EN IEC 60947-7-1:2025

Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 7-1: Ancillary equipment - Terminal blocks for copper conductors

IEC 60947-7-1:2025 specifies requirements for terminal blocks and test disconnect terminal blocks according to Annex D with screw-type or screw-less-type clamping units primarily intended for industrial or similar use and to be fixed to a support to provide electrical and mechanical connection between copper conductors. It applies to terminal blocks intended to connect round copper conductors, with or without special preparation, having a cross-section between 0,05 mm2/30 AWG and 300 mm2/600 kcmil, intended to be used in circuits of a rated voltage not exceeding 1 000 V AC up to 1 000 Hz or 1 500 V DC. The tests on terminal blocks are made with AC or DC supply as required in relevant clauses of this document. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2009. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) Scope extension for smaller conductor cross-sections; b) Implementation of a contact pressure via insulation material (CoPI) test; c) Introduction of new informative Annex E for larger cross-sections; d) Reorganisation of all tables merged into two tables for electrical and mechanical values; e) Implementation of AWG-sizes conductor types as an equivalent type of metric conductor with examples in Annex C; f) Reorganisation of Annex D test disconnect terminal blocks to enhance readability; g) Introduction of new informative Annex A for main characteristics of terminal blocks.

Niederspannungsschaltgeräte - Teil 7-1: Hilfseinrichtungen - Reihenklemmen für Kupferleiter

Appareillage à basse tension - Partie 7-1: Matériels accessoires - Blocs de jonction pour conducteurs en cuivre

L'IEC 60947-7-1:2025 spécifie les exigences pour les blocs de jonction et les blocs de jonction de déconnexion d'essai conformément à l'Annexe D avec des organes de serrage du type à vis ou du type sans vis, destinés principalement à des usages industriels ou analogues et à être fixés sur un support afin d'assurer une connexion électrique et mécanique entre des conducteurs en cuivre. Elle s'applique aux blocs de jonction destinés à raccorder des conducteurs ronds en cuivre, avec ou sans préparation spéciale, de section comprise entre 0,05 mm2/AWG 30 et 300 mm2/600 kcmil, destinés à être insérés dans des circuits dont la tension assignée ne dépasse pas 1 000 V en courant alternatif jusqu'à 1 000 Hz ou 1 500 V en courant continu. Les essais sur les blocs de jonction sont effectués avec une alimentation en courant alternatif ou en courant continu, selon les exigences des articles concernés du présent document. Cette quatrième édition annule et remplace la troisième édition parue en 2009. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente: a) extension du domaine d'application pour les plus petites sections de conducteurs; b) mise en œuvre d'un essai de pression de contact par l'intermédiaire d'un matériau isolant (CoPI); c) ajout d'une nouvelle Annexe E informative pour les sections plus grandes; d) réorganisation de tous les tableaux fusionnés en deux tableaux pour les valeurs électriques et mécaniques; e) mise en œuvre des types de conducteurs de tailles AWG selon un type équivalent de conducteur métrique, avec des exemples, à l'Annexe C; f) réorganisation de l'Annexe D concernant les blocs de jonction de déconnexion d'essai afin d'améliorer la lisibilité; g) ajout d'une nouvelle Annexe A informative concernant les caractéristiques principales des blocs de jonction.

Nizkonapetostne stikalne in krmilne naprave - 7-1. del: Pomožna oprema - Priključni bloki za bakrene vodnike (IEC 60947-7-1:2025)

