What is IEC 61349 standards in Electric Control panels

Introduction to IEC 61439

The IEC 61439 is a series of international standards that defines the requirements for low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies. The series is divided into two parts: Part 1 (IEC 61439-1) defines the general requirements for switchgear and control gear assemblies, while Part 2 (IEC 61439-2) defines the specific requirements for power switchgear and control gear assemblies.

The IEC 61439 series replaces the previous standard, IEC 60439, which was withdrawn in 2014. The new standard applies to switchgear and control gear assemblies rated up to 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC, and is designed to ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of these assemblies.

IEC 61439-1 General Requirements
IEC 61439-1 defines the general requirements for switchgear and control gear assemblies. The standard includes the following topics:
Design and construction

  • Rated voltage and current
  • Electrical and mechanical endurance
  • Insulation coordination
  • Clearances and creepage distances
  • Protection against electric shock and harmful effects
  • Temperature rise
  • Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
  • Dielectric properties
  • Marking and documentation
  • The standard also defines the test procedures and requirements for the verification of compliance with these requirements.

IEC 61439-2 Specific Requirements
IEC 61439-2 defines the specific requirements for power switchgear and control gear assemblies. The standard includes the following topics:

  • Design and construction
  • Electrical and mechanical endurance
  • Temperature rise
  • Short-circuit withstand strength
  • Resistance to abnormal heat and fire due to internal electrical effects
  • Internal separation
  • Degree of protection
  • Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
  • Dielectric properties
  • Marking and documentation

The standard also defines the test procedures and requirements for the verification of compliance with these requirements.

Comparison with Previous Standard (IEC 60439)
The IEC 61439 series is a significant improvement over the previous standard, IEC 60439. Here are some of the key differences between the two standards:

  • Design verification: IEC 61439 requires design verification to ensure that the switchgear and control gear assemblies are designed to meet the specified requirements. This includes verifying the mechanical and electrical performance, as well as the safety and reliability of the assembly.
  • Type testing: IEC 61439 requires type testing of the switchgear and control gear assemblies to verify their performance under specified conditions. The type testing includes tests for temperature rise, short-circuit withstand strength, and resistance to abnormal heat and fire due to internal electrical effects.
  • Documentation: IEC 61439 requires more detailed documentation of the switchgear and control gear assemblies, including a detailed design report, assembly instructions, and test reports.
  • EMC requirements: IEC 61439 includes more detailed requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), including tests for radiated and conducted emissions, immunity to electromagnetic fields, and immunity to fast transients.
  • Clearances and creepage distances: IEC 61439 includes more detailed requirements for clearances and creepage distances, including minimum values for different voltage levels.
  • Temperature rise: IEC 61439 includes more detailed requirements for temperature rise, including a maximum temperature rise for each component of the switchgear and control gear assembly.
  • Marking: IEC 61439 includes more detailed requirements for marking of the switchgear and control gear assemblies, including the rating and type

Table 1: Comparison of IEC 61439 with IEC 60439

AspectIEC 61439IEC 60439
ScopeApplies to ASSEMBLIESApplies to SWITCHBOARDS
Rated Voltage≤1,000 V AC, ≤1,500 V DC≤1,000 V AC, ≤1,500 V DC
ClearancesSpecifies clearancesNo specifications
Creepage distancesSpecifies creepage distancesNo specifications
Temperature riseSpecifies temperature rise limitsSpecifies temperature rise limits
VerificationType-tested and verifiedDesign-verified
There are several types of electric control panels based on their IEC 61439 standards, each with their unique features and applications.
 
  • Type-tested assemblies (TTA): Type-tested assemblies are designed and tested according to IEC 61439-1 and -2 standards. These assemblies are pre-designed and pre-tested and are suitable for a wide range of applications. TTA are available in various sizes and configurations and are easy to install and maintain.
  • Partially type-tested assemblies (PTTA): Partially type-tested assemblies are designed and tested according to IEC 61439-1 and -3 standards. These assemblies are designed using tested and approved standard designs and components. PTTA are used for a wide range of applications and offer a high degree of flexibility in design and customization.
  • Type-tested switchboards (TTSB): Type-tested switchboards are designed and tested according to IEC 61439-1 and -2 standards. These switchboards are designed for power distribution and control in buildings, industrial plants, and infrastructure projects. TTSB are available in various sizes and configurations and are designed for easy installation and maintenance.
  • Distribution boards (DB): Distribution boards are designed and tested according to IEC 61439-3 standards. These boards are used for the distribution of electrical power and for the protection of electrical equipment. DBs are available in various sizes and configurations and are designed for easy installation and maintenance.
  • Motor control centers (MCC): Motor control centers are designed and tested according to IEC 61439-1 and -6 standards. These centers are used for the control and protection of motors in industrial plants and buildings. MCCs are available in various sizes and configurations and can be customized to meet specific requirements.
  • Control desks (CD): Control desks are designed and tested according to IEC 61439-1 and -7 standards. These desks are used for the control and monitoring of electrical equipment and systems. CD are available in various sizes and configurations and can be customized to meet specific requirements.
  • Automatic transfer switch (ATS): Automatic transfer switches are designed and tested according to IEC 61439-1 and -6 standards. These switches are used for the automatic transfer of power between two sources in the event of a power outage or failure. ATSs are available in various sizes and configurations and are designed for easy installation and maintenance.
  • Power factor correction panels (PFC): Power factor correction panels are designed and tested according to IEC 61439-1 and -6 standards. These panels are used for the correction of power factor in electrical systems. PFC panels are available in various sizes and configurations and are designed for easy installation and maintenance.
  • Feeder pillars: Feeder pillars are designed and tested according to IEC 61439-1 and -6 standards. These pillars are used for the distribution of power in outdoor electrical systems. Feeder pillars are available in various sizes and configurations and are designed for durability and resistance to outdoor elements.
  • Busbar trunking systems (BTS): Busbar trunking systems are designed and tested according to IEC 61439-6 standards. These systems are used for the distribution of power in buildings and industrial plants. BTSs are available in various sizes and configurations and are designed for easy installation and maintenance.
In conclusion, there are several types of electric control panels based on their IEC 61439 standards, each with their unique features and applications. It is important to select the right type of control panel based on the specific needs of the electrical system to ensure optimal performance and safety.

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