EN IEC 61439-1:2021

Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 1: General rules

IEC 61439-1:2020 is available as IEC 61439-1:2020 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 61439-1:2020 lays down the general definitions and service conditions, construction requirements, technical characteristics and verification requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. NOTE Throughout this document, the term assembly(s) (see 3.1.1) is used for a low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assembly(s). For the purpose of determining assembly conformity, the requirements of the relevant part of the IEC 61439 series, Part 2 onwards, apply together with the cited requirements of this document. For assemblies not covered by Part 3 onward, Part 2 applies. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2011. It constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) clarification that power electric converter systems, switch mode power supplies, uninterruptable power supplies and adjustable speed power drive systems are tested to their particular products standard, but when they are incorporated in assemblies the incorporation is in accordance with the IEC 61439 series of standards; b) introduction of a group rated current for circuits within a loaded assembly and the refocusing of temperature-rise verification on this new characteristic; c) addition of requirements in respect of DC; d) introduction of the concept of class I and class II assemblies regarding protection against electric shock.

Niederspannungs-Schaltgerätekombinationen - Teil 1: Allgemeine Festlegungen

Ensembles d’appareillage à basse tension - Partie 1: Règles générales

IEC 61439-1:2020 est disponible sous forme de IEC 61439-1:2020 RLV qui contient la Norme internationale et sa version Redline, illustrant les modifications du contenu technique depuis l'édition précédente.L’IEC 61439-1:2020 formule les définitions générales et les conditions d’emploi, les exigences de construction, les caractéristiques techniques et les exigences de vérification pour les ensembles d’appareillage à basse tension. NOTE Dans le présent document, le terme ensemble(s) (voir 3.1.1) est utilisé pour désigner un ou des ensembles d’appareillage à basse tension. Dans le but de déterminer la conformité de l’ensemble, les exigences de la partie applicable de la série IEC 61439 (à partir de la Partie 2), s’appliquent, de même que les exigences citées dans le présent document. Pour les ensembles non couverts par les parties à partir de la Partie 3, la Partie 2 s’applique. Cette troisième édition annule et remplace la deuxième édition parue en 2011. Elle constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente: a) clarification du fait que les systèmes et matériels électroniques de conversion de puissance, les alimentations à découpage, les alimentations sans interruption et les systèmes d’entraînements électriques de puissance à vitesse variable sont soumis à essai conformément à leur propre norme de produit, mais que lorsqu’ils sont incorporés dans des ensembles, l’incorporation est conforme à la série de normes IEC 61439; b) introduction d’un courant assigné de groupe pour les circuits au sein d’un ensemble chargé et recentrage de la vérification de l’échauffement sur cette nouvelle caractéristique; c) ajout d’exigences relatives au courant continu; d) introduction du concept d’ensembles de classe I et de classe II en matière de protection contre les chocs électriques.

Sestavi nizkonapetostnih stikalnih in krmilnih naprav - 1. del: Splošna pravila (IEC 61439-1:2020)