Ta del standarda IEC 60947 določa zahteve za priključne bloke in preskusne odklopne priključne bloke v skladu z dodatkom D z vijačnimi ali brezvijačnimi pritrdilnimi enotami, ki so prvotno namenjeni za industrijsko ali podobno uporabo ter za pritrditev na nosilec, s čimer se zagotovi električna in mehanska povezava med bakrenimi vodniki. Uporablja se za priključne bloke za povezovanje okroglih bakrenih vodnikov, s posebno pripravo ali brez nje, s prerezom med 0,05 mm2/30 AWG in 300 mm2/600 kcmil, namenjene za uporabo v tokokrogih, katerih nazivna napetost ne presega 1000 V izmenične napetosti s frekvenco do 1000 Hz ali 1500 V enosmerne napetosti. Preskusi na priključnih blokih se izvajajo z izmeničnim ali enosmernim napajanjem, kot je zahtevano v ustreznih točkah tega dokumenta.
OPOMBA 1: Ta dokument ni namenjen za povezovalne naprave za uporabo v gospodinjstvu v skladu s standardom IEC 60998-1.
OPOMBA 2: AWG je okrajšava za »American Wire Gage« (Gage (US) = Gauge (UK)); kcmil = 1000 cmil; 1 cmil = 1 krožna mil = površina kroga s premerom 1 mil; 1 mil = 1/1000 palca.
OPOMBA 3: Ta dokument je mogoče uporabljati kot vodilo v povezavi z dodatno oceno tveganja izdelka za:
– priključne bloke, ki zahtevajo pritrditev posebnih naprav na vodnike, npr. hitre priključke ali ovite konektorje itd.;
– priključne bloke z vijačnimi priključki (glej standard IEC 60947-1:2020, slika D.2) ter priključki s kovicami in maticami (glej standard IEC 60947-1:2020, sliki D.4 in D.5) za vezavo žic, priključki s čevlji (glej standard IEC 60947-1:2020, slika D.6) ter za priključne bloke, ki omogočajo neposreden stik z vodniki prek robov ali konic, ki predrejo skozi izolacijo, npr. prebojni konektor (IDC) (glej standard IEC 60352-4:2020, slika 2) itd.;
– posebne vrste priključnih blokov, npr. z diodami ali varistorji ali podobnimi držali za komponente itd.;
– priključne bloke z zmožnostjo povezave vodnikov s prečnim prerezom, večjim od 300 mm2/600 kcmil; glej dodatek E.
Kjer je primerno, se v tem dokumentu namesto izraza »terminal« uporablja izraz »pritrdilna enota«. To se upošteva pri sklicevanju na standard IEC 60947-1:2020.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 26-Jun-2025
• ICS: 29.130.20 - Low voltage switchgear and controlgear
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 121A - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
• Drafting Committee: IEC/SC 121A - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 27-Jun-2025
• Due Date: 27-Dec-2024
• Completion Date: 27-Jun-2025
• Directive: 2014/35/EU - Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits
• Mandate: M/511 - Mandate to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI relating to harmonised standards in the field of the Low Voltage Directive
• Ref Project: SIST EN IEC 60947-7-1:2025 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 7-1: Ancillary equipment - Terminal blocks for copper conductors (IEC 60947-7-1:2025)

Relations

• Replaces: EN 60947-7-1:2009 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 7-1: Ancillary equipment - Terminal blocks for copper conductors
• Effective Date: 04-Jan-2022

Overview

EN IEC 60947-7-1:2025 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear, Part 7-1: Ancillary equipment - Terminal blocks for copper conductors - is the fourth edition (technical revision) that specifies safety, performance and test requirements for terminal blocks and test-disconnect terminal blocks. The standard covers screw-type and screw-less clamping units intended for industrial and similar applications, fixed to a support to provide electrical and mechanical connections between copper conductors. It applies to round copper conductors from 0.05 mm² (30 AWG) up to 300 mm² (600 kcmil) and for circuits with rated voltages up to 1 000 V AC (≤1 000 Hz) or 1 500 V DC. Test supplies may be AC or DC as required by the clauses.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and classification: Types of terminal blocks, rated and limiting values, and intended mounting/support conditions.
• Conductor range and equivalents: Metric cross-sections and AWG sizes included (examples in Annex C).
• Electrical and mechanical characteristics: Rated voltage, rated connecting capacity, temperature-rise, voltage drop, dielectric strength, short-time withstand current.
• Construction and marking: Requirements for clamping units, clearances/creepage, terminal marking, and resistance to heat and fire.
• Specific tests: Temperature-rise, dielectric tests, voltage‑drop verification, short‑time withstand current, ageing tests (for screwless types), and the new Contact Pressure via Insulation (CoPI) test. Annex D details test-disconnect terminal block testing.
• EMC and environmental tests: Immunity and emission verification and normal service/transport conditions.
• Significant updates in 2025 edition: extension to smaller conductor sizes, CoPI test, new informative Annexes A and E, reorganization of tables (electrical/mechanical), AWG implementation, and improved readability of Annex D.

