I P oving sa e y

an performa ce
in elec ical assemblies
A guide to lEe 61439-2


u-Elect r ic
4
ypica schematic diagram
Active
harmonic
filters
Power
factor
correction
Medium voltage
Power factor
correction
High power
switchboards
Medium power
switchboards
Canalis busbar
solutions
Panel boards
Ready to install assemblies
Intra uctian
Since it was first published over 35 years ago,
IIEC 60439 has provided the basis for specification and
testing of low-voltage electrical assemblies. As was the case
for many early IEC standards, it was a compromise between
different national approaches, some of which were very
stringent. even prescriptive, and others that were more
subjective.
Where consensus could not be achieved. the subject was ignored. or some
vague olause was added that could be interpreted to SUIt the readers pOint of View,
These weak foundations have made It d rfficult to evolve the standard IfI line with market needs
and pressures. [V(\ry assembly manufactured should meet minimum performance and safety
criteria, in s p ~ e of ever increasing demands to optimise manufacture and re:!uGe costs.
Application needs, however, make It mpr actlcal to type test every variant that IS prO\'lded,
Some frequently used desogn concepts, such as modular systems, are not adequately coveted,
rurthermore, many assemblies produced do not fit neatty into the Type Tested Assembty (ITA)
or Partially Type Teste:! Assembly (PTTA) categories.
Some smaller assemblies may not be covered by either TTA or PTTA and are therefore
effectively outside the scope of lEe 60439. In the case or a PTIA, the standards'
requirements for proving a design are very subjective and entirely dependent on
the knowl edge and integrity of the particular manufacturer.
5
Schneider Electric, along with other leading UK assembly
manufacturers, long recognised the limitations of lEe
60349. Some 10 years ago the company proposed, via
the Manufacturers' Associations and British Standards,
that the IEC carry out a radical review of the IEC 60349
series of standards.
6
I also suggest9cl, if practical. that the ICC restructul-e and improve
the series of standards to reflect the present and future applications
and requirements tor assembhes
A fundamental revteW has questioned every aspect of IEC 60439
and has been a long and tortuous task. Despite there hailing been
an Interna -anal standard for many years and. atthough major
manufacturers ha\l'e attempted to promote international designs
or assemblies, views differ markedly around the world about basic
pelfor ma oa and requ aments,
consensus has once again been very difficult. However, the first parts of the new series
o standards have been published. The approach to specifying an assembly, pfOlling capability,
and the format 01 the 5tandard Itself, have all fundamentally changed.
In due coarse, the tvvo patts of the selles that have been publlsl ed by lEG wI be Issued as EN
Standards and then subsequently automaticafly as British Standards. The [N Standards wm be
identical to the lEG Standards. The only difference in the British Standard is that it is expected
to contain addrtional detail on form5 of separatiOl1. These are gl\len In annex NA of 8S E 60439-1
and wi be transferred to the new 5enes. again as an Informative annex.
Users, purchasers, builders and specifiers of assemblies will need to familiarise themselves
with the new approach. This guide provides all easy transition from the old to the new
standards, IdelltJfying the fundamental changes and the parameters that need to be defined
in all a55emb y speCification.

