Power Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies and Distribution Boards According to EN 61439
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www.eaton.eu Power Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies and Distribution Boards according to EN 61439 Author: Eur.-Phys. Dipl.-Ing. Alfred Mörx Author's foreword This specialist publication concerns low‐voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies1, which are defined in the current issue of the relevant recognised technical regulation ÖVE/ÖNORM EN 61439, as: Combination of one or more low‐voltage switching devices together with associated control, measuring, signalling, protective, regulating equipment, with all the internal electrical and mechanical interconnections and structural parts. The overriding objective is to explain to the fullest extent possible within this context, how low‐ voltage switchgear assemblies2 can (or must) be introduced legally and safely. First and foremost the important connections for power switchgear and controlgear assemblies and distribution boards intended to be operated by ordinary persons shall be presented. Detailed requirements for assemblies for construction sites, assemblies for power distribution in public networks and busbar trunking systems are not part of this specialist publication, even though they have much in common. And furthermore in this respect: This specialist publication has neither the intention nor the ability to replace the comprehensive dedication to details of the series of standards ÖVE/ÖNORM EN 61439. This publication is intended as a highly practical introduction to the subject. The aim is to convey that, based on this introduction, any interested party can develop specific, individual involvement in this subject, from an overview down to any level of detail. The European series of standards EN 61439 has been adopted in member states of the European Union, but only applies as a national standard (i.e. as ÖVE/ÖNORM EN, DIN/VDE EN, BS EN, etc.). Therefore, this publication refers to ÖVE/ÖNORM EN 61439 consequently. However, the technical contents of EN 61439 are identical in all Member States of the European Union. This publication went to press on 15 May 2014. Eur.‐Phys. Dipl.‐Ing. Alfred Mörx (*1958 in Vienna) Since 2001 owner and manager of diam‐consult, a licensed consulting engineering office for physics with an emphasis on risk analysis and protection technology in complex technical systems. He studied technical physics at the Technical University of Vienna. As an expert in fundamental issues of electrical safety, for more than 25 years he has worked in national, European and international working groups in the field of safer use of electricity. Online: www.diamcons.com, email: [email protected] 1 Definition according to ÖVE/ÖNORM EN 61439‐1:2012‐07‐01, subclause 3.1.1 2 The terms "switchgear and controlgear assembly" and "low‐voltage switchgear and controlgear assembly" are used as equivalent terms in this publication. Power Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies and Distribution Boards according to EN 61439 Table of contents 1 Conformity and recognised technical regulations ..................................................................... 5 1.1 General observations ................................................................................................................ 5 1.2 Harmonised standards as a tool for satisfying requirements ................................................... 5 1.3 The series of standards ÖVE/ÖNORM EN 61439 ...................................................................... 6 1.4 Electromagnetic environment .................................................................................................. 8 1.5 Dates for the application of ÖVE/ÖNORM EN 61439, part 2 and 3 ......................................... 9 2 Manufacture of a switchgear and controlgear assembly ......................................................... 9 2.1 Manufacturer and responsibility ............................................................................................ 10 2.1.1 Original manufacturer .................................................................................................. 11 2.1.2 Assembly manufacturer ............................................................................................... 12 2.1.3 User .............................................................................................................................. 13 2.2 The "5+1 points programme" ................................................................................................. 15 3 Design verification .............................................................................................................................. 16 3.1 General observations .............................................................................................................. 17 3.1.1 Changes to switchgear and controlgear assemblies .................................................... 19 3.1.2 Assembly of switchgear and controlgear assemblies with verified design .................. 19 3.2 Protection against electric shock ............................................................................................ 20 3.3 Short-circuit withstand strength ............................................................................................. 21 3.4 Verification of temperature-rise ............................................................................................. 22 3.4.1 General observations ................................................................................................... 22 3.4.2 Basic assumptions for the limiting values of the temperature rise ............................. 23 3.4.3 Principles for calculating the temperature curve in switchgear and controlgear assemblies .................................................................................................................... 25 3.5 Design verification for power switchgear and controlgear assemblies (PSC) ........................ 27 3.6 Design verification for distribution boards intended to be operated by ordinary persons (DBO) ....................................................................................................................................... 28 3.7 Design verification and possible verification methods ........................................................... 29 4 Routine verification ............................................................................................................................ 31 4.1 General observations .............................................................................................................. 31 4.2 Routine verification and possible verification methods ......................................................... 31 5 Marking and documentation ........................................................................................................... 32 5.1 Marking ................................................................................................................................... 32 5.2 Documentation ....................................................................................................................... 33 6 Declaration of Conformity ................................................................................................................ 34 7 Interfaces characteristics ................................................................................................................. 35 7.1 General observations .............................................................................................................. 35 Page 2 of 69 Power Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies and Distribution Boards according to EN 61439 7.2 Rated Diversity Factor (RDF) ................................................................................................... 36 7.2.1 RDF in power switchgear and controlgear assemblies (PSC) ....................................... 37 7.2.2 RDF in distribution boards intended to be operated by ordinary persons (DBO) ....... 37 7.3 Interface characteristics - Overview ....................................................................................... 37 7.4 Interface characteristics for power switchgear and controlgear assemblies (PSC) ............... 38 7.5 Notes for practical use of PSCs ............................................................................................... 40 7.5.1 Availability of power switchgear and controlgear assemblies ..................................... 40 7.5.2 Requirements related to accessibility for authorised persons during operation ........ 41 7.6 Interface characteristics for distribution boards intended to be operated by ordinary persons (DBO) ......................................................................................................................... 42 7.7 Notes for practical use of DBOs .............................................................................................. 44 7.7.1 Description of a DBO .................................................................................................... 44 7.7.2 "Specialities" for DBOs ................................................................................................. 45 8 Frequently asked questions ............................................................................................................ 47 8.1 Which switchgears for overcurrent protection may be used in outgoing circuits of DBOs? . 47 8.2 A frequency converter with rated current of more than 1600 A is installed in a metal enclosure. No switchgear and controlgear is housed in this enclosure. Does this arrangement fall