IEC 61439-1-2020 PDF

Full title and description

IEC 61439-1:2020 — Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies — Part 1: General rules. This international standard establishes general definitions, service conditions, construction requirements, technical characteristics and verification requirements that apply to low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies; it is the normative base that works together with the specific parts (Part 2 onward) that define requirements for particular assembly types.

Abstract

IEC 61439-1:2020 (edition 3.0) is a technical revision of the previous edition (2011). Key changes introduced by this edition include introduction of the group rated current concept and refocusing of temperature‑rise verification, added requirements addressing DC, clarification of treatment for power electronic equipment when incorporated into assemblies, and the concept of class I / class II assemblies for protection against electric shock. The published text has also been issued together with corrigenda (Cor.1:2021 and Cor.2:2023) that have been incorporated in current official copies.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 5 May 2020.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.130.20 (Low voltage switchgear and controlgear).
• Edition / version: Edition 3.0 (IEC 61439-1:2020). Corrigendum 1 (2021) and Corrigendum 2 (2023) have been published.
• Number of pages: 321 pages (standard PDF / printed edition).

Scope

Applies to low‑voltage assemblies with rated voltages up to 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC, and to assemblies designed for nominal supply frequencies up to 1 000 Hz. The standard covers indoor and outdoor, stationary and movable assemblies with or without enclosures, intended for generation, transmission, distribution, conversion and control of electrical energy. IEC 61439-1 provides the general rules; for conformity assessment and assembly‑specific requirements the relevant Part 2 onward of the IEC 61439 series apply. The standard does not apply to individual devices and self‑contained components (for example standalone motor starters, UPS, power electronic converter systems), which remain subject to their product standards when tested individually.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions, service conditions and information requirements for manufacturers and users (nameplate, ratings, intended use and service conditions).
• Constructional requirements addressing clearances/creepage, mechanical strength, enclosure protection (IP/IK considerations), insulation coordination and segregation.
• Electrical performance and verification: rated currents, short‑circuit withstand capability, dielectric properties, and new emphasis on group rated current and temperature‑rise verification.
• Requirements and guidance for assemblies incorporating DC supplies and power electronic equipment (clarification of testing and incorporation practice).
• Safety classes (class I / class II assemblies) addressing protection against electric shock and earthing/insulation considerations.
• Verification procedures: type tests, routine tests, and assessment methods (including partially type‑tested assemblies where applicable).

Typical use and users

Used by switchgear and controlgear manufacturers, electrical designers and engineers, testing and certification laboratories, compliance and safety assessors, installers and maintenance personnel. The standard is referenced in procurement, product design, factory acceptance testing and national adoptions (for example as EN IEC or national identical/adopted texts).

Related standards

IEC 61439 is a multipart series; Part 2 (Power switchgear and controlgear assemblies), Part 3 (Distribution boards — distribution boards for household and similar), Part 4 (Assemblies for construction sites) and other part‑specific documents define requirements for particular assembly types and applications. National and regional adoptions (EN IEC 61439‑1, national identical texts) and companion product standards (e.g., device standards for component equipment) should be consulted together with IEC 61439‑1.

Keywords

Low‑voltage switchgear, controlgear assemblies, assembly verification, temperature‑rise, group rated current, DC requirements, short‑circuit withstand, class I/class II, IEC TC 121, type testing, routine testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61439-1:2020 is the general‑rules part of the IEC 61439 series that defines definitions, service conditions, constructional and verification requirements that apply across low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers general requirements for assemblies rated up to 1 000 V AC / 1 500 V DC, including mechanical and electrical construction, verification (type and routine tests), marking/information and safety‑related provisions; specific assembly types are covered by Parts 2 onward.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, electrical designers and specifiers, test laboratories, certification bodies, installers and asset owners use the standard for design, testing, conformity assessment and procurement.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61439-1:2020 (edition 3.0) is the current edition published 5 May 2020; corrigenda were issued in 2021 and 2023 and have been incorporated into current official copies. It replaced IEC 61439-1:2011.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 61439 is a multipart standard. Part 1 contains the general rules; Parts 2, 3, 4, etc., provide specific requirements for power assemblies, distribution boards, construction‑site assemblies and other specialised assembly types.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Low‑voltage switchgear, controlgear assemblies, group rated current, temperature‑rise, verification, type test, routine test, DC requirements, class I/class II, IEC 61439.