IEC 62271-200:2011

High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 200: AC metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV

IEC 62271-200:2011 specifies requirements for prefabricated metal enclosed switchgear and controlgear for alternating current of rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV for indoor and outdoor installation, and for service frequencies up to and including 60 Hz. Enclosures may include fixed and removable components and may be filled with fluid (liquid or gas) to provide insulation. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2003. It is a technical revision. This second edition of IEC 62271-200 has been further updated and improved to the experience gained with the first edition of IEC 62271-200. As maintenance result, this second edition of IEC 62271-200 introduces the following significant changes:
- definitions, classifications and testing procedures are specified more precisely;
- categories LSC2A and LSC2B have been clarified and LSC2 has been assigned a separate definition;
- specific ratings related to fault level to earth (4.5 to 4.7) are introduced;
- solid insulated high-voltage parts are no longer considered as compartments on their own;
- an optional rating "cable test voltage" and the associated requirements and type tests are introduced;
- for testing the internal arc classification, when assigned by the manufacturer, more specific guidance is provided regarding the test arrangement, room simulation and arc initiation;
- a single phase to earth ignition is also recognised for internal arc testing;
- the Annexes A and B are renumbered Annexes AA and BB.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 62271-1:2007. The contents of the corrigendum of June 2015 have been included in this copy.

Appareillage à haute tension - Partie 200: Appareillage sous enveloppe métallique pour courant alternatif de tensions assignées supérieures à 1 kV et inférieures ou égales à 52 kV

La CEI 62271:2011 spécifie les exigences pour l'appareillage préfabriqué sous enveloppe métallique pour courant alternatif, prévu pour être installé à l'intérieur et à l'extérieur, pour des tensions assignées supérieures à 1 kV et inférieures ou égales à 52 kV et pour des fréquences de service inférieures ou égales à 60 Hz. Les enveloppes peuvent contenir des composants fixes et amovibles et peuvent être remplies de fluide (liquide ou gaz) pour assurer l'isolation. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition parue en 2003. Elle constitue une révision technique. Cette deuxième édition de la CEI 62271-200 a été mise à jour de manière plus approfondie et améliorée sur la base de l'expérience acquise avec la première édition de la CEI 62271-200. En termes de maintenance, cette deuxième édition de la CEI 62271-200 introduit les modifications majeures suivantes:
- les définitions, classifications et méthodes d'essai sont spécifiées de manière plus précise;
- les catégories LSC2A et LSC2B ont été explicitées et LSC2 a été déterminée selon une définition séparée;
- des caractéristiques assignées spécifiques relatives au niveau de défaut à la terre (4.5 à 4.7) ont été introduites;
- les parties à haute tension à isolation solide ne sont plus considérées comme des compartiments proprement dits;
- une caractéristique assignée facultative "tension d'essai des câbles" avec ses exigences et essais de type associés a été introduite;
- s'agissant des essais de classification d'arc interne, lorsque celle-ci est assignée par le constructeur, des recommandations plus spécifiques sont fournies en matière de disposition d'essai, de simulation de local et d'amorçage d'arc;
- un amorçage en monophasé phase-terre est également reconnu pour les essais d'arc interne;
- les Annexes A et B ont été renumérotées Annexes AA et BB.
Cette publication doit être lue conjointement avec la CEI 62271-1:2007. Le contenu du corrigendum de juin 2015 a été pris en considération dans cet exemplaire.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 23-Oct-2011
• ICS: 29.130.10 - High voltage switchgear and controlgear
• Technical Committee: SC 17C - Assemblies
• Drafting Committee: MT 14 - TC 17/SC 17C/MT 14
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 27-May-2021
• Completion Date: 04-Jul-2018

Relations

• Corrected By: IEC 62271-200:2011/COR1:2015 - Corrigendum 1 - High-voltage swithgear and controlgear - Part 200: AC metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revised: IEC 62271-200:2021 - High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 200: AC metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 62271-200:2003 - High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 200: A.C. metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 62271-200:2011 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines requirements for high-voltage switchgear and controlgear. Specifically, this standard covers AC metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear designed for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV. Applicable for both indoor and outdoor installations, IEC 62271-200 addresses equipment intended for service frequencies up to 60 Hz.

