Force Testing
ED&D force testing equipment support repeatable push / pull force measurement, torque-related verification, stability testing, and surface temperature probe support in product safety and compliance programs. This product family includes the E-T2-70 Inclined Plane Device, PFI Series Digital Force Gauge Kits, AFI Advanced Force Gauge Kits, TS Torque Screwdriver Test Accessories, STP-01 Surface Temperature Probe, Series TW Torque Wrench, and related accessories for workflows associated with IEC 60335, IEC 60601, IEC 61010, and legacy IEC 60065 / IEC 60950 safety evaluations.
Built for Mechanical Safety Verification
These tools support the force, torque, stability, and accessory-based checks that commonly appear in appliance, medical, laboratory, and legacy equipment safety evaluations.
Modular Test Platform
Force gauges, probe attachments, straps, stands, torque accessories, and digital torque tools can be configured around the exact safety test method rather than forcing one tool to do every job.
Organized by Product Family
This page is grouped into PFI systems, AFI systems, shared test tools, stability testing, comparison guidance, and applications to make product selection easier.
Tell us the exact force, torque, stability, or temperature-related test you need to perform, and we can help identify the right ED&D setup.
Force Testing for Mechanical Safety, Stability, and Torque Verification
Force testing is used when the compliance question involves a measured mechanical action rather than a purely visual inspection. In practice, that can include push and pull force checks, accessory-assisted torque verification, stability testing on an inclined surface, and other method-driven evaluations used in electrical safety labs, certification programs, and engineering development environments.
ED&D’s force testing family is built around two digital force gauge platforms. The PFI Series is designed for straightforward force measurement tasks such as stability-related checks, vent-opening force evaluation, and other required push / pull tests. The AFI Series adds advanced features and compatibility with torque accessories, making it the required platform for more configurable mechanical and torque-related test setups.
The PFI Series includes its own accessory family, including PFI Probe & Disc Attachments, PFI-70mm Strap, PFI-GRIP, PFI-HANDLE, and the PFI-MDD test stand. The page also includes shared tools such as the STP-01 Surface Temperature Probe, Series TW Torque Wrench, and AFI-specific TS Torque Screwdriver Test Accessories, along with the E-T2-70 Inclined Plane Device for stability testing.
Important standards note: these instruments support safety test methods, but they do not by themselves determine compliance. The governing clause, fixture arrangement, force direction, point of application, dwell time, product orientation, and any required conditioning all matter to the final result.
How This Page Is Organized
- Force Gauges: PFI and AFI digital gauge platforms with family-specific accessories grouped under the appropriate system
- Shared Tools: cross-platform or method-specific tools such as the STP-01 surface temperature probe, Series TW Torque Wrench, and AFI torque accessories
- Stability Testing: inclined-plane equipment for tip-over and stability evaluation of tabletop and floor-standing products
Digital Force Gauge Systems for Mechanical Safety Testing
PFI Series Digital Force Gauge Kits
PFI Series Digital Force Gauge Kits are designed for practical laboratory and field use where repeatable push / pull force measurement is required for safety evaluation. These gauges are suitable for force-related tasks such as stability-related checks, vent-opening measurements, clearance-related force testing, and other mechanical verification steps that appear in standards-based product reviews.
Key features include push and pull capability, one-button conversion between N, kg, and lb, an RS232 output connector, rechargeable operation, and an accuracy of ±0.25% of full scale.
Available models include: PFI-50 (50 N), PFI-200 (200 N), PFI-500 (500 N), and PFI-1000 (1000 N).
Positioned for workflows associated with IEC 60335, legacy IEC 60950 / UL 60950 / CSA 950 / EN 60950 programs, and general force measurement support in safety test labs.
PFI Family Accessories
Model PFI Probe & Disc Attachments
Model PFI Probe & Disc Attachments expand the force gauge platform for method-specific contact geometries used in mechanical safety testing. These attachments support applications where the standard or procedure calls for a defined probe, finger, hook, or disc configuration rather than a generic contact point.
Meets requirements for testing standards including but not limited to: IEC 60601, IEC 60950, UL 60950, EN 60950
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| PFI-01 | Rigid Finger |
| PFI-02 | Blunt Finger |
| PFI-03 | Rigidity Probe |
| PFI-04 | 30 mm Disc |
| PFI-06 | Closed Test Hook |
| PFI-07 | 625 mm² Disc |
Model PFI-70mm Force Gauge Accessory Strap
Originally designed as a custom accessory, the PFI-70mm strap is used to enable force gauge testing for luggage strap rings.
