EN 60947-5-4:2003/A1:2019

Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 5-4: Control circuit devices and switching elements - Method of assessing the performance of low-energy contacts - Special tests

2019-04-16: Formal Vote assessment documents (ZA, RA) sent to Production on 2019-04-16 by the TC and revised Annex ZZ sent to Production on 2019-04-18. Consider the possibility to go to BT to validate the Annex ZZ, since not included in the Formal Vote documentation. Furthermore, Consultant suggests modifications to the foreword. Check with PM before publication.
2019-03-20: Annex ZZ not included in the FV documents. Check with PM before requesting Formal Vote assessment.
2018-12-07: positive LVD assessment at ENQ. The updated Annex ZZ which received a positive assessment has not been included in the public Enquiry. It will have to be included for FV.

Niederspannungsschaltgeräte - Teil 5-4: Steuergeräte und Schaltelemente - Verfahren zur Abschätzung der Leistungsfähigkeit von Schwachstromkontakten - Besondere Prüfungen

Appareillage à basse tension - Partie 5-4: Appareils et éléments de commutation pour circuits de commande - Méthode d'évaluation des performances des contacts à basse énergie - Essais spéciaux

Nizkonapetostne stikalne in krmilne naprave - 5-4. del: Krmilne naprave in stikalni elementi - Metoda ocenjevanja učinkovitosti nizkoenergetskih kontaktov - Posebni preskusi - Dopolnilo A1 (IEC 60947-5-4:2002/A1:2019)

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Withdrawal Date: 25-Jun-2022
• 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: 02-Aug-2019
• Completion Date: 02-Aug-2019
• Directive: Harmonized Standard2014/35/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
  OJ Ref: L 250/, L 250/121 OJ Date: 03-Aug-2020
• 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 60947-5-4:2004/A1:2019 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 5-4: Control circuit devices and switching elements - Method of assessing the performance of low-energy contacts - Special tests (IEC 60947-5-4:2002/A1:2019)

Relations

• Refers: IEC 60605-6:2007 - Equipment reliability testing - Part 6: Tests for the validity and estimation of the constant failure rate and constant failure intensity
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60068-2-17:2023 - Environmental testing - Part 2-17: Tests - Test Q: Sealing
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN 60068-1:2014 - Environmental testing - Part 1: General and guidance
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN 60947-1:2007 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 1: General rules
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60068-2-38:2021 - Environmental testing - Part 2-38: Tests - Test Z/AD: Composite temperature/humidity cyclic test
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60068-2-87:2024 - Environmental testing - Part 2-87: Tests - UV-C exposure of materials and components to simulate ultraviolet germicidal Irradiation or other applications
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60068-2-21:2021 - Environmental testing - Part 2-21: Tests - Test U: Robustness of terminations and integral mounting devices
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60068-2-83:2025 - Environmental testing - Part 2-83: Tests - Test Tf: Solderability testing of electronic components for surface mounting devices (SMD) by the wetting balance method using solder paste
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60068-2-78:2025 - Environmental testing - Part 2-78: Tests - Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60068-2-5:2018 - Environmental testing - Part 2-5: Tests - Test S: Simulated solar radiation at ground level and guidance for solar radiation testing and weathering
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60068-2-88:2025 - Environmental testing - Part 2-88: Tests – Test XD: Resistance of components and assemblies to liquid cleaning media
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60068-2-52:2018 - Environmental testing - Part 2-52: Tests - Test Kb: Salt mist, cyclic (sodium chloride solution)
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60068-2-14:2023 - Environmental testing - Part 2-14: Tests - Test N: Change of temperature
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60068-2-2:2025 - Environmental testing - Part 2-2: Tests - Test B: Dry heat
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60068-2-86:2024 - Environmental testing - Part 2-86: Tests - Test Fx: Vibration - Multi-exciter and multi-axis method
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026

Overview

EN 60947-5-4:2003/A1:2019 is a European standard developed by CLC (CENELEC) for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. Specifically, it addresses the method of assessing the performance of low-energy contacts within control circuit devices and switching elements. This amendment aligns the European version with IEC 60947-5-4:2002/A1:2019 and updates requirements concerning special tests for such low-energy contacts.

The standard plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable operation and safety for control circuits that operate at low voltages or low currents, where conventional contact testing may not be suitable. It also provides a means to demonstrate conformity with the safety objectives of the EU Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU).

Key Topics

• Assessment Methods: Defines procedures for assessing the durability, electrical, and mechanical performance of low-energy contacts used in control circuit devices.
• Special Tests: Outlines additional tests to verify contact performance under specific low-energy operational conditions.
• Scope Limitations: Excludes contacts used in functional safety applications and very low energy measurement systems (e.g., sensor or thermocouple systems).
• Normative References: Integrates updated references such as IEC 60068-1 for environmental testing and IEC 60947-5-1 for control circuit device requirements.
• Manufacturer Information: Specifies documentation requirements, ensuring necessary contact data, operating conditions, and environmental information are clearly provided.