.-
.-
.-
" .
"
o r own Pnsma
panels" e certified
compilan \"lit
IEC61439
7
Newse

les
The new series of low-vo tage assembly standards will
be numbered lEe 61439, a single digit change that belies
fundamental changes 'n the structure and format of the
standards.
8
HistoricaKy ICC has been a comple e s andard that defined the requirements of
assemblies not otherwise covered by prcductspecific assembly standards. In addition.
IEC 604391 was a reference for the product-specific assembly standards, EC 00439
Part 2 to 5 inclusive, WIth ill the requirements of lEe 00439-1 applying to the product-specific
parts. unless specifically
This approach to the strocture of a series of standards leads to when standards
are revIsed. A change to lEe 60439-1 can inadvertently pase changes on specific
products unless their part of the senes of standards IS rel'lsed at the same time.
The I[C 61439 series of s andat'ds will use the same structure as other series ..... ithin CC,
Part 1 is General Rules. detailing requirements that are common to two Cf more generic
types of assembly. Each genenc type of assembly then has a product-specific Part within
the series 01 standards.
This then references appficable clauses the General Rules and an,! specific
requirements pertaining to the particular generic type of assembly_ AF"rf clause in the General Rules
that is not call ed up in the product Part does not apply. Part 2 of lEG 6149 is the only Part
that has a dual role. it covers poorer sv..qtchgear and control gear assemblies and any assembly not
cO\<ered by any other product specdic Part.
This structure will make revision easier, as changes to General Rules wi ll tend to lag thei
introduction in product-specific Parts. It also means that assemblies cannot be specified or
manufactured t o lEe 61439-1, one of the product-specific Parts must be referenced in any
assembly speciflcat cn.
In order to demonstrate how the new serias will work and to prO\le the approach, Parts 1 and 2 of
the lEe 61439 series were the first t o be developed. No ..... that they have been published, all other
Parts t o replace proouct-specifc Parts in the lEe 60439 series. as shooon in Table 1. are being
prepared by lEe. The5e four additional Parts will not nece5sarily be the full exterlt of the new series.
The series has been set up to enable further parts to be added to cover new and specific
product needs, as and when they are i dentified_
lEe 61439- 1 General rules
lEe 61439- 2 Power switchgear and control gear
assemblies
lEe 61439- 3* Distribution boards
IEC 61439-4' Assemblies for construction sites
lEe 61439- 5'" Assemblies for power distr ibution in
public networks
IEC 61439-6' Busbar trunking systems
Table 1:
Anti cipated standards for Low-voltage swttchgear and control gear assemblies
(' title may change when standard is published\
lEe 60439- 1
lEe 60439- 1
lEe 60439- 3
lEe 60439- 4
lEe 60439- 5
lEe 60439- 2
9
Recognition
Assemblies are very multifaceted, They consist of a number
of components closely connected together in an almost
infinite number of possible combinations,
Interactions bet\ ... een the .... anous elernents of an assembly, thermal, magnetic, etc" all affect the
performance of inoioJidual circuits and t he assembly as a whole. This is a "'ery different scenario
from that presented by an individual comlXInent. such as a circuit breaker. The performance of
a component is usually wen defined in its product standard. but it assumes operation alone and
under Specific operating condrtions, thus making ~ feasibl e to readily pro\'e the components
capability by type test.
IMth assembl ies, the permutations and configurations are effectively imitless. Fully type testing
every manufactured variant within a modular system and each bespoke assembly or part of an
assembly is simply not practical. C06tS and time preclude thIS
While lEe has recognisecl this fundamental issue, it is equally cl ear t hat there ml,lst be a
way of ensuring all assemblies meet defined performance and safety cnter-ia. Accepting
that the design of some assemblies is only 'partially' proven, or perhaps only routi ne
tested, is no longer an option.
*
For more information call us on 0870 608 8 608
or dick on www.schneider-electric.co.uk
11
New approach
Market trends and requirements for assemblies may evolve,
but they will not suddenly change. Assemblies will continue
to be manufactured in a wide range of volumes from
one-off bespoke arrangements, through adapted
standards, to mass-produced units with defined options.
The pressure on operators of electrical distribution networks to imprOlla the utmsation of their assets
\ ~ q U continue. Manufacturers are also continuously optimi&ing their designs. Taking all of this into
a=unt, together with the need to ensure increasingly demanding safety requirements are met.
rt IS clear that the approach to specifying and demonstratlflg the capability of assemblies is
out-dated and must ohange radically.
After much debate and deliberation, lEe has taken a practical and pragmatic approach to prmqng
the capability of assemblies. The capability of each assembly will be verified, effectIVely In two
stages: ( ~ design verification, to prove the design performance of the assembly is in accordance
with lEe 61439; and, { i ~ routIne verificatIOn. to oonfinn the matenals and workmanshIp are In
accordance with the design specification. Tha lattar verification is mora oofinad, but otherwise,
the requirements are generally as the routine test requi-ements in the previous standard.
12
Desgn verification. however, uses a radical n(#!.' approach, Where volumes Justify It, type testing
will remain the preferred option for design verification. since it can, and ooes, lead to material and
labour optimiza ion. VVhen adaptations or bespoke arrangements are required. the s andard
offers other equivalent routes to design verifK::ation.
T ese olude oomparlson to a verified reference deslg n, calculation, and terpolatlon from a
verified design. measurement, e c. The 'n uttiple option' route to verification is S 'ietty contro 00-
When. where and how each is used is defined. While' is possible to b u ~ d a small assembly. of the
order of 200A, with the only type tests being an earth continuity measurement and a dielectric test.
the standard etlectlVely mits the deSign venficallon of assembl es of the higher ratings to type test,
When design verification, other than by type test is used, the standard insists on margins being
added to the design, tor example; {i) 5O'Jc added to clearance an impulse test is not carned out,
{in components are de-rated by 20% when the assembly IS not temperature tested
These design margins ensure the alternatives to type testing provide a minimum level of
performance in a=rdance with the standard. Inevitably adding margins has an adverse effect
on the physical size ot the assembly, the quantity ot materials used and it it is an application
where a standard destgn could have beet'! used, oommerolal mplloatlons,
13
u a e ta
changes
In order to meet its objectives, the review of the lEe 60439
series of standards had to make changes and indeed, it
has made radical changes. A number of the foundations
of the old standard have been discarded in order to have
a standard that better meets the low-voltage assembly
market's needs and the way it operates.
In some instances, the changes are so tundamen af that it may ake users some time to acljl.lst 0
the new order and the benefits it brings. The categories of TTA and PTTA have been discarded
In favour of a design 'verified assembly', This 15 a classless deSigna en where demonstration of
design cap.:iliility can be achie\<ed by type test and/or by other equIValent means tha include
appropriate marg ns,
As business becomes more global there is a need for portable designs. This is fully recognised
within the new series of assembly standards, n,e standard oontm1S that, contrary to the prel10US
views of some partIeS, designs and deSign verlficalion are portab e, For example, subject to a
au able quality assurance regime being In place, a type test certificate obtained n France, for a
design carried out in the UK. is valid for an assembly manufacturecln Aus rarra.
14
For the first time the standard recognises that more than one party may be irwowed beMieen concept and deHvery
of an assembly. The standard identifies the original manufacturer as the one responsible for the basiC design and
Its verification and possibly, the s u p p ~ of a kit of parls. 11 then designates the rnanufacturet who completes ttle
assembly and conducts the routine tests as the assembly manufacturet
The original and assembly manufacturer can be the same, or, a transition may take place somewhere
between concept and delivery, for some or all of the assembly. In any event, all parts of the assemblies
must be design and routine verified by a manufacturer. See figure 1 for a typical assembly supply chaIn.
Figure 1: Typical supply chain for a low-voltage assembly
Original
Manufacturer
Contrilctor
J,
15
Responsibi lities
The new standard, so far as any standard is able to do so,
attempts to focus all parties involved in the provision of a
low-voltage assembly on their respective responsibilities.
Purchasers and specifiers are encouraged to view an
assembly as a 'black box'.
prime functKln IS to specit',' the Inputs and outputs to the assembly and to define the
interfaces between he assembly and the outside world. See figure 2.
How the assembly is configured internally and the performance of the assembly. relative to the
el(ternal parameters as defined by the purohaser or speoifier, is clearly the responsibility of the
manufacturer(s). They ate responsible for the correct Incorporation of the Indlvodual components
and must ensure the design meets the specifICation, is fully verified and it is fit for purpose. The
manufacturer, or combination of manufacturers (original manufacturer and assembly manufacturer).
isfare regarded as the expert and they must have sufficient knowledge of assemblies to satisfy
thIS role,
Figure 2: Responsibilities
InCOl11ing SUpply
(e.g. <current..
volt.s, 1
ve
short ci'cui!
(:urrent)
Controls
(e.g. manua ,
PLC)
operlltr"g
environment
(e.g .ndom!
outdoor,
earth ng)
Measuren>ent!i/
signals
(e.g. alarms,