Applications

• Specification and safety testing of terminal blocks in control panels, distribution blocks, and industrial switchgear.
• Design and production guidance for manufacturers of screw-type and screw-less terminal blocks for copper conductors.
• Type-approval and conformity testing in laboratories for components used in machinery, automation systems, power distribution, and building installations.
• Use in procurement and technical specifications where compliance with harmonized low-voltage requirements is required.

Who should use this standard

• Terminal block manufacturers and product designers
• Switchgear and controlgear OEMs and panel builders
• Test laboratories and conformity assessors
• Electrical specifiers, procurement teams, and safety engineers
• Regulatory bodies and certification organizations referencing harmonized standards (see Annex ZZ for Low Voltage Directive relationship)

Related standards

• EN IEC 60947-1:2021 (General rules) - read in conjunction with this standard
• Referenced standards listed in Annex ZA (e.g., IEC 60228, IEC 60352-4, IEC 60715) for conductor and mounting specifics

Keywords: EN IEC 60947-7-1:2025, terminal blocks, low-voltage switchgear, copper conductors, screwless terminal blocks, CoPI test, AWG, test-disconnect terminal blocks.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2025
Nizkonapetostne stikalne in krmilne naprave - 7-1. del: Pomožna oprema -
Priključni bloki za bakrene vodnike (IEC 60947-7-1:2025)
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 7-1: Ancillary equipment - Terminal blocks
for copper conductors (IEC 60947-7-1:2025)
Niederspannungsschaltgeräte - Teil 7-1: Hilfseinrichtungen - Reihenklemmen für
Kupferleiter (IEC 60947-7-1:2025)
Appareillage à basse tension - Partie 7-1: Matériels accessoires - Blocs de jonction pour
conducteurs en cuivre (IEC 60947-7-1:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60947-7-1:2025
ICS:
29.120.99 Druga električna dodatna Other electrical accessories
oprema
29.130.20 Nizkonapetostne stikalne in Low voltage switchgear and
krmilne naprave controlgear
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 60947-7-1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM June 2025
ICS 29.130.20 Supersedes EN 60947-7-1:2009
English Version
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 7-1: Ancillary
equipment - Terminal blocks for copper conductors
(IEC 60947-7-1:2025)
Appareillage à basse tension - Partie 7-1: Matériels Niederspannungsschaltgeräte - Teil 7-1: Hilfseinrichtungen
accessoires - Blocs de jonction pour conducteurs en cuivre - Reihenklemmen für Kupferleiter
(IEC 60947-7-1:2025) (IEC 60947-7-1:2025)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2025-05-20. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 60947-7-1:2025 E