Ta del standarda IEC 61439 določa splošne opredelitve in pogoje obratovanja, konstrukcijske zahteve, tehnične značilnosti ter zahteve za preverjanje na področju sestavov nizkonapetostnih stikalnih in krmilnih naprav.
OPOMBA: V tem dokumentu se izraz »sestav(-i)« (glej točko 3.1.1) uporablja za sestave nizkonapetostnih stikalnih in krmilnih naprav.
Za namene določanja skladnosti sestavov se zahteve ustreznega dela skupine standardov IEC 61439 od 2. dela naprej uporabljajo skupaj z navedenimi zahtevami tega dokumenta. Za sestave, ki niso zajeti od 3. dela naprej, se uporablja 2. del.
Ta dokument se za sestave uporablja le, kadar je to zahtevano v ustreznem standardu za sestave, kot je navedeno v nadaljevanju:
– sestavi, katerih nazivna napetost ne presega 1000 V AC ali 1500 V DC;
– sestavi, zasnovani za nazivno frekvenco vhodnega napajanja največ 1000 Hz;
– sestavi, namenjeni za notranjo in zunanjo uporabo;
– stacionarni ali premični sestavi z ohišjem ali brez njega;
– sestavi, namenjeni za uporabo na področju proizvodnje, prenosa, distribucije in pretvarjanja električne energije ter za nadzor opreme, ki uporablja električno energijo.
Ta dokument se ne uporablja za posamezne naprave in samostojne dele, kot so zaganjalniki, varovalna stikala, električni močnostni pretvorniški sistemi in oprema (PECS), stikalni napajalniki (SMPS), naprave za neprekinjeno napajanje (UPS), osnovni pogonski moduli (BDM), celoviti pogonski moduli (CDM), pogonski sistemi z nastavljivo hitrostjo (PDS) in druga elektronska oprema, ki so v skladu z njihovimi ustreznimi standardi za izdelek.
Ta dokument opisuje integracijo naprav in samostojnih delov v sestav oziroma prazen okrov, ki predstavlja sestav.
Pri nekaterih vrstah uporabe, ki vključujejo npr. eksplozivno atmosfero ali funkcijsko varnost, je poleg zahtev, določenih v skupini standardov IEC 61439, morda treba zagotoviti skladnost z zahtevami drugih standardov ali zakonodaje.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 20-May-2021
• ICS: 29.130.20 - Low voltage switchgear and controlgear
• Technical Committee: CLC/SR 121B - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
• Drafting Committee: IEC/SC 121B - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 21-May-2021
• Completion Date: 21-May-2021
• Directive: 2004/108/EU - DIRECTIVE 2004/108/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 15 December 2004 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility and repealing Directive 89/336/EEC
• Directive: 2006/95/EC - Directive 2006/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on the harmonisation of the laws of Member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (codified version)
• Directive: 2014/30/EU - Directive 2014/30/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 electromagnetic compatibility (recast)
• 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
• Mandate: M/552 - [C(2016) 7641 final] Standardisation request as regards harmonised standards in support of Directive 2014/30/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 electromagnetic compatibility
• Ref Project: SIST EN IEC 61439-1:2021 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 1: General rules (IEC 61439-1:2020)

Relations

• Replaces: EN 61439-1:2011 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 1: General rules
• Effective Date: 25-Jan-2023
• Amended By: EN IEC 61439-1:2021/FprAA:2025 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 1: General rules
• Effective Date: 25-Nov-2021
• Corrected By: EN IEC 61439-1:2021/AC:2023-11 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 1: General rules
• Effective Date: 07-Nov-2023
• Corrected By: EN IEC 61439-1:2021/AC:2022-01 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 1: General rules
• Effective Date: 21-Dec-2021

Overview

EN IEC 61439-1:2021 - Low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, Part 1: General rules - defines the general principles, definitions and verification framework for low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. This third edition (IEC 61439-1:2020 adopted as EN IEC 61439-1:2021) replaces the 2011 edition and includes a Redline (RLV) showing technical changes. It establishes the baseline requirements that apply together with the relevant Parts 2 onward of the IEC 61439 series for demonstrating assembly conformity.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and definitions: Common terminology and how the term assembly is used throughout the IEC 61439 series.
• Service conditions: Environmental and electrical service conditions to be considered during design and verification.
• Construction requirements: Mechanical and electrical construction principles that influence safety, accessibility and performance.
• Technical characteristics: Rated voltages/currents and key characteristics used for design and verification.
• Verification requirements: Framework for demonstrating conformity of assemblies (type and routine verification as applicable in the series).
• Significant technical changes introduced in this edition:
  • Clarification on how power converters, SMPS, UPS and adjustable-speed drives are tested to their product standards and incorporated into assemblies under IEC 61439.
  • Introduction of a group rated current concept for circuits within a loaded assembly and refocused temperature‑rise verification on this characteristic.
  • Addition of explicit DC requirements.
  • Introduction of Class I and Class II assemblies for electric shock protection.
• Harmonization and regulatory linkage: Adopted by CENELEC and intended to support conformity with the EU Low Voltage Directive where cited (see Annex ZZ).