This edition, the second one published in 2011, supersedes the first edition from 2003. It integrates valuable updates based on practical experience and technical advancements, enhancing the precision of definitions, classifications, testing methods, and safety requirements for high-voltage electrical equipment.

Key improvements include clarified fault level ratings, internal arc testing procedures, and additional optional ratings such as cable test voltage. It is critical that this standard is read in conjunction with IEC 62271-1:2007 to ensure comprehensive compliance with general requirements for high-voltage switchgear.

Key Topics

IEC 62271-200:2011 encompasses the following crucial technical subjects:

• Rated Voltages and Frequencies: Covers equipment for voltages from above 1 kV up to 52 kV with service frequencies up to 60 Hz.
• Design and Construction Requirements: Specifies metal-enclosed designs that may include fixed or removable components and options for fluid (liquid or gas) insulation.
• Internal Arc Classification (IAC): Introduces rigorous testing and classification to verify and mitigate risks associated with internal arc faults.
• Fault Level Ratings: Defines short-time withstand currents and peak withstand currents, with precise values related to earth faults.
• Testing Procedures: Details comprehensive type tests and routine tests, including dielectric, temperature-rise, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and internal arc testing.
• Safety Provisions: Addresses safety protocols, protection against internal arc faults, and interlocking devices to prevent accidental operations.
• Environmental Protection: Includes specifications on corrosion resistance, fire hazard reduction, and gas or liquid tightness of enclosures.

Additional technical topics include ratings for closing and opening devices, auxiliary circuits, earthing systems, and optional cable test voltages to verify cable insulation integrity.

Applications

IEC 62271-200:2011 is indispensable for manufacturers, designers, and operators involved in the development and deployment of high-voltage electrical distribution systems. Its practical applications include:

• Power Utilities: Ensuring the reliability, safety, and interoperability of switchgear deployed in substations and distribution networks.
• Industrial Facilities: Guiding the design and selection of metal-enclosed switchgear for internal power grids handling high voltages.
• Renewable Energy Plants: Assisting in the integration of switchgear into solar, wind, and other renewable installations operating within the specified voltage range.
• Infrastructure Projects: Supporting construction and maintenance of transportation, commercial, and institutional facilities requiring high-voltage electrical installations.
• Equipment Testing Laboratories: Providing standardized test methods and criteria to validate product performance and safety before market release.

Adhering to IEC 62271-200 ensures equipment meets international quality and safety benchmarks, reduces operational risks, and facilitates regulatory compliance in global markets.

Related Standards

IEC 62271-200 should be used in conjunction with several other relevant international standards, including but not limited to:

• IEC 62271-1:2007 – General rules for high-voltage switchgear and controlgear.
• IEC 62271-100 – High-voltage circuit-breakers.
• IEC 62271-102 – High-voltage alternating-current switches.
• IEC 60068 – Environmental testing for electrical equipment.
• IEC 60076 – Power transformers.
• IEC 60099 – Surge arresters connected to power systems.

These complementary documents provide a full framework covering design, testing, installation, and maintenance of high-voltage electrical equipment, enhancing interoperability and system safety.

---

For precise implementation and detailed technical guidance, consult the full IEC 62271-200:2011 publication available from the IEC Webstore. Compliance with this standard optimizes safety, reliability, and operational efficiency of metal-enclosed switchgear used in medium to high voltage electrical networks.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62271-200 ®
Edition 2.0 2011-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 200: AC metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages
above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV

Appareillage à haute tension –
Partie 200: Appareillage sous enveloppe métallique pour courant alternatif
de tensions assignées supérieures à 1 kV et inférieures ou égales à 52 kV

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IEC 62271-200 ®
Edition 2.0 2011-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 200: AC metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages
above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV

Appareillage à haute tension –
Partie 200: Appareillage sous enveloppe métallique pour courant alternatif
de tensions assignées supérieures à 1 kV et inférieures ou égales à 52 kV