Preferen<:e5
(e.g MC;CBt!use)
17
......... esgn verfcafon
Design verification is a prerequisite for all assemblies
provided. It is fundamental to ensuring every assembly
meets its defined design requirements. There is flexibility
in the way in which this is achieved within the new standard.
and some new concepts have been introduced, but the
options are defined and where necessary their use is
restricted and a design margin applied.
Examples of the limitatiOIlS and margins applied to verificatioll wi thout type test i nclude;
> All assemblies connected to a supply with a prospectIVe short oirelilt ClJrrent In e)(ooss of 10kA
rms or haYIng a cut-off ourrent of 17kA peak must be of a type-tested design or the venfication
must be an Interpolation from a referenoe design. Under no olrcumstances can the asstgned
short olrcult current ratIng be highei than that of the referenoe destgn.
> So as to take accoun of the ai temperature \o\Iithin the enclosure, thennal interactions and
po&Sible hot spots: components within a circuit hat has not been temperature rise tested.
must be de-rated to 80% of thell' free air currerlt ral1ng
> Com par isorl of the powe loss of the components wlth[l an assembly with the known heat
dissipation capability of an enolosu e, IS restncted to assemblies a rating of 630A
> Confirmation of temperature rise performance by calculation is limited 0 assemblies a
rating not e:<ceeding 1600A. Test or interpolation from a tested design must be used to verify
higher ratings.

1
18
A modulilr assembly
!;.iOn be temper"ture
rISe venfled. withQut
the need to te,t
every permutation.
New concepts in verif ication
In addition to the fundamental change from type testing (or perhaps tumlng a blind
eye in the case of PITAs) to design verification. a number of new approactles to
proving design capability of assemblies have been recognised and included in the
standard. In summary these ate:
> Modular systems - a means of ensuring aJ antJdpated arrangements within a modular
can be temperature l ise vetlfled, without the need to test every possible
permutatlOtl
> Criti cal variants - the testing of the most onerous arrnngement, as determined by
criteria given in the standard, and then assigning ratings to lower rated arrangements
withln defined rules. As an example, it the se::;tion of a tempemt ure rise tested busbar
ha""ed, then the current rating of the busbar IS also halved, assuming all other oonditlons
remw n the same
> Comparison to a reference design -using a prescribed checklist to ensure that design
is at least equivalent in all respects to a pr6\liously design.
> Simplified verification - options within the standard enable low rating assemblies:
where the prospective short circurt current of the incommg supply is less than 1 akA
rmslHkA cut oft, and a type tested enclosure is used. allow the assembly to be design
venfed without a type test, other than tt1e carr'jlng out of a power frequency dielectnc
test and an earth continllity measurement.
Additional verification
lEG 604391 was delicjent in a number of respects.
A number ot these ISSues have been addressed and In line with goed standards' practise,
for eacll new performance measure, a new I"9rlncatlon has been Introduced.
These incl ude:
> Two levels of venfloation of oorrosion resistanoe; one for internal/Indoor parts and a seoond.
rrore onerous requ rement for outdoor parts.
> Verification of resistance to lJI/ radiation for outdoor plastic enclosures.
> Gonfinnation that the assembly, via its lifting points. is capable of being without danger
or damage.
> Mandatory declaratIon and confirmation of an impulse ral'ng.
> The use of an Insulation resistance measurement as the only means of connrmll'lg dielectrIC
parformance is no longer parmitted. All assembfies mllst be dasign varifJeod by means of a
power frequancy dielectric test.
> Labels that are not engraved or similar must be subject to a test to confinn their legibdity
and durabilrty.
19
1111111 mil
~ I
o
f
Ambiguities clarified
As part of the review of the lEe 60439 series of standards
a number of hitherto imprecise requirements have been
clarified. Previously a manufacturer had to assign a current
rating to each circuit, but they were never required by the
standard to prove its rating.
This has been rectified and manufacturers, In accordance IMth tt1e ne ..... standard, have to venfy the
rating of each type of circuit. All the pr9'Jious concerns about the rating of a device once it has been
installed in an assembly are overcome.
In the old standard, diversity was defined. The albwed, subject to the maximum rating
of the Incoming circUit; a number of cltcults to be loaded to their rated current muttlplled
by the diversity factor. or, a smaffer number of adjacent circuits to be loaded to their rated current;
or any loading arrangement between the /1.'10 extremes. Clearly these extremes led to \'91)' different
temperatures and performance and so this lack of clarity has been addressed.
Each type of CIrCUIt Will have Its rating ver lfied within the assembly and the of tt1e assembly
as a whole will be proven by loading adjacent outgoing circu its to their rated cun-ent, multiplied by
the diversity factor.
Historically It has been assumed that If nothing was said, the neutral oould have a current rating
equal to 50% of that of Its associated phase. However, because this has not been stipulated In any
lowvoltage standards for many years, any query oould only be answered by it's custom and
practise'. ICC 61113-9 includes a default current rating in accordance with custom and practise for
circuits with conductors alcove 16mm'. but a specifier can ask for a higher rating to suit the needs
of his application.
In addition tl'le ongoing question in respect of forms of separation has been answered.
A device's integral enclosure, for example the case of a moulded case circuit breaker, is
defined as a means of providing separation from an adjacent circuit.
21
S ecific issue
a ressed
The substitution of a device within a type tested assembly
without re-testing has always been a contentious issue.
Apart from the physical issues, all the design criteria within
the standard must be considered if, after substitution, safety
is to be assured. In particular, there are serious difficulties
and concerns in respect of temperature rise and short circuit
performance.
It is not sufficient to assume that, because the 1VV'() devices comply with the same standard. they
can be exchanged in respect of temperature rise. The device used in the assembly verification may
operate well below the temperature limit; in rts product standard, while the alternative may approach
the limit. Replacing the cool runrwlg devlOe WIth the alternative one may potentially lead to problems
In the assembly.
To overcome this d ~ e m m a lEe 61439 has determined in respect of temperature rise. that devices
can only be substituted wrthout repeating the design verification ~ the altemative devioe has: til a
power loss equal to or less than the original devioe; and (ii) lhe temperature rise 01 the alternative
devloe's terminals Is less than Or equal to that of the Original devloe, when bott1 are testOOIl'l
accordance with the same pi"oduct standard.
When cOfl5ldering short cirouit perlcrmanoe the difficulties are even more acute. The Interrupting
charaoteristic and performance of swrtchlf"og de\qces differ markedly between types and makes.
Even If the energy let through and the out off CUrrent of two devloes IS the same, the e.tent and
direction of the emissions may vaf)'- Some devices emit gases at the top only, some emit top and
bottom. some restrict the emissions with mechanical filters. while others dont
22
Clearty when considemg short Clrcurt performance It IS not a SIITlple matter of ccmpanng values
from catalogues. Much mOl e detal ed knowledge or both the OI'lglt1a1 and alter native devIce IS
required,
For the 'me being. lEG has concluded that in respec of short circuit performance. substitution
oan only be carried out wrthout new venfloation ; (0 the anginal and alternative devces are from
the same manuracturer; and tt1at the deVIce man ufactu er IS prepated to cert fy tha In all
relevan respects the a emative device is equal to or better han he original device,
This enables Schneioor Dectril;, for to confirm that ' s NSX cirwit breaker can
be substituted for its NS model withou an assembty having to repeat their design
verificatIOns. However, exchanging bet ..... een different makes of devioe is precluded.
Specifying an assembly
are complicated and so is the standard that defines their performance, As the
standard defines all the needs and performam::e requirements of an assembly as a whole, and
Vvlthout any conSideration of any pattlcular stakeholder's perspeoctlve, It IS difficutt for a reader to
Identify the parts tl1at are Interest to them. To assist speoclfiers of assembl 68, an annex has been
inclvded in I[C 6 1439- 2_ This identifies the parameters hat should be specified; he
values that be assumed in the absence of any other information: and information that
must be given in order to obta 1 the correct a5.'1embiy tor the particular app loation.
Much of the specifiers I guide In 1he annex is self eJo: planatory.
However the guidance notes in Table 2 may avoid the need to delve into t he standard
too deepl y

