BS EN 61230 is an international standard that is applicable to portable equipment, with or without matching connection points, for temporary earthing or earthing and short-circuiting of electrically isolated or de-energized a.c. and d.c. installations, distribution and transmission networks, whether they are overhead or underground or of low or high voltage. BS EN 61230 covers equipment comprising an earthing or a short-circuiting or an earthing and short-circuiting device and insulating component.
BS EN 61230 also covers:
The performance of equipment, devices and components covered by BS EN 61230 is based on electro-dynamic and electro-thermal effects acting during short-circuit. The withstand capability of the devices and equipment is expressed by their rated values of current, time and peak factor.
BS EN 61230 on portable equipment for earthing live working is useful for:
A proper earthing system protects the installations by providing a low-impedance channel. An electrical installation that lacks grounding, or one that is inadequate, puts the electrical equipment, wiring, and electrical panels at risk of overheating and causing a fire. It prevents the building from collapsing due to lightning. Earthing aids in the protection of overvoltage and voltage stabilization.
BS EN 61230 provides its users with guidelines for personnel safety, equipment security, and preventing or at the very least reducing equipment damage caused by high currents. Using BS EN 61230 guidelines ensures the safety, protection, and reliability of electrical equipment for its users.
BS EN 61230:2008 supersedes EN 61230:1995 + A11:1999, which is withdrawn. BS EN 61230:2008 includes some technical changes with respect to EN 61230:1995 + A11:1999. These include:
EN 61230:2008
IEC 61230:2008