IEC 60364-7-729:2007

Low-voltage electrical installations - Part 7-729: Requirements for special installations or locations - Operating or maintenance gangways

The requirements of this part of IEC 60364 apply to basic protection and other aspects in restricted access areas with switchgear and controlgear assemblies, including requirements for operating or maintenance gangways.

Installations électriques à basse tension - Partie 7-729: Règles pour les installations et emplacements spéciaux - Passages d'entretien ou de service

Les exigences de la présente partie de la CEI 60364 sont applicables à la protection de base contre les contacts directs et autres aspects analogues pour des zones d'accès limité comportant de l'appareillage, y compris les passages d'entretien ou de service.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 15-Jul-2007
• ICS: 91.140.50 - Electricity supply systems
• Technical Committee: TC 64 - Electrical installations and protection against electric shock
• Drafting Committee: MT 3 - TC 64/MT 3
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 16-Jul-2007
• Completion Date: 15-Sep-2007

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD
CEI
60364-7-729
NORME
First edition
INTERNATIONALE
Première édition
2007-07
Low-voltage electrical installations –
Part 7-729:
Requirements for special
installations or locations –
Operating or maintenance gangways

Installations électriques à basse tension –
Partie 7-729:
Règles pour les installations
et emplacements spéciaux –
Passages d’entretien ou de service
Reference number
Numéro de référence
IEC/CEI 60364-7-729:2007
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INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD
CEI
60364-7-729
NORME
First edition
INTERNATIONALE
Première édition
2007-07
Low-voltage electrical installations –
Part 7-729:
Requirements for special
installations or locations –
Operating or maintenance gangways

Installations électriques à basse tension –
Partie 7-729:
Règles pour les installations
et emplacements spéciaux –
Passages d’entretien ou de service
PRICE CODE
P
CODE PRIX
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
International Electrotechnical Commission
МеждународнаяЭлектротехническаяКомиссия
For price, see current catalogue
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur

– 2 – 60364-7-729 © IEC:2007
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.3
729.0 Introduction.5

729.1 Scope.6
729.2 Normative references.6
729.30 Assessment of general characteristics.6
729.513 Accessibility .8

Annex A (normative) Additional requirements for closed restricted access areas .12
Annex B (informative) List of notes concerning particular conditions in certain
countries.14
Annex C (informative) Additional information for closed restricted access areas .16

Figure 729.1 – Gangways in installations with live parts on one side.7
Figure 729.2 – Gangways in installations with live parts on both sides.8
Figure 729.3 – Gangways in installations where the protective measure of barriers or
enclosures applies .9
Figure 729.4 – Gangways in installations where the protective measure of obstacles
applies.10
Figure 729.5 – Examples of positioning of doors in long closed restricted access areas.11
Figure 729 A.1 – Minimum passing width in case of evacuation – Case 1 .12
Figure 729 A.2 – Minimum passing width in case of evacuation – Case 2 .13
Figure 729 A.3 – Minimum passing width in case of evacuation – Case 3 .13

60364-7-729 © IEC:2007 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LOW-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –

Part 7-729: Requirements for special installations or locations –
Operating or maintenance gangways

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 60364-7-729 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 64:
Electrical installations and protection against electric shock.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
64/1595/FDIS 64/1603/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.

– 4 – 60364-7-729 © IEC:2007
The reader’s attention is drawn to the fact that Annex B lists all of the “in-some-country”
clauses on differing practices of a less permanent nature relating to the subject of this
standard.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60364 series, under the general title Low-voltage electrical
installations, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result 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.
60364-7-729 © IEC:2007 – 5 –
729.0 Introduction
The requirements of this part of IEC 60364 supplement, modify or replace certain of the
general requirements of the other parts of IEC 60364.
The clause numbering of Part 7-729 follows the pattern and corresponding references of
IEC 60364. The numbers following the particular number of Part 7-729 are those of the
corresponding parts or clauses of IEC 60364.
The absence of reference to a part, clause or subclause means that the corresponding
general requirements are applicable.
For operating and maintenance gangways measures of protection against direct contact is
covered by this section which replaces clause 481.2.4 of IEC 60364-4-481 – Measures of
protection against direct contact.

