BS EN IEC 62271-102:2018

What is BS EN IEC 62271-102‒ Disconnectors and earthing switches about? 

BS EN IEC 62271-102 is a part of an international multi-series standard that covers general specifications for high-voltage switchgear and control gear. 

BS EN IEC 62271‑102 applies to alternating current disconnectors and earthing switches, designed for indoor and outdoor installations for nominal voltages above 1000 V and for service frequencies up to and including 60 Hz. 

It also applies to the operating devices of these disconnectors and earthing switches and their auxiliary equipment. 

BS EN IEC 62271‑102 is also applicable to switching devices having disconnecting and/or earthing functionalities apart from other functions, such as high-speed earthing switch, circuit-breaker, and switch-disconnector.  

Who is BS EN IEC 62271-102‒ Disconnectors and earthing switches for? 

BS EN IEC 62271‑102 on disconnectors and earthing switches is useful for: 

• Manufacturers and suppliers of AC switches  
• Dealers and distributors of AC switches 
• Designers and developers of AC switches  
• Test/ service providers for AC switches 

Why should you use BS EN IEC 62271-102‒ Disconnectors and earthing switches? 

An AC disconnector is a mechanical switching instrument that energizes and de-energizes electrical circuits, under various operating conditions. Earthing switch helps in earthing the electrical circuit, via mechanical switching under fault conditions. 

BS EN IEC 62271-102 contains the detailed type test methods and specifications for alternating current switching devices, i.e., disconnectors and earthing switches that provide mechanical switching, complying with the international standard.  

BS EN IEC 62271-102 gives you the tests methods to verify rated characteristics of disconnectors and earthing switches, under the proper conditions of installation and use with all associated components, the arrangement of which may influence the performance. These characteristics could help you to serve as a basis for estimating the performance of these ac switches in different electrical circuits too. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN IEC 62271‑102:2018 supersedes BS EN 62271‑102:2002+A2:2013, which is withdrawn. 

BS EN IEC 62271‑102:2018 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: 

• New numbering according to IEC 17/1025/RQ to harmonize with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and IEEE Std. C37.100.1; clause numbering has been aligned with IEC 62271-1:2017 
• Ratings have been moved from Annexes B, C and E to Clause 5; the new rating values for bus-transfer current and bus-transfer voltage have been assigned; the new class of mechanical endurance for earthing switches has been added (M1) 
• New subclause with ratings for ice-coating has been added; new subclause with the classification of bus-charging switching capability has been added; new withstand requirements for interlocking devices have been added 
• Design and construction requirements for position-indicating devices have been modified, aligning the requirements for position indication and signalling; the test procedures and validation criteria have been revised and modified where necessary 
• Requirements for applied voltage during single-phase test on non-simultaneous closing earthing switches have been changed; a new subclause has been added for testing mechanical interlocking devices; the testing procedure to verify the proper functioning of the position-indicating device 
• The Scope has been extended to cover all indoor and outdoor installations, a new Annex B has been added; a new Annex C has been added, a new Annex E has been added