IEC 61439-2-2020 PDF

Full title and description

IEC 61439-2:2020 — Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies — Part 2: Power switchgear and controlgear assemblies. This international standard defines specific requirements, design verification, constructional and performance requirements, and tests for power switchgear and controlgear assemblies (PSC‑assemblies) with rated voltages up to 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC.

Abstract

IEC 61439-2:2020 (edition 3.0) provides the particular requirements that complement IEC 61439-1 for PSC‑assemblies: assemblies intended for indoor and outdoor applications, stationary or movable, with or without enclosures, used in generation, transmission, distribution and conversion of electrical energy and associated control and data processing. This edition adds photovoltaic-related annexes, clarifies internal separation requirements, aligns with the 61439-1:2020 structure, and updates temperature‑rise and IP considerations (including assemblies with active cooling).

General information

• Status: Published / Current (Edition 3.0 in force; cancels and replaces the 2011 edition).
• Publication date: 22 July 2020 (IEC publication date — edition 3.0).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.130.20 (Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear).
• Edition / version: Edition 3.0 (2020).
• Number of pages: 103 pages (base IEC publication details).

Scope

The standard specifies requirements for power switchgear and controlgear assemblies (PSC‑assemblies) with rated voltages not exceeding 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC and nominal supply frequencies up to 1 000 Hz. It covers assemblies for indoor and outdoor use, stationary or movable installations, and assemblies intended for power generation, transmission, distribution, conversion and control of electrical equipment (including associated data processing). The edition includes provisions for assemblies used under special service conditions (e.g., ships, rail vehicles) with reference to the appropriate supplementary standards and introduces specific annexes addressing photovoltaic installations and updated requirements for internal separation, temperature‑rise verification and IP protection (including active cooling).

Key topics and requirements

• Specific requirements that complement IEC 61439-1 for PSC‑assemblies (forms of internal separation, clearances/creepage, earthing and bonding).
• Constructional requirements for enclosures, internal separations and accessibility of live parts; IP and mechanical impact considerations.
• Performance and verification: type tests, routine tests and design verification procedures (including electrical and mechanical tests, dielectric tests, and short-circuit withstand).
• Temperature‑rise verification updated for assemblies with natural cooling and for assemblies with active cooling; methods include comparison with reference designs, calculation and testing for currents up to specified ratings.
• Additional annexes and requirements for photovoltaic installations (new in this edition) and references/requirements for assemblies used in special service conditions (e.g., ships — cross‑reference to maritime standards).
• Alignment with IEC 61439-1:2020 structure and harmonization of clauses and verification approaches.

Typical use and users

Used by switchgear and controlgear manufacturers, electrical designers and engineers, conformity assessment and testing laboratories, certification bodies, installers, electrical utilities and asset owners to design, verify, test and certify low‑voltage power switchgear assemblies for commercial, industrial, utility and renewable‑energy applications. Regulatory authorities and project specifiers also reference the standard when defining compliance and acceptance criteria.

Related standards

Key related publications and cross‑references include IEC 61439-1 (common requirements for low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies), IEC 60664-1 (insulation coordination), IEC 60092‑302 (maritime installations), IEC 60947 series (switchgear and controlgear for low‑voltage switchgear components), and applicable regional/adopted versions (e.g., EN IEC 61439-2). Users should consult IEC 61439-1:2020 for general requirements and the listed normative references in 61439-2 for complementary test and verification standards.

Keywords

Low-voltage, switchgear, controlgear, PSC‑assembly, power assemblies, temperature‑rise, internal separation, IP rating, type tests, verification, IEC 61439-2:2020, photovoltaic annexes.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61439-2:2020 is the international standard that sets specific requirements for power low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies (PSC‑assemblies), complementing the common rules in IEC 61439-1.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers constructional and performance requirements, verification methods (type and routine tests), information to be supplied by the manufacturer, and special provisions (including photovoltaic annexes and provisions for assemblies with active cooling). It applies to assemblies with rated voltages up to 1 000 V AC / 1 500 V DC and supply frequencies up to 1 000 Hz.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, design engineers, testing and certification bodies, installers, utilities and project specifiers use the standard to ensure safe, tested and verifiable power switchgear assemblies for industrial, commercial, utility and renewable-energy applications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61439-2:2020 (edition 3.0) is the current edition and cancels/replaces the previous 2011 edition. Organizations should apply the 2020 edition for new designs and verifications unless a specific regulation or contract requires an earlier edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of the IEC 61439 series. Part 1 contains the general (common) requirements; other parts address particular assembly types and complementary requirements. Compliance requires reading Part 2 together with IEC 61439-1 and any applicable normative references.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Low‑voltage, power switchgear, controlgear assemblies, PSC‑assembly, verification, temperature‑rise, internal separation, IP rating, type tests, IEC 61439-2:2020.