BS IEC 60898-3:2019

What is BS EN IEC 60898‑3 about?  

This part of the IEC 60898 series applies to DC circuit-breakers, having a rated DC voltage not exceeding 440 V, a rated current not exceeding 125 A and a rated short-circuit capacity not exceeding 10 000 A.

These circuit-breakers are intended for the protection against overcurrents of wiring installations of buildings and similar applications; they are designed for use by uninstructed people and for not being maintained.

They are intended for use in an environment with pollution degree 2. They are suitable for isolation. Circuit-breakers in compliance with this document are suitable for use in TN, TT, and, under specific conditions, IT systems.

This document also applies to circuit-breakers having more than one rated current, provided that the means for changing from one discrete rating to another is not accessible in normal service and that the rating cannot be changed without the use of a tool.

This document does not apply to

• circuit-breakers intended to protect motors;
• circuit-breakers, the current setting of which is adjustable by means accessible to the user.
• circuit-breakers for AC operation, which is covered by IEC 60898-1.
• circuit-breakers for AC and DC operation, which is covered by IEC 60898-2.

For circuit-breakers having a degree of protection higher than IP20 according to IEC 60529, for use in locations where arduous environmental conditions prevail (e.g. excessive humidity, heat or cold or deposition of dust) and in hazardous locations (e.g. where explosions are liable to occur), special constructions can be required.

For an environment with a higher pollution degree, enclosures giving the appropriate degree of protection are used.

Circuit breakers according to this document have a high resistance against unwanted tripping, regardless whether caused by in-rush currents through loading of electronic loads or by switching operations in the circuit.

NOTE: Circuit-breakers within the scope of this document can also be used for protection against electric shock incase of a fault, depending on their tripping characteristics and on the characteristics of the installation. The criterion of application for such purposes is dealt with by installation rules.

Who is BS EN IEC 60898‑3 for? 

BS EN IEC 60898‑3 on DC circuit-breakers is useful for: 

• Control gear manufacturers

• Test and Certification laboratories

• Electrical engineers

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN IEC 60898‑3:2019 supersedes BS EN 60286‑3:2013, which is withdrawn.  

BS EN IEC 60898‑3:2019 includes some technical changes: 

• Addition of a table of the classification to symbols concerning tape, reel and common symbols 
• Additions of a figure of an example of polarity and orientation and a figure of an example of dot seal 
• Revision of requirements for camber 
• Addition of a definition of design value about tilt