What is IEC 60947-1 about?
IEC 60947-1is the first part of the multi-series of European standard that applies when required by the relevant product standard, to low-voltage switchgear and controlgear (referred to as “equipment” or “device”) and intended to be connected to circuits, the rated voltage of which does not exceeds 1000V AC or 1500V DC.
IEC 60947-1states the general rules and common safety requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear, including normal service, mounting and transport conditions, decommissioning, dismantling, constructional and performance requirements, energy efficiency aspects and environmental aspects.
Note: IEC 60947-1does not apply to:
- Low-voltage, switchgear and controlgear assemblies which are dealt within it
- Terminals for connection of aluminium conductors
- Use within explosive atmospheres is not applicable
- Software and firmware requirements for functional safety application
- Cyber security aspects
Who is IEC 60947-1for?
IEC 60947-1on low voltage switchgear and controlgear is relevant to:
- Manufactures of switchgear and control gears
- Electrical design engineers
- Companies dealing with setting up electrical power systems
- Test houses
- Stockists
Why should you use IEC 60947-1?
Switchgear and controlgear are widely used in electric utility transmission and distribution systems that are used to activate, de-energize, protect and assess defects in electrical equipment.
IEC 60947-1gives general rules and common safety requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear, and provides you the essential constructional, performance and test requirements to enable the design, evaluation and safe operation of low voltage switchgear.
IEC 60947-1ensures you the quality and safety of the components and performance of the product by testing and verifying the characteristics necessary for low voltage switchgear and controlgear. You can attain electrical protection from thermal and mechanical stresses due to operating overloads.
With an efficient circuit breaker as per IEC 60947-1, leakage of current can be detected and operators can be guarded before any serious harm is done.
IEC 60947-1 also identifies leakage currents of equipment suitable for isolation so that a circuit can be separated from the energised system and worked on or put under maintenance.
As a buyer of IEC 60947-1, you will be able to establish a safe and reliable electric supply system in commercial or industrial facilities of varied sizes. In the event of a short-circuit or failure of the power system, efficient low-voltage switchgear and controlgears will help eliminate damage to the equipment and prevent disruption to the end-user. The hazardous effects from excessive currents can also be mitigated with well-functioning switchgears. Overall, adopting the global safety standards defined in IEC 60947-1, can instil credibility and acceptance for your business.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN IEC 60947-1:2021 supersedes BS EN 60947-1:2007, which is withdrawn. BS EN IEC 60947-1:2021 changes include:
- DC values testing improvement
- Update of EMC tests
- Update of requirements for environmental tests
- New Annex X (co-ordination between short-circuit protective devices associated in the same circuit) created