EN 61439-1, “Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 1: General rules”, gives the common definitions, construction rules and verification methods for low-voltage assemblies. It does not describe one type of assembly on its own; it is read together with a product part such as EN 61439-2. Panel builders use it for LVD testing and CE marking.
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EN 61439-1 at a glance
| Edition cited in the EU Official Journal | EN 61439-1:2011 |
|---|---|
| Official title | Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 1: General rules |
| Legislation supported | Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU |
| Type of standard | Product standard |
| Voltage limit | Assemblies with a rated voltage not exceeding 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC |
Assemblies covered
The standard applies to low-voltage assemblies that combine switching devices with control, measuring and protective equipment in one structure. The general rules are used with these product parts:
- Power switchgear and controlgear assemblies (EN 61439-2)
- Distribution boards operated by ordinary persons (EN 61439-3)
- Assemblies for construction sites (EN 61439-4)
- Assemblies for power distribution in public networks (EN 61439-5)
- Busbar trunking systems (EN 61439-6)
Conformity is not declared to Part 1 alone; the assembly is assessed together with the product part it belongs to.
Main requirements of the standard
- Interface characteristics: Rated voltage, rated current, rated diversity factor and short-circuit ratings are defined and declared for the assembly.
- Degree of protection: Protection against dust and water is given by an IP code suited to the place of installation.
- Clearances and creepage distances: Distances are set according to the rated impulse withstand voltage and the pollution degree.
- Protection against electric shock: Basic protection, fault protection and continuity of the protective circuit are provided.
- Temperature rise: At rated current, the parts and accessible surfaces of the assembly must stay within the permitted temperature rise.
- Short-circuit withstand strength: Busbars, supports and the protective circuit must withstand the thermal and dynamic effects of the declared short-circuit current.
- Marking and documentation: A nameplate, circuit diagrams and instructions for installation, operation and maintenance are supplied with the assembly.
EN 61439-1 tests
The standard defines two levels of verification. Design verification shows once that a design meets the requirements, by testing, by comparison with a verified reference design, or by assessment. Routine verification is applied to every assembly produced, to detect faults in materials and workmanship.
| Test or check | What is verified? |
|---|---|
| Design verification: temperature rise | The assembly stays within the temperature-rise limits at rated current |
| Design verification: short-circuit withstand | Main circuits and the protective circuit withstand the declared short-circuit current |
| Design verification: dielectric properties | The insulation withstands the power-frequency and impulse withstand voltages |
| Design verification: enclosure and materials | IP degree of protection, mechanical impact resistance (IK code), resistance to corrosion and heat |
| Routine verification: construction checks | Enclosure, clearances, protective circuit continuity, mounting of devices, internal connections and marking agree with the design |
| Routine verification: performance checks | Dielectric strength, and correct wiring, operational performance and function |
Its place in CE marking
- Risk assessment: Hazards are identified and the applicable standards selected.
- Design: The assembly is designed to EN 61439-1 and the relevant product part; devices are selected to their own standards.
- Verification tests: Design verification records are collected and routine verification is carried out on every assembly.
- Technical file: Diagrams, the parts list and the test report go into the technical file.
- Declaration of conformity: EN 61439-1 is listed among the standards applied and the CE marking is affixed.
Conformity with a harmonised standard gives presumption of conformity with the corresponding safety objectives of the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU.
Standards applied together
- EN 61439-2: Power switchgear and controlgear assemblies
- EN 60204-1: Electrical equipment of machines
- EN 60529: Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
- EN 62262: Protection against mechanical impacts (IK code)
- EN 60947 series: Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear devices
Frequently asked questions
Can EN 61439-1 be applied on its own?
No. Part 1 gives the general rules; it is applied with EN 61439-2 or one of the other product parts, according to the type of assembly, and conformity is declared to that part.
What is the difference between design verification and routine verification?
Design verification is done once and shows that the design is adequate. Routine verification shows that each assembly has been built to that design.
Which edition applies?
The edition cited in the EU Official Journal under the Low Voltage Directive is EN 61439-1:2011. CENELEC has published a newer edition; for presumption of conformity the cited edition counts. Check the current citation before testing starts.
Other standards in this group
- EN 62368-1: Audio Video and ICT Equipment
- EN 61010-1: Measurement Control and Laboratory Equipment
- EN 61439-2: Power Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies
- EN IEC 62040-1: Uninterruptible Power Systems