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX XC
ICS 29.130.10 ISBN 978-2-88912-743-6

– 2 – 62271-200  IEC:2011
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
1 General . 7
1.1 Scope . 7
1.2 Normative references . 8
2 Normal and special service conditions . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 Ratings . 15
4.1 Rated voltage (U ) . 15
r
4.2 Rated insulation level . 16
4.3 Rated frequency (f ) . 16
r
4.4 Rated normal current and temperature rise . 16
4.5 Rated short-time withstand currents (I ). 16
k
4.6 Rated peak withstand current (I ) . 16
p
4.7 Rated durations of short circuit (t ) . 17
k
4.8 Rated supply voltage of closing and opening devices and of auxiliary and
control circuits (U ) . 17
a
4.9 Rated supply frequency of closing and opening devices and of auxiliary
circuits . 17
4.10 Rated pressure of compressed gas supply for controlled pressure systems . 17
4.11 Rated filling levels for insulation and/or operation . 17
4.101 Ratings of the internal arc classification (IAC). 17
4.102 Rated cable test voltages . 19
5 Design and construction . 19
5.1 Requirements for liquids in switchgear and controlgear . 19
5.2 Requirements for gases in switchgear and controlgear . 19
5.3 Earthing of switchgear and controlgear . 20
5.4 Auxiliary and control equipment . 21
5.5 Dependent power operation . 21
5.6 Stored energy operation . 21
5.7 Independent manual or power operation (independent unlatched operation) . 21
5.8 Operation of releases . 21
5.9 Low- and high-pressure interlocking and monitoring devices . 21
5.10 Nameplates . 21
5.11 Interlocking devices . 23
5.12 Position indication . 23
5.13 Degrees of protection by enclosures . 24
5.14 Creepage distances for outdoor insulators . 24
5.15 Gas and vacuum tightness . 24
5.16 Liquid tightness . 24
5.17 Fire hazard (flammability) . 24
5.18 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 24
5.19 X-ray emission . 24
5.20 Corrosion . 24
5.101 Internal arc fault . 25
5.102 Enclosure . 25
5.103 High-voltage compartments . 27

62271-200  IEC:2011 – 3 –
5.104 Removable parts . 30
5.105 Provisions for dielectric tests on cables . 30
6 Type tests . 31
6.1 General . 31
6.2 Dielectric tests . 32
6.3 Radio interference voltage (r.i.v.) test . 35
6.4 Measurement of the resistance of circuits . 35
6.5 Temperature-rise tests . 36
6.6 Short-time withstand current and peak withstand current tests . 37
6.7 Verification of the protection . 38
6.8 Tightness tests . 39
6.9 Electromagnetic compatibility tests (EMC) . 39
6.10 Additional tests on auxiliary and control circuits . 39
6.11 X-radiation test procedures for vacuum interrupters . 40
6.101 Verification of making and breaking capacities. 40
6.102 Mechanical operation tests . 41
6.103 Pressure withstand test for gas-filled compartments . 42
6.104 Tests to verify the protection of persons against dangerous electrical
effects . 43
6.105 Weatherproofing test . 44
6.106 Internal arc test . 44
7 Routine tests . 47
7.1 Dielectric test on the main circuit . 48
7.2 Tests on auxiliary and control circuits . 48
7.3 Measurement of the resistance of the main circuit . 48
7.4 Tightness test . 48
7.5 Design and visual checks . 48
7.101 Partial discharge measurement . 48
7.102 Mechanical operation tests . 49
7.103 Pressure tests of gas-filled compartments . 49
7.104 Tests of auxiliary electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic devices . 49
7.105 Tests after erection on site . 49
7.106 Measurement of fluid condition after filling on site . 50
8 Guide to the selection of switchgear and controlgear . 50
8.101 General . 50
8.102 Selection of rated values . 50
8.103 Selection of design and construction. 50
8.104 Internal arc fault . 55
8.105 Summary of technical requirements, ratings and optional tests . 59
8.106 Ratings of earthing circuits . 61
8.107 Ratings for cable testing . 61
9 Information to be given with enquiries, tenders and orders . 61
9.1 Information with enquiries and orders . 61
9.2 Information with tenders . 62
10 Transport, storage, installation, operation and maintenance . 63
10.1 Conditions during transport, storage and installation . 63
10.2 Installation . 63
10.3 Operation . 63