European foreword
The text of document 121A/646/FDIS, future edition 4 of IEC 60947-7-1, prepared by SC 121A "Low-
voltage switchgear and controlgear" of IEC/TC 121 "Switchgear and controlgear and their assemblies
for low voltage" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2026-06-30
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2028-06-30
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60947-7-1:2009 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document is read in conjunction with EN IEC 60947-1:2021.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CENELEC by the
European Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these
requests for its Member States.
For the relationship with EU Legislation, see informative Annex ZZ, which is an integral part of this
document.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60947-7-1:2025 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 60228:2023 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60228:2024 (not modified)
IEC 60352-4:2020 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60352-4:2020 (not modified)
IEC 60715 NOTE Approved as EN 60715
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE 1  Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2  Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60068-2-1 2007 Environmental testing - Part 2-1: Tests - Test A: EN 60068-2-1 2007
Cold
IEC 60068-2-2 2007 Environmental testing - Part 2-2: Tests - Test B: EN 60068-2-2 2007
Dry heat
IEC 60695-11-5 2016 Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – EN 60695-11-5 2017
Needle-flame test method – Apparatus,
confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
IEC 60947-1 2020 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear Part 1: EN IEC 60947-1 2021
General rules
+AC 2023
+AC 2024
ISO 4046-4 2016 Paper, board, pulps and related terms — – –
Vocabulary — Part 4: Paper and board grades and
converted products
Annex ZZ
(informative)
Relationship between this European standard and the safety
objectives of Directive 2014/35/EU [2014 OJ L96] aimed to be
covered
This European Standard has been prepared under a Commission’s standardization request relating to
harmonized standards in the field of the Low Voltage Directive, M/511, to provide one voluntary means
of conforming to safety objectives of Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to the
making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits
[2014 OJ L96].
Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union under that Directive,
compliance with the normative clauses of this standard given in Table ZZ.1 confers, within the limits of
the scope of this standard, a presumption of conformity with the corresponding safety objectives of
that Directive, and associated EFTA regulations.
Table ZZ.1 — Correspondence between this European standard and Annex I of Directive
2014/35/EU [2014 OJ L96]
Clause(s) / sub-clause(s)
Safety objectives of Directive
Remarks / Notes
2014/35/EU
of this EN
1 a) The essential 6.1, 8.1.4, Annex D.6 * Subclause 6.1.1 is to be
characteristics, the recognition excluded, because is already
and observance of which will covered by LVD
ensure that electrical equipment
will be used safely and in
applications for which it was
made, shall be marked on the
electrical equipment, or, if this is
not possible, on an
accompanying document.
1 b) the electrical equipment, 6.1, 6.2, 7, 8.1, Annex D.6, D.7
together with its component and D.8.1
parts, shall be made in such a
way as to ensure that it can be
safely and properly assembled
and connected.
nd
1 c) The electrical equipment 1 2 para *, 8.2, 8.3, and Annex
shall be so designed and D.1, D.8.2, D.8.3 and D.8.4
manufactured as to ensure that
protection against the hazards
set out in points 2 and 3 is
assured, providing that the
equipment is used in
applications for which it was
made and is adequately
maintained.
Clause(s) / sub-clause(s)
Safety objectives of Directive
Remarks / Notes
2014/35/EU
of this EN
nd
2 a) Measures of a technical 1 2 para and Annex D.1
nature shall be laid down in
accordance with point 1, in order
to ensure that persons and
domestic animals are
adequately protected against
the danger of physical injury or
other harm which might be
caused by direct or indirect
contact.
2 b) Measures of a technical 8.2.1, 8.1.5, 9.4.5, 9.5 and
nature shall be laid down in
Annex D.8.2.1, D.9.4.5, D.9.5
accordance with point 1, in order
to ensure that temperatures,
arcs or radiation which would
cause a danger, are not
produced.
nd
2 c) Measures of a technical 1 2 para and Annex D.1
nature shall be laid down in
accordance with point 1, in order
to ensure that persons,
domestic animals and property
are adequately protected
against non-electrical dangers
caused by the electrical
equipment which are revealed
by experience.
2 d) Measures of a technical 8.1.3, 8.2.2, 9.4.2, 9.4.3 and
nature shall be laid down in
Annex D.8.1.3, D.8.2.2, D.9.4.2,
accordance with point 1, in order
D.9.4.3
to ensure that the insulation is
suitable for foreseeable
conditions.
nd
3 a) Technical measures shall 1 2 para and Annex D.1
be laid down in accordance with
point 1, in order to ensure that
the electrical equipment meets
the expected mechanical
requirements in such a way that
persons, domestic animals and
property are not endangered.
nd
3 b) Technical measures shall 1 2 para and Annex D.1
be laid down in accordance with
point 1, in order to ensure that
the electrical equipment is
resistant to non-mechanical
influences in expected
environmental conditions, in
such a way that persons,
domestic animals and property
are not endangered.
Clause(s) / sub-clause(s)
Safety objectives of Directive
Remarks / Notes
2014/35/EU
of this EN
3 c) Technical measures shall 8.2.3, 9.4.6 and Annex D.8.2.3,
be laid down in accordance with D.9.4.6
point 1, in order to ensure that
the electrical equipment does
not endanger persons, domestic
animals and property in
foreseeable conditions of
overload.
WARNING 1 — Presumption of conformity stays valid only as long as a reference to this European
standard is maintained in the list published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Users of this
standard should consult frequently the latest list published in the Official Journal of the European
Union.
WARNING 2 — Other Union legislation may be applicable to the product(s) falling within the scope of
this standard.
IEC 60947-7-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2025-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear –

