BS EN 61439-1:2011

What is BS EN 61439-1 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies about?  

BS EN 61439-1 is a British standard as a part of the IEC 61439 series that lays down the definitions and states the service conditions, construction requirements, technical characteristics, and verification requirements for low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies. 

BS EN 61439-1 applies to low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies only when required by the relevant assembly standard as follows: 

• Assemblies for which the rated voltage does not exceed 1 000 V in case of a.c. Or 1 500 V in case of d.c. 
• Stationary or movable assemblies with or without an enclosure 
• Assemblies intended for use in connection with the generation, transmission, distribution, and conversion of electric energy, and for the control of electric energy consuming equipment 
• Assemblies designed for use under special service conditions, for example in ships and in rail vehicles provided that the other relevant specific requirements are complied with 
• Assemblies designed for electrical equipment of machines provided that the other relevant specific requirements are complied with 

BS EN 61439-1 applies to all assemblies whether they are designed, manufactured, and verified on a one-off basis or fully standardized and manufactured in quantity.  

Note 1: Throughout BS EN 61439-1, the term assembly is used for low-voltage switchgear and control gear assembly. 

Note 2: BS EN 61439-1 does not apply to individual devices and self-contained components, such as motor starters, fuse switches, electronic equipment, etc. which will comply with the relevant product standards. 

Who is BS EN 61439-1 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies for? 

BS EN 61439-1 on low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies is useful for: 

• The switchgear and control gear industry 
• The electrical industry 
• The manufacturing industry 
• Testing and inspection managers 
• Electrical equipment manufacturers 
• The electromagnetic industry 

Why should you use BS EN 61439-1 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies?  

Effective switchgear will activate in the event of an electrical surge, halting the flow of power and safeguarding the electrical systems from damage. De-energizing equipment for safe testing, maintenance, and fault clearing is also done with switchgear. Control gear refers to the switches, fuses, and circuit breakers that are used to regulate, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. The purpose of BS EN 61439-1 is to harmonize as far as practicable all rules and requirements of a general nature applicable to low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies in order to obtain uniformity of requirements and verification for assemblies and to avoid the need for verification to other standards.  

BS EN 61439-1 provides you with the interface characteristics, constructional and performance requirements, degree of protection provided by an assembly enclosure, and protection against electric shocks. Using BS EN 61439-1 guidelines helps maintain the safety and protection of the user and ensures uniform classification systems, reliability, and durability for long service life.  

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 61439-1:2011 supersedes EN 61439-1:2009, which is withdrawn. BS EN 61439-1:2011 includes some technical changes with respect to EN 61439-1:2009. These include: 

• Revision of service conditions in Clause 7 
• Numerous changes regarding verification methods in Clause 10 
• Modification of routine verification in respect of clearances and creepage distances (see 11.3) 
• Adaption of the tables in Annex C and Annex D to the revised requirements and verification methods 
• Shifting of tables from Annex H to new Annex N