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Partially Type Tested Assemblies
Partially Type Tested Assemblies
A low voltage switchgear and control gear assembly, containing both type-tested and non type
tested arrangements, provided that the latter are derived from type-tested arrangements which
The type-tested arrangements should cover as a minimum the mechanical assembly, the main
The standard allows for use of the other parts in the assembly that are not part of the type test for
the assembly. For example, components and compartment layouts provided they themselves
have been derived from type tested arrangements.
Type tested assemblies (TTA)
Type tests defined in for low voltage switchgear carried out by the manufacturer for certification
of distribution assemblies. International standard IEC 61439-1. This standard provides common
rules that are recognized worldwide, compliance with the standard is certified, depending on the
country or market, by a declaration of the panel builder the design, the installer or the user.
13 type tests are carried out officially on low voltage assemblies representative of the usual
wiring configurations and equipment layouts. These assemblies are called standard assemblies'
By definition, standard assemblies only contain layouts that have undergone type tests.
Table of contents:
1. Type tests:
2. Dielectric properties
3. Short-circuit resistance
6. Mechanical operation
9. Rust resistance
be included in the test, balance the current and insert the thermocouples Current is applied until
conditions stabilize, usually around eight hours, and, in the final hours, temperatures are
This test checks that assemblies operate correctly under maximum operating conditions (current,
number of devices, volume of enclosure). It is used to define the heat balance data for an average
temperature rise of the air in assemblies of less than 30 K and a temperature rise of terminals of
less than 70 K.
The various currents given for all the bar and distribution systems have been checked under the
most severe conditions, according to the degree of ventilation of the enclosure (IP ≤ 30. and IP>
30), so that the temperature rise of the busbars does not exceed 65 K.
Verification in temperature rise limits test is one of the most critical in determining the reliability
and long service capability of a low voltage assembly and must not be overlooked Excessive
temperatures result in premature ageing of components and insulation, and ultimately failure.
Current ratings of components are valid only when the temperature around them is within the
When temperature rise verification is carried out by test, the manufacturer can select from three
options to suit the design and the total time to be devoted to testing.
Option 1:
The incoming circuit and at least one outgoing circuit of each rating are loaded to their rated
current. If a circuit of each basic type is not included in the test, further tests are carried out until
one outgoing circuit of each type has been included. This approach is suitable where a specific
arrangement and design of assembly is to be verified with the minimum amount of testing.
As the outgoing circuits are tested with a diversity (loading) factor of unity, it does, however,
capable of carrying their rated current. The incoming circuit is then supplied to its rated current.
This is done through as many outgoing circuits as practical, including one outgoing circuit of
each basic type and in the most onerous configuration, with each circuit loaded to its rated
Again, this test regime is only suitable for a specific arrangement and design of assembly,
Option 3:
This alternative has been included to enable modular assembly systems to be fully
verified. Horizontal busbars, vertical busbars and outgoing functional units are tested
With this method of temperature rise testing involves a lot of testing, once it is completed. It
covers all the possible arrangements available in a flexible modular system, and avoids any
concerns that may previously have arisen due to the specific arrangement supplied not being
They are carried out at the industrial frequency of 50 Hz and in the form of voltage waves
with standard IEC 61439-1 at a test current of 25 A between the terminal connecting the
The continuity of the protective circuit is also checked at a high fault current that could occur
The protective circuits (conductors, terminals or collector bars), are sized and tested to withstand
the maximum short-circuit thermal stress that could occur according to the current at the supply
repeated in full in appendix f of standard IEC 61439-1 The distances are measured between live
parts with different polarities, and also between live parts and the exposed conductive parts.
Unsuitable connectors, bolted connections, joints and metal supports can reduce the initially
are not subject to any specific requirements Correct mechanical operation is checked by 50