– 4 – 62271-200  IEC:2011
10.4 Maintenance . 63
11 Safety . 63
11.101 Procedures . 64
11.102 Internal arc aspects . 64
12 Influence of the product on the environment . 64
Annex AA (normative) Internal arc fault – Method to verify the internal arc
classification (IAC) . 65
Annex BB (normative) Partial discharge measurement . 80
Annex CC (informative) Regional deviations . 86
Bibliography . 87

Figure 101 – LSC1 . 54
Figure 102 – LSC2 . 54
Figure 103 – LSC2 . 54
Figure 104 – LSC2A . 54
Figure 105 – LSC2B . 54
Figure 106 – LSC2B . 54
Figure AA.1 – Mounting frame for vertical indicators . 73
Figure AA.2 – Horizontal indicator. 73
Figure AA.3 – Position of the indicators . 74
Figure AA.4 – Room simulation and indicator positioning for accessibility A, classified
rear side, functional unit of any height . 75
Figure AA.5 – Room simulation and indicator positioning for accessibility B, classified
rear side, functional unit greater than or equal to 1 900 mm high . 76
Figure AA.6 – Room simulation and indicator positioning for accessibility B, classified
rear side, functional unit less than 1 900 mm high. 77
Figure AA.7 – Test arrangement for overhead connected pole-mounted switchgear
and controlgear . 78
Figure AA.8 – Ceiling height stated from the floor or false floor level where the
switchgear is actually placed . 79
Figure BB.1 – Partial discharge test circuit (three-phase arrangement) . 84
Figure BB.2 – Partial-discharge test circuit (system without earthed neutral) . 85

Table 101 – Nameplate information . 21
Table 102 – Locations, causes and examples of measures to decrease the probability
of internal arc faults . 56
Table 103 – Single phase-to-earth arc fault current depending on the network neutral
earthing . 58
Table 104 – Summary of technical requirements, ratings and optional tests for metal-
enclosed switchgear . 59
Table AA.1 – Parameters for internal fault test according to compartment construction . 72
Table BB.1 – Test circuits and procedures . 83

62271-200  IEC:2011 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
HIGH-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 200: AC metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear
for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV

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
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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) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62271-200 has been prepared by subcommittee 17C: High-voltage
switchgear and controlgear assemblies, of IEC technical committee 17: Switchgear and
controlgear.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2003. It is a technical
revision.
This second edition of IEC 62271-200 has been further updated and improved to the
experience gained with the first edition of IEC 62271-200. As maintenance result, this second
edition of IEC 62271-200 introduces the following significant changes:
• definitions, classifications and testing procedures are specified more precisely;
• categories LSC2A and LSC2B have been clarified and LSC2 has been assigned a
separate definition;
• specific ratings related to fault level to earth (4.5 to 4.7) are introduced;

– 6 – 62271-200 © IEC:2011
• solid insulated high-voltage parts are no longer considered as compartments on their own;
• an optional rating "cable test voltage" and the associated requirements and type tests are
introduced;
• for testing the internal arc classification, when assigned by the manufacturer, more
specific guidance is provided regarding the test arrangement, room simulation and arc
initiation;
• a single phase to earth ignition is also recognised for internal arc testing;
• the Annexes A and B are renumbered Annexes AA and BB.
The level of severity of internal arc testing is maintained without changes.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
17C/523/FDIS 17C/534/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
This International Standard should be read in conjunction with IEC 62271-1:2007, to which it
refers and which is applicable unless otherwise specified. In order to simplify the indication of
corresponding requirements, the same numbering of clauses and subclauses is used as in
IEC 62271-1. Amendments to these clauses and subclauses are given under the same
numbering, whilst additional subclauses, are numbered from 101.
A list of all parts of the IEC 62271 series can be found, under the general title High-voltage
switchgear and controlgear, on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
The contents of the corrigendum of June 2015 have been included in this copy.

IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
62271-200  IEC:2011 – 7 –
HIGH-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 200: AC metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear
for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV

1 General
1.1 Scope
This part of IEC 62271 specifies requirements for prefabricated metal-enclosed switchgear
and controlgear for alternating current of rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including
52 kV for indoor and outdoor installation, and for service frequencies up to and including
60 Hz. Enclosures may include fixed and removable components and may be filled with fluid
(liquid or gas) to provide insulation.
NOTE 1 For the use of this document high-voltage (IEC 60050-601:1985, 601-01-27) is the rated voltage above
1 000 V. However, medium voltage (IEC 60050-601:1985, 601-01-28) is commonly used for distribution systems
with voltages above 1 kV and generally applied up to and including 52 kV; refer to [1] of Bibliography
NOTE 2 Although primarily dedicated to three-phase systems, this standard can also be applied to single-phase
or two-phase systems.
This standard defines several categories of metal enclosed switchgear and controlgear which
differ due to
– the consequences on network service continuity in case of maintenance on the switchgear
and controlgear;
– the need and convenience of maintenance of the equipment.
NOTE 3 Safety of an installation results from the design, implementation and coordination of products,
installations and operations.
For metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear containing gas-filled compartments, the
design pressure is limited to a maximum of 300 kPa (relative pressure).
NOTE 4 Gas-filled compartments having a design pressure exceeding 300 kPa (relative pressure) should be
designed and tested in accordance with IEC 62271-203; refer to [6] of Bibliography.
Metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for special use, for example, in flammable
atmospheres, in mines or on board ships, may be subject to additional requirements.
Components contained in metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear are to be designed and
tested in accordance with their various relevant standards. This standard supplements the
standards for the individual components regarding their installation in switchgear and
controlgear assemblies.
This standard does not preclude that other equipment may be included in the same enclosure.
In such a case, any possible influence of that equipment on the switchgear and controlgear is
to be taken into account.
NOTE 5 Switchgear and controlgear assemblies having an insulation enclosure are covered by IEC 62271-201.
NOTE 6 Metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 52 kV insulated by ambient air may
be covered by this standard taking into account the insulation levels of IEC 62271-1.