23
S mmaryand
conclusion
With the ever-increasing pressures of demand for higher
network utilisation, assembly design optimisation and more
stringent safety, the changes included in the assembly
standard lEe 61439-2 are important and overdue.
All assemblies that do not have a specific product standard
are covered and there is no opportunity to avoid compliance.
In the new standard, the methods of confirrl'llng design pelformance are praot,cal and pragmatic,
reflecting the different market needs and ways in which assemblies are produced. Several alternative
and equivalent means of verifying a particular characteristi c of an assembly are inchJdoo. These are
deflfled and their use restricted. Where alternatives to rype tests are used, a compensatoty approach
is taken and margins are added to ensure equNal ence. Overal., the standard is per10rmance based,
but If'\ SOr"1'le Instances where deSign rules are used, ~ has to be prOSCriptive.
In due COLlrse l EG 61439- 2 will become a European and therefore a British Standard.
In the process of this the European Standards should be listed in the Official Journal
of the European Union. Meeting Ihis standard in full will then be the si mplest route 10
a 'presumpllon of compliance' with the EMC DireC1lve and the Low-voltage Directive.
compliance Will'l bQth is, for the majority of appli cations, essential in order to apply the
GE mark to a low-voltage assembly.
24
Technical specification
Guidance on producing an assembly specification

,houltl Do!
I!ated VQlt"!JII Un (Volt.s)
Over vcltage category
lInusual voltage tT'ansients,
vcltage .tT' ......
<Nft' volt
R ed fTequency fn {'Hz}
Additi"",,1 on site testing
r-oql.lirements-
per10nnance and '..,0110",
Shu,l ""Wit "" I h,{ ""d ce p.ab,hty
short f:lrf:uit. ftlt'tatll 811:
supply krmin;ols lop {1IA}
Prospective short circuit rurrenl
In the neutT'a1
ProspBcbvO short circuit CUrTaU in
t"" ,..-otec:tivo eirc.uit
SCPD I .. the Incamlng
functional UNt
\..
26


..
No

of ptraseoalues
60% of ptI;ose value,
..
llil!! typl!! 0,1 I!!brthlng Llsl!!d In thl!- I!ll!!c[flc.'31 nl!-twork
.hould e.g. n. TN, TNC. IT, TNS. II thoore I.a ' <!qul ......... nt
to t;!';::;!rth tho nrufr .... k.'itNn thr ;:ao;;!U'!mbly. tm be o::;t;:;!fro YJithin
rhr r;"I .... o;;r:mt:iy
State the nominal voltage {)f the eleGtncal gis1Jibutl<101
e.g 4ooV.
EJec.tnc2I1 S)I'Stems are 5Ubfe.ct to over voltages kon-, tUlle to tIme.
Gl!!nt!.rllll), thl!!Si! If'e at thl!! IO'WI!r' of dl!l''lnbu[IOI"l.
.tand.,d fierln.,. II . III .nd IV .... by !he
po.o::; ition wsithin thr. nntwork A. .. ;Ii o;V"trm dirtgr.am pr'OVldr.d
",ith tht,r.. thr. m.uluf.al;turn- wi ll dctr.-rminc- the- likely crvr.r
IJ.olf.1gt; c: .. tt"!gory Should thr o;;pN:i fiN .1ntidp,;:ltr f'Drr;r=ptu:nilily high
""er vollage the:!! 5tloulg pr<wide det",ls accor(jngly;" their
5pe<:ljiC<!tion
All eieLtncal networks sutter trom modest rr ..... sient ""er voltages
due to 5!Nltchlng etc. It a ",e(lflel' b8eves 1"- .... twork " subtect
I!->:ceptlol'lally high should dl!fu'lI! {hI!:
... {hl!:lr .5.pt!(;ltlc.!i[JOr'I.
St;ttr. thr. nominrl l frcqurnc:y 0' rlrc;tri<:rl i di!;tributlon syo:;rcm
lEe 61431)-2 indicates that rQlUti"" VEf'ifjcallons do oot need to be
!Joe repeated <>n site. If the particular appliC<!tion r<!Quires that they
atE' ,ep!!lilted thiS should be ootalloo In th!! user's spemlcatlon.
T}-v!. pr0:..5.pc!(;UV"I!- !l.hor[ clrt:.\it t ,U incoming o.f (hI!
br.- o:;pccifir.d, wi. oc- definr.d in
0' an rrn:'IO prO!;iprc;ti-\re !thcl1: l;irtuit I;t.J.rrent .and durt3t'cn, Of, whr.t'r.
there is current limiting protectioo upstream. cutoff current as l imited
the upstream dE'llice
lEe G 14 39- 2 assumes that. for most .,51allatlOns, too Impedance In the
neutral mcult WlII .... 1 the short CIKOII fault amenl on the neut,al to
60% of the th' .... pl\ase .ault currenI. If !he assembly is .el'll closely
to .....,pIy t .. noro' ..... thl. ""'y not be the ""'so>.
dl'"c.utt c.urrl!:nt In fhe Ui.l!ili
nCf'IntIl, o;;hculd drtiOil il thr:lr in the ,z,o;;r-mbl),
"pC!Cific;atlon,
As for pr05j)ecti"ll sI>ort circuit current in the neutfal
A m.antItac.turer prO'tllde a current Ilrtlltlng device CIS tl)e II\COMIt19
CirCUit t<l the assemblv ThIS otten ,educes !he sI>orr Circuit
tor rol!mblr'tdl!:r o.f If [h13 b nof
to U'i.e, they should aooo,dlngly in 'p""lf.c.!IlJOn.

