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A little clarity before you buy

Different locations. Different CAT ratings.

Follow the connection from a plug-in appliance to the utility entrance. Explore the category, then compare the category and voltage marked on each meter.

Choose a location in the home
An illustrative map of IEC 61010 measurement environments. Select a marker with touch, a click, or the arrow keys.

The category and voltage must both cover the application. This does not determine a circuit’s category or whether work is safe.

Keep these settings in a shareable link.

Understand the environment

Selected measurement category

CATII

Plug-connected loads

Appliances and portable tools connected to a single-phase receptacle.

This marks the appliance load, not every wall socket. Outlets close to distribution or service equipment can be CAT III.

8 records have a category and voltage pair covering CAT II at 230 V.

What the meter records actually say

These are manufacturer markings, not our certification. A higher category still needs sufficient voltage: CAT IV 300 V does not cover CAT IV 600 V, even if the same instrument also says CAT III 600 V.

The whole map, at a glance

All three environments in one place. Select a marker and press Update result to compare another location.

CAT IIPlug-connected loads
Appliances and portable tools connected to a single-phase receptacle. This marks the appliance load, not every wall socket. Outlets close to distribution or service equipment can be CAT III.
CAT IIIFixed wiring & distribution
Distribution panels, feeders and fixed installation equipment downstream of the service entrance. The exact boundary depends on the installation. Panel work needs a qualified electrician.
CAT IVUtility & service entrance
The origin of the installation: electricity meters, service entrance conductors and the utility connection. Service equipment can have very high available fault energy. This is work for qualified professionals.

Take the next step

The shortlistBrowse relevant picks Compare the published product records.Go a little deeperMultimeter buying guide The details behind the decision.Go a little deeperClamp meter buying guide The details behind the decision.Go a little deeperHow we measure The details behind the decision.

The sources behind the numbers

Official documentation, checked 2 November 2026. Model-specific sources are linked beside each record.