The change from IEC 60439 to IEC 61439 - James Hunt,

Voltimum's Managing Editor, introduces this topic

A new standard, IEC 61439, which governs the safety and performance of electrical panels, was
published in January 2009. This change will affect panel and systems builders in the UK, and Voltimum
UK managing editor James Hunt introduces this VoltiBULLETIN with a look at what the substantial
change from IEC 60439 to IEC 61439 means for manufacturers of low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear assemblies:

An MCC - IEC 60439 changes to IEC 61439.

The IEC 60439 series of standards for low-voltage (LV) switchgear and controlgear assemblies
is being replaced by the restructured and substantially revised IEC 61439 series. As such, the old
standard, the fourth edition of IEC 60439-1:1999 is being replaced by IEC 61439-1 and IEC
61439-2. What does this entail?

The new series is expected to include the following parts (note that others may be added):

 IEC 61439-1 - General rules

 IEC 61439-2 - Power switchgear and controlgear assemblies
 IEC 61439-3 - Distribution boards (to supersede IEC 60439-3)
 IEC 61439-4 - Assemblies for construction sites (to supersede IEC 60439-4)
 IEC 61439-5 - Assemblies for power distribution (to supersede IEC 60439-5)
 IEC 61439-6 - Busbar trunking systems (to supersede IEC 60439-2).

IEC 61439-3, IEC 61439-5 and IEC 61439-6 are being developed and are expected to be
published in 2011. IEC 61439-4 is to follow shortly after, with an expected publication
date of 2012. Note that until all the parts of the new IEC 61439 series are available, the
current product parts of the IEC 60439 series still apply. This implies that the previous
 part, IEC 60439-1, will remain applicable in the context of the IEC 60439 series until the
final product part, IEC 61439-4, has been integrated in the new series.
Why the change?
The standard has been changed because assembly designs and market needs have
evolved to the extent that IEC 60439-1no longer relates to many common arrangements
today. For example, modular systems are not effectively covered with respect to
temperature rise performance. There is more1:

 It is not practical to fully type test every conceivable configuration of assembly produced. Where
type testing is not feasible, there have to be alternative ways of ensuring an assembly meets
the minimum required safety and performance criteria.
 The methods for proving the design of a PTTA in accordance with IEC 60439-1 are weak and
rely entirely on the capability and integrity of assembly designer.
 There is no standard for assemblies that do not fit within the categories of TTAs or PTTAs.

IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2

Regarding LV switchgear and controlgear assemblies, the following information is
provided by the IEC:
IEC 61439-1:2009 provides the definitions, service conditions, construction requirements,
technical characteristics and verification requirements for LV switchgear and controlgear
'assemblies'. This new standard applies only when required by the relevant
'assembly'standard.
The aim has been to provide restructured and substantially revised International
Standards in a new series of publications that should provide users with clearer and more
concise reference documents. This restructure means that for each type of LV switchgear
and controlgear assembly, there are only two main standards required to determine
requirements with the corresponding methods of verification. These are:

 The basic general rules part, IEC 61439-1, referred to in the specific standards that cover the
various types of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. IEC 61439-1, harmonises
all the general rules and requirements applicable to LV switchgear and controlgear assemblies.
It contains the definitions and states the service conditions, construction requirements,
technical characteristics and verification requirements for low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear assemblies.
 The product standard replacing IEC 60439-1 is IEC 61439-2.
 The assembly standard for each specific type of LV switchgear and controlgear assemblies,
for example, IEC 61439-3, which deals with distribution boards. This is still being developed.

 The technical differences:
There are some significant technical changes compared with IEC 60439-1, which is a
pure 'general rules' standard to be referred to by subsidiary product parts of the IEC 61439
series. The product standard replacing IEC 60439-1 is IEC 61439-2; the discrimination
between type-tested assemblies (TTA) and partially type-tested assemblies (PTTA) is
eliminated by the new verification approach.
Thee different but equivalent types of verification of requirements have been introduced:
verification by testing, verification by calculation/measurement, or verification by
satisfying design rules; the requirements regarding temperature rise have been clarified;
the rated diversity factor (RDF) is covered in more detail; and requirements from the
standard for empty enclosures for assemblies (IEC 62208) have been incorporated. In
addition, the new standard's whole structure has been aligned with its new function as
'general rules' standard. However, when a dated reference to IEC 60439-1 is made in
another Part of the IEC 60439 series of assembly standards not yet transferred into the
new IEC 61439 series, the superseded IEC 60439-1 still applies.
More specifically, IEC 61439-1 compares to the previous edition, IEC 60439-1, in that the
discrimination between type-tested assemblies (TTA) and partially type-tested
assemblies (PTTA) is done away with by the verification approach - as already stated.
Also, three different, but equivalent types of verification of requirements have been
introduced. These are:

 Verification by testing.
 Verification by calculation/measurement.
 Verification by satisfying design rules.

In addition to proper testing, IEC 61439 specifies how calculations and design rules can
be used to prove that the product family complies with the specified short circuit ratings
and the temperature rise limits as stated by the standard. This is ideal for testing
assemblies made up of several variants.
Compliance with the new standard is compulsory. All assemblies must be shown to meet
minimum safety and performance standards by design and routine verification.

What the change means for contactors and panel builders:

Essentially, the change for contractors is to ensure they specify assemblies in accordance
with IEC 61439-2. They should also ensure that they provide all the details specified in
Annex CC of BS EN 61439-2.
For competent manufacturers and panel builders, there should be little change in
approach to the provision of assemblies. This is because the new standard requires a
logical approach to the design and verification of an assembly that is really present good
practice. Where previously PTTAs, or assemblies outside of the scope of IEC 60439-1
have been provided, the panel builder may find it an advantage to purchase a basic
design verified assembly in kit form. This will enable the panel builder to avoid the time
and cost of much of the design verification process.
Manufacturers may have to provide more proof that their product families follow the
correct design guidelines and rules to comply with IEC 61439.
1 - Information provided by Schneider Electric.
More on IEC 61439:
For more information on IEC 61439 in this VoltiBULLETIN, please click on the links below:
Summary of differences between 60439-1 and 61439 Parts 1 and 2 - Originally
intended for switchboards and motor control centres, IEC 60439-1 has become a general
purpose document for specifiers of switchgear, but now lacks the depth of detail for many
of the products to which it is now being applied. This is the reason for the new IEC 61439
standard. This brief but concise BEAMA guide outlines the main differences between the
two standards.
www.voltimum.co.uk/news/12093/consult.experts_hottopics.ControlAndBuild.BMS/BEA
MA-comments-on-the-change-from-IEC-60439-to-IEC-61439.html
Out with IEC 60439 and in with IEC 61439 - Following a review of IEC 60439, significant
changes have been made and the new IEC 61439, governing the safety and performance
of electrical panels, now better meets the low voltage (LV) assembly market's needs. The
changes are fundamental, and Schneider Electric's Mark Waters believes that specifiers
may take some time to adjust. He explains the changes.
www.voltimum.co.uk/news/12094/consult.experts_hottopics.ControlAndBuild/Out-with-
IEC-60439-and-in-with-IEC-61439.html