– 6 – 60364-7-729 © IEC:2007
LOW-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –

Part 7-729: Requirements for special installations or locations –
Operating or maintenance gangways

729.1 Scope
The requirements of this part of IEC 60364 apply to basic protection and other aspects in
restricted access areas with switchgear and controlgear assemblies, including requirements
for operating or maintenance gangways.
729.2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this part of IEC 60364. For dated references, subsequent
amendments to, or revisions of any of these publications do not apply.
IEC 60364-1:2005, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 1: Fundamental principles,
assessment of general characteristics, definitions
IEC 60364-4-41, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 4-41: Protection for safety –
Protection against electric shock
729.30 Assessment of general characteristics
Add the following requirements:
For restricted access areas the following apply:
− restricted access areas shall be clearly and visibly marked by appropriate signs;
− unauthorized persons shall not have access to restricted access areas;
− door(s) provided for closed restricted access areas shall allow easy evacuation to the
outside by opening without the use of a key, tool or any other device which is not part of
the opening mechanism.
729.410.3.7
Replace the paragraph with the following requirements:
In restricted access areas where it is not reasonably practicable to provide protective
measures for basic protection (protection against direct contact) in accordance with IEC
60364-4-41, minimum distances are required.
NOTE 1 See Clause 30 of IEC 60364-1 for assessment of general characteristics when deciding to use this
method of protection.
NOTE 2 In cases of protective devices with high ratings, such as a large circuit-breaker, greater distances may
be necessary to permit withdrawal of the device.

60364-7-729 © IEC:2007 – 7 –
729.410.3.7.1
Where the gangway has unprotected live parts arranged on one side only (see Figure 729.1),
the minimum distances shall be:
a) width of gangway between the wall and live parts  900 mm;
b) free passage in front of controls (handles, etc.)  700 mm;
c) height of live parts above the floor 2 500 mm.

Dimensions in millimetres
Live parts
700 900
IEC  1154/07
The 2 500 mm height above the floor given as the minimum distance to live parts applies only in the gangway
where it is possible for persons to stand or walk.
Figure 729.1 – Gangways in installations with live parts on one side
729.410.3.7.2
Where the gangway has live parts on both sides (see Figure 729.2), the minimum distances
shall be:
a) width of gangway between live parts 1 300 mm;
b) minimum distance between the front of the handle and the
live parts on the opposite side of the gangway 1 100 mm;
c) minimum free passage in front of controls (handles, isolation
position of circuit-breakers, etc.)  900 mm;
d) height of live parts above the floor 2 500 mm.

2 500
– 8 – 60364-7-729 © IEC:2007
Dimensions in millimetres
Live parts
Circuit breaker in the
position “isolation”
1 300 900
1 100
1 100
IEC  1155/07
The 2 500 mm height above the floor given as the minimum distance to live parts applies only in the gangway
where it is possible for persons to stand or walk.
Figure 729.2 – Gangways in installations with live parts on both sides
729.513 Accessibility
Add the following paragraphs:
729.513.2 Requirements for operating and maintenance gangways
The width of gangways and access areas shall be adequate for work, operational access,
emergency access, emergency evacuation and for the movement of equipment.