I
of .,,<>r!-d .... it
"",,lectlve inoludi"9
.short-cin:uit ... e
device detOlii ls:
tliItii "' ....... ted ";Ih lQads
to conlribute to t he 5hort-c:irc:uit
curr-ent.


ArYi 3pt!c::lfi c c.:o-.CIrdln.!llJOr'I 'lhl! wt [h
'43 Or down dl!vlces should be dl!f.::ulo!d In fh!.
'Ilr"!tJfiCOlition
The 5pec,fier 5hOlJld ,,,elude in their specification detail, <>f anv large
1oiKl5, .. g , motOf5, .,h'ch miI'Y, in the event <>1 a lault, add t<> t .... 5hOft
Clrc.utt current from th .. 5upply The ",II then take thIS illt<J
In t .... desogn of the
Protect .on of persons against electric srock ,n accO' dance Wit" lEe 60364-4-41
Type of prot'.Kti on iOI:ilOil inst electri c
mock - e:asil:! p rotection (protection
ilPnst: direct contoa.ct).
"I ,,"ot.o<:don
mock Fault pl'ot ection ( pnrt.ection
ilpnst: indirect conlilc.t)
Ir;-sta lIatlon en .... ' ronrnen L
Loe.rlon
Prote-c.tion i3:iJilinst ingress of solid
far eiliJlilbodirs OI nd of liquid
(II<)
t D LJV ntliilti on (.ilpplir!s
for outdoor .&Sombli.,.; only u"'",
Sl>ooiliod otheoftse)
He5hunee te> cotl'Q51on
....
protr.c:tlon


OutdoOf': IP 1(l


St.ndMd
Standard
Brlo;i<; prDtrt;t ion io; protr.ctlon r.g;uno.;t "rctru;; duro tD dirc<;t
QJnt;::lI;t wlith lIyE'! pa.rf'!!;; (wlithin the!'
bring r;on.,idrl"r.d, the minlmun rcquirannnt for b.l:'il"-
protectioo <>1 II' is u...,aly prtMded by the enclO5Ure, wt>eo the
assemtJlv i. in IlOrmal servic;e (all wv .. rs in place and d"""s clOSE'd)
Where a spernier ,..,shes further protect."", for ..... amp/e. auess to
.. temal ""ft. <JI the assembly .,h,lst other p.arts remain In serw:e,
s"""",,ld <heir p.aFtlcolar r<>qui remen15 In "'" a55embty
.., orlca tI on.
Fault prolk1l0n 1Iga.""!lI.. lht!- of .J raul[ WI th'n
;m or ;:;I f.aull. in .l tircuit that .rom tho
G.r.nrrt:l ll y thi,. ;;II;;:hi['!vo:lbV m rt:lnlO of (1Ol1rth .and
balding. Hot.or."MIef, if i1 to u-..r. OlI lfN'"fltlVl'l r.,g
pI'<Jtecoon by total insulaoon they should detaol their preferences in
tIleir
.. to "" r,,, In ""
IndOOf' Of' ootdOOr lOcation...
For the lEe o;;t.;:tnc::l.a;rd ;L';., .. .0:11 minunl,lm Ir.-yol Q',
pt'cteoction 0' 1P'2){ - no prDtrl;t ion ilgi1in.o;;l dripping walnr For DfJtdoor
applic<!tior.s .. <thou! protect'on the minimum
requir"""",t is IP;.I3 In t .... absence of al'lll other dootails the
manufa<:tvrer '''''1 prcwide ttle minimum laW?1 of proteC".1ion neg:.ssary
to ptOt8Ct the eqUIpment ."chln the noting tl ... 1 thiS WIll not
be le5s than that 5peCifted on the
... 10 ,""",h.n'c."mpad ,s not W1 thin UK .
\.'\Ihe.rL!! I t t.5. a 1'1. should dL!!'In!d by lin II( In
rU;I;OI'd,m(;r. lEe 6226,2.
Thr rC""lii..'IOt.mc;;r. to t.IIJ rOldi.i1,-ion 'or dclinr.d in
lEe 6143jl-2, i. generally adequate lor tern_ate chmat .. 5, Where
m",e onet'OIJ' oonditior.s are <!01t'cipated, the of pmtection
should be agreed ben"""n the user and
The details can<J51011 ,,,,,stance that prOVIdes adequate
1I!i,I'II!!t o. protll!1::tlOn fOr In b normal tmVlrOnmL!!nL Whe.rl!-
conditIOns ... ""'P""'t<!d, for " m".... "" tdoor
the. c:OI'rOiOn p rO[L!!ctll!X'1 should 'lht!! u!.4!l'
.i1nd rTlrJrv..! far;turr.r
.....
27
Ambient air tempet'"i! t ....... - lower Indoor -5
OUtdoor -2 5
I\mblent air tempe!'il t ure - upper Ilmft 40 'C
Ambient oll ar l'emp.er., t LM'i!- - daily 35 lie
lNSlJ. rnaximLJl'n
M.Dimum r r!! lati\ll! h...-nicity l ndoor 'ij) 40 lie
Outdoor: 1000j, 01 25 c
!>""' ution degree
Aulr u" .. s 2000m
EMC erJvi ronm!:!nt
Special 5eMce oondl lions
28
,"'-e the cO<1oditions detailed are e.ceeded, the
"''''allation con,htions shadd be ..,duded in the project 'tJecifi cat ioo
I [I;; 6143tl-2 details f our degrees of pol l ution
1 No poll ution or only dry. I'IOn-ccnductJV<! pollUtion occurs.
Th!> pollution has n(} Inn""" ,,,.
2 Only polu[lon Ocr.: L1r 3. [ h.!lt ZI
conducltvlty "",,-""<I by c:ond<!n>l>t lon Is [<> b .... xp<!<:ted.
J oc.t.:L1 r3. Or' dry. nOr'l-conc::lLldive pollutiOn
...hir;;h rxpcx:t",d to br.oomr. condUGflVl'! d ur. to
4 C.cntlrlUClU!I: I;Qnductivl ty D(;l;Ur!l: due to rain or at .........
'l'ol'9t conditions .
(}r industrial applicabons degree 3 is the default c<>ndibon
Where a -dl f le,ent I""el 01 pollution IS anticipated, appropriate -details
should be gl""" '" the specificatIOn.
Th .. """,,,I .. <tv,,,, _ "' .... .....,."l>ly " [<> 10"" to.d ...,""'"
200cm.
A. ...... r. mb!1C"';'I:i CAn emit ;;;! nd 'thr br Il1'IIl'IIU"'Ir to C1cfern;:J1
electromagnetic dlsturban""s 1[1;; defi""" (l>I(} (ateg""ie5
.) &rvirQf1ll\'Oeflt A - relates to low-voltage non-pubhc or indust .... '
.... !WOrks' locations, .nsrallatlot15 Itlclu<ltng highly -dISturbing 5oor ces.
h) EMlirOnml!rn B - .. to public wc:l'll!lS
cOmmercial .li1l:t hghf
Thl !:ii nor highl)' dlslU'i:Wtg 5uc:h
t:l rc. YId drr!lO
Thr. ,:;pr.c;ifier !ioould det,oWi;;;! rrqulrr. mr.nt fa mthr. r Em,llr.anment A or 9
In 9l1"cept ional iilppic.ations. fOf 9;Qmple. 50me rail apphc;atlons. it Is
ne""ssary to a highe, le",,1 of Immunity.
The stand",-d details e""mples 01 special seMce Con-dltlOt1S as; vibration,.
cOrrMl'U1! (!t"M ..
!:luang I!ll!Cfrh: 01" m8gJio!-t ic: f,eltb. fLl hlU!I. :5.mbll 04!:)I;plosion
hdl.llrd . heavy ... 1""a[lon Mot shocks. .... ,
Any !iuGh C'1<c:rp'tion;;;! 1 condltiono;: "hould be identified ;:md
detailed in t he sj)OClfication
\.
MOIl:imum dimr!nsions
ilOO .. nd weight
IlIrectfon(s) of ".:te.n.aI condUC'lors
E1iter .... ' pha ... cond",tgr.
cross and terminations
PE:. N. PEN .ondu"t.ors
<1'0 ......... r"M" .1'1<1
... I'ml ..... i<h ... tir."..ti,,"
t'll!qurrl!:tneni:s
$t Q<" ge .1nd h.,ndl lng
Ma.i"",m di ......... ..... gIlt of
tran",oft ... ft.
of tran..., ... t (0.11. f"'klilt.