Meets requirements for testing standards including but not limited to: IEC 60601, IEC 61010
Model PFI-GRIP Force Gauge Grip Accessory
Force gauge grip attachment. Attachment enhances and simplifies the handling of a force gauge, particularly for the higher force applications.
Model PFI-HANDLE Force Gauge Handle Accessory
Force gauge handle attachment. Attachment enhances and simplifies the handling of a force gauge, particularly for the higher force applications.
PFI-MDD Force Gauge Test Stand
PFI-MDD Force Gauge Test Stand provides a practical bench fixture for controlled force application during quick one-off checks and repeatable lab measurements. It is a lightweight, portable test stand intended for use with ED&D force gauges that include mounting holes for stand fixing.
Specifications include 1000 N capacity, hand-wheel operation, and 2 mm crosshead travel per hand-wheel rotation.
AFI Advanced Force Gauge Kits
AFI Advanced Force Gauge Kits extend the ED&D force gauge platform for labs that need more than basic push / pull measurement. The AFI Series is the required base platform for ED&D’s torque screwdriver accessories and supports more advanced mechanical test setups.
Advanced functions include an intuitive keypad, display of first peak and ultimate max readings, audible and visible PASS / FAIL alarms, memory storage for up to 500 readings, and a reversible display.
Available models include: AFI-50 (50 N), AFI-250 (250 N), AFI-500 (500 N), and AFI-1000 (1000 N).
Positioned for workflows associated with IEC 60335 and IEC 60601, especially where advanced force or torque accessory integration is required.
AFI Family Accessories
TS Torque Screwdriver Test Accessories
TS Torque Screwdriver Test Accessories are used for measuring torque in both the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. These accessories are intended for labs performing torque-related mechanical verification as part of a standards-based safety evaluation.
The “smart” torque screwdriver configuration uses a 3-jaw 3/8 in. chuck. Several models are available for different capacities and resolutions.
Compatibility note: TS Series accessories are compatible only with AFI Series Advanced Force Gauges.
Positioned for workflows associated with IEC 60601 and other force / torque related safety evaluations using the AFI platform.
Shared Tools and Method-Specific Test Accessories
STP-01 Surface Temperature Probe
STP-01 Surface Temperature Probe is a probe attachment used for surface temperature measurement with ED&D force gauge platforms. The probe uses a 10-32 tapped handle for attachment to compatible ED&D force gauges.
This accessory is particularly relevant where a safety method calls for controlled probe contact at the test surface rather than a freehand temperature check.
Built around the historical reference IEC 60335-2-6/FDIS:2002 and positioned for appliance-related surface temperature evaluations.
Series TW Torque Wrench
Series TW Torque Wrench is a digital torque measurement tool for applications where repeatable torque verification is required as part of a mechanical or product safety evaluation. It provides multiple engineering unit options, onboard memory, and a large display for easier readout during bench-top testing and verification work.
Key features include a large LCD, storage for up to 4,000 values, and recall of up to 9,000 measurements.
Torque can be measured in in.-lbs., ft.-lbs., Nm, dNm, cm-kg, and m-kg.
Supplied with a 9V battery and plastic case.
Method note: probe accessories, torque tools, and temperature-contact tools should be selected as part of a complete method setup. Contact style, force range, torque range, surface geometry, and the exact test requirement all need to be considered together.
Stability and Tip-Over Testing Equipment
E-T2-70 Inclined Plane Device
E-T2-70 Inclined Plane Device is used to determine the stability of electric appliances intended for use on a table or on the floor. The device provides a controlled inclined-plane surface for evaluating whether a product remains stable under the prescribed test condition.
The table area is 1000 mm x 1000 mm, making it suitable for a range of tabletop and floor-standing product evaluations.
Positioned for stability workflows associated with IEC 60335-1, IEC 60601-1, IEC 61010, and legacy IEC 60065 / IEC 60950 style evaluations where stability forms part of the safety review.
Stability note: inclined-plane testing is especially useful when the standard calls for evaluation of whether the product tips, slides, or becomes unstable under defined orientation and support conditions.