Gangways shall permit equipment doors or hinged panels to be opened to at least 90° (see
also Annex A, Clause A.1).
729.513.2.1 Restricted access areas where the protective measure of barriers or
enclosures applies
Where the protective measure is provided by barriers or enclosures in accordance with
IEC 60364-4-41, the following minimum distances apply (see Figure 729.3):
2 500
60364-7-729 © IEC:2007 – 9 –
a) width of gangways with barriers or enclosures between switch handles 600 mm
and circuit-breakers in position “isolation” or switch handles and the wall
b) width of gangway between barriers or enclosures and other barriers or 700 mm
enclosures, or barriers or enclosures and the wall
c) height of panelling above the floor 2 000 mm;
d) height of live parts above the floor 2 500 mm.
NOTE 1 Where additional workspace is needed e.g. for special switchgear and controlgear assemblies, larger
dimensions may be required.
Dimensions in millimetres
Live parts
Panelling Barriers or
enclosures
Circuit-breaker
in the position
“isolation”
700 700 600 600
IEC  1156/07
Figure 729.3 – Gangways in installations where the protective measure of barriers or
enclosures applies
NOTE 2 The above dimensions apply after all parts of the panelling have been mounted and closed and to circuit-
breakers in the position ”isolation".
729.513.2.2 Restricted access areas where the protective measure of obstacles applies
Where the protective measure of obstacles applies in accordance with IEC 60364-4-41, the
following minimum distances apply (see Figure 729.4):
a) width of gangway between obstacles and switch handles, or 700 mm
obstacles and the wall, or switch handles and the wall
b) height of panelling above the floor 2 000 mm
c) height of live parts above the floor 2 500 mm
2 000
2 500
– 10 – 60364-7-729 © IEC:2007
Dimensions in millimetres
Live parts
Panelling
Obstacles
Circuit breaker
in the position
“isolation”
700 700 700 700
IEC  1157/07
Figure 729.4 – Gangways in installations where the protective measure of obstacles
applies
NOTE The above dimensions apply after all parts of the panelling have been mounted and closed and to circuit-
breakers in the position ”isolation”.
729.513.2.3 Access of gangways
Gangways longer than 10 m shall be accessible from both ends.
NOTE 1 This may be accomplished by placement of the equipment a minimum of 700 mm from the end walls (see
Figure 729.5) or by providing an access door, if needed, on the opposite end wall.
Closed restricted access areas with a length exceeding 20 m shall be accessible by doors from both
ends.
NOTE 2 For closed restricted access areas with a length exceeding 6 m, accessibility from both ends is
recommended.
2 000
2 500
60364-7-729 © IEC:2007 – 11 –
Dimensions in millimetres
≥700
≤10 000
≥20 000
≥700 ≥700
≥10 000
IEC  1158/07
Figure 729.5 – Examples of positioning of doors in long closed restricted access areas

– 12 – 60364-7-729 © IEC:2007
Annex A
(normative)
Additional requirements for closed restricted access areas

A.1 Evacuation
To permit easy evacuation, the doors of any equipment inside the location shall close in the
direction of the evacuation route. Gangways shall permit equipment doors or hinged panels to
be opened to a minimum of 90° (see Figure 729 A.1).
NOTE Figures 729 A.1, 729 A.2 and 729 A.3 show the minimum width of gangways and distances for passing in
case of evacuation.
Dimensions in millimetres
Minimum
Evacuation route direction
passing
)
width 600*
1)
2)
IEC  1159/07
*)  A minimum width of 600 mm lies between the wall and the circuit-breaker in the “fully withdrawn” position.
1) Circuit-breaker in the “completely extracted and isolated” position
2) Handles (e.g. for controls or equipment)
Figure 729 A.1 – Minimum passing width in case of evacuation – Case 1
For doors which can be fixed in the open position or circuit-breakers or equipment which are
withdrawn fully for maintenance (position: completely extracted) a minimum distance of
500 mm shall be provided between the door edge or circuit-breaker/equipment edge and the
opposite side of the gangway. (see Figures 729 A.2 and 729 A.3).
NOTE See Figure 729 A.3 for the minimum passing width in case of circuit-breaker in position: completely
extracted.
60364-7-729 © IEC:2007 – 13 –
Dimensions in millimetres
Minimum
Evacuation route direction
passing
width 500
*)
IEC  1160/07
*) Hinged mounting rack
Figure 729 A.2 – Minimum passing width in case of evacuation – Case 2

