VDE stands for Verband der Elektrotechnik, who is responsible for testing and certifying tools and appliances. The VDE Testing and Certification Institute is a nationally and internationally accredited institution in the field of testing and certification of electrical engineering devices, components, and systems.
**Jump to CES locations that have WIHA TOOLS**
The Ultimate Tests
In order to become a Wiha tool, we put them to the tests. All of our Insulated VDE rated tools, no batch testing, no random testing, every single one of them, go through the following testing:
VDE Cold Shock Test: The tools are first cooled down to -25 °C ( -13°F), then during this process, the insulating material must retain its toughness so that it does not break when subjected to impacts and jolts. 
Voltage Test: Tools with the special VDE marking undergo testing in which they are charged with 10,000 V AC and are therefore, approved for 1,000 V AC (and 1,500 V DC). This means: ten-fold safety for you. After being stored in water for 24 hours, the tools are then tested at 10,000V AC for three minutes. While submerged, neither a sparkover nor a disruptive discharge through the insulation may occur. 
Voltage Test Before being submersed 
Adhesion Test: The adhesion of the insulating material coating is tested by applying a tensile force of 500 N following storage for 168 hours, (7 days) at 70 °C (158 ° F). The insulating material must continue to be firmly connected to the basic tool to pass when doing so. 
Pressure Test: VDE Pressure Test: No disruptive discharge may occur at a pressure load of 20 N, a temperature of 70 °C, and a test voltage of 5,000 V AC. 
VDE Combustion Test: When exposed to a flame for 10 seconds, the insulating material must not continue to burn, but instead extinguish. 
Wiha Insulated VDE Certified Tools are adorned with the stamp shown above. This stands for the safety of the product with regard to electrical, mechanical, thermal, toxicological, radiological and other dangers. Tools marked with the VDE-GS conform to the VDE regulations or European or internationally harmonized standards. They confirm the compliance with the safety requirements of the respective guidelines.
Why Should I Use Wiha VDE Certified Tools?
All VDE Certified Tools are rigorously tested to ensure the quality, construction, safety and even the ergonomics meet with the protective requirements of the applicable European Union Directive. Using these tools adds peace of mind and safety to your work.
Although we go the extra mile to ensure safety when working in environments where electrical current may be present, we still encourage the highest of safety practices.
- Always turn off the power to the locations that you are working in
- Use a voltage detector to confirm that there is no live power
- Use VDE Certified Tools in potentially live working environments
7 Piece Insulated Screwdriver set at CES
Where can I buy insulated tools that have the VDE mark?