BS EN 60204-1:2018+A1:2025 is a safety standard focused on the electrical equipment of machinery. It outlines general requirements to ensure the safe design, installation, and maintenance of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic equipment and systems used in machines.
The standard applies to stationary machinery or machinery not portable by hand while in operation, including systems where multiple machines work in coordination.
This standard is intended for a broad range of professionals and organizations involved in the design, manufacture, installation, inspection, and use of machinery with electrical components.
By engaging with the standard, each of these stakeholders contributes to creating safer, more efficient, and more sustainable industrial operations.
BS EN 60204-1:2018+A1:2025 sets out the general requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical equipment used in machinery. It applies specifically to electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic systems of machines that are not portable by hand during operation. This includes machines operating independently or as part of a group working in a coordinated fashion. The standard applies to equipment operating with nominal supply voltages not exceeding 1000 V AC or 1500 V DC, and with frequencies not exceeding 200 Hz.
The scope of the standard begins at the point where the electrical supply connects to the machine’s equipment, providing detailed guidance on protective measures, circuit design, control systems, and documentation. It aims to ensure the safety of individuals and property, support consistent control response, and promote ease of operation and maintenance.
Importantly, while this standard focuses on electrical safety, it does not cover non-electrical safety aspects such as mechanical guarding, interlocking, or general machine safeguarding. These aspects are typically addressed by other standards specific to the machinery type or application.
There are several exclusions to its applicability. It does not cover machines intended for outdoor use, those operating in potentially explosive or flammable atmospheres, machines used in mining, hoisting equipment, sewing systems, or semiconductor fabrication equipment. Additionally, power circuits where electrical energy is directly used as a working tool fall outside the scope of this part of the standard.
Ultimately, BS EN 60204-1:2018+A1:2025 is an application standard that promotes safety and reliability without restricting innovation, providing a structured framework for managing electrical risks in machinery across a wide range of industries.
Organizations adopting BS EN 60204-1:2018+A1:2025 are taking proactive steps toward ensuring the safety of personnel and assets, minimizing operational risks, and achieving compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The standard promotes consistent design methodologies, supports safe and intuitive machine operation, and reduces the likelihood of electrical failures.
By addressing critical areas such as protective bonding, short-circuit ratings, emergency switching, and electromagnetic compatibility, the standard enhances both safety and reliability. Organizations benefit from reduced downtime, greater equipment longevity, and improved productivity.
Moreover, adoption of the standard reinforces an organization’s commitment to best practices in engineering, fosters trust with stakeholders, and supports conformity with global safety directives such as the Machinery Directive and Low Voltage Directive.
BS EN 60204-1:2018+A1:2025 supersedes BS EN 60204-1:2018 which will be withdrawn on the 30th April 2028. The 2025 amendment introduces a series of technical and editorial revisions aimed at aligning the standard with the latest state-of-the-art practices. Key updates include:
IEC 60204-1 Amd.1 Ed.6.0
EN 60204-1 Amd.1 Ed.6.0