Dimensions in millimetres
Minimum
Evacuation route direction
passing
width 500*
1)
2)
IEC  1161/07
*) A minimum width gangway of 500 mm shall be provided between the wall and the circuit-breaker in the “fully
withdrawn” position or the door which has been fixed in the open position.
1) Completely withdrawn circuit-breaker
2) Door fixed in open position
Figure 729 A.3 – Minimum passing width in case of evacuation – Case 3
Doors giving access to gangways in closed restricted access areas shall open outwards (see
Figure 729.5) and they shall have the following minimum dimensions:
– width:   700 mm;
– height: 2 000 mm.
– 14 – 60364-7-729 © IEC:2007
Annex B
(informative)
List of notes concerning particular conditions in certain countries

Finland
729.410.3.7 In Finland basic protection is always required in electrical installations of buildings.
729.513.2.1 In Finland the minimum gangway width is 800 mm.
729.A.1 In Finland the minimum distance for passing is 600 mm.

Italy
729.410.3.7 In Italy, protection against direct contact has to be provided with barriers, also in the
cases indicated in this clause.
729.513.2.3 According to Italian Law DPR 547/55 - Chapter II - Clauses 275, 276, 277,
278, 279 and 280 apply.
Japan
729.410.3.7.1 In Japan, the free passage is 1 000 mm.
729.410.3.7.2 In Japan, the minimum distance is 1 200 mm and the minimum free passage is
1 200 mm.
729.513.2.1 In Japan, the width of gangways is 800 mm.
729.513.2.2 In Japan, the width of gangways is 800 mm.

Netherlands
729.410.3.7.1 In the Netherlands, the minimum width of a gangway between the wall and live parts
(Figure 729 .1) is 1 500 mm and the minimum height of life parts above the floor is 2 750 mm.
(Figure 729 .2) In the Netherlands, the minimum width of a gangway between live parts is
1 500 mm and the minimum height of life parts above the floor is 2 750 mm.
729.513.2.1 In the Netherlands, the minimum height of panelling above the floor is 2 250 mm
and the minimum height of life parts above the floor is 2 750 mm. The minimum
width of a gangway between a switch handle and an isolated circuit breaker or
another switch handle is 700 mm and the width of a gangway between a switch
handle and the wall is 700 mm.
729.513.2.2 In the Netherlands, the minimum height of panelling above the floor is 2 250 mm
and the minimum height of life parts above the floor is 2 750 mm.

Sweden
729.513.2.2 In Sweden, rails, ropes and chains are not permitted as obstacles.

60364-7-729 © IEC:2007 – 15 –
Spain
729.410.3.7.1 c) In Spain, the minimum height of live parts above the floor is 2 300 mm.
729.410.3.7.2 c) In Spain, the minimum distance of free passage in front of controls where the live
parts are arranged on both sides of the gangway is 800 mm.
729.410.3.7.2 d) In Spain, the minimum height of live parts above the floor is 2 300 mm.
729.513.2.1 In Spain, the minimum height of panelling above floor is 1 900 mm and the minimum
height of life parts above the floor is 2 300 mm.
729.513.2.2 In Spain, the minimum height of panelling above floor is 1 900 mm and the minimum
height of life parts above the floor is 2 300 mm.
Switzerland
Annex A, Figures 729 A.1-2 In Switzerland, the minimum distance is defined by law as 600 mm
instead of 500 mm.
Annex A, Figures 729 A.1-3 In Switzerland, the minimum distance is defined by law as 600 mm
instead of 500 mm.
United Kingdom
729 The specific requirements of this standard are at variance with UK statutory
requirements and, therefore, this part must not be applied in the UK

United States
729.30 In the US, adequate illumination shall be provided in all work
areas. The illumination shall not be controlled only by automatic
means.
729.410.3.7.1 In the US, the minimum gangway width is 900 mm for circuits up
to 150 V and for circuits above 150 V where there are no
exposed live parts. For circuits above 150 V, where there are
exposed live parts on one side, the minimum width is 1,1 m, and
where there are exposed live parts on both sides, the minimum
is 1,2 m.
In the US, where the side of the gangway o
...