Applications and who uses it

EN IEC 61439-1:2021 is essential for:

• Manufacturers and designers of low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies and panels
• Panel builders and system integrators incorporating converters, UPS or drive systems
• Electrical engineers specifying assemblies for commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects
• Testing and certification laboratories assessing assembly conformity
• Compliance officers establishing conformity to the Low Voltage Directive and national standards

Practical uses include specifying design limits, planning verification and testing strategies, ensuring safe incorporation of modular electronic equipment, and documenting conformity for market access.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside:

• IEC/EN 61439 (Parts 2 onward) - specific assembly types and verification details
• IEC/EN 60947 series - switchgear and controlgear product standards
• IEC/EN 62208 - empty enclosures for assemblies
• IEC/EN 60529 - degrees of protection (IP code) These referenced standards provide product‑level, enclosure and test detail that complement the general rules in Part 1.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2021
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 61439-1:2012
Sestavi nizkonapetostnih stikalnih in krmilnih naprav - 1. del: Splošna pravila (IEC
61439-1:2020)
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 1: General rules (IEC 61439-
1:2020)
Niederspannungs-Schaltgerätekombinationen - Teil 1: Allgemeine Festlegungen (IEC
61439-1:2020)
Ensembles d'appareillage à basse tension - Partie 1: Règles générales (IEC 61439-
1:2020)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 61439-1:2021
ICS:
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 61439-1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
May 2021
ICS 29.130.20 Supersedes EN 61439-1:2011 and all of its amendments
and corrigenda (if any)
English Version
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 1:
General rules
(IEC 61439-1:2020)
Ensembles d'appareillage à basse tension - Partie 1: Niederspannungs-Schaltgerätekombinationen - Teil 1:
Règles générales Allgemeine Festlegungen
(IEC 61439-1:2020) (IEC 61439-1:2020)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2020-06-24. 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,
Turkey 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
© 2021 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 61439-1:2021 E