– 8 – 62271-200  IEC:2011
1.2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 60050-151, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 151: Electrical and magnetic
devices
IEC 60050-441:1984, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Chapter 441: Switchgear,
controlgear and fuses
IEC 60060-1, High-voltage test techniques – Part 1: General definitions and test requirements
IEC 60270, High-voltage test techniques – Partial discharge measurements
IEC 60470:1999, High-voltage alternating current contactors and contactor-based motor-
starters
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 62262, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against
external mechanical impacts (IK code)
IEC 62271-1:2007, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: Common specifications
IEC 62271-100, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 100: Alternating-current
circuit-breakers
IEC 62271-102:2001, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 102: Alternating current
disconnectors and earthing switches
IEC 62271-103, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 103: Switches for rated
voltages above 1 kV up to and including 52 kV
IEC 62271-105, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 105: Alternating current
switch-fuse combinations
IEC 62271-201:2006, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 201: AC insulation-
enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including
52 kV
IEC/TS 62271-304, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 304: Design classes for
indoor enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV up to and including
52 kV to be used in severe climatic conditions
ISO/IEC Guide 51:1999, Safety aspects – Guidelines for their inclusion in standards
2 Normal and special service conditions
Clause 2 of IEC 62271-1 is applicable with the following addition:
Unless otherwise specified in this standard, the metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear is
designed to be used under normal service conditions.
Metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear, under the scope of IEC/TS 62271-304 and
intended to be used in service conditions more severe with respect to condensation and
pollution than the normal service conditions specified in this standard, may be classified with
a "design class" 1 or 2 according to IEC/TS 62271-304 to demonstrate its ability to withstand
such severe conditions.
62271-200  IEC:2011 – 9 –
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-151,
IEC 60050-441 and IEC 62271-1 as well as the following apply.
NOTE Additional definitions are classified so as to be aligned with the classification system used in IEC 60050-
441.
3.101
switchgear and controlgear
general term covering switching devices and their combination with associated control,
measuring, protective and regulating equipment, also assemblies of such devices and
equipment with associated interconnections, accessories, enclosures and supporting
structures
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-11-01]
3.102
metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear
switchgear and controlgear assemblies with an external metal enclosure intended to be
earthed and completely assembled, except for external connections
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-12-04, modified]
3.103
functional unit
part of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear comprising all the components of the
main circuits and auxiliary circuits that contribute to the fulfilment of a single function
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-13-04, modified]
NOTE Functional units may be distinguished according to the function for which they are intended, for example,
incoming unit, outgoing unit, etc.
3.104
multi-tier design
design of metal-enclosed switchgear in which the main switching devices of two or more
functional units are arranged vertically (one above the other) within a common enclosure
3.105
transport unit
part of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear, prefabricated, and suitable for shipment
without being dismantled
3.106
enclosure
part of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear providing a specified degree of protection
of equipment against external influences and a specified degree of protection against
approach to or contact with live parts and against contact with moving parts
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-13-01 modified]
3.107
high-voltage compartment
compartment of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear containing high-voltage
conducting parts, enclosed except for openings necessary for interconnection, control or
ventilation. Four types of high-voltage compartments are distinguished, three that can be
opened, called accessible (see 3.107.1 to 3.107.3) and one that cannot be opened, called
non-accessible (see 3.107.4)
– 10 – 62271-200  IEC:2011
NOTE 1 General definition of "compartment" is provided by IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-13-05, as "a part of an
assembly enclosed except for openings necessary for interconnection, control or ventilation".
NOTE 2 A compartment may contain barriers, structures or components that are intended to provide various
functions, such as mechanical or dielectrical, but not to function as a partition or enclosure.
NOTE 3 High-voltage compartments are identified according to the main component(s) contained therein or to the
main function provided (refer to 5.103.1).
3.107.1
interlock-controlled accessible compartment
high-voltage compartment, intended to be opened for normal operation and/or normal
maintenance as stated by the manufacturer, in which access is controlled by integral design
of the switchgear and controlgear
NOTE Installation, extension, repair, etc. are not considered as normal maintenance.
3.107.2
procedure-based accessible compartment
high-voltage compartment, intended to be opened for normal operation and/or normal
maintenance as stated by the manufacturer, in which access is controlled by a suitable
procedure combined with locking
NOTE Installation, extension, repair, etc. are not considered as normal maintenance.
3.107.3
tool-based accessible compartment
high-voltage compartment, that may be opened only through the use of tools, but not intended
for opening during normal operation and maintenance
NOTE Special procedures are required.
3.107.4
non-accessible compartment
high-voltage compartment that must not be opened
NOTE Opening may destroy the integrity of the compartment.
3.107.5
connection compartment
high-voltage compartment in which electrical connections are made between the main circuit
of the switchgear assembly and the external conductors (cables or bars) to the electrical
network or high-voltage apparatus of the installation
3.108
partition
part of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear separating one high-voltage compartment
from other compartments and providing a specified degree of protection
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-13-06, modified]
NOTE 1 Movable shutters intended for shielding may become an integral part of the partition.
NOTE 2 Partitions may be fitted with parts that allow interconnection between compartments (e.g. bushings).
3.109
partition class
class defining whether metallic or non-metallic material is used for partitions

