11 | 2010

IEC 61439
The new standard for low-voltage
switchgear and controlgear assEmblies
Content

Page

Introduction . ...................................................................... 4
The current IEC 60439 . ...................................................... 5
The new IEC 61439 ............................................................ 6
Main changes . ................................................................... 7
Responsibilities .................................................................12
FAQ ..................................................................................14
Summary and conclusion....................................................16

IEC 61439 – The new standard 3

Introduction

A low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assembly Reaching an agreement has proven extremely challenging,
(ASSEMBLY) is a combination of low-voltage switching but the first parts of the new standards have been published.
devices together with associated equipment (for control- For each type of electrical ASSEMBLY only two parts of the
ling, measuring, signalling, etc.) complete with all the standard are necessary to determine all requirements:
internal mechanical and electrical interconnections and − − the basic standard IEC 61439-1 “General rules”
structural parts. As with every component of an electrical − − the specific ASSEMBLY standard
installation, the ASSEMBLY also has to comply with its
appropriate standard. The aim of this guide is to allow panel builders, electrical
installers, planners or purchasers to familiarise themselves
In January 2009 the IEC 61439, the new standard for low- with the new standards and to point out the main changes
voltage switchgear and controlgear ASSEMBLIES, was that have been introduced as well as elements that remain
published. This was the aim of an international project group unchanged.
which had been working on a task named ”radical restructuring
and revision of IEC 60439 series” since 1998. This initiative
was introduced by several countries following dissatisfaction
with the IEC 60439 series. The purpose was to harmonise
and define all general requirements for low-voltage electrical
ASSEMBLIES.

4 IEC 61439 – The new standard

The current IEC 60439

The current IEC 60439 standard applies to enclosures IEC 60439-1

for which the rated voltage is under or equal to 1000 V AC type-tested and partially type-tested assemblies
(at frequencies not exceeding 1000 Hz) or 1500 V DC.
The standard makes a distinction between type-tested IEC 60439-2
assemblies (TTA) and partially type-tested assemblies particular requirements for busbar trunking systems
(PTTA).The following parts are mentioned and have equal (busways)
weighting. There is not a formal hierarchy. Each part is a
complete entity and can be used on an individual basis: IEC 60439-3
particular requirements for low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear assemblies which are to be installed in locations
where unskilled persons have access for their use.

IEC 60439-4
particular requirements for assemblies for
construction sites (ACS)

IEC 60439-5
particular requirements for assemblies intended
to be installed outdoors in public places – Cable distribution
cabinets (CDCs) for power distribution in networks

The standard remains valid until 2014

IEC 61439 – The new standard 5

Main changes –
More than a single digit change…

Tests that have been made in accordance with IEC 60439

and that fulfil the requirements of the new IEC 61439 need
NOT be repeated.

The second stage verification is the routine verification. This

is performed to verify that the materials and workmanship are
in accordance with the requirements of the standard. Rou-
tine verification replaces the current “routine test”. It is more
detailed but essentially the new requirements are the same
as in the IEC 60439. This verification has to be carried out for
each completed ASSEMBLY and it is the responsibility of the
ASSEMBLY Manufacturer.

Comparison between the current and the new verification “flow”:

IEC 60439

ASSEMBLY
low-voltage switchgear and controlgear ASSEMBLIES

type tests for verification of conformity

TTA
type-tested units not type-tested units
system manufacturer

type-tested ASSEMBLIES

PTTA
manufacturer of the ASSEMBLY

partial type-tested
ASSEMBLIES

routine test

completed ASSEMBLY

8 IEC 61439 – The new standard