-
-

-
Star>dard
St.ndard
-
-
-
Ot .. ndbrd ............ 1 g<nt!!,," or ......,.,Iy 1n<:ludlng;

dr,;;k-fypc, box .. t)'pC!'. w.l11. mOU"'ltC!d type-.
'WliIl l ...mcunt ... d rMl;f"',o;;r.d type
SiJecifiers s..,.,ld anv particular p"erereoc.e thEy howe for t ....
general constl"uctloo of the assembly in accordilnc.e ,,'It I> the ...
recog .. sed .rrangements.
Tht! ml!ljorit)' or ass@mblil!s stbicionary. thl! .;I\Ould
whl!-'lhl!r [hl!-&!.I!:mbl), [0 bI!- Qr Iii por[lI1:Ji1!. _
If thrm .. ,.r (Jr wr.19hr ri:!!t.trl(;OOno; for fnr. ;:t,,'I:;nmbiy thC!!m .. hou'=l
bor. i n thr. :o:;prr;ificaticn
The speCifier should detai l conductor t.",es. e g. cable Of' busbar
In order to ensu,e t .... e"te"",1 conductorS can be accommodated the
",eofler shoold <letall the d. ectloo the" ""proa"" the assemblY;
bort""'. top. I .. rt hand old ... ri9ht hand .Id ... "t<:.
&dvbit!d thl! mlInuracturol!r" will .!tUUm!! t:oppt!r
oondut;tor c:.ahlro; oOI,..r- to br tcrmin.nro ., tho IrlltOl'1lllng ;and outgoing
I;ir(;uit ..
T (} a\/Old difficulties on 50te ",scifiers should <letail the cable
C0<>5trvction, e.9 4 core, XLPE insulated. steel wire armoured. the '5Ize
of the cable and """ prefe,ence fOl' terminatwlg the cores - crimp lugs.
mecha .. cal coonectOf's. etc
.. " det.1I th ... I ... o ..... ch ...... tnAnd oombir>l!d
1i!!\J\r.!li t!-.8t[n c:.Iiblt!! toO bt!! Wlthou't will
c::Or'ldUClOr art!:
- ('CjuiJl to holt, thr. (;o::Ij:S3(;iry of tho ph;J!!iO OJI'lCIuC;;fOl',
witt. a minimum of 1 G own' . if thr. mr. 0 " thr. phrio;r. <;.on::iuc;rcw
1 G mm
z
:
- equal to t .... full ourreot-Ga't)'ing capaW (}f t .... phase oonductor.
II the SIZe 01 the latter "less than Or equal t(} 16 "''''' .
"',1111 Ll!il!! hls. !t2Jr'ld.lrd tl!:rmlnlll marklng LlnlMS
parocu.w requlJ'4!.ml!:r'lb lot mart:lng ':'rl!- Idmtl'lot!d .1'1 thl!: M!il!mby
'fl r. I;Jfita tlon
SiJecifiers should include in their specification
. mltaoons tor transport Units.
Any .,orUcUao: ''"'1ul ... In or transport and IIftln9 shoold
1r'H:ludod In th ...... tlon.
..J
29
\..
"",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,1 """di';o ... dlfl ........ t
from .....
Packing dat;o;ls
Operating arrangements
IRJI .. tian of I CQd instlliltion
equipmr.:nt ilrmS
ill'\d upgr;,.cle cilp'-lb1htles
Requirement. related to accesslt>llity
jn service by ordinary ,",,"om,
to opt!:ralA!: devioes Or'
00'"1'0'''''''' whl .. th.
ASSMBL Y ",n 91.ed
rReqLiranr!! nts re.l iiltr!!d tel iOIcC!r!Ssibility
for inspection ii1nd simi l.n ope:r.ortions:
Requirement. related to,
b<.: e:ess.lbliity 101' m2liniA!n;!lI'\Ci!
jn rvle. ... thori2.<1 por"OM
iRequirements re.l iilted to iOIccessibility
f or e:lCfension i n servicr:! by iOIufhol"izr:!d
persons
of Nl'ICti.,..al u",;t< CCIOnoCbOO
30
No
ND
No
No
.,
pFOIJltil!! 0.1 sf,Oraal!- cOndition! i.
dl rr l!!rl!!l'lt rr om normal 4!.:g. adW5r1!! 11 indoor
r.qulpmr.nt oc- ,;tomd outdOClr!; for !dl.ort kfli lo.
Any sp"Clfic packl"'9 .pqu"ements should be identified ir> the
speCification
Unll!!o.!:l [hi!- m 2l nu'.8C(Url!! r Wl . assume!' l,
[0. bl!! by skJlh!!d Or pt!rsoru..
Spr.cifi<; rrqulrrmnnt'!'l<i to 9rouP!: o' cll'l;Uit!'t 'l:ihCM:Jl d br. Indudr.d
lin t ho ...
The .tandatd as,""""" Odlr>ary persons will n<>t operate delllcr's or
change <""",anents. II ordinary persons ate r"",,,-ed to cam< out
any .s.uch dUbe.5; the shedd bl!! In (hi!- MSl!!tnbly