European foreword
The text of document 121B/99/FDIS, future edition 3 of IEC 61439-1, prepared by SC 121B "Low-
voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies" 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 EN IEC 61439-1:2021.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2021-11-21
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2024-05-21
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 61439-1:2011 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 has been prepared under a mandate given to CENELEC by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For the relationship with EU Directive(s) see informative Annex ZZ, which is an integral part of this
document.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61439-1:2020 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 standards
indicated:
IEC 60038:2009 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60038:2011
IEC 60092 (series) NOTE Harmonized as EN 60092 (series)
IEC 60112:2003 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60112:2003 (not modified)
IEC 60112:2003/A1:2009 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60112:2003/A1:2009 (not modified)
IEC 60204 (series) NOTE Harmonized as EN 60204 (series)
IEC 60204-1:2016 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60204-1:2018
IEC 60216 (series) NOTE Harmonized as EN 60216 (series)
IEC 60228:2004 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60228:2005 (not modified)
IEC 60269-2 NOTE Harmonized as HD 60269-2
IEC 60364-4-44:2007 NOTE Harmonized as HD 60364-4-442:2012
IEC 60364-4-44:2007/A1:2015 NOTE Harmonized as HD 60364-4-443:2016
IEC 60364-5-54:2011 NOTE Harmonized as HD 60364-5-54:2011 (not modified)
IEC 60364-5-55:2011 NOTE Harmonized as HD 60364-5-559:2012
IEC 60664-1:2007 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60664-1:2007 (not modified)
IEC 60695-11-5:2016 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60695-11-5:2017 (not modified)
IEC 60721-3-3:2019 NOTE Harmonized as EN IEC 60721-3-3:2019 (not modified)
IEC 60947 (series) NOTE Harmonized as EN IEC 60947 (series)
IEC 60947-1:2020 NOTE Harmonized as EN IEC 60947-1:2021 (not modified)
IEC 60947-2 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60947-2
IEC 60947-7-2:2009 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60947-7-2:2009 (not modified)
IEC 61000-2-2:2002 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61000-2-2:2002 (not modified)
IEC 61000-2-2:2002/A1:2017 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61000-2-2:2002/A1:2017 (not modified)
IEC 61000-2-2:2002/A2:2018 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61000-2-2:2002/A2:2019 (not modified)
IEC 61000-4-13:2002 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61000-4-13:2002 (not modified)
IEC 61000-4-13:2002/A2:2015 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61000-4-13:2002/A2:2016 (not modified)
IEC 61000-6-1:2016 NOTE Harmonized as EN IEC 61000-6-1:2019 (not modified)
IEC 61000-6-2:2016 NOTE Harmonized as EN IEC 61000-6-2:2019 (not modified)
IEC 61000-6-3:2006 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61000-6-3:2007 (not modified)
IEC 61082 (series) NOTE Harmonized as EN 61082 (series)
IEC 61140:2016 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61140:2016 (not modified)
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.cenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60068-2-2 2007 Environmental testing – Part 2-2: Tests EN 60068-2-2 2007
– Test B: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-11 1981 Basic environmental testing procedures EN 60068-2-11 1999
– Part 2-11: Tests – Test Ka: Salt mist
IEC 60068-2-30 2005 Environmental testing – Part 2-30: EN 60068-2-30 2005
Tests – Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic (12
h + 12 h cycle)
IEC 60073 2002 Basic and safety principles for man- EN 60073 2002
machine interface, marking and
identification – Coding principles for
indicators and actuators
IEC 60085 2007 Electrical insulation – Thermal EN 60085 2008
evaluation and designation
IEC 60364 (all parts) Low-voltage electrical installations HD 364 (all parts)
IEC 60364-4-41 2005 Low-voltage electrical installations – HD 364-4-41 2017
Part 4-41: Protection for safety –
(modified)
Protection against electric shock
+A1 2017 +A11 2017
+A12 2019
IEC 60364-4-44 2007 Low-voltage electrical installations – HD 60364-4-442 2012
Part 4-44: Protection for safety –
(modified)
Protection against voltage disturbances
+A1 2015 +HD 60364-4-444 2010
and electromagnetic disturbances
(modified)
+A2 2018 +HD 60364-4-443 2016
(modified)
IEC 60364-5-51 2005 Electrical installations of buildings – HD 60364-5-51 2009
Part 5-51: Selection and erection of
(modified)
electrical equipment – Common rules
+A11 2010
+A12 2017
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60364-5-52 2009 Low-voltage electrical installations – HD 60364-5-52 2011
Part 5-52: Selection and erection of
(modified)
electrical equipment – Wiring systems
+A11 2017
IEC 60364-5-53 2001 Electrical installations of buildings – - -
Part 5-53: Selection and erection of
+A1 2002
electrical equipment – Isolation,
+A2 2015 switching and control
IEC 60439 (all parts) Low-voltage switchgear and EN 60439 (all parts)
controlgear assemblies
IEC 60445 2017 Basic and safety principles for man- EN 60445 2017
machine interface, marking and
identification – Identification of
equipment terminals, conductor
terminations and conductors
IEC 60447 2004 Basic and safety principles for man- EN 60447 2004
machine interface, marking and
identification – Actuating principles
IEC 60529 1989 Degrees of protection provided by EN 60529 1991
enclosures (IP Code)
+A1 1999 +A1 2000
+A2 2013 +A2 2013
IEC 60664-1 2007 Insulation coordination for equipment EN 60664-1 2007
within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60695-2-10 2013 Fire hazard testing – Part 2-10: EN 60695-2-10 2013
Glowing/hot-wire based test methods –
Glow-wire apparatus and common test
procedure
IEC 60695-2-11 2014 Fire hazard testing - Part 2-11: EN 60695-2-11 2014
Glowing/hot-wire based test methods -
Glow-wire flammability test method for
end-products (GWEPT)
IEC 60865-1 2011 Short-circuit currents – Calculation of EN 60865-1 2012
effects – Part 1: Definitions and
calculation methods
IEC TR 60890 2014 A method of temperature-rise - -
verification of low-voltage switchgear
and controlgear assemblies by
calculation
IEC 60947-1 2020 Low-voltage switchgear and EN IEC 60947-1 2021
controlgear - Part 1: General rules
IEC 60947-4-1 2018 Low-voltage switchgear and EN 60947-4-1 2019
controlgear – Part 4-1: Contactors and