Part 7-1: Ancillary equipment – Terminal blocks for copper conductors

Appareillage à basse tension –

Partie 7-1: Matériels accessoires – Blocs de jonction pour conducteurs en

cuivre
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.130.20  ISBN 978-2-8327-0335-9

– 2 – IEC 60947-7-1:2025 © IEC 2025
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Classification . 8
5 Characteristics . 9
5.1 Summary of characteristics . 9
5.2 Type of terminal block . 9
5.3 Rated and limiting values . 9
5.3.1 Rated voltages . 9
5.3.2 Short-time withstand current . 9
5.3.3 Standard cross-sections . 9
5.3.4 Rated cross-section . 9
5.3.5 Rated connecting capacity . 9
6 Product information . 10
6.1 Marking . 10
6.1.1 Manufacturer or trade mark . 10
6.1.2 Type reference . 10
6.2 Additional information . 10
7 Normal service, mounting and transport conditions . 11
8 Constructional and performance requirements . 11
8.1 Constructional requirements . 11
8.1.1 Clamping units . 11
8.1.2 Mounting . 11
8.1.3 Clearances and creepage distances . 11
8.1.4 Terminal block identification and marking . 12
8.1.5 Resistance to abnormal heat and fire . 12
8.1.6 Rated cross-section and rated connecting capacity . 12
8.2 Performance requirements . 12
8.2.1 Temperature-rise . 12
8.2.2 Dielectric properties . 12
8.2.3 Short-time withstand current . 12
8.2.4 Voltage drop . 12
8.2.5 Electrical performance after ageing (for screwless-type terminal blocks
only) . 13
8.2.6 Contact pressure via insulating material (CoPI) . 13
8.3 Electromagnetic compatibility . 13
9 Tests . 13
9.1 Kinds of test . 13
9.2 General . 13
9.3 Verification of mechanical characteristics . 14
9.3.1 General . 14
9.3.2 Attachment of the terminal block on its support . 14
9.3.3 Mechanical properties of clamping units . 15
9.4 Verification of electrical characteristics . 17
9.4.1 General . 17

IEC 60947-7-1:2025 © IEC 2025 – 3 –
9.4.2 Verification of clearances and creepage distances . 17
9.4.3 Dielectric tests . 17
9.4.4 Verification of the voltage drop . 18
9.4.5 Temperature-rise test . 19
9.4.6 Short-time withstand current test . 20
9.4.7 Ageing test (for screwless-type terminal blocks only) . 20
9.4.8 Contact pressure via insulating material (CoPI) test . 21
9.5 Verification of thermal characteristics. 22
9.6 Verification of EMC characteristics . 23
9.6.1 General . 23
9.6.2 Immunity . 23
9.6.3 Emission . 24
Annex A (informative) Main characteristics for terminal blocks . 32
A.1 General . 32
A.2 Properties of terminal blocks . 32
A.3 Properties of test disconnect terminal blocks . 32
Annex B (informative) Items subject to extended tests for special product applications . 33
Annex C (informative) Examples for verifying the connecting capacity based on tests
with both metric and AWG/kcmil conductors . 34
C.1 General . 34
C.2 Example 1: Testing with metric conductors . 34
C.3 Example 2: Testing with metric and AWG/kcmil conductors . 34
C.4 Example 3: Testing with AWG/kcmil conductors . 34
Annex D (normative) Requirements for test disconnect terminal blocks . 35
D.1 Scope . 35
D.2 Normative references . 35
D.3 Terms and definitions . 35
D.4 Classification . 35
D.5 Characteristics . 35
D.5.1 Summary of characteristics . 35
D.5.2 Type of test disconnect terminal block . 36
D.5.3 Rated and limiting values . 36
D.6 Product information . 36
D.6.1 Marking . 36
D.6.2 Additional information . 37
D.7 Normal service, mounting and transport conditions . 37
D.8 Constructional and performance requirements . 37
D.8.1 Constructional requirements . 37
D.8.2 Performance requirements . 38
D.8.3 Service life . 39
D.8.4 Electromagnetic compatibility . 39
D.9 Tests . 40
D.9.1 Kinds of test . 40
D.9.2 General . 40
D.9.3 Verification of mechanical characteristics . 40
D.9.4 Verification of electrical characteristics . 40
D.9.5 Verification of thermal characteristics . 44
D.9.6 Service life . 44
D.9.7 Verification of EMC characteristics . 44

