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» What does IEC mean? Links

» Testing to IEC 60439-1
Texts for tenders
» IEC 61 439 - New standard for low-voltage Brochures
switchgear and controlgear assemblies Support
» What does UL mean? Product search
» Testing to UL 508
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What does IEC mean? Ri4Power assembly and
The abbreviation IEC stands for “International Electrotechnical operating instructions
PDF, 1.1 MB
Commission“. The commission is based in Geneva. Ri4Power poster
PDF, 1.1 MB
International voting on the content of standards for worldwide
standardisation. Each member body country may submit proposed
modifications of existing standards and request for new standards.
Germany is one of the few industrial countries that are leading in the
field of standardisation.
After acceptance of the standard by the member countries, each
country is allowed to harmonise it in a national version.

Thus, in Europe the national standard DIN EN 60439-1 with same

content results from the international standard IEC 60439-1. This also
conforms to the national VDE 0660 part 500.

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Testing to DIN EN 60439-1

For a safety function of low-voltage switchgear combinations it is
necessary to match the different features of the individual components -
the technical details to be considered are described in standard
IN EN 60439-1(“Low-voltage switchgear combinations; part 1: Type-
tested and partially type-tested assemblies“).

The proof of requirements for fulfilling the basic legal principles for low-
voltage switchgear assemblies may be provided in line with the
declaration of conformity and CE labelling by applying the standard
mentioned above. The manufacturer must observe the relevant
standards at the planning stage as well as in manufacturing, assembly
and plant documentation.

This basically means for the manufacturer that there are the following
variant options according to the above mentioned standard:

Variant 1:
type-tested assemblies (TTA)
Variant 2:
partially type-tested assemblies (PTTA)

The first variant comprises the testing of a ready-to-use system in an

accredited testing laboratory. The test equipment must correspond to
the technical scope and features of the system that will be installed on-

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In accordance with DIN EN 60439-1 (table 7) the following

tests must be carried out with the test piece:

» Show tables

The scope of the TTA tests results in high costs. For this reason it is not
worthwhile for the switchgear manufacturers to test individual
installations. For customisation and individual installations the cost input
is just not proportional to the value. Only for larger quantities (mass
production) will these costs amortise.

In addition to the testing costs there will be construction, material,

labour, installation, and transport costs for the test piece itself. Often
costs for maintenance and at worst for destroying the assembly during
testing are not taken into consideration. The short-circuit test often result
in a destruction of the test piece so that it cannot be used as a ready-for
-sale plant to an end customer.

The second variant (PTTA) enables the equipment manufacturers to

produce state-of-the-art equipment without additional tests or peripheral
costs.

Type-tested and not type-tested assemblies are used for the

equipment construction.
The last ones can be proven e.g. by calculation based on type-tested
components.
In comparison with the type-tested equipment it is necessary to
provide overall proof by means of tests or calculation based on tests
carried out.

For the exact amount of testing for both variants as well as the exact
standard references that are necessary to meet the requirements see
table 7 of DIN EN 60439-1.

Testing under accidental arc conditions

In addition to this testing procedure voluntary testing under accidental

arc conditions may be carried out.

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IEC 61 439: New standard for low-voltage switchgear and

controlgear assemblies
The new IEC 61 439 lays down the definitions and states the service
conditions, construction requirements, technical characteristics as well
as verification requirements and will replace IEC 60 439. The standard
IEC 61 439 is structured as follows:

IEC 61 439-1 (replaces IEC 60439-1):

Rittal as a well known partner
will also in future support their
customers in planning and
manufacturing low-voltage
switchgear and controlgear
assemblies in accordance with
IEC / EN / DIN EN 61 439-1/-2!
General rules
IEC 61 439-2 (replaces IEC 60439-1):
Power switchgear and controlgear ASSEMBLIES
IEC 61 439-3 (to supersede IEC 60439-3): Distribution boards
IEC 61 439-4 (to supersede IEC 60439-4): ASSEMBLIES for
construction sides
IEC 61 439-5 (to supersede IEC 60439-5): ASSEMBLIES for power
distribution
IEC 61 439-6 (to supersede IEC 60439-2):
Busbar trunking systems
IEC/TR 61 439-0 (new): Specifier's guide

Part IEC 61 439-1 is the basic standard for all product related standards
of IEC 61 439-2 to -6.