Thl"" ba"'aG .,;fo::lndal'd .a... ..... umr .. lh;;Jt ;;Jill rn.llntr:n,;:m(;["! i3nd .. of oiIn
a,o:o,o;;l""mbly be t;;Irried DU t with till'" i1!i. ... r.mt:ly for
_ocular apJ)licatior'l, is a to these
... ith Dart or all of the .ssembll! und ... ""Itage, the rpq<Prements must be
detailed 1t1 the speC1ficatlDn.
The standard uses a thrae letter to desQibe the different method of
a functIOnal Utllt Within Clin assembly:
- F - for fixed oonnect lons;
D - tor disoor.nectabie
,,, for cor'lnedlon!..
then In a It!!t'l.er code 1[0
r;annr.c;;rlore; to fUn(;oonPlI u ni t:o; ;:a, .. foIlO'#l';;:

ti .... t Ir.ftrr drmotr ... t hr! typr. of C!iC(;tric;.;ll (;onrllC"'C-tion 0' t h('!- m.;1"
irll;oming 'IOuFfJ ly to 'thl'" 'klnl;lion ..d unit;

second lette. derlOtes the type of elect"".1 connect ion of the main
outgoing supply fTom the functional unit,

third lette, derlOtes the t)'pe of ..... ct"".1 connectioo of the
Circuits.
F=or .!!Ii h.lr'n:tlon.fll Unl'!: wl!h I!!I plug .on [0 l::nJ:5bJ!. r cOf'Ir'l l!1:tlon,.
outgoing COM""tloru ahd dl!.coM""t.".. oI",ul I. would
"'" dM<:,..,.d .... \"1m.
An:-, t hr- a. r;onno(;"tu:)n of f'-1m;:l; iCJn.OlJ Unit ... ,,",auld
I::J,r.. in 'thr

\..
.". .. teetl.,.. b!/bl .... oont.or with No
Internalp"rU dLKin!/
II'IIoOIiIi nten.wlI::!f!! Cf" upgr:lI:le: (e.g!.
functionill units.. main busbilrs,
distribution busb;o.-s)
capabilfty to _t Individual operalial'l
of tke or.oulm rel.ting to
!f)t!!elflt!d dreuits. w ..... ,!! tht!: functlcnDl I
LJl'iIIl: i!II iiola t4!!d
Current car rying capabil ity
!fated o;ummt "f the ASSI4!R.Y I'IA
(Am,,5)
RIoted .,...NI' of oIrouiB Ino (Ampo)
It ... ted diversity f.lC.tDf'"
!falio of C<'OSS 5ection of the n"ulr.!l
conol_or to pha5e conductors:
Pha5e oonductors up to and i noludi ng
16mm
l
RJi'tlo 01 0 .. "". ,,1 t'" M utt.1
t::ondL.ill:::tor to eonl!lUt::lOr.s::
ph;n.;e conductors ,;above 16mm'

..

