BS EN 60947-2:2017

What is BS EN 60947-2‒ Circuit-breakers about? 

BS EN 60947-2 is the second part of an international standard that covers guidelines for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear.  

BS EN 60947-2 applies to circuit-breakers, whose main contacts are intended to be connected to the circuits and the rated voltage does not exceed 1000 V AC or 1500 V DC. It also contains additional requirements for integrally fused circuit-breakers. It examines the circuit-breakers having rated voltage above 1000 V AC but not exceeding 1500 V AC. 

BS EN 60947-2 applies irrespective of the rated currents, the method of construction, or the proposed applications of the circuit-breakers. It specifies requirements for circuit-breakers which are also intended to provide earth leakage protection, additional requirements for circuit-breakers with electronic over-current protection, additional requirements for circuit-breakers for IT systems, etc.  

Who is BS EN 60947-2‒ Circuit-breakers for? 

BS EN 60947-2 on circuit-breakers is useful for: 

• Manufacturers and suppliers of circuit-breakers  
• Dealers and distributors of circuit-breakers 
• Designers of circuit-breakers 
• Test/ service providers for circuit-breakers 

Why should you use BS EN 60947-2‒ Circuit-breakers? 

Circuit breakers are mechanical switching devices, that are capable of making, carrying, and breaking currents under normal as well as abnormal or faulty circuit conditions.  

BS EN 60947-2 gives you standardized requirements and test methods to determine the characteristics of circuit-breakers, under the various operating conditions. It helps you to design and construct a circuit breaker that is in accordance with global standards.  

BS EN 60947-2 serves the objective of stating the operation and behavior of the circuit breaker under normal service conditions, in case of overload as well as in case of short-circuit fault. It includes the coordination in service and dielectric properties which helps you in confirming the selectivity and backup protection for the breakers.  

The tests in BS EN 60947-2 also help you confirm the conditions that have been met and the methods that should be adopted for these tests. It also describes the requirements and test methods for determining electromagnetic compatibility of circuit-breakers which helps in increasing the sensitivity and hence the efficiency of the breakers.  

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 60947-2:2017 supersedes BS EN 60947-2:2006+A2:2013, which is withdrawn. BS EN 60947-2:2017 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:  

• Tests for the verification of selectivity in Annex A (see A.5.3) 
• Critical load current tests for DC circuit-breakers (see 8.3.9) 
• New Annex P for circuit-breakers for use in photovoltaic applications 
• New Annex R for residual-current circuit-breakers with automatic reclosing functions