IEC 60439-2: What You Need to Know About the Standard for Partly Type-Tested Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies
IEC 60439-2: A Guide to the Standard for Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies
If you are involved in the design, manufacture, installation, or operation of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, you may have heard of IEC 60439-2. But what is this standard, and why is it important? How can you get it for free? And how does it compare with other standards in the field? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, providing you with a comprehensive guide to IEC 60439-2.
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Introduction
What is IEC 60439-2?
IEC 60439-2 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. Switchgear and controlgear assemblies are devices that control, protect, and distribute electrical power in various applications, such as industrial plants, buildings, infrastructure, and transportation. Low-voltage means that the rated voltage does not exceed 1000 V AC or 1500 V DC.
The standard was published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which is a global organization that develops and publishes standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies. The first edition of IEC 60439-2 was issued in 1989, and the latest edition (the third edition) was issued in 2000. The standard is currently under revision, and a new edition (IEC 61439-2) is expected to be published soon.
Why is IEC 60439-2 important?
IEC 60439-2 is important because it provides a common framework for the design, construction, testing, verification, marking, and documentation of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. By following the standard, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet the minimum safety and performance criteria, and users can have confidence in the quality and reliability of their products. The standard also facilitates the international trade and harmonization of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, as it is widely recognized and adopted by many countries and regions around the world.
How to get IEC 60439-2 for free?
If you want to get a copy of IEC 60439-2 for free, you have a few options. One option is to visit the official website of the IEC (www.iec.ch), where you can download a preview version of the standard in PDF format. However, this version is not complete and may not contain all the information you need. Another option is to use a search engine like Bing or Google to look for websites that offer free downloads of the standard in PDF format. However, be careful when using these websites, as they may not be authorized by the IEC and may contain viruses or malware. A third option is to use a library or a research institution that has access to the standard, and ask them to lend you a copy or let you read it online. However, this option may not be available in all locations and may require a membership or a fee.
Main Features of IEC 60439-2
Scope and application
IEC 60439-2 applies to low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies that are:
Factory-built, i.e., assembled by the manufacturer or under their responsibility
Partly type-tested, i.e., tested according to a standardized procedure for some of their characteristics
Intended for use in connection with the generation, transmission, distribution, and conversion of electrical energy
Intended for use in normal service conditions, such as ambient temperature, humidity, altitude, pollution, etc.
The standard does not apply to:
Individual devices and components that are part of an assembly
Assemblies for which the rated voltage exceeds 1000 V AC or 1500 V DC
Assemblies for which the rated frequency exceeds 1000 Hz
Assemblies intended for use in special service conditions, such as explosive atmospheres, marine environments, nuclear power plants, etc.
Assemblies intended for use in special applications, such as railways, ships, aircraft, etc.
Definitions and terminology
IEC 60439-2 provides definitions and terminology for various terms related to low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, such as:
Assembly: A combination of one or more low-voltage switching devices together with associated control, measuring, signaling, protective, regulating equipment, etc., completely assembled under the responsibility of the manufacturer with all the internal electrical and mechanical interconnections and structural parts
Type-tested assembly (TTA): An assembly conforming to an established type or system without deviations likely to significantly influence the performance
Partly type-tested assembly (PTTA): An assembly incorporating both type-tested and non-type-tested arrangements
Incoming unit: A functional unit that connects an assembly to an external power supply
Outgoing unit: A functional unit that connects an assembly to an external load circuit
Busbar system: A set of conductors that distribute electrical power within an assembly
Form of internal separation: The degree of separation of the internal parts of an assembly by means of partitions or barriers
Design and construction requirements
IEC 60439-2 specifies the design and construction requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, such as:
The rated values of voltage, current, frequency, power, insulation level, etc.
The electrical characteristics of the assemblies, such as short-circuit withstand strength, temperature rise limits, dielectric properties, protection against electric shock, etc.
The mechanical characteristics of the assemblies, such as dimensions, mass, enclosure degree of protection, resistance to mechanical impacts, etc.
The environmental characteristics of the assemblies, such as resistance to corrosion, fire, humidity, vibration, etc.
The forms of internal separation of the assemblies, ranging from form 1 (no separation) to form 4b (separation of all functional units)
The wiring and connection methods of the assemblies, such as terminals, conductors, joints, etc.
The earthing arrangements of the assemblies, such as protective earthing (PE), functional earthing (FE), combined earthing (PEN), etc.
Testing and verification methods
IEC 60439-2 specifies the testing and verification methods for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. The standard distinguishes between two types of tests:
Type tests: Tests carried out on one or more specimens representative of an assembly type in order to verify its design characteristics. Type tests include tests for short-circuit withstand strength, temperature rise limits, dielectric properties, protection against electric shock, etc.
Routine tests: Tests carried out on each individual assembly in order to check its compliance with the specified requirements. Routine tests include tests for continuity of the protective circuit (PE), effectiveness of the protective devices (fuses), correct wiring and functioning of the assembly components (switches), etc.
Marking and documentation
IEC 60439-2 specifies the marking and documentation requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. The standard requires that each assembly shall be marked with:
The name or trademark of the manufacturer or their authorized representative
The designation or identification of the assembly
The rated values of voltage, current, frequency, power, etc.
