What is BS EN 61439-1:2021 about?
This is the first in an eight-part series of European standards on low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. BS EN 61439-1 provides general rules, while the other standards in the series cover specific types of assembly.
Who is BS EN 61439-1:2021 for?
- Electrical equipment manufacturers
- Test houses
- Stockists
- Electrical design engineers
Why should you use BS EN 61439-1:2021?
Control gear components may behave and react differently when working in close proximity than when working individually. Therefore, this standard sets out general definitions and service conditions, construction requirements, technical characteristics and verification requirements for low voltage assemblies of switchgear devices. It covers their essential constructional, performance, and test requirements to enable their design, evaluation and safe operation.
BS EN 61439-1 is the definitive international standard for controlgear assemblies. This part is designed to be used with the other parts in the series, which are dedicated to particular applications.
BS EN 61439-1:2021 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 on building resilient infrastructure by underpinning the safety of electrical equipment.
What’s new about BS EN 61439-1:2021?
This is a revision of BS EN 61439-1:2011 which has been fully revised to reflect advances in digital interfaces and equipment. The main changes are:
- A clarified testing regime for the incorporation into controlgear assemblies of components already tested to their own component standards, such as power electric converter systems, switch mode power supplies, uninterruptable power supplies and adjustable speed power drive systems
- Introduction of a group rated current for circuits within a loaded assembly, and the revision of the temperature rise verification on this new characteristic
- Addition of requirements in respect of DC
- Introduction of the concept of class I and class II assemblies regarding protection against electric shock
- General editorial revision and improvements