Applications

EN 60947-5-4:2003/A1:2019 is applicable to manufacturers, designers, and testing laboratories involved in the production and assessment of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear, specifically:

• Industrial Automation: Ensuring reliable operation of control circuits in manufacturing plants, process control, and machinery.
• Building Automation: Applying in low-energy input circuits for automated lighting, HVAC, and security systems.
• Programmable Controllers: Addressing digital input requirements of programmable controllers, as referenced in related standards.
• Testing and Certification: Providing testing frameworks for certifying the functionality and safety of low-energy contact devices under specified environmental and operational conditions.
• Compliance Demonstration: Supporting manufacturers and suppliers in achieving conformity with the EU Low Voltage Directive through documented, standardized testing protocols.

By using this standard, organizations can enhance the reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance of devices that rely on low-energy control contacts.

Related Standards

EN 60947-5-4:2003/A1:2019 is part of the broader EN 60947 series, which addresses various aspects of switchgear and controlgear for low-voltage electrical installations. Relevant standards include:

• EN 60947-1: General rules for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
• EN 60947-5-1: Requirements for control circuit devices and switching elements, covering electromechanical devices
• EN 60068-1 / EN 60068-2 series: Environmental testing standards for electrical and electronic equipment
• IEC 60947-5-4:2002/A1:2019: International counterpart providing methodologies for assessing low-energy contacts
• Directive 2014/35/EU: European directive setting essential safety requirements for electrical equipment within certain voltage limits

Implementing EN 60947-5-4:2003/A1:2019 helps ensure harmonization with international best practices and European regulatory requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear, especially in applications demanding the reliable performance of low-energy contacts.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2019
Nizkonapetostne stikalne in krmilne naprave - 5-4. del: Krmilne naprave in stikalni
elementi - Metoda ocenjevanja učinkovitosti nizkoenergetskih kontaktov - Posebni
preskusi - Dopolnilo A1 (IEC 60947-5-4:2002/A1:2019)
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 5-4: Control circuit devices and switching
elements - Method of assessing the performance of low-energy contacts - Special tests
(IEC 60947-5-4:2002/A1:2019)
Niederspannungsschaltgeräte - Teil 5-4: Steuergeräte und Schaltelemente - Verfahren
zur Abschätzung der Leistungsfähigkeit von Schwachstromkontakten - Besondere
Prüfungen (IEC 60947-5-4:2002/A1:2019)
Appareillage à basse tension - Partie 5-4: Appareils et éléments de commutation pour
circuits de commande - Méthode d'évaluation des performances des contacts à basse
énergie - Essais spéciaux (IEC 60947-5-4:2002/A1:2019)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60947-5-4:2003/A1:2019
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 60947-5-4:2003/A1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
August 2019
ICS 29.130.20
English Version
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 5-4: Control
circuit devices and switching elements - Method of assessing the
performance of low-energy contacts - Special tests
(IEC 60947-5-4:2002/A1:2019)
Appareillage à basse tension - Partie 5-4: Appareils et Niederspannungsschaltgeräte - Teil 5-4: Steuergeräte und
éléments de commutation pour circuits de commande - Schaltelemente - Verfahren zur Abschätzung der
Méthode d'évaluation des performances des contacts à Leistungsfähigkeit von Schwachstromkontakten -
basse énergie - Essais spéciaux Besondere Prüfungen
(IEC 60947-5-4:2002/A1:2019) (IEC 60947-5-4:2002/A1:2019)
This amendment A1 modifies the European Standard EN 60947-5-4:2003; it was approved by CENELEC on 2019-06-26. CENELEC
members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this amendment 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 amendment 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
© 2019 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 60947-5-4:2003/A1:2019 E

European foreword
The text of document 121A/284/FDIS, future IEC 60947-5-4/A1, 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 EN 60947-
5-4:2003/A1:2019.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2020-03-26
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2022-06-26
document have to be withdrawn
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 60947-5-4:2002/A1:2019 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.

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 60068-1 2013 Environmental testing - Part 1: General EN 60068-1 2014
and guidance
IEC 60068-2 series Environmental testing - Part 2: Tests EN 60068-2 series
IEC 60605-6 2007 Equipment reliability testing - Part 6: Tests - -
for the validity and estimation of the
constant failure rate and constant failure
intensity
IEC 60947-1 2007 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - EN 60947-1 2007
Part 1: General rules
+ A1 2010  + A1 2011
+ A2 2014  + A2 2014
IEC 60947-5-1 2016 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - EN 60947-5-1 2017
Part 5-1: Control circuit devices and
switching elements - Electromechanical
control circuit devices
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 o
...