motor-starters – Electromechanical
contactors and motor-starters
IEC 60947-7-2 2009 Low-voltage switchgear and EN 60947-7-2 2009
controlgear – Part 7-2: Ancillary
equipment - Protective conductor
terminal blocks for copper conductors
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 61000-4-2 2008 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – EN 61000-4-2 2009
Part 4-2: Testing and measurement
techniques – Electrostatic discharge
immunity test
IEC 61000-4-3 2006 , Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – EN 61000-4-3 2006
Part 4-3: Testing and measurement
+A1 2007 techniques – Radiated, radio- +A1 2008
+A2 2010 frequency, electromagnetic field +A2 2010
immunity test
IEC 61000-4-4 2012 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – EN 61000-4-4 2012
Part 4-4: Testing and measurement
techniques – Electrical fast
transient/burst immunity test
IEC 61000-4-5 2014 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – EN 61000-4-5 2014
Part 4-5: Testing and measurement
+A1 2017 techniques – Surge immunity test +A1 2017
IEC 61000-4-6 2013 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – EN 61000-4-6 2014
Part 4-6: Testing and measurement +AC1 2015
techniques – Immunity to conducted
disturbances, induced by radio-
frequency fields
IEC 61000-4-8 2009 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – EN 61000-4-8 2010
Part 4-8: Testing and measurement
techniques – Power frequency
magnetic field immunity test
IEC 61000-4-11 2004 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – EN 61000-4-11 2004
Part 4-11: Testing and measurement
+A1 2017 +A1 2017
techniques – Voltage dips, short
interruptions and voltage variations
immunity tests
IEC 61000-6-2 2016 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - EN 61000-6-2 2019
Part 6-2: Generic standards – Immunity
standard for industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-3 2006 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – EN 61000-6-3 2007
Part 6-3: Generic standards – Emission
+A1 2010 +A1 2011
standard for residential, commercial
and light-industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-4 2018 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – EN 61000-6-4 2019
Part 6-4: Generic standards –Emission
standard for industrial environments
IEC 61082-1 2014 Preparation of documents used in EN 61082 2015
electrotechnology – Part 1: Rules
IEC 61180 2016 High-voltage test techniques for low- EN 61180 2016
voltage equipment – Definitions, test
and procedure requirements, test
equipment
IEC 61439 (all parts) Low-voltage switchgear and EN 61439 (all parts)
controlgear assemblies
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 61545 1996 Connecting devices - Devices for the - -
connection of aluminium conductors in
clamping units of any material and
copper conductors in aluminium bodied
clamping units
IEC 61921 2017 Power capacitors - Low-voltage power EN 61921 —
factor correction banks
IEC 62208 2011 Empty enclosures for low-voltage EN 62208 2011
switchgear and controlgear assemblies
- General requirements
IEC 81346-1 2009 Industrial systems, installations and EN 81346-1 2009
equipment and industrial products –
Structuring principles and reference
designations – Part 1: Basic rules
IEC 81346-2 2019 Industrial systems, installations and EN IEC 81346-2 2019
equipment and industrial products –
Structuring principles and reference
designations – Part 2: Classification of
objects and codes for classes
CISPR 11 2015 Industrial, scientific and medical EN 55011 2016
equipment – Radio-frequency (modified)
+A1 2016 disturbance characteristics – Limits and +A11 2020
methods of measurement
+A2 2019
CISPR 32 2015 Electromagnetic compatibility of EN 55032 2015
multimedia equipment – Emission (modified)
requirements
+A1 2019 +A11 2020
ISO 178 2010 Plastics – Determination of flexural EN ISO 178 2010
properties
+A1 2013 +A1 2013
ISO 179-1 2010 Plastics – Determination of Charpy EN ISO 179-1 2010
impact properties -- Part 1: Non-
instrumented impact test
ISO 179-2 1997 Plastics – Determination of Charpy EN ISO 179-2 1999
impact properties -- Part 2:
+A1 2011 +A1 2012
Instrumented impact test
ISO 2409 2013 Paints and varnishes – Cross-cut test EN ISO 22409 2013
ISO 4628-3 2016 Paints and varnishes – Evaluation of EN ISO 4628-3 2016
degradation of coatings – Designation
of quantity and size of defects, and of
intensity of uniform changes in
appearance – Part 3: Assessment of
degree of rusting
ISO 4892-2 2013 Plastics – Methods of exposure to EN ISO 4892-2 2013
laboratory light sources – Part 2:
Xenon-arc lamps
Under preparation. Stage at time of preparation FprEN 61921:2017.
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 standardisation request relating to
harmonised 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 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
[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) Clauses 6
(1)(b) Clauses 6
(1)(c) See safety objectives 2 a) to 2 d)
and 3 a) to 3 c) in this table
(2)(a) Clauses 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 10.5,
10.6, 10.9, 11.4, 11.5
(2)(b) Clauses 7.1, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3,
8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3,
10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7,
10.9, 10.10, 10.11, 11.2, 11.3,
11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.9
(2)(c) Clauses 6.2, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2, 8.5,
9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 10.2, 10.3, 10.6,
10.10, 10.11, 11.2, 11.5, 11.8,
annex J
(2)(d) Clauses 5, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5,
8.6, 8.7, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 10.2, 10.3,
10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.9,
10.10, 10.11, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4,
11.5, 11.9, 11.10
(3)(a) Clauses 6.2, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2, 9.3,
10.2, 10.11, 11.8
(3)(b) Clause 7.1, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3,
8.7, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 10.2, 10.3,
10.4, 10.6, 10.9, 10.10, 10.11,
10.12, 11.2, 11.3, 11.9
Clause(s) / sub-clause(s)
Safety objectives of Directive
Remarks / Notes
2014/35/EU
of this EN
(3)(c) Clauses 5.3, 5.4, 8.1, 8.5, 8.6,
9.2, 9.3, 10.2, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7,
10.10, 10.11, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6,
11.8, 11.10, annex E, annex I
annex P
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 61439-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2020-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies –

Part 1: General rules
Ensembles d’appareillage à basse tension –

Partie 1: Règles générales
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.130.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-8154-3

– 2 – IEC 61439-1:2020 © IEC 2020
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 8
INTRODUCTION . 10
1 Scope . 11
2 Normative references . 11
3 Terms and definitions . 14
3.1 General terms . 14
3.2 Constructional units of assemblies . 16
3.3 External design of assemblies . 18
3.4 Structural parts of assemblies . 19
3.5 Conditions of installation of assemblies . 20
3.6 Insulation characteristics . 20
3.7 Protection against electric shock . 23
3.8 Characteristics . 27
3.9 Verification . 31
3.10 Manufacturer . 32
3.11 User . 32
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 32
5 Interface characteristics . 33
5.1 General . 33
5.2 Voltage ratings . 33
5.2.1 Rated voltage (U ) (of the assembly) . 33
n
5.2.2 Rated operational voltage (U ) (of a circuit of an assembly). 34
e
5.2.3 Rated insulation voltage (U ) (of a circuit of an assembly) . 34
i
5.2.4 Rated impulse withstand voltage (U ) (of the assembly) . 34
imp
5.3 Current ratings . 34
5.3.1 Rated current of an assembly (I ) . 34
nA
5.3.2 Rated current of a main outgoing circuit (I ) . 34
nc
5.3.3 Group rated current of a main circuit (I ) . 35
ng
5.3.4 Rated peak withstand current (I ) . 35
pk
5.3.5 Rated short-time withstand current (I ) (of a main circuit of an
cw
assembly) . 36
5.3.6 Rated conditional short-circuit current (I ) (of an assembly or a circuit
cc
of an assembly) . 36
5.4 Rated diversity factor (RDF) . 36
5.5 Rated frequency (f ) . 36
n
5.6 Other characteristics . 37
6 Information . 37
6.1 Assembly designation marking . 37
6.2 Documentation . 37
6.2.1 Information relating to the assembly . 37
6.2.2 Instructions for handling, installation, operation and maintenance . 38
6.3 Device and/or component identification . 38
7 Service conditions . 38
7.1 Normal service conditions . 38
7.1.1 Climatic conditions . 38
7.1.2 Pollution degree . 39

