Standards

Compliance with applicable standards is essential in order to ensure an adequate degree of dependability

Different standards Certain types of distribution switchboards (in particular, functional distribution switchboards) must comply with specific standards according to the application or environment involved. The reference international standards are IEC 61439-x series (Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies), in which: IEC 61439-1 is dedicated to General rules IEC 61439-2 is dedicated to Power switchgear and controlgear Assemblies (PSC)

Standards IEC 61439-1 & 2 Three elements of standards IEC 61439-1 & 61439-2 contribute significantly to dependability:

Clear definition of functional units Forms of separation between adjacent functional units in accordance with user requirements Clearly defined verification tests and routine verification

Assembly system concept & definitions:

Assembly system: full range of mechanical and electrical components as defined by the Orig inal Manufacturer (enclosures, busbars, functional units, including switchgear and control gear, terminals, ) which can be assembled in accordance with the Original Manufacturers instructions , either in its factory, or on the installation site, in order to produce various ASSEMBLIES

Fig. E32b: Main rules defined by the IEC 61439-1&2 standard

Original Manufacturer: The organisation that has carried out the original design and the associated verification of an asse mbly system. He is responsible for the 'Design verifications' listed by IEC 61439-2 including many electrical tests. Assembly manufacturer: The organisation (whether or not the same as the OM) responsible for the completed assembly. He is r esponsible for 'Routine verifications' on each panel produced, according to the standard. If he derivates from the instructions of the original manufacturer he has to carry out again design verifications. Specifier: Specifies the needs and constraints for design, installation, operation and upgrading of t he complete system. Checks that its requirements have been fully integrated by the Assembly Manufacturer. Depending on the application, the specifier could be the end-user or a design office. End User: Should ask for a certified LV switchboard. By systematically requesting routine verifications, he ensures that the assembly system used is compliant.

Note: the IEC 60439-1 two categories TTA (Type-tested LV switchgear and controlgear assemblies) and PTTA (Partially type-tested LV switchgear and controlgear assemblies) dont exist anymore in IEC 61439-1.

Functional units

The same standard defines functional units: - Part of an assembly comprising all the electrical and mechanical elements that contribute to the fulfilment of the same function - The distribution switchboard includes an incoming functional unit and one or more functional units for outgoing circuits, depending on the operating requirements of the installation What is more, distribution switchboard technologies use functional units that may be fixed, disconnectable or withdrawable (see section 4.2 of Chapter D & fig. E30, E31, E32).

Forms (see Fig. E33)

Fig. E33: Representation of different forms of LV functional distribution switchboards Separation of functional units within the assembly is provided by forms that are specified for different types of operation. The various forms are numbered from 1 to 4 with variations labelled a or b. Each step up (from 1 to 4) is cumulative, i.e . a form with a higher number includes the characteristics of forms with lower numbers. The standard distinguishes: - Form 1: No separation - Form 2: Separation of busbars from the functional units - Form 3: Separation of busbars from the functional units and separation of all functional units, one from another, except at their output terminals - Form 4: As for Form 3, but including separation of the outgoing terminals of all functional units, one from another The decision on which form to implement results from an agreement between the manufacturer and the user. The Prima Plus functional range offers solutions for forms 1, 2b, 3b, 4a, 4b.

Verification tests and routine verification

They ensure compliance of each distribution switchboard with the standard. The availability of certificates of conformity issued by third-party bodies is a guarantee for users.