A<;cording '0 pl'oduo;\
standa"Js
Nunl.Jl!r of
mo:.i n outgotng 'ilt'tor
c:ircUlto:;
2 and 3 09
4 and 5 OS
6 t" g IncluSl .... 0.7
10 and mare 0.6
100'"
50% (m,1>. 1 6 mm")
" The standard does not define a dafaull candioon
Specifjers should detail their required Form of Sepaoratlon
ReqiUlrernetns to te_st' awullary cirCUitS '-"It hi the fflain Cll'o..ltS.
should be Identified In the assembly spedlcatlOn.
The ,t<llldard di>fines the rated cu .. "nt of t .... a55embly as t .... le5sor of
the sum of tt>e rated CURents of the IfloCGm",g co<ruits ,..,thi" t ....
ASSEM BL,,( that ate "perated In parallel. and tke total current rating ot
the malt1 busbar. Speclflel'. shoUld detail the rating ot the assembty
ro!qulrt!- in 5pl!afh::at ion.
Spl!dfl.t!t5 should prolJldt! 01 [h!- cUrrent raflf'tg af lIl] me ItKormng
outgoing c:irCUlt .. thr.y requirr. in
In ;111 (;1"Ct \'JIthin .an Lvii not br. uJXln to co:.rr!;'
thetr rated GYrTent simultaoeouslY and IS t ....
pl'oportoon of thEir rated current eaGh ci.curt >lithin a group of outg"",g
CirCUits or all outgomg .. ts ""thin thoe ""sembly can
contmuously <IIld Without the assembly ,,_heatw>!!. III
the ab5ence 01 ""y olher .,fonnatloo In the speCIf icat ion !he
manufllt:t . Hl!r ror ml!
M!:Iil! mbly.
Tt>e curr"'" ;n thE MoI!Utral tircuit may b& inn"""GEd by 5ignmcant
ha,monoC5.. When, for c.CUIt5 USing conductors up to 16mm' this IS not
suffiCient. speaf iel's 5t.ould de"'" their req"lrement5 ., their
speCIfication.
In (h,e!. majonty 01 tf1t!. CUl' rl!nt 13. mUt.: h thl!lr'l thl!
At:t:ordingJy, ChI!!- .!i.tandard; th,u for
c:ircui't'li ..... ithin o:.n "o:;r-mbly Intcl"poI";:atlng conductOl"!; ".lith 0:. Q"O.,O:;!; ,;cction
1 bmm 1 thr.- may hiwn .01 o:;r.c:ticn r.quid (0
50% Qf the "nth ... minimum of 1 E.mm" I n tircui15 "'/here
significant har",,,,,,ics are pr""""t or tt>e.e ar" """'" ,mbalionces in PN!58
rurrent thIS may not be adequate and "",mlel'. sh"",1d def,,,,, !heir
requtremer.1s If) thetr speciocaoon.

3 1
Nationwide support on one number -
call the Customer Information Centre on
Schneider Electric's local support
,Schnelder lErootl1o i& to SUJlIl<Irtl llq lis oollto ...... at <Ner'f sta{/!l <If .. PR>loot. 0111' 1 BO SIt"" e"gin.., .. , U,. 1"'lI"1It
fgn;c In ttle U.K frgm 4 r, l:;tlfr'U!"
0 111' salaa "'gilee", ar. al;jllad 91 """" .. ... d ""mbile<J 'M1h 1h& 8:l\Pt1rt 6OJpJ>(lfl 01 our prodlJOt
will duw::top 1t1c mq!iot c:cthrc: undl _]n!;WCr r('!1rJvtJ.rn !(.1Idar. fUI!/lnf'g
To """",.1111 11>0 SC/I"",*' IlIo "" "",II 007() $(l$ a ,)08,. "",;h ... ..".,.,. ""PJlQrt ,,,,,10,0;1,,,
tor dl:fn[]l1ei1r,alicrz .and irai r.ing, and pf"l::5en'la.;bn rooms roU}' eqllipped with :twio visui!ll:too pmooil1l91
meeting f:i.l:li it1e's.
Ml:!lrliJ'l GlI:'rin
S ua.e D
Manln O.rin is ill 111 the mtJnuf ... J ur.r.- ;lRd
.upply of 11;'11, mc<Ii"", ,ond 10 ... ",1I"lI" i:.- ,j,.
cb1,u.Jti on. rnn'irol ::s1d d
.Iodtloal 0'll"i ... , o."" 1o joolli!i<>d " ', th" _. of li<illl tha
commercial wl<l l ndll&1rUJ BectOfS. The " ... /to' lBIII'1c11Od \'til
iNctwork So' util;ll1s aff,cr pf'OVi.ttcs .1Ut;tO,
C tg,.. ail ogn;IlT'Il:mil;,afil;ll1llcoj=;,.
SQ"""" Dis .. to1aJ quail1\' Ofll""ls ion wl<l S lJu!jil"""
.. to' clootm;.!y to.>OIk ;JIld ocIivoIy,
potO!;hn.:J !}n.j ..... vgit..Jgt'J
eleC'llie:iJ di5bibuHon !Systems 3nd ;:e-
.""" .ot.""Moly 10 '...rd ....
TrttamRCOJI1i qUD i[i iii UK m.:vkcrt iJdr:; r iln-j CJ".pcn in
.aU'lomation .and conJ:rcl. tt prolJides soluti:Jns, with
<>l ".,"''''''' .... 1&, .. ""'" <II IlIgh 1"",,,,,,1'b'
con rolla", 1J>lOs), ml.nllJf. neldb ... """
oh..,,.1 ""mMunic ion _Il<B, 1i.,,1. m01l00 control
:6pood drwcs iJIld :;tvJ!Jr.c:tM
In :td:ltbn, it offer.\. paws disiJiblliton pref3bi C3tedl
bl.b .. t"'''''.,g,
Loc-al customer support centres
geat/and
IEIIO:>IJl o Ud
\ki lt 18
C/8f8,,,,m C...,1ife
C.m .... 11 Slr""t gout
KJ ...,lng
Gtnagow &11 1M
Pl'"oduc-t showrooms

SOi'I""ld'" IEI"""IO lld
POBox 41
l3lgloyflo<>d
CIItpp:.ll1,,,,,

l. dw.Il1al >)'StemB end _ room
1'bt111 VlI!I!.1
g"""",,Id8 1:1""010 U:l
Fl ... 1 Flout
'''''1i100l H""..,
CII ... ctl ; .... ,
\'<1101010 ....
Cl\ee!1lre SK9 1AY
Schnext" 'ElCabio tid, Uni."..;ly of 'M>r.W:l1< Saio::noe P3!t1<, Sir Wili . ... L'J'On. Ron ""'tent .... CV4 7EZ
;!(f!iteM5-.tIiid lto'luti'OIts !sholNi'OOt'tll
I.t<:l , S!Jff<><d P;"k S, T"W",g, Shmpo;h.., TF3
EnKg)' :wid :sp1mm!S.3I'Id :soJIJ 01'1 5 showroom
ScI,neld..- 'IDectI1o Ud, 123.1ac!< l.aJIe, H..,Bl eI , Leeds 1..510 1 iJ;S
SE 6461
memtlel' of

vo l timu m
'trr --- .ca..uk
JAN 2009