IEC 61439-1:2020 © IEC 2020 – 3 –
7.2 Special service conditions . 39
7.3 Conditions during transport, storage and installation . 40
8 Constructional requirements . 40
8.1 Strength of materials and parts . 40
8.1.1 General . 40
8.1.2 Protection against corrosion . 41
8.1.3 Properties of insulating materials . 41
8.1.4 Resistance to ultra-violet (UV) radiation . 41
8.1.5 Mechanical strength . 41
8.1.6 Lifting provision . 42
8.2 Degree of protection provided by an assembly enclosure . 42
8.2.1 Protection against mechanical impact (IK code) . 42
8.2.2 Protection against contact with live parts, ingress of solid foreign bodies
and water (IP code) . 42
8.2.3 Assembly with removable parts. 43
8.3 Clearances and creepage distances. 43
8.3.1 General . 43
8.3.2 Clearances . 43
8.3.3 Creepage distances . 44
8.4 Protection against electric shock . 44
8.4.1 General . 44
8.4.2 Basic protection . 44
8.4.3 Fault protection . 45
8.4.4 Additional requirements for class II assemblies . 48
8.4.5 Limitation of steady-state touch currents and charge . 49
8.4.6 Operating and servicing conditions . 49
8.5 Incorporation of switching devices and components . 50
8.5.1 Fixed parts . 50
8.5.2 Removable parts . 51
8.5.3 Selection of switching devices and components . 51
8.5.4 Installation of switching devices and components . 51
8.5.5 Accessibility . 52
8.5.6 Barriers . 52
8.5.7 Direction of operation and indication of switching positions . 52
8.5.8 Indicator lights and push-buttons . 52
8.5.9 Power factor correction banks . 52
8.6 Internal electrical circuits and connections . 52
8.6.1 Main circuits . 52
8.6.2 Auxiliary circuits . 53
8.6.3 Bare and insulated conductors . 53
8.6.4 Selection and installation of non-protected live conductors to reduce the
possibility of short-circuits . 55
8.6.5 Identification of the conductors of main and auxiliary circuits . 55
8.6.6 Identification of the protective conductor (PE, PEL, PEM, PEN) and of
the neutral conductor (N) and the mid-point conductor (M) of the main

circuits . 55
8.6.7 Conductors in AC circuits passing through ferromagnetic enclosures or
plates . 55
8.7 Cooling . 55
8.8 Terminals for external cables . 55

– 4 – IEC 61439-1:2020 © IEC 2020
9 Performance requirements . 57
9.1 Dielectric properties . 57
9.1.1 General . 57
9.1.2 Power-frequency withstand voltage . 57
9.1.3 Impulse withstand voltage . 57
9.1.4 Protection of surge protective devices . 58
9.2 Temperature-rise limits . 58
9.2.1 General . 58
9.2.2 Adjustment of rated currents for alternative ambient air temperatures . 58
9.3 Short-circuit protection and short-circuit withstand strength . 59
9.3.1 General . 59
9.3.2 Information concerning short-circuit withstand strength . 59
9.3.3 Relationship between peak current and short-time current . 60
9.3.4 Coordination of protective devices . 60
9.4 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 60
10 Design verification . 60
10.1 General . 60
10.2 Strength of materials and parts . 62
10.2.1 General . 62
10.2.2 Resistance to corrosion . 62
10.2.3 Properties of insulating materials . 64
10.2.4 Resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation . 65
10.2.5 Lifting . 66
10.2.6 Verification of protection against mechanical impact (IK code) . 67
10.2.7 Marking . 67
10.2.8 Mechanical operation . 67
10.3 Degree of protection of assemblies (IP Code) . 68
10.4 Clearances and creepage distances. 69
10.5 Protection against electric shock and integrity of protective circuits . 69
10.5.1 General . 69
10.5.2 Effective earth continuity between the exposed-conductive-parts of the

class I assembly and the protective circuit . 69
10.5.3 Short-circuit withstand strength of the protective circuit . 69
10.6 Incorporation of switching devices and components . 70
10.6.1 General . 70
10.6.2 Electromagnetic compatibility . 70
10.7 Internal electrical circuits and connections . 70
10.8 Terminals for external conductors . 70
10.9 Dielectric properties . 71
10.9.1 General . 71
10.9.2 Power-frequency withstand voltage . 71
10.9.3 Impulse withstand voltage . 72
10.9.4 Testing of enclosures made of insulating material . 74
10.9.5 External door or cover mounted operating handles of insulating material . 74
10.9.6 Testing of conductors and hazardous live parts covered by insulating
material to provide protection against electric shock . 74
10.10 Temperature-rise . 74
10.10.1 General . 74
10.10.2 Verification by testing . 75