From the new standard part IEC 61 439-1 and -2 were published in
January 2009. The harmonised standards EN- and DIN-EN-/VDE are
under preparation and will supersede the current standards. The
European standard (EN 61 439-1/-2) and the German standard DIN EN
61 439-1/2 (VDE 0660-600-1/-2) shall be published at the end of 2009.

After a transitional period approximately in 2015 the IEC 60 439 will

become obsolete.

Changes in comparison to IEC 60 439

(see also diagram on IEC 61 439-1/-2)
The new standard IEC 61 439 describes the split in product
responsibility between the Original Manufacturer (e.g. Rittal
responsible for the construction and design verification of the
ASSEMBLY system Ri4Power) and the Assembly Manufacturer (e.g
panel builder using an ASSEMBLY system from an Original
Manufacturer) responsible for the completed ASSEMBLY.

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The categories of TTA (type-tested assemblies) and PTTA (partially

type-tested assemblies) have been discarded completely. Instead of
type tests the conformity to the standard is now proven by a design
verification which can be carried out by testing, calculation or
application of design rules.

Where tests on the ASSEMBLY have been conducted prior to the

publication of the new standard and the test results fulfil the
requirements of the new IEC 61 439 the verification of these
requirements need not to be repeated.

The routine test of the old standard is replaced by routine verification

which has to be carried out for every completed ASSEMBLY by the
ASSEMBLY Manufacturer.

The term "TTA switchgear according to IEC 60 439-1" is now replaced

by "Power switchgear and controlgear assemblies according to IEC
61 439-2, design verified assembly".

Where the ASSEMBLY Manufacturer incorporates his own

arrangements not included in the Original Manufacturer's verification,
the ASSEMBLY Manufacturer is deemed to be the Original
Manufacturer in respect of these arrangements and proofs the
arrangements by his own design verification.

In the new standard also requirements according to IEC 62208 "Empty

enclosures for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies" are
considered such as corrosion resistance, resistance to UV radiation for
outdoor plastic enclosures and protection against mechanical impact (IK
-code)..

The ASSEMBLY system Rittal Ri4Power complies from technical

and constructive aspects with the requirements of IEC 61 439-1
and IEC 61 439-2.
A system documentation for Rittal Ri4Power according to IEC / EN 61
439-1/-2 is under preparation and expected once the European
standard EN 61 439 is published (expected end of 2009) as national
annexes may be added.

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What does UL mean?

UL or Underwriter Laboratory was founded in 1894 as a non-profit-
making organisation for testing and certification. UL operates five testing
laboratories in the United States and subsidiaries worldwide, with an
emphasis on product testing aimed at general safety.

International regulations and standards such as NEMA and IEC are

used as a basis by manufacturers for product development and
subsequent testing.
Nationally recognised testing laboratories confirm and certify that a
product meets specific standards.
In North America, this is carried out by organisations such as UL or
CSA (Canadian Standard Association).

For many applications, only UL and/or CSA-approved products are

acceptable. It is therefore advisable to ensure that electrical control
systems intended for use in North America are designed with UL-
approved components.

UL product labelling:
What does “UL listed“ or “UL recognized“ mean?

When labelling UL-approved products, a general distinction is made

between Recognized Components and Listed Components:

Recognized Components
This label is used on products that are not complete in terms of their
application.

These products are listed in the UL’s “yellow component database”.

The correct use of such components must make due allowance for
the “Conditions of Acceptability”, listing the framework conditions and
application parameters approved by the UL.
These may be deratings, application/use specifications in conjunction
with additional active/passive components, as for example specific
fuse types.

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Furthermore, the application field of “branch circuits“ or “feeder

circuits“ of the component is determined by the COAs.

Listed Components
This symbol is used in products that offer a complete function in
themselves. Without consideration of the COAs.

These products are listed in the UL’s “green component database”.

