EN 60204-1, “Safety of machinery – Electrical equipment of machines – Part 1: General requirements (IEC 60204-1:2016, modified)”, defines how the electrical equipment of a machine is designed, installed and verified. The control panel, wiring, control circuits, emergency stop and earthing are all assessed against this standard. It is the main basis for the electrical side of conformity when a machine is CE marked.
Let us take care of EN 60204-1 testing and the CE marking of your machine together; CE Danışmanı (CE Consultant) manages the whole process.
EN 60204-1 at a glance
| Edition cited in the EU Official Journal | EN 60204-1:2018 |
|---|---|
| Official title | Safety of machinery – Electrical equipment of machines – Part 1: General requirements (IEC 60204-1:2016, modified) |
| Legislation supported | Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC; from 20 January 2027 Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230. It is also cited under the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. |
| Type of standard | Type B standard (a safety standard used across many types of machine) |
| Voltage limit | Equipment with a nominal supply voltage not exceeding 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC and a nominal frequency not exceeding 200 Hz |
Which machines are covered?
The standard applies to the electrical, electronic and programmable electronic equipment of machines that are not portable by hand while working. Groups of machines working together are also covered. Typical examples:
- CNC machine tools, presses, machining centres
- Packaging, filling and food processing machines
- Plastic injection moulding and extrusion machines
- Conveyors and automation lines
- Woodworking and metalworking machines
- Robot cells
The scope starts at the point where the electrical supply is connected to the machine. For the electrical equipment of hoisting machines, EN 60204-32 applies in addition.
Main requirements of the standard
- Supply connection and main switch: A lockable disconnecting device that isolates the machine from the supply.
- Protection against electric shock: Measures against direct and indirect contact; enclosure doors, insulation, automatic disconnection of supply.
- Protection of equipment: Overcurrent, overload, overtemperature, and loss and return of the supply voltage.
- Equipotential bonding: Continuity and cross-sections of the protective conductor circuit.
- Control circuits and functions: Start, stop categories (0, 1, 2), emergency stop and emergency switching off.
- Operator interface: Colours of pushbuttons, indicator lights, arrangement of control devices.
- Control panels and enclosures: Degree of protection, accessibility, heating.
- Conductors and wiring: Choice of conductors, colour codes, rules for connections and cable routes.
- Marking and documentation: Warning signs, nameplate, circuit diagrams and information for use.
EN 60204-1 verification tests
The verification part of the standard defines the checks and measurements to be made on the machine. Which of them apply depends on the construction of the machine.
| Test | What is verified? |
|---|---|
| Continuity of the protective conductor circuit | The PE connections are continuous at every point of the machine |
| Loop impedance and suitability of the protective device | The supply is disconnected within the intended time in the event of a fault |
| Insulation resistance | The resistance measured at 500 V DC between the power circuit conductors and the protective circuit is not less than 1 MΩ |
| Voltage (high-voltage) test | The insulation withstands twice the rated voltage or 1,000 V, whichever is greater, for about 1 second |
| Protection against residual voltage | After the supply is switched off, the voltage on accessible live parts falls below 60 V within 5 seconds |
| Functional tests | Safety-related functions work, the emergency stop first of all |
Measurements are made with calibrated instruments and the results are entered in the test report. If the machine is modified later, the relevant tests are repeated.
Its place in the CE marking process
- Risk assessment: Electrical hazards are identified under EN ISO 12100.
- Design and panel building: The electrical design is prepared to the requirements of EN 60204-1.
- Verification tests: The measurements above are made on the machine.
- Technical file: Circuit diagrams, the parts list and the test report go into the technical file.
- Declaration of conformity: EN 60204-1 is listed among the standards applied.
Conformity with a harmonised standard gives presumption of conformity with the relevant essential requirements of the machinery legislation. Turkey applies the same rules through its own regulation aligned with 2006/42/EC. See also CE marking of machinery.
Standards applied together
- EN ISO 13849-1: Safety-related parts of control systems
- EN ISO 13850: Emergency stop function
- EN IEC 62061: Functional safety of safety-related control systems
- EN 61439-1 and EN 61439-2: Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
- EN 60529: Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
- EMC tests: for machines with electronic controls
Frequently asked questions
Is EN 60204-1 testing mandatory?
The standard is voluntary, but it is the established way to show that the electrical equipment of a machine meets the legislation. If the standard is not applied, the manufacturer has to prove the same level of safety by other means.
Where are the tests carried out?
The measurements are mostly made on the machine itself, at the place where it is located.
Is the panel builder’s certificate enough?
No. The conformity of the panel does not replace the conformity of the electrical equipment of the whole machine; verification is done on the machine.
Which edition applies?
The edition cited in the EU Official Journal is EN 60204-1:2018. Check the current citation before testing starts.
Other standards in this group
- EN ISO 14120: Fixed and Movable Guards
- EN ISO 14118: Prevention of Unexpected Start-Up
- EN IEC 62061: Functional Safety of Control Systems
- EN ISO 4413: Hydraulic Fluid Power Safety
