IEC 61439-1 & 2 standard

The reference
for safe and reliable
LV switchboards

IEC61439-1 & 2
The power of a standard
adapted to your needs
IEC standards are today legal
or market references.
The new IEC 61439-1 & 2 is

the reference for the

construction of electrical
LV switchboards.
IEC 61439 fully satisfies
the requirements of designers
and users of new generation
LV switchboards: safety of

persons and equipment,

electrical availability,
long-term reliability
and conformity.
To guarantee these essential
values, the standard sets a wide
range of requirements.
These include designing a system
compliant in all aspects,

checking interactions and

consistency between switchgear
and equipment, providing
protection against electrical,
mechanical and structural hazards,
and simplifying system
maintenance and upgrading cycles.
2

Schneider
Electric/IEC
Standard:
a long
success
story
Ever since
the construction
of its first electrical
switchboard,
Schneider Electric
has never ceased
its commitment
to Assembly
Manufacturers
to guarantee
fully compliant
systems, and so
much more.
Schneider Electric
has always
considered that
conformity of its
solutions to IEC
standards was
a minimum,
a springboard
allowing it to go
further still in its
offer to users.
And indeed, in its
role as Original
Manufacturer,
Schneider Electric
constantly proves
on an everyday
basis that it
does so.

30 years
experience in the
construction of tested
switchboards (and the
associated standards).

100%

of switchboard
architectures are tested
and conform to
IEC standards.

Full

support
For panel-builders
and contractors

3 million

Schneider Electric tested

LV electrical distribution
switchboards in operation
world-wide.

Original Manufacturer and Assembly Manufacturer:

Both involved in tested assemblies

Standard IEC 61439 clearly defines
the type of verifications that must be
conducted by both organisations
involved in final conformity of the
solution: the Original Manufacturer,
guaranteeing assembly system design
and the Assembly Manufacturer,
responsible for the final conformity
of the switchboard.

Proje

ct spe

cifica

tion*

Specifier

sse

ly
mb

Original
Manufacturer
The organisation that has
carried out the original
design and the associated
verification of an assembly
system.

Sy

m
ste

Tes
t

Assembly
Manufacturer
(Panel builder)

ed

As

> Specifies the needs and

constraints for design,
installation, operation and
upgrading of the complete
system.
> Checks that its requirements
have been fully integrated by
the Assembly Manufacturer.
Depending on the application,
the specifier could be the
end-user or a design office.

sem

bly

The organisation (whether

or not the same as the OM)
responsible for the
completed assembly.
He is responsible for
"Routine verifications"
on each panel produced,
according to the standard.
If he derivates from the
instructions of the original
manufacturer he has to carry
out again design verifications.

End-User
Should ask for a certified
LV switchboard.
By systematically requesting
routine verifications,
he ensures that the assembly
system used is compliant.

He is responsible for the

"Design verifications" listed by
IEC 61439-2 including many
electrical tests.

* Schneider Electric has developed

a specification guide.

The main 10 functions of

All the verifications proposed by standard IEC 61439

safety, continuity of service and compliance with endSafety
Voltage stress withstand capability
Needs & design requirements
Insulation to withstand long-term voltages,
transient and temporary overvoltages
guaranteed through clearances, creepage
distances and solid insulation.

Design verification

Routine verification

> Measurement of clearances and creepage

distances

> Visual inspection of clearances

(subject to design conditions and
creepage distances)

> Power frequency dielectric test

> Impulse withstand voltage test, when
clearances are greater than specified values

> Power frequency dielectric test

Current-carrying capability
Needs & design requirements
Protect against burns by limiting
excessive temperatures:
> when any single circuit is continuously
loaded to its rated current and
> when any circuit is continuously loaded to
its rated current multiplied by its rated
diversity factor.

Design verification

Routine verification

> Temperature rise tests

> Visual inspection

> Or comparison with a tested reference design,

under restrictive conditions

> Random verification of tightness

> Or, under very restrictive conditions, calculations

with safety margins (including 20% derating of
devices)

Short-circuit withstand capability

Needs & design requirements
Withstand short-circuit thanks to short-circuit
protection devices, short-circuit coordination,
and capability to withstand the stresses
resulting from short-circuit currents in
all conductors.