62271-200  IEC:2011 – 11 –
3.109.1
partition class PM
metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear providing continuous metallic partitions and/or
shutters (if applicable), intended to be earthed, between opened accessible compartments
and high-voltage live parts
3.109.2
partition class PI
metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear having one or more non-metallic partitions or
shutters between opened accessible compartments and high-voltage live parts
3.110
shutter
part of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear that can be moved from a position where it
permits contacts of a removable part, or moving contact of a disconnector, to engage fixed
contacts, to a position where it becomes a part of the enclosure or partition shielding the fixed
contacts
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-13-07, modified]
3.111
segregation (of conductors)
arrangement of conductors with earthed metal interposed between them in such a manner
that disruptive discharges can only occur to earth
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-11-11]
NOTE 1 A segregation may be established between the conductors as well as between the open contacts of a
switching device or disconnector.
NOTE 2 This definition does not specify any mechanical protection (IP and IK).
3.112
bushing
structure carrying one or more conductors through an enclosure or partition and insulating it
there from, including the means of attachment
3.113
component
essential part of the high-voltage or earthing circuits of metal-enclosed switchgear and
controlgear which serves a specific function (for example, circuit-breaker, disconnector,
switch, fuse, instrument transformer, bushing, busbar)
3.114
main circuit
all the high-voltage conductive parts of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear included in
a circuit which is intended to carry the rated normal current
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-13-02, modified]
3.115
earthing circuit
conductors, connections, and the conducting parts of earthing devices intended to connect the
high-voltage conductive parts to the earthing system of the installation
NOTE Parts of metallic enclosures connected to the earthing system may be considered as part of the earthing
circuit, refer to 5.3
– 12 – 62271-200  IEC:2011
3.116
auxiliary circuit
all the conductive parts of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear included in a circuit
(other than the high-voltage parts) intended to control, measure, signal and regulate
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-13-03, modified]
NOTE The auxiliary circuits of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear include the control and auxiliary circuits
of the switching devices.
3.117
pressure relief device
device intended to relieve over pressure from a compartment
3.118
fluid-filled compartment
high-voltage compartment of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear filled with a fluid,
either gas, other than ambient air, or liquid, for insulation purposes
3.118.1
gas-filled compartment
refer to subclause 3.6.6.1 of IEC 62271-1
3.118.2
liquid-filled compartment
high-voltage compartment of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear in which the liquid is
at atmospheric pressure, or under pressure that is maintained by one of the following
systems:
a) controlled pressure system;
b) closed pressure system;
c) sealed pressure system
NOTE For pressure systems, refer to subclause 3.6.5 of IEC 62271-1.
3.119
relative pressure
pressure, referred to the standard atmospheric pressure of 101,3 kPa
3.120
minimum functional level (of fluid-filled compartments)
gas pressure (relative pressure) in Pa (or density) or liquid mass at and above which the rated
values of the metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear are maintained
3.121
design level (of fluid-filled compartments)
gas pressure (relative pressure) in Pa (or density) or liquid mass used to determine the
design of a gas-filled compartment or mass for a liquid-filled compartment
3.122
design temperature (of fluid-filled compartments)
highest temperature which can be reached by the gas or liquid under service conditions
3.123
ambient air temperature (of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear)
temperature, determined under prescribed conditions, of the air surrounding the enclosure of
metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear

62271-200  IEC:2011 – 13 –
3.124
removable part
part of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear connected to the main circuit and that may
be removed entirely from the metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear and replaced, even
though the main circuit of the functional unit is live
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-13-08, modified]
3.125
withdrawable part
removable part of metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear that can be moved to positions
in which an isolating distance or segregation between open contacts is established, while the
part remains mechanically attached to the enclosure
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-13-09, modified]
3.126
service position
connected position
position of a removable part in which it is fully connected for its intended function
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-16-25]
3.127
earthing position
position of a removable part or state of a disconnector in which the closing of a mechanical
switching device causes a main circuit to be short-circuited and earthed
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-16-26, modified]
3.128
test position (of a withdrawable part)
position of a withdrawable part in which an isolating distance or segregation is established in
the main circuit and in which the auxiliary circuits are connected
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-16-27]
3.129
disconnected position (of a withdrawable part)
position of a withdrawable part in which an isolating distance or segregation is established in
the circuits of the withdrawable part, that part remaining mechanical
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