– 4 – IEC 60947-7-1:2025 © IEC 2025
Annex E (informative) Electrical and mechanical parameters for terminal blocks used
with conductors of rated cross-section above 300 mm /600 kcmil . 47
Bibliography . 49

Figure 1 – Arrangement for test according to 9.3.2. 15
Figure 2 – Arrangement for tests according to 9.4.5 and 9.4.7, and for the verification
of voltage drop . 19
Figure 3 – Arrangement for test according to 9.5 . 23
Figure 4 – Point of test flame contact (view from the layer place below the terminal
block). 23
Figure D.1 – Test requirements according to D.9.4.4 for verification of the voltage drop . 42

Table 1 – Test current for standard cross-sections and minimal requirement of rated
connecting capacity (see 9.3.3.4 and 9.4.4, 9.4.5) . 24
Table 2 – Attachment test parameter, test values for flexion and pull-out and
relationship between conductor cross-section and diameter for standard cross-section
(see 9.3.2, 9.3.3.2 and 9.3.3.3) . 27
Table B.1 – Additional items subject to agreement between manufacturer and user . 33
Table D.1 – Operating cycles . 44
Table D.2 – Short-time withstand current and corresponding wire sizes . 45
Table E.1 – Electrical parameters for terminal blocks used with conductors of rated
cross-section above 300 mm /600 kcmil . 47
Table E.2 – Mechanical parameters for terminal blocks used with conductors of rated
cross-section above 300 mm /600 kcmil . 48

IEC 60947-7-1:2025 © IEC 2025 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LOW-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 7-1: Ancillary equipment –
Terminal blocks for copper conductors

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
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Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
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the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 60947-7-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 121A: Low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear, of IEC technical committee 121: Switchgear and controlgear and their assemblies
for low-voltage. It is an International Standard.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2009. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Scope extension for smaller conductor cross-sections;
b) Implementation of a contact pressure via insulation material (CoPI) test;
c) Introduction of new informative Annex E for larger cross-sections;

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d) Reorganisation of all tables merged into two tables for electrical and mechanical values;
e) Implementation of AWG-sizes conductor types as an equivalent type of metric conductor
with examples in Annex C;
f) Reorganisation of Annex D test disconnect terminal blocks to enhance readability;
g) Introduction of new informative Annex A for main characteristics of terminal blocks.
This document shall be read in conjunction with IEC 60947-1:2020. The provisions of the
general rules dealt with in IEC 60947-1:2020 are applicable to this document, where specifically
called for. Clauses and subclauses, tables, figures and annexes thus applicable are identified
by reference to IEC 60947-1:2020, e.g. 1.2 of IEC 60947-1:2020, Table 4 of IEC 60947-1:2020
or Annex A of IEC 60947-1:2020.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
121A/646/FDIS 121A/674/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60947 series, published under the general title Low-voltage
switchgear and controlgear, can be found on the IEC website.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
IEC 60947-7-1:2025 © IEC 2025 – 7 –
LOW-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 7-1: Ancillary equipment –
Terminal blocks for copper conductors

