BS EN ISO 13297:2021

What is ISO 13297 about? 

ISO 13297 discusses standards for electrical systems for small craft. ISO 13297 specifies the requirements for the design, construction, and installation of the following types of DC and AC electrical systems, installed on small craft either individually or in combination: 

• Extra-low-voltage direct current (DC) electrical systems that operate at nominal potentials of 50 V DC or less 
• Single-phase alternating current (AC) systems that operate at a nominal voltage not exceeding AC 250 V 

Note: ISO 13297 does not cover the following: 

• Electrical propulsion systems of direct current less than 1 500 V DC, single-phase alternating current up to 1 000 V AC, and three-phase alternating current up to 1 000 V AC, which are addressed by ISO 16315 
• Any conductor that is part of an outboard engine assembly and that does not extend beyond the outboard engine manufacturers supplied cowling 
• Three-phase AC installations that operate at a nominal voltage not exceeding 500 V AC, which is addressed by IEC 60092-507 

Who is ISO 13297 for? 

ISO 13297 on electrical systems of small craft is applicable for these entities: 

• Marine electrical systems designers 
• Maritime manufacturers 
• Small craft manufacturers 
• Ship and marine industries 
• Quality control professionals 

Why should you use ISO 13297? 

ISO 13297 provides you with the electrical systems requirements and design, construction, and installation requirements for DC and AC electrical systems. 

ISO 13297 also guide you about electrical system tests including residual current device testing and polarity test at the distribution and at each outlet. You can manufacture electrical systems that are safe to use, following the design and testing guidelines provided in ISO 13297. You can also lengthen the lifespan of your small craft with ISO 13297 guidelines.  

By adopting ISO 13297, you can build effective small craft electrical system and have quality assurance which ensures that electrical systems are produced according to the requirements and build trust in its use throughout the ship and marine supply chain. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN ISO 13297:2021 supersedes BS EN ISO 13297:2018. BS EN ISO 13297:2021 includes a technical changes concerning BS EN ISO 13297:2018. This includes combined the standard for alternating current (ISO 13297:2014) and the standard for direct current (ISO 10133:2012) into a single marine electrical standard.