The form of internal separation
The enclosure degree of protection
The serial number or date of manufacture
The reference to the standard (IEC 60439-2)
The standard also requires that each assembly shall be accompanied by a set of documents, such as:
A general arrangement drawing showing the layout and dimensions of the assembly
A circuit diagram showing the electrical connections and components of the assembly
A list of components and their ratings and characteristics
A set of instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance of the assembly
A test report or certificate confirming the results of the type tests and routine tests
Comparison with Other Standards
IEC 60439-1 vs IEC 60439-2
IEC 60439-1 is another international standard that specifies the requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. However, unlike IEC 60439-2, which applies to partly type-tested assemblies (PTTA), IEC 60439-1 applies to type-tested assemblies (TTA). This means that IEC 60439-1 requires that all the characteristics of an assembly shall be verified by type tests, whereas IEC 60439-2 allows some deviations from the type tests as long as they do not affect the performance. Therefore, IEC 60439-2 is more flexible and less costly than IEC 60439-1, but it also requires more engineering judgment and responsibility from the manufacturer.
IEC 61439 vs IEC 60439-2
IEC 61439 is a new series of standards that will replace IEC 60439 in the near future. The main objective of IEC 61439 is to simplify and harmonize the requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, and to address some of the limitations and ambiguities of IEC 60439. Some of the main changes introduced by IEC 61439 are:
The introduction of a clear distinction between the original manufacturer (who designs and tests the assembly) and the assembly manufacturer (who assembles and verifies the assembly)
The introduction of a new concept of design verification, which can be done by testing, calculation, or comparison with a tested design
The introduction of a new concept of routine verification, which can be done by inspection, testing, or functional operation
The introduction of a new concept of service conditions, which defines the normal and special conditions for which an assembly is suitable
The introduction of a new concept of user's requirements specification (URS), which defines the technical specifications agreed between the user and the manufacturer
The revision and clarification of some technical requirements, such as temperature rise limits, short-circuit withstand strength, forms of internal separation, etc.
IEC 61439-2 is the part of IEC 61439 that applies to power switchgear and controlgear assemblies (PSC). It is equivalent to IEC 60439-2 in terms of scope and application, but it incorporates all the changes mentioned above. Therefore, IEC 61439-2 is more modern and comprehensive than IEC 60439-2, but it also requires more documentation and verification from the manufacturer.
Other regional and national standards
In addition to IEC 60439-2 and IEC 61439-2, there are other regional and national standards that specify the requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. Some examples are:
EN 61439-2: The European standard that adopts IEC 61439-2 with some modifications for the European market
UL 508A: The American standard that specifies the requirements for industrial control panels
AS/NZS 3439.2: The Australian and New Zealand standard that adopts IEC 60439-2 with some modifications for the Australian and New Zealand market
GB/T 15576.2: The Chinese standard that adopts IEC 60439-2 with some modifications for the Chinese market
These standards may have some differences in terms of terminology, definitions, technical requirements, testing methods, etc. Therefore, it is important to check the applicable standard for each market and ensure compliance with the relevant requirements.
Conclusion
Summary of key points
In this article, we have covered the following key points:
IEC 60439-2 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies that are partly type-tested (PTTA)
IEC 60439-2 provides a common framework for the design, construction, testing, verification, marking, and documentation of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
IEC 60439-2 is important because it ensures the safety and performance of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, and facilitates their international trade and harmonization
IEC 60439-2 can be obtained for free from various sources, but some of them may not be reliable or complete
IEC 60439-2 has some differences with other standards in the field, such as IEC 60439-1, IEC 61439-2, and other regional and national standards
Benefits of complying with IEC 60439-2
By complying with IEC 60439-2, manufacturers and users of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies can enjoy the following benefits:
Improved quality and reliability of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
Reduced risk of failures, accidents, and damages caused by low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
Increased customer satisfaction and trust in low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
Enhanced competitiveness and marketability of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
Easier compliance with other standards and regulations related to low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
Challenges and limitations of IEC 60439-2
However, complying with IEC 60439-2 also poses some challenges and limitations for manufacturers and users of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, such as:
The need for engineering judgment and responsibility when deviating from the type tests
The need for adequate resources and expertise to conduct the type tests and routine tests
The need for regular updates and revisions to keep up with the technological developments and market demands
The need for coordination and alignment with other standards and stakeholders in the field
The need for awareness and education of the benefits and requirements of IEC 60439-2 among the potential customers and users
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about IEC 60439-2:
What is the difference between TTA and PTTA?
TTA stands for type-tested assembly, which means that all the characteristics of an assembly are verified by type tests. PTTA stands for partly type-tested assembly, which means that some characteristics of an assembly are verified by type tests, while others are verified by other means.
What is the difference between IEC 60439-2 and IEC 61439-2?
IEC 60439-2 is the current standard that applies to low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies that are partly type-tested (PTTA). IEC 61439-2 is the new standard that will replace IEC 60439-2 in the near future. IEC 61439-2 introduces some changes and improvements to simplify and harmonize the requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies.
How can I get IEC 60439-2 for free?
that has access to the standard, and ask them to lend you a copy or let you read it online.
What are the main features of IEC 60439-2?
IEC 60439-2 specifies the requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies in terms of scope and application, definitions and terminology, design and construction requirements, testing and verification methods, and marking and documentation.
What are the benefits of complying with IEC 60439-2?
By complying with IEC 60439-2, manufacturers and users of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies can improve the quality and reliability of their products, reduce the risk of failures and accidents, increase customer satisfaction and trust, enhance competitiveness and marketability, and facilitate compliance with other standards and regulations.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about IEC 60439-2. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your attention. 71b2f0854b