IEC 61439-1:2020 © IEC 2020 – 5 –
10.10.3 Verification by comparison . 81
10.10.4 Verification assessment . 84
10.11 Short-circuit withstand strength . 86
10.11.1 General . 86
10.11.2 Circuits of assemblies which are exempted from the verification of the

short-circuit withstand strength . 86
10.11.3 Verification by comparison with a reference design – Using a checklist . 87
10.11.4 Verification by comparison with a reference design(s) – Using
calculation . 87
10.11.5 Verification by test . 87
10.12 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 93
11 Routine verification . 93
11.1 General . 93
11.2 Degree of protection against contact with hazardous live parts, ingress of
solid foreign bodies and water of enclosures . 94
11.3 Clearances and creepage distances. 94
11.4 Protection against electric shock and integrity of protective circuits . 94
11.5 Incorporation of built-in components . 95
11.6 Internal electrical circuits and connections . 95
11.7 Terminals for external conductors . 95
11.8 Mechanical operation . 95
11.9 Dielectric properties . 95
11.10 Wiring, operational performance and function . 95
Annex A (normative) Minimum and maximum cross-section of copper cables suitable
for connection to terminals for external cables (see 8.8) . 105
Annex B (normative) Method of calculating the cross-sectional area of protective
conductors with regard to thermal stresses due to currents of short duration . 106
Annex C (informative) User information template . 107
Annex D (informative) Design verification . 111
Annex E (informative) Rated diversity factor . 112
E.1 General . 112
E.2 Rated diversity factor for outgoing circuits within an assembly . 112
E.2.1 General . 112
E.2.2 Example of an assembly with an RDF of 0,68 . 115
E.2.3 Example of an assembly with RDF declared for each section . 116
Annex F (normative) Measurement of clearances and creepage distances . 117
F.1 Basic principles . 117
F.2 Use of ribs . 117
Annex G (normative) Correlation between the nominal voltage of the supply system

and the rated impulse withstand voltage of the equipment . 122
Annex H (informative) Operating current and power loss of copper cables . 124
Annex I (informative) Thermal equivalent of an intermittent current . 126
Annex J (normative) Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). 127
J.1 General . 127
Annex K (normative) Operating current and power loss of bare copper bars . 134
Annex L (informative) Guidance on verification of temperature-rise . 137
L.1 General . 137
L.1.1 Principles . 137

– 6 – IEC 61439-1:2020 © IEC 2020
L.1.2 Current ratings of assemblies . 137
L.2 Temperature-rise limits . 138
L.3 Test . 139
L.3.1 General . 139
L.3.2 Method a) – Verification of the complete assembly (10.10.2.3.5) . 139
L.3.3 Method b) – Verification considering individual functional units
separately and the complete assembly (10.10.2.3.6) . 139
L.3.4 Method c) – Verification considering individual functional units and the
main and distribution busbars separately as well as the complete
assembly (10.10.2.3.7) . 140
L.4 Verification assessment . 140
L.4.1 General . 140
L.4.2 Single compartment assembly with a rated current (I ) not exceeding
nA
630 A . 140
L.4.3 Assembly with rated currents (I ) not exceeding 1 600 A . 140
nA
L.5 Verification by comparison with a reference design . 140
Annex M (normative) Verification of the short-circuit withstand strength of busbar
structures by comparison with a reference design by calculation . 142
M.1 General . 142
M.2 Terms and definitions. 142
M.3 Method of verification . 143
M.4 Conditions for application . 144
M.4.1 General . 144
M.4.2 Peak short-circuit current . 144
M.4.3 Thermal short-circuit strength . 144
M.4.4 Busbar supports .
...