subject: IEC 61439 Main changes [print this page] IEC 61439 Main changes IEC 61439 Main changes
In this article, we will present to you in brief all the main changes created by the new IEC 61439 standard.
IEC 61439 has been urgently needed for many years, for the previous 35-year old IEC 60439 series of standards were lacking in a number of areas. It was a compromise between different national approaches, some of which were strict and others that were more subjective.
Which changes?
1. More than one party
For the first time the new standard recognises that more than one party may be involved between concept and delivery of an assembly. The new standard IEC 61 439 describes the split in product responsibility between the Original Manufacturer and the Assembly Manufacturer.
According to IEC 61439, the original manufacturer is the only one responsible for the basic design and its verification and possibly, the supply of a kit of parts. On the other side, the assembly manufacturer completes the assembly and conducts the routine tests.
2. Responsibility between purchaser and manufacturer
IEC 61439-1&2 also attempts to focus all parties on their respective responsibilities.
Purchasers (and Specifiers) specify the inputs and outputs to the assembly anddefine the interfaces between the assembly and the outside world.
Manufacturers are legally responsible for the correct configuration of the individual parts and must ensure the design meets the specification, is fully verified and fit for purpose.
3. TTA/PTTA
Under the previous standard, panels can be type tested assemblies (TTA) or part type tested assemblies (PTTA), but since many panels are too small to be covered by TTA or PTTA certifications, they fell outside of any standard.
With new IEC 61439, categories of TTA and PTTA have been discarded completely. Instead of type tests the conformity to the standard is now proven by a design verification which can be carried out by testing, calculation or application of design rules.
4. Safety
All assemblies must be shown to meet minimum safety and performance standards by design and routine verification.
In order to help you, Schneider Electric has published a new Internet content dedicated to this new IEC standard. Visit SE website for more information and get to know everything about this new IEC 61439 standard.
