IEC 60364-6:2016

Low voltage electrical installations - Part 6: Verification

IEC 60364-6:2016 provides requirements for initial and periodic verification of an electrical installation. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2006 and constitutes a technical revision.
The contents of the corrigendum of September 2017 have been included in this copy.

Installations électriques à basse tension - Partie 6: Vérification

L'IEC 60364-6:2016 spécifie des exigences pour la vérification initiale et périodique d une installation électrique. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition parue en 2006. Cette édition constitue une révision technique.
Le contenu du corrigendum de septembre 2017a été pris en considération dans cet exemplaire.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 26-Apr-2016
• ICS: 01 - GENERALITIES. TERMINOLOGY. STANDARDIZATION. DOCUMENTATION
• ICS: 29.020 - Electrical engineering in general
• ICS: 91.140.50 - Electricity supply systems
• Technical Committee: TC 64 - Electrical installations and protection against electric shock
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 27-Apr-2016
• Completion Date: 27-Apr-2016

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60364-6
Edition 2.0 2016-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Low voltage electrical installations –
Part 6: Verification
Installations électriques à basse tension –
Partie 6: Vérification
IEC 60364-6:2016-04(en-fr)
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
THIS PUBLICATION IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED
Copyright © 2016 IEC, Geneva, Switzerland

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form

or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from

either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC

copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or

your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite

ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie

et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'IEC ou du Comité national de l'IEC du pays du demandeur. Si vous avez des

questions sur le copyright de l'IEC ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette publication, utilisez

les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de l'IEC de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office Tel.: [phone]
3, rue de Varembé Fax: [phone]
CH-1211 Geneva 20 [e-mail]
Switzerland www.iec.ch
About the IEC

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes

International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
About IEC publications

The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the

latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
IEC Catalogue - webstore.iec.ch/catalogue Electropedia - www.electropedia.org

The stand-alone application for consulting the entire The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and

bibliographical information on IEC International Standards, electrical terms containing 20 000 terms and definitions in

Technical Specifications, Technical Reports and other English and French, with equivalent terms in 15 additional

documents. Available for PC, Mac OS, Android Tablets and languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical

iPad. Vocabulary (IEV) online.

IEC publications search - www.iec.ch/searchpub IEC Glossary - std.iec.ch/glossary

The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a 65 000 electrotechnical terminology entries in English and

variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical French extracted from the Terms and Definitions clause of

committee,…). It also gives information on projects, replaced IEC publications issued since 2002. Some entries have been

and withdrawn publications. collected from earlier publications of IEC TC 37, 77, 86 and

CISPR.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished

Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc

details all new publications released. Available online and If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or

also once a month by email. need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service

Centre: [e-mail].
A propos de l'IEC

La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (IEC) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des

Normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

A propos des publications IEC

Le contenu technique des publications IEC est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez l’édition la

plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.
Catalogue IEC - webstore.iec.ch/catalogue Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
Application autonome pour consulter tous les renseignements
Le premier dictionnaire en ligne de termes électroniques et
bibliographiques sur les Normes internationales,
électriques. Il contient 20 000 termes et définitions en anglais
Spécifications techniques, Rapports techniques et autres
et en français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans 15
documents de l'IEC. Disponible pour PC, Mac OS, tablettes
langues additionnelles. Egalement appelé Vocabulaire
Android et iPad.
Electrotechnique International (IEV) en ligne.
Recherche de publications IEC - www.iec.ch/searchpub
Glossaire IEC - std.iec.ch/glossary

La recherche avancée permet de trouver des publications IEC 65 000 entrées terminologiques électrotechniques, en anglais

en utilisant différents critères (numéro de référence, texte, et en français, extraites des articles Termes et Définitions des

comité d’études,…). Elle donne aussi des informations sur les publications IEC parues depuis 2002. Plus certaines entrées

projets et les publications remplacées ou retirées. antérieures extraites des publications des CE 37, 77, 86 et

CISPR de l'IEC.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Service Clients - webstore.iec.ch/csc
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications IEC. Just

Published détaille les nouvelles publications parues. Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette

Disponible en ligne et aussi une fois par mois par email. publication ou si vous avez des questions contactez-nous:

[e-mail].
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
IEC 60364-6
Edition 2.0 2016-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Low voltage electrical installations –
Part 6: Verification
Installations électriques à basse tension –
Partie 6: Vérification
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 91.140.50 ISBN 978-2-8322-3347-4

Warning! Make sure that you obtained this publication from an authorized distributor.

Attention! Veuillez vous assurer que vous avez obtenu cette publication via un distributeur agréé.

® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission
Marque déposée de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
– 2 – IEC 60364-6:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS

FOREWORD ......................................................................................................................... 4

6.1 Scope ................................................................................................................... 6

6.2 Normative references ............................................................................................ 6

6.3 Terms and definitions ............................................................................................ 7

6.4 Initial verification ................................................................................................... 7

6.4.1 General ......................................................................................................... 7

6.4.2 Inspection ...................................................................................................... 8

6.4.3 Testing .......................................................................................................... 9

6.4.4 Reporting for initial verification ..................................................................... 14

6.5 Periodic verification ............................................................................................. 15

6.5.1 General ....................................................................................................... 15

6.5.2 Frequency of periodic verification ................................................................. 16

6.5.3 Reporting for periodic verification ................................................................. 16

Annex A (informative) Estimation of the resistance value likely to be obtained during

continuity testing ................................................................................................................. 18

Annex B (informative) Methods for measuring the insulation resistance/impedance of

floors and walls to earth or to the protective conductor ....................................................... 19

B.1 General ............................................................................................................... 19

B.2 Test method for measuring the impedance of floors and walls with a.c.

voltage ................................................................................................................ 19

B.3 Test electrode 1 .................................................................................................. 20

B.4 Test electrode 2 .................................................................................................. 20

Annex C (informative) Measurement of earth electrode resistance – Methods C1, C2

and C3 ............................................................................................................................... 22

C.1 Method C1 – Measurement of earth electrode resistance using an earth

electrode test instrument ..................................................................................... 22

C.2 Method C2 – Measurement of earth electrode resistance using a fault loop

impedance test instrument ................................................................................... 23

C.3 Method C3 – Measurement of earth electrode resistance using current

clamps ................................................................................................................ 24

Annex D (informative) Guidance on the application of the rules of Clause 6.4 – Initial

verification .......................................................................................................................... 26

Annex E (informative) Model forms for reporting ................................................................. 29

Annex F (informative) Model forms for inspection of electrical installations .......................... 36

F.1 Model schedule for items requiring inspection for initial verification of an

electrical installation. ........................................................................................... 36

F.2 Model inspection schedule of items requiring inspection for an existing

electrical installation ............................................................................................ 40

Annex G (informative) Model schedule of circuit details and test results .............................. 45

Annex H (informative) List of notes concerning certain countries ......................................... 46

Bibliography ....................................................................................................................... 48

Figure B.1 – Test electrode 1 .............................................................................................. 20

Figure B.2 – Test electrode 2 .............................................................................................. 21

Figure C.1 – Measurement of the earth electrode resistance ................................................ 23

Figure C.2 – Measurement of the earth electrode resistance using an earth fault loop

impedance test instrument .................................................................................................. 24

Figure C.3 – Measurement of earth electrode resistance using current clamps ..................... 25

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
IEC 60364-6:2016 © IEC 2016 – 3 –

Table 6.1 – Minimum values of insulation resistance ............................................................ 10

Table A.1 – Specific conductor resistance R for copper wiring at 30 °C dependent on

the nominal cross-sectional area S for rough calculation of conductor resistances ................ 18

Table E.1 – Electrical installation verification report (new or altered installation) .................. 29

Table E.2 – Electrical installation condition report (existing installations) .............................. 32

Table G.1 – Model schedule of circuit details and test results .............................................. 45

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
– 4 – IEC 60364-6:2016 © IEC 2016
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
_____________
LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 6: Verification
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 in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,

Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC

Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested

in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-

governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely

with the International Organization for 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

interested IEC National Committees.

3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National

Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC

Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any

misinterpretation by any end user.

4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications

transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence

between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in

the latter.

5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity

assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any

services carried out by independent certification bodies.

6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.

7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and

members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or

other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and

expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC

Publications.

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 60364-6 has been prepared by the IEC technical committee 64:

Electrical installations and protection against electric shock.

This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2006 and constitutes a

technical revision.

This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous

edition:
a) Normative references updated to current publications;
b) Re-numbered to align with current IEC numbering;
c) Initial inspection requirements: 3 items added;
d) Testing sequence changed;
e) General requirements for periodic reporting – more details added;
f) New Annex A: Table A.1 – Specific resistance values for copper conductors;
---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
IEC 60364-6:2016 © IEC 2016 – 5 –

g) Annex D: Example of a diagram suitable for evaluation of voltage drop. Content removed;

h) Annex E: Recommendation for electrical equipment which is being re-used in an electrical

installation. Content removed;
i) Annex F: Content replaced with new Annex E – Model forms for reporting;

j) Annex G: Changed to Annex F – Model forms for inspection of electrical installations;

k) Annex H: Changed to Annex G – Model schedule of circuit details and test results;

l) Annex H: Listing of notes concerning some countries;
m) Bibliography – Updated:
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
64/2107/FDIS 64/2114/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.