They may be used without restriction in accordance with the tested

rating. For this all technical data must be visible on the type plate.
Separate assembly instructions must be directly attached to the device
or allocated to the product on a package insert.

» Important benefits and added value with RiLine60

What is the difference between UL 508 und UL 508A in

application?
UL 508 describes the standard for Industrial Control Equipment like
Rittal busbar systems, SV components, switchgear etc. In addition the
UL 508 is divided in sections A,B,C ... to classify the application field of
the tested devices:

A - Magnetic, manual and solid starters

B - Thermal, magnetic, and solid overload relays
C - Push buttons, selector switches and pilot lights
D - Control circuit switches and relays

UL 508A is the standard for the assembly of switchgear for Industrial

Control Panels that must be observed by the plant engineers. UL 508A
combines all necessary UL standards including UL 508 which are
necessary for switchgear construction.

For example, this standard contains information on:

Machine controllers
Elevator controllers
Crane controllers
Equipment for heating, air-conditioning and ventilation systems

Both standards describe control systems for general industrial

applications with a rated voltage of up to 600 V. The maximum
permissible ambient temperature is 40°C.

How does the US acceptance procedure for electrical plants

work?
Every piece of electrical equipment (machine/plant) is tested by the
competent local inspector (AHJ = Authority Having Jurisdiction) prior to
commissioning. The AHJ has the final say with regard to
commissioning.

All AHJs use Standard NFPA 70 (NFPA = National Fire Protection

Association) as a basis, which is generally regarded as the NEC
(National Electrical Code).
The AHJ considers the use of UL-recognized or UL-listed
components an important indication that a system complies with the
safety requirements to NFPA 70.
This saves time and money during construction and commissioning
of the equipment, as the UL symbol indicates that testing of the
components and/or of the system did not reveal any foreseeable risks
with regard to fire, electric shock and associated dangers.

For appliances with recognized labelling, the UL inspector inspects the

COAs he can see in the UL-file.

Glossary of commonly used UL directives for low-voltage

distributors (switch-/controlgears)

UL 248 Low-Voltage Fuses

UL 486 Equipment Wiring Terminals for use with Aluminium and/or
Copper Conductors
UL 489 Molded-Case Circuit breakers, Molded-Case Switch and
Circuit-Breaker Enclosures
UL 508 Industrial Control Equipment
UL 508A Industrial Control Panels
UL 512 Fuseholders
UL 845 Motor Control Centers (MCC`s)
UL 891 Switchboards

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Testing to UL 508
The scope of testing nearly corresponds to the content of the IEC
testing (point 1-5). The most striking differences are, for example, in the
field of short-circuit testing with the adjustment of phase sequence and
the documentation of test results. The root mean square value (RMS) is
preset by UL at the testing equipment.

The oscillogram shows the surge short-circuit current at the

beginning of the short-circuit current, however it will not be
considered closer in contrast to IEC testings.
The test time is limited to 3 cycles, this corresponds to 60ms. IEC test
a value of 1000ms or according to manufacutere's specifications.
Merely the end value is changed for the temperature limits
admissible. The required creepage distances and clearances are
divided into feeder and branch circuits.

In short: Feeder-circuits are the infeed and main busbar area where
increased creepage distances and clearances are valid. For 600 V
AC this is 25.4 mm clearance und 50.8 mm creepage distance in
accordance with UL 508A. (compared to IEC: For 600 VAC industrial
applications; 8 mm clearance und 11 mm creepage distance)

Branch circuits are in simple terms control circuits and outputs for
electric motors with decreased creepage distances and clearances.
For 600V AC this means in accordance with UL 508A 9.5 mm
clearance and 12.7 mm creepage distance.
(compared to IEC: For 600V AC industrial applications; 8 mm
clearance and 11 mm creepage distance)

The application field used is classified according to the last „Over

Current Protection Device“(listed component to UL 489/248, power
circuit-breaker or fuse). After the last protective device of a current path
with the above described features the branch circuit starts with reduced
creepage distance and clearances. Everything before the protective
device corresponds to feeder circuits.

Important: RiLine 60 components classified for feeder-circuits to

UL 508/508A.

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