BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

60669-2-4:2005
Licensed Copy: Institute Of Technology Tallaght, Institute of Technology, Fri Aug 31 18:56:54 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Switches for household

and similar fixed
electrical
installations —
Part 2-4: Particular requirements —
Isolating switches

The European Standard EN 60669-2-4:2005 has the status of a

British Standard

ICS 29.120.40

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
 BS EN 60669-2-4:2005
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National foreword
This British Standard is the official English language version of
EN 60669-2-4:2005. It was derived by CENELEC from IEC 60669-2-4:2005.
The CENELEC common modifications have been implemented at the
appropriate places in the text and are indicated by tags .
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
PEL/23, Electrical accessories, which has the responsibility to:

— aid enquirers to understand the text;

— present to the responsible international/European committee any

enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the
UK interests informed;
— monitor related international and European developments and
promulgate them in the UK.

A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on

request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European
publications referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Catalogue
under the section entitled “International Standards Correspondence Index”, or
by using the “Search” facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of
British Standards Online.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
pages 2 to 37 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.

Amendments issued since publication

This British Standard was
published under the authority Amd. No. Date Comments
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee on
11 May 2005

© BSI 11 May 2005

ISBN 0 580 45761 3

 EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 60669-2-4
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NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM March 2005
ICS 29.120.40

English version

Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations

Part 2-4: Particular requirements -
Isolating switches
(IEC 60669-2-4:2004, modified)

Interrupteurs pour installations électriques Schalter für Haushalt und ähnliche

fixes domestiques et analogues ortsfeste elektrische Installationen
Partie 2-4: Prescriptions particulières - Teil 2-4: Besondere Anforderungen -
Interrupteurs-sectionneurs Trennschalter
(CEI 60669-2-4:2004, modifiée) (IEC 60669-2-4:2004, modifiziert)

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2004-10-01. CENELEC members are bound to
comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and
notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels

© 2005 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.

Ref. No. EN 60669-2-4:2005 E

 Page 2
NE 066-96-2:42005 –2–
EN 60669−2−4:2005
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Foreword

The text of the International Standard IEC 60669-2-4:2004, prepared by SC 23B, Plugs, socket-outlets
and switches, of IEC TC 23, Electrical accessories, together with the common modifications prepared by
the Technical Committee CENELEC TC 23B, Switches for household and similar fixed electrical
installations, was submitted to the Unique Acceptance Procedure and was approved by CENELEC as
EN 60669-2-4 on 2004-10-01.

This European Standard shall be used in conjunction with EN 60669-1:1999. It lists the changes
necessary to convert that standard into a specific standard for isolating switches.

The following dates were fixed:

– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented

at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2005-10-01

– latest date by which the national standards conflicting

with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2007-10-01

Annexes ZA and ZB have been added by CENELEC.

__________
 Page 3
EN 60669−2−4:2005
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066-96-24  IE:C002 4 –3–

CONTENTS
1 Scope ...............................................................................................................................5
2 Normative references .......................................................................................................5
3 Definitions ........................................................................................................................5
4 General requirements .......................................................................................................6
5 General notes on tests .....................................................................................................6
6 Ratings .............................................................................................................................6
7 Classification ....................................................................................................................7
8 Marking ............................................................................................................................7
9 Checking of dimensions....................................................................................................8
10 Protection against electric shock ......................................................................................8
11 Provision for earthing .......................................................................................................8
12 Terminals .........................................................................................................................8
13 Constructional requirements ........................................................................................... 12
14 Mechanism ..................................................................................................................... 13
15 Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of switches and
resistance to humidity..................................................................................................... 14
16 Insulation resistance and electric strength ...................................................................... 14
17 Temperature rise ............................................................................................................ 15
18 Making and breaking capacity ........................................................................................ 16
19 Normal operation ............................................................................................................ 20
20 Mechanical strength ....................................................................................................... 20
21 Resistance to heat.......................................................................................................... 20
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections.............................................................. 21
23 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound .................... 21
24 Resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat, to fire and to tracking ...................... 21
25 Resistance to rusting ...................................................................................................... 21
26 EMC requirements .......................................................................................................... 21
Annex A (normative) Survey of specimens needed for tests .................................................. 29
Annex B (normative) Additional requirements for switches having facilities for the
outlet and retention of flexible cables ............................................................................. 30
Annex AA (informative) Determination of short-circuit power factor ...................................... 31
Annex BB (informative) SCPDs for short-circuit tests ........................................................... 33

Annex ZA (normative) Normative references to international publications with their

corresponding European publications ................................................................................................... 35

Annex ZB (normative) Special national conditions ................................................................................ 36

corresponding European publications ................................................................................................... 35
 Page 4
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066-96-24  IE:C002 4 –4–

Figure 101 – Test circuit for verification of the short circuit withstand capability with a
SCPD of one-pole isolating switch ........................................................................................ 23
Figure 102 – Test circuit for verification of the short circuit withstand capability with a
SCPD of a two-pole isolating switch ...................................................................................... 24
Figure 103 – Test circuit for verification of the short circuit withstand capability