A list of all parts in the IEC 60364 series, published under the general title Low voltage

electrical installations, can be found on the IEC website.

The reader's attention is drawn to the fact that Annex H lists all of the “in-some-country”

clauses on differing practices of a less permanent nature relating to the subject of this

standard.

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 September 2017 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.
---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
– 6 – IEC 60364-6:2016 © IEC 2016
LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 6: Verification
6.1 Scope

This part of IEC 60364 provides requirements for initial and periodic verification of an

electrical installation.

Clause 6.4 provides requirements for initial verification, by inspection and testing, of an

electrical installation to determine, as far as reasonably practicable, whether the requirements

of the other parts of IEC 60364 have been met and requirements for the reporting of the

results of the initial verification. The initial verification takes place upon the completion of a

new installation or completion of an addition or an alteration to an existing installation.

Clause 6.5 provides requirements for periodic verification of an electrical installation to

determine, as far as reasonably practicable, whether the installation and all its constituent

equipment are in a satisfactory condition for use and requirements for the reporting of the

results of the periodic verification.
6.2 Normative references

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and

are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For

undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.

IEC 60079-17, Explosive atmospheres – Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and

maintenance
IEC 60364 (all parts), Low-voltage electrical installations

IEC 60364-4-41:2005, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 4-41: Protection for safety –

Protection against electric shock

IEC 60364-4-42:2010, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 4-42: Protection for safety –

Protection against thermal effects
IEC 60364-4-42:2010/AMD1:2014

IEC 60364-4-44:2007, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 4-44: Protection for safety –

Protection against voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances
IEC 60364-4-44:2007/AMD1:2015

IEC 60364-5-51:2005, Electrical installations of buildings – Part 5-51:– Selection and erection

of electrical equipment – Common rules

IEC 60364-5-52:2009, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 5-52: Selection and erection

of electrical equipment – Wiring systems

IEC 60364-5-53:2001, Electrical installations of buildings – Part 5-53: Selection and erection

of electrical equipment – Isolation, switching and control
IEC 60364-5-53:2001/AMD1:2002
IEC 60364-5-53:2001/AMD2:2015
---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
IEC 60364-6:2016 © IEC 2016 – 7 –

IEC 60364-5-54, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 5-54: Selection and erection of

electrical equipment – Earthing arrangements and protective conductors

IEC 61557 (all parts), Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1 000 V a.c.

and 1 500 V d.c. – Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures

IEC 61557-6, Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500

V d.c. – Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures – Part 6:

Effectiveness of residual current devices (RCD) in TT, TN and IT systems
6.3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
6.3.1
verification

all measures by means of which compliance of the electrical installation with the relevant

requirements of IEC 60364 is checked
Note 1 to entry: Verification comprises inspection, testing and reporting.
6.3.2
inspection

examination of an electrical installation using all appropriate senses in order to ascertain

correct selection and proper erection of electrical equipment
6.3.3
testing

implementation of measures to assess an electrical installation by means through which its

effectiveness is proved

Note 1 to entry: Testing includes ascertaining values by means of appropriate measuring instruments, said values

not being detectable by inspection.
6.3.4
reporting
recording of the results of inspection and testing
6.3.5
maintenance

combination of all technical and administrative actions, including supervisory actions,

intended to retain an item in, or restore it to, a state in which it can perform a required

function
6.4 Initial verification
6.4.1 General

6.4.1.1 Every installation shall be verified during erection, as far as reasonably practicable,

and on completion, before being put into service.

6.4.1.2 The information required by IEC 60364-5-51:2005, 514.5 and other information

necessary for initial verification shall be made available to the person carrying out the initial

verification.

6.4.1.3 The initial verification shall include comparison of the results with relevant criteria

to confirm that the requirements of the IEC 60364 series have been met.
---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
– 8 – IEC 60364-6:2016 © IEC 2016

6.4.1.4 Precautions shall be taken to ensure that the verification shall not cause danger to

persons or livestock and shall not cause damage to property and equipment even if the circuit

is defective.

6.4.1.5 It shall be verified that an extension, addition or alteration to an existing installation

complies with the IEC 60364 series and does not impair the safety of that installation, and

that the safety of the new installation is not impaired by the existing installation.

6.4.1.6 The verification shall be made by a skilled person, competent in verification.

NOTE Requirements concerning qualifications are a matter for national consideration.

6.4.2 Inspection

6.4.2.1 Inspection shall precede testing and shall normally be done prior to energizing the

installation.

6.4.2.2 The inspection shall be made to confirm that electrical equipment which is part of

the fixed installation is:

– in compliance with the safety requirements of the relevant equipment standards;

NOTE This can be ascertained by examination of the manufacturer’s information, marking or certification.