Design verification

Routine verification

> Short-circuit tests (Icc and Icw) of the main

circuit, including the neutral conductor,
and of the protection circuit

> Visual inspection

> Or comparison with a tested reference design

under restrictive conditions

Protection against electric shock

Needs & design requirements
Hazardous live parts are not accessible
(basic insulation protection) and accessible
conductive parts are not hazardous for life
(fault protection, and continuity of protective
equipotential bonding).

Design verification

Routine verification

> IP XXB test and verification of insulating materials > Visual inspection of basic
and fault protection

> Mechanical operation tests

> Verification of dielectric properties

> Measurement of the resistance between each
exposed conductive part and the PE terminal

> Random verification of

tightness of the protective
circuit connections

> Short-circuit strength of the protection circuit

Protection against fire or explosion hazard

Needs & design requirements
Protect persons against the fire hazard:
resistance to internal glowing faulty elements,
through selection of materials and various
design provisions.

Design verification
> Glow wire test
> Special test according to IEC TR 61641,
where specified

Routine verification
None

standard IEC 61439

contribute to the achievement of 3 basic goals:

-user requirements
Continuity of service
Maintenance and modification capability
Needs & design requirements
Capability to preserve continuity of supply without impairing
safety during Assembly maintenance or modification.
Through basic and fault protection and optional removable
parts.

Design verification

Routine verification

> IP tests

> Effectiveness of mechanical

actuating elements

> Mechanical operation tests

(especially for removable parts)

> Check protection of persons

against electric shocks

Electro-Magnetic Compatibility
Needs & design requirements
Properly function and avoid generation of EMC disturbances
through incorporation of electronic devices complying with
the relevant EMC standard, and their correct installation.

Design verification
> EMC tests according
to product standards or generic
EMC standards

Routine verification
None

Compliance with end-user requirements

Capability to operate the electrical installation
Needs & design requirements
Properly function, according to:

Design verification

Routine verification

> By inspection

> Visual inspection

> The The electrical diagram and the specifications (voltages,

co-ordination, etc.) by selecting, installing and wiring the
appropriate switching devices.

> Impulse withstand voltage test

of isolating distance for optional
withdrawable units

> Effectiveness of mechanical

actuating elements and
function test (where relevant)

Design verification

Routine verification

> By inspection

> Number, type and

identification of terminals
for external conductors

> The specified operating facilities (Access to Man-Machine

Interfaces, etc.) through accessibility and identification.

Capability to be installed on site

Needs & design requirements
Withstand handling, transport, storage and installation constraints,
and be capable to be erected and connected through selection or
design of the enclosure and the external terminals, and by means
of provisions and documentation.

> Lifting test, taken from

IEC 62208

Protection of the Assembly against environmental conditions

Needs & design requirements
Protect the Assembly against mechanical and atmospheric
conditions through selection of materials and various design
provisions.

Design verification
> IP test
> IK test
> Corrosion test
> UV test (outdoor only)

Routine verification
None

IEC61439 and Schneider Electric

From small tertiary to large industrial sites, Schneider Electric
requirements but also improving significantly safety, operating
uct

Prod

Small tertiary / buildings

ctric

r Ele

eide

Schn

e*

insid

Offers

Safety

Continuity of service

Linergy busbar

Compact NSX circuit-breakers

Providers optimum
performance in Icw
withstand (1s short
circuit) with a third of
the wieght of equivalent rating
Copper busbar. Front access to all
phase connections enables direct
and safer maintenance approach.
Some 3 times lighter than
a standard copper busbar
for equivalent short-circuit
performances.

Total discrimination, remote indication of motor overloads and actuation

of a contact switch (SDTAM module), direct access to maintenance
indicators, etc.

Polypact row splitter blocks

For practical and reliable device rows: total insulation, reliable
connection without maintenance.

Distribloc centralised splitter blocks

Modular quick-connection monobloc splitter blocks

Acti9 circuit-breakers
Guarantee total
safety during
maintenance and
absolute protection
against electric shocks,
provide zero-risk lockdown,
protect loads, etc.

Functional units and panel

components

Compliance with end-user requirements

Specifier guide
A reference support designed by Schneider Electric to guarantee fully
compliant specifications (end-users) and assemblies (Assembly
Manufacturer).

Guarantee electrical continuity

of Prisma Plus switchboards
thanks to scribe system.

