| Since it was first published over 35 years ago, IEC 60439 has provided the basis for specification and testing of low-voltage electrical assemblies. Over the years it has been difficult to evolve the standard in line with market needs and pressures. |
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Despite increasing demands to optimise and reduce costs, every assembly manufactured must meet minimum performance and safety criteria. However, to type test every variant is impractical. Some frequently used design concepts were not adequately covered in IEC 60439. Many assemblies produced do not fit neatly into the Type Tested Assembly (TTA) or Partially Type Tested Assembly (PTTA) categories. Smaller assemblies may not be covered at all. In the case of a PTTA, proving a design is subjective and dependent on both the knowledge and integrity of the manufacturer.
We at Schneider Electric recognised the limitations of IEC 60439 and 10 years ago proposed that the IEC carry out a radical review of the IEC 60439 series of standards. As a result, not only have we been closely involved in developing the new standards, but we are also expert in their application.
The new approach to specifying an assembly, proving its capability, and the format of the standard itself, have all now fundamentally changed.
A much more stringent new standard, covering the specification and testing of electrical panels and called IEC 61439, will be published in January 2009. The information within this website aims to help you to easily understand and implement the new IEC 61439 standard.