– correctly selected and erected according to the IEC 60364 series and taking into account

the manufacturer’s instructions;
– not visibly damaged or defective so as to impair safety.

6.4.2.3 Inspection shall include at least the checking of the following, where relevant:

a) method of protection against electric shock (see IEC 60364-4-41);

b) presence of fire barriers and other precautions against propagation of fire and protection

against thermal effects (see IEC 60364-4-42 and IEC 60364-5-52:2009, Clause 527);

c) selection of conductors for current-carrying capacity (see IEC 60364-4-43 and IEC 60364-

5-52:2009, Clauses 523);

d) choice, setting, selectivity and coordination of protective and monitoring devices (see

IEC 60364-5-53:2001, Clause 536);

e) selection, location and installation of suitable overvoltage protective devices (SPD) where

specified (see IEC 60364-5-53:2001 and IEC 60364-5-53:2001/AMD2:2015, Clause 534);

f) selection, location and installation of suitable isolating and switching devices (see

IEC 60364-5-53:2001, Clause 536);

g) selection of equipment and protective measures appropriate to external influences and

mechanical stresses (see IEC 60364-4-42:2010, Clause 422, IEC 60364-5-51:2005, 512.2

and IEC 60364-5-52:2009, Clause 522);

h) identification of neutral and protective conductors (see IEC 60364-5-51:2005, 514.3);

i) presence of diagrams, warning notices or similar information (see IEC 60364-5-51:2005,

514.5);

j) identification of circuits, overcurrent protective devices, switches, terminals etc. (see

IEC 60364-5-51:2005, Clause 514);
k) adequacy of termination and connection of cables and conductors (see
IEC 60364-5-52:2009, Clause 526);

l) selection and installation of earthing arrangements, protective conductors and their

connections (see IEC 60364-5-54);

m) accessibility of equipment for convenience of operation, identification and maintenance

(see IEC 60364-5-51:2005, Clauses 513 and 514);

n) measures against electromagnetic disturbances (see IEC 60364-4-44:2007, Clause 444);

---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------
IEC 60364-6:2016 © IEC 2016 – 9 –
o) exposed-conductive-parts are connected to the earthing arrangement (see
IEC 60364-4-41:2005, Clause 411);

p) selection and erection of the wiring systems (see IEC 60364-5-52:2009, Clauses 521 and

522).

Inspection shall include all particular requirements for special installations or locations.

6.4.3 Testing
6.4.3.1 General

The test methods described in 6.4.3 are given as reference methods; other methods are not

precluded, provided they give no less valid results.

Measuring instruments and monitoring equipment and methods shall be chosen in accordance

with the relevant parts of the IEC 61557 series. If other measuring equipment is used, it shall

provide no less a degree of performance and safety.

The following tests shall be carried out where relevant and should preferably be made in the

following sequence:
a) continuity of conductors (see 6.4.3.2);
b) insulation resistance (see 6.4.3.3);

c) insulation resistance testing to confirm the effectiveness of protection by SELV, PELV or

electrical separation (see 6.4.3.4);
d) insulation resistance testing to confirm the effectiveness of floor and wall
resistance/impedance (see 6.4.3.5);
e) polarity test (see 6.4.3.6);

f) testing to confirm effectiveness of automatic disconnection of supply (see 6.4.3.7);

g) testing to confirm the effectiveness of additional protection (see 6.4.3.8);
h) test of phase sequence (see 6.4.3.9);
i) functional tests (see 6.4.3.10);
j) voltage drop (see 6.4.3.11).

In the event of any test indicating failure to comply, that test and any preceding test, the

results of which may have been influenced by the fault indicated, shall be repeated after the

fault has been rectified.

When testing in a potentially explosive atmosphere appropriate safety precautions in

accordance with IEC 60079-17 are necessary.
6.4.3.2 Continuity of conductors

The continuity of conductors and connection to exposed-conductive-parts, if any, shall be

verified by a measurement of resistance on:
a) protective conductors, including protective bonding conductors,
b) exposed-conductive-parts, and
c) in the case of ring final circuits, live conductors.
NOTE See also Annex A.
6.4.3.3 Insulation resistance of the electrical installation
The insulation resistance shall be measured between:
a) live conductors, and
---------------------- Page: 11 ----------------------
– 10 – IEC 60364-6:2016 © IEC 2016

b) live conductors and the protective conductor connected to the earthing arrangement.

Where appropriate during this measurement, live conductors may be connected together. In

practice, it may be necessary to carry out this measurement during erection of the installation

before the connection of the equipment.

Where the circuit includes equipment that is likely to influence the results or be damaged,

only a measurement between
...