subject: Structure of NEW IEC 61439 series [print this page] Structure of NEW IEC 61439 series Structure of NEW IEC 61439 series
Get to know everything about the new IEC 61439 standard !
IEC 61439 is the International Electrotechnical Commission standard which covers low voltage switchgera and controlgear assemblies. The standard gives details on the requirements of these products through testing and other verification methods. It is a replacement for IEC60439.
For more than 30 years, the design and testing of switchgear and controlgear assemblies has been governed by IEC 60439-1. In 1999, the International Electro-technical Commission started a thorough overhaul and full restructuring of this series of standards within the SC17D/MT11 committee. In January 2009, parts 1 and 2 of IEC 61439 were published.
But what is the content of these two first parts? What about the purpose of the other parts? When they will be published? Let me introduce to you the structure of New IEC 61439 series.
Actually, the new IEC 61439 has 6 effective parts plus 1 general part called IEC 61439-0, which is a guide for specifying assemblies.
What is that? It's like a specifier's guide made to improve the usability of the standard for specification purposes
For the moment, only three parts have been published: IEC 61439 part 1, 2 and 5.
In a nutshell:
IEC 61439-1: General rules
This part contains 11 chapters!
Chapter 1: Scope
Chapter 2: Normative references
Chapter 3: Terms and definitions
Chapter 4: Symbols and abbreviations
Chapter 5: Interface characteristics
Chapter 6: Information
Chapter 7: Service conditions
Chapter 8: Constructional requirements (old: design and construction)
Chapter 9: Performance requirements (old: design and construction)
Chapter 10: Design verification (old: test specifications)
Chapter 11: Routine verification (old: test specifications)
IEC 61439-2: Power switchgear and control gear assemblies
IEC 61439-5: Assemblies for power distribution
The following parts will be published in 2011 to 2012:
- IEC 61439-3: Distribution boards
- IEC 61439-4: Assemblies for construction sites
- IEC 61439-6: Busbar trunking systems
This IEC 61439 standard is a significant change from the previous one, one of the most surprising changes for some will be the removal of the terms type tested assembly' and partially type tested assembly', these have been replaced by design verification'. With the well known seven type tests increasing to 12 design verification characteristics.
If you want to learn more about IEC 61439-1&2 and the other parts, feel free to check the IEC official website and find out some news about IEC standards in general.
