause 6);
b) mechanical hazards (see clauses 7 and 8);
c) excessive temperature (see clauses 9 and 10);
d) spread of fire from the equipment (see clause 9);
e) effects of fluids and fluid pressure (see clause 11);
f) effects of radiation, including lasers sources, and sonic and ultrasonic pressure (see clause 12);
g) liberated gases, explosion and implosion (see clause 13).
Note: Attention is drawn to the existence of additional requirements which may be specified by national authorities responsible for the health and safety of labour forces.