What Force Testing Equipment Is Right for Your Lab?
| Product / Series | Primary Use | Best Fit | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFI Series | General push / pull force testing | Routine force measurement, vent opening, stability-related and mechanical checks | Simple digital force platform with multiple ranges and ±0.25% full-scale accuracy |
| AFI Series | Advanced force and accessory-based testing | Labs needing torque accessories, pass / fail alarms, stored readings, and advanced measurement workflows | Advanced feature set and compatibility with ED&D torque accessories |
| TS Series | Torque verification | Clockwise / counter-clockwise torque testing with AFI gauges | Dedicated torque accessory platform with smart screwdriver options |
| STP-01 | Surface temperature probing | Gauge-based probe contact measurements on appliance-related surfaces | Integrates with ED&D force gauge ecosystem via threaded handle attachment |
| Series TW Torque Wrench | Digital torque measurement | Bench-top torque verification and recorded torque checks | Large LCD with onboard storage and recall plus multiple torque units |
| PFI-MDD | Bench test stand support | Quick, one-off, more controlled force measurements | Portable manual stand with 1000 N capacity |
| E-T2-70 | Stability testing | Inclined-plane evaluation of tabletop and floor-standing products | Dedicated 1000 mm x 1000 mm stability platform |
PFI Series Model Ranges
| Model | Max Force |
|---|---|
| PFI-50 | 50 N |
| PFI-200 | 200 N |
| PFI-500 | 500 N |
| PFI-1000 | 1000 N |
AFI Series Model Ranges
| Model | Max Force |
|---|---|
| AFI-50 | 50 N |
| AFI-250 | 250 N |
| AFI-500 | 500 N |
| AFI-1000 | 1000 N |
Selection guidance: choose the PFI Series for straightforward force testing, move to the AFI Series when torque accessories or advanced features are needed, use the Series TW Torque Wrench when a standalone digital torque-reading tool is the better fit, add the PFI-MDD when a more controlled bench setup is useful, and use the E-T2-70 when the test method specifically calls for inclined-plane stability evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the PFI and AFI force gauge series?
The PFI Series is the better fit for straightforward push / pull force measurement, while the AFI Series adds advanced features such as first peak and max reading display, pass / fail alarms, reading storage, and compatibility with ED&D torque accessories.
Do I need an AFI gauge to use the torque screwdriver accessories?
Yes. The TS torque screwdriver accessories are designed for use with the AFI Series Advanced Force Gauges.
What kinds of tests are force gauges used for in safety labs?
They are used for tasks such as push / pull checks, vent-opening measurements, accessory-assisted force tests, mechanical verification, and other force-based evaluations that appear in standards-driven product safety reviews.
Why is the inclined plane device separate from the force gauge products?
Because it is a dedicated stability test platform rather than a handheld measurement instrument. It supports a different style of safety evaluation where the product’s tendency to remain stable or tip is assessed on an inclined surface.
Is the STP-01 a standalone temperature instrument?
No. It is a probe attachment designed to work with ED&D force gauge hardware rather than a separate standalone temperature meter family.
Why are IEC 60065 and IEC 60950 shown as legacy references?
Because many labs still support older product files and historical test workflows that reference those standards, even though both standard families have been withdrawn and newer work is generally aligned elsewhere.
Send the exact standard, test method, and force range you need, and we can help configure the right gauge, accessory, or stability fixture.
Typical Force Testing Equipment Applications
ED&D force testing equipment is used in electrical safety laboratories, product certification programs, design verification workflows, mechanical safety review, and bench-top engineering test environments where force, torque, stability, or contact-probe measurements must be performed in a repeatable way.
Depending on the product family and test method, these evaluations may be associated with IEC 60335, IEC 60601, IEC 61010, and legacy IEC 60065 / IEC 60950 documentation or workflows.
- Push / pull measurement of covers, doors, vents, and actuated parts
- Torque-related verification using AFI gauges and TS accessories
- Bench-top force measurement with stand-supported fixtures
- Stability evaluation of tabletop and floor-standing appliances
- Mechanical verification of product features under defined force
- Accessory-assisted testing where grips, handles, straps, or probe attachments improve repeatability
- Surface-temperature probing in appliance-related test setups
- Routine lab support for appliance, medical, and laboratory equipment safety reviews
- Legacy file support where older 60065 or 60950 references still appear in the test workflow
Method note: meaningful results depend on selecting the correct force range, fixture style, contact interface, and method setup for the product under test. Range selection and accessory choice are part of the engineering decision, not an afterthought.