Fastening grids
Attached to front
plates, door hinges
and panels,
they guarantee
electrical continuity at the 1st
assembly turn.
* Using only Schneider Electric devices guaranties the complience with IEC as well as the reliability of installations.

solutions:100% compatible!
designed a plenty of solutions answering to IEC61439-1 & 2
availibility and cost control...for a long time."
Schn

ider
Elect
Prod
r
uct ic
in

side*

Large industrial sites

Offers

Safety

Continuity of service

Locking of live parts

Tesys U motor feeder

High level of safety

and protection,
preventing all on-load
operations: IP20
shields, connections protected by
a plug-in outlet, access possible to
switchgear only after opening the
circuit-breaker and withdrawing
the drawers, status indicators to
prevent risk of error, etc.

Modularity of functional switchboards

Thermal monitoring
Thermal monitoring of
temperature rises
using probes installed
at the heart of the
sensitive areas (e.g. busbars,
drawer contacts), thus reducing
the likelihood of failure and
shortening maintenance times.

PolyFast system

Modular concept offering excellent open-endedness, without uncabling

the power base.
Functional units replaced or added easily, without need for tools.
3 in 1 systems are available: simple, open-ended and compact.

Can be modified or upgraded easily.

Free spaces are provided for "last minute" addition of motor feeders or new
functions.

Masterpact circuit-breakers
Designed to automatically monitor and manage the energy sources of
the LV distribution network, thus guaranteeing installation reliability.

Compliance with end-user requirements

Specifier guide
A reference support designed by Schneider Electric to guarantee fully compliant
specifications (end-users) and assemblies (Assembly Manufacturer).

The PolyFast
partitioned
terminals
guarantee
perfect insulation of connection
against electric shocks.

Withdrawable drawers

A Schneider Electric exclusivity!

Withstand to harsh environments

All switchboard upgrades are possible with power on,

without interruption of service and completely safely.
3 positions: connected, test and disconnected.
Switchboard configurations and settings are made on the
front face.
Excellent mechanical strength for installations in seismic areas and for sensitive
applications.
Various degrees of protection (IP30, IP41 or IP54) for installations in corrosive
atmospheres (e.g. cement works, iron and steel, etc.).

Few upgrades

for enhanced safety and durability

IEC 61439 -1 & -2* = Only "Tested assemblies"
General Rules
IEC 61439-1
Power SC Ass.
IEC 61439-2

Distribution Boards
IEC 61439-3

Construction Sites

Public networks

Busbar Trunking

IEC 61439-5

IEC 61439-6

IEC 61439-4

* IEC 61439-1 & -2 are published since January 2009, and IEC 61439-3 to -6 should be published in 2011.

IEC 60439 -1 = "Type Tested" & "partially Type Tested"

General Rules + Type Tested Assemblies / Partially TTA

old

IEC 60439-1
Distribution Boards
IEC 60439-3

Construction Sites

Cable Distrib. Cab.

IEC 60439-4

IEC 60439-5

Busbar Trunking
IEC 60439-2

Overview of the main verification changes (IEC 61439 vs IEC 60439)

> Routine verification

Increased requirements for insulating materials and transient overvoltages withstand tests.
 emperature rise verification:
T
Verification by test of each functional unit loaded alone with its rated current
Clear methods for the selection of representative samples of an Assembly system to be tested
Test done in 4 steps: individual functional units, main and distribution busbars, and complete
Assembly
Heating resistors only allowed to simulate circuits adjacent to a circuit under test
Possible verification by comparison with a tested design under strict conditions, including derating
Exemption of test (calculation) only allowed up to 1600 A instead of 3150 A under strict conditions,
including a 20% derating.
Possible short-cricuit withstand verification by comparison with a tested design under strict
condition
200 operating cycles instead of 50 for locking, interlocking and withdrawable parts
Lifting test (from IEC 62208)
Corrosion resistance test for metallic parts (from IEC 62208).

Schneider Electric Industries SAS

35, rue Joseph Monier
CS 30323
F- 92506 Rueil Malmaison Cedex
RCS Nanterre 954 503 439
Capital social 896 313 776
www.schneider-electric.com

DESWED101028EN

 ore detailed list

M
of the verifications
More severe
requirements
for clearances

As standards, specifications and designs change from time to time, please ask for confirmation
of the information given in this publication.
Printed on ecological paper
Publication: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Layout: SEDOC
Printing:

11-2010

ART838060 2010 - Schneider Electric - All rights reserved.

> Design verification