BS EN IEC 62477-2:2018

What is BS EN IEC 62477‑2 – Power electronic converter systems about? 

BS EN IEC 62477‑2 is a European standard that discusses the power electronic converters safety requirements and equipment. A power electronic converter uses power electronic components such as SCRs, TRIACs, IGBTs, etc. to control and convert the electric power. 

BS EN IEC 62477‑2 applies to power electronic converter systems (PECS) and equipment, their components for electronic power conversion and electronic power switching, including the means for their control, protection, monitoring and measurement, such as with the main purpose of converting electric power, with rated system voltages from 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC up to 36 kV AC or 54 kV DC. 

NOTE: BS EN IEC 62477‑2 has the status of a group safety publication by IEC Guide 104 for power electronic converter systems and equipment for solar, wind, tidal, wave, fuel cell or similar energy sources. 

BS EN IEC 62477‑2: 

• Establishes a common terminology for safety aspects relating to PECS and equipment 
• Establishes minimum requirements for the coordination of safety aspects of interrelated parts within a PECS 
• Establishes a common basis for minimum safety requirements for the PEC portion of products that contain PEC 
• Establishes an arc fault rating label requirement with testing instructions for PEC and PECS, and 
• Covers power electronic converters and systems in open type design, which are catalogue (pre-defined commercially available) power electronic converters and systems or engineered solutions from same. 

NOTE: BS EN IEC 62477‑2 does not cover: 

• Telecommunications apparatus other than power supplies to such apparatus 
• Functional safety aspects as covered by, for example, IEC 61508 (all parts) 
• Electrical equipment and systems for railways applications and electric vehicles, and 
• Power electronic converters and systems in open type design, which are – in their major part – dimensioned, designed and constructed according to the user’s requirements and specifications and follow power installation standards, for example, IEC 61936-1. 

Who is BS EN IEC 62477‑2 – Power electronic converter systems for? 

BS EN IEC 62477‑2 on power electronic converter systems applies to: 

• Manufacturer of electronic converters 
• Electrical engineer 
• Quality testing personnel 

Why should you use BS EN IEC 62477‑2 – Power electronic converter systems? 

A power electronic converter uses power electronic components such as SCRs, TRIACs, IGBTs, etc. to control and convert the electric power. The main aim of the converter is to produce conditioning power concerning a certain application. 

BS EN IEC 62477‑2 specifies the requirements to reduce the possibility of fire, electric shock, thermal, energy and mechanical hazards, during use and operation and, where specifically stated, during service and maintenance. 

BS EN IEC 62477‑2 specifies minimum requirements to reduce the possibility concerning the pluggable and permanently connected equipment, whether it consists of a system of interconnected units or independent units, subject to installing, operating and maintaining the equipment in the manner prescribed by the manufacturer. 

BS EN IEC 62477‑2 helps you to build consumer trust and confidence in the product. By adopting BS EN IEC 62477‑2, you can be ensured that the power electronic converter systems consistently meet and exceed quality assurance targets.