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60947 specifies requirements for terminal blocks and test disconnect terminal
blocks according to Annex D with screw-type or screw-less-type clamping units primarily
intended for industrial or similar use and to be fixed to a support to provide electrical and
mechanical connection between copper conductors. It applies to terminal blocks intended to
connect round copper conductors, with or without special preparation, having a cross-section
2 2
between 0,05 mm /30 AWG and 300 mm /600 kcmil, intended to be used in circuits of a rated
voltage not exceeding 1 000 V AC up to 1 000 Hz or 1 500 V DC. The tests on terminal blocks
are made with AC or DC supply as required in relevant clauses of this document.
NOTE 1 This document is not intended for connecting devices for household purposes according to IEC 60998-1.
NOTE 2 AWG is the abbreviation of "American Wire Gage" (Gage (US) = Gauge (UK));
kcmil = 1 000 cmil;
1 cmil = 1 circular mil = surface area of a circle having a diameter of 1 mil;
1 mil = 1/1 000 inch.
NOTE 3 This document can be used as a guide in conjunction with an additional product risk assessment for:
– terminal blocks requiring the fixing of special devices to the conductors, for example quick connect terminations
or wrapped connection, etc.;
– terminal blocks providing wire-binding screw (see IEC 60947-1:2020, Figure D.2), stud and nut terminations (see
IEC 60947-1:2020, Figures D.4 and D.5), lug terminations (see IEC 60947-1:2020, Figure D.6) and terminal
blocks providing direct contact to the conductors by means of edges or points penetrating the insulation, for
example insulation displacement connection (IDC) (see IEC 60352-4:2020, Figure 2), etc.;
– special types of terminal blocks, for example with diodes or varistors or similar component holders, etc.;
– terminal blocks with capability to connect conductors with cross sections larger than 300 mm /600 kcmil, see
Annex E.
Where applicable in this document, the term "clamping unit" has been used instead of the term
"terminal". This is taken into account in case of reference to IEC 60947-1:2020.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-2-1:2007, Environmental testing – Part 2-1: Tests – Test A: Cold
IEC 60068-2-2:2007, Environmental testing – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry heat
IEC 60695-11-5:2016, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – Needle-flame test method
– Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
IEC 60947-1:2020, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: General rules

