BS EN IEC 62271-200:2021

What is BS EN IEC 62271‑200 about? 

BS EN IEC 62271‑200 is applicable to prefabricated metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear assemblies designed for alternating current, rated voltages above 1kV and up to and including 52kV, service frequencies up to and including 60Hz, indoor and outdoor installation. This assembly can include air-insulated and/or fluid-filled compartments. 

BS EN IEC 62271‑200 specifies detailed information about technical terms, definitions, normal and special service conditions, ratings for voltage, current and frequency; along with design and construction, test methods, routine tests and safety precautions for high voltage switchgear and controlgear.  

BS EN IEC 62271‑200 supplements or in some cases replaces the requirements as stated by the standards of the individual product standard, for components installed in metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear. 

Note 1: Along with 3-phase, BS EN IEC 62271‑200 can also be applied to single-phase and two-phase systems. 

Who is BS EN IEC 62271‑200 for? 

BS EN IEC 62271‑200 on AC metal-enclosed high voltage switchgear and controlgear  is useful for: 

• Retailers and distributors of switchgear and controlgear 
• Electrical/designing engineers 
• Service providers and installers for switchgear and controlgear 
• Suppliers and dealers of switchgear and controlgear 

Why should you use BS EN IEC 62271‑200? 

AC switchgear consists of electrical disconnect switches, switch fuses for controlling, and controlgear consists of overload, stop buttons, relays.   

BS EN IEC 62271‑200 provides you with all the technical specifications for designing and construction of AC metal-enclosed high voltage switchgear and controlgear so that you can manufacture all the products in compliance with standard protocols and norms.It provides you with guidance on selection of switchgear and controlgear as well as gives you safety measures and practices to mitigate the hazardous effects arising from excessive currents. 

 As a user of BS EN IEC 62271‑200, you will also be able to access additional guidance on dealing with enquiries, tenders & orders as well as transporting, installing, maintenance and operations of AC metal-enclosed high voltage switchgear and controlgear.  

In the event of a short-circuit or failure of the power system, efficient high-voltage switchgear and controlgears will help mitigate damage to the equipment and prevent disruption to the end-user.  

Overall, adopting the global safety standards defined in BS EN IEC 62271‑200, can instil higher credibility and acceptance for your business.  

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN IEC 62271‑200:2021 supersedes BS EN 62271‑200:2012, which is withdrawn. 

BS EN IEC 62271‑200:2021 includes the following changes: 

• Clause numbering aligned with IEC 62271-1:2017, including the adoption of the subclause names of Clause 3, specific definitions added in clause 3 
• A more precise description of earthing circuit is given with the inclusion of ratings and test requirements; number of mechanical tests on interlocks is reduced for type testing; a more precise description of forces is given.  
• A more precise description of LSC category is given with the inclusion of an explanatory flowchart (Annex D) 
• A more precise description of internal arc tests for switchgear with protrusions is given in Annex A.