– 8 – IEC 60947-7-1:2025 © IEC 2025
ISO 4046-4:2016, Paper, board, pulps and related terms – Vocabulary – Part 4: Paper and
board grades and covered products
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60947-1:2020 and
the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
terminal block
insulating part carrying one or more mutually insulated terminal assemblies and intended to be
fixed to a support
3.2
rated cross-section
value of the maximum cross-section of all connectable types of conductors, rigid (solid and
stranded) and flexible, stated by the manufacturer, and to which certain thermal, mechanical
and electrical requirements are referred
3.3
rated connecting capacity
range of cross-section and, if applicable, the number of connectable conductors, for which the
terminal block is designed
3.4
terminal assembly
two or more clamping units fixed to the same conductive part
3.5
contact pressure via insulating material
CoPI
contact force of a clamping unit where contact pressure is transmitted
through insulating material
4 Classification
Distinction is made between various types of terminal blocks as follows:
– method of fixing the terminal block to the support;
– number of poles;
– type of clamping units: screw-type clamping units or screwless-type clamping units (see
3.5.25 of IEC 60947-1:2020);
– ability to receive prepared conductors (see 3.5.28 of IEC 60947-1:2020);
– terminal assemblies with identical or dissimilar clamping units;
– number of clamping units on each terminal assembly;
– service conditions;
– ability to receive different types of conductors, e.g. solid, rigid stranded or flexible
conductors.
IEC 60947-7-1:2025 © IEC 2025 – 9 –
5 Characteristics
5.1 Summary of characteristics
The characteristics of a terminal block are as follows:
– type of terminal block (see 5.2);
– rated and limiting values (see 5.3).
5.2 Type of terminal block
The following shall be stated:
– type of clamping units (e.g. screw-type, screwless-type);
– number of clamping units.
5.3 Rated and limiting values
5.3.1 Rated voltages
Subclauses 5.3.1.2 and 5.3.1.3 of IEC 60947-1:2020 apply.
5.3.2 Short-time withstand current
A specified RMS value of current which a terminal block shall be able to withstand during a
specified short-time under prescribed conditions of use and behaviour (see 8.2.3 and 9.4.6).
5.3.3 Standard cross-sections
The standard values of cross-sections of round copper conductors to be used are contained in
Table 1.
5.3.4 Rated cross-section
The rated cross-section shall be selected from the standard cross-sections given in Table 1.
5.3.5 Rated connecting capacity
For terminal blocks with a rated cross-section of 35 mm /2 AWG or less, the minimal
requirement of rated connecting capacity specified in Table 1 applies. A rated connecting
capacity wider than the rated connecting capacity specified in Table 1 is to be declared, if
applicable.
For rated cross-sections above 35 mm /2 AWG, the manufacturer shall state the maximum and
minimum cross sections conductors that can be connected. Several connecting capacities can
be defined according to the type of conductors, rigid (solid or stranded) or flexible, while
remaining consistent with the same rated cross-section.
The manufacturer shall also state the number of conductors that can be connected
simultaneously to each clamping unit and any necessary preparation at the end of the
conductor.
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6 Product information
6.1 Marking
6.1.1 Manufacturer or trade mark
All terminal blocks shall be marked in a durable and legible manner with the name of the
manufacturer or a trade mark by which the manufacturer can be readily identified.
6.1.2 Type reference
The type-reference permitting the identification of terminal blocks shall be provided in order to
obtain relevant information from the manufacturer or his product documentation (e.g.
machine-readable code with reference to internet, electronic catalogues, web-link on the
package unit or product inserts, etc.).
The type-reference shall be marked on the terminal block or, if the dimensions of the terminal
block do not permit durable and legible marking, on the smallest package unit or product inserts.
6.2 Additional information
The following information shall be stated in the product documentation (e.g. machine-readable
code with reference to internet, electronic catalogues, web-link on the package unit or product
inserts, etc.):
a) the rated cross-section;
b) the rated connecting capacity, if wider than in Table 1;
c) the rated insulation voltage (U );
i
d) the rated impulse withstand voltage (U ), when determined;
imp
e) service conditions, if different from those of Clause 7;
f) conventional free air thermal current (I ), if applicable;
th
g) the following information for non-universal terminal blocks, depending on the classification,
shall be used, if applicable:
– for clamping units declared for solid conductors "solid" or the abbreviations "s" or "sol";
– for clamping units declared for rigid stranded conductors "rigid stranded" or the
abbreviation "r";
– for clamping units declared for flexible conductors "flexible" or the abbreviation "f";
h) special preparation of the end of the conductor, if applicable;
i) the number of conductors simultaneously connectable, if different from one;
j) the manufacturer`s declared tightening torque of screw-type clamping units, either from
Table 4 of IEC 60947-1:2020 or higher, if applicable;
k) installation instructions;
l) safety instructions.
NOTE 1 In some countries tightening torque values lower than those as listed in Table 4 of IEC 60947-1:2020 are
allowed according to their national product standards: United States of America and Canada.
NOTE 2 Material declarations according to IEC TS 63058 or equivalent can be provided. IEC TS 63058 provides
methods for assessing the environmental impact of switchgear and controlgear, guidance on environmentally
conscious design and on information required for end-of-life treatments.
NOTE 3 Properties listed in IEC 62683 (CDD) can be found in Annex A.

IEC 60947-7-1:2025 © IEC 2025 – 11 –
7 Normal service, mounting and transport conditions
Clause 7 of IEC 60947-1:2020 applies.
Terminal blocks are electrical components, which are typically installed in enclosures providing
a specified degree of protection of equipment against certain external influences and a specified
degree of protection against approach to or contact with hazardous live parts and hazardous
mechanical part.
NOTE No IP degree listing for terminal blocks is required, but possible.
8 Constructional and performance requirements
8.1 Constructional requirements
8.1.1 Clamping units
Subclause 8.1.8.1 of IEC 60947-1:2020 applies with the following modifications.
The clamping units shall allow the conductors to be connected by means ensuring that a reliable
mechanical linkage and electrical contact is properly maintained.
Screw-type clamping units are not suitable for the connection of flexible conductors with tin
soldered ends.
The clamping units shall be able to withstand the force that can be applied through the
connected conductors.
Compliance is checked by inspection and by the tests of 9.3.3.1, 9.3.3.2 and 9.3.3.3.
If contact pressure of the clamping unit is transmitted through insulating material other than
ceramic or pure mica, the test described in 9.4.8 (contact pressure via insulating material (CoPI)
test) shall be performed to prove that there is sufficient resiliency in the metallic parts to
compensate for any possible shrinkage of the insulation material.
8.1.2 Mounting
Terminal blocks shall be provided with means that allow them to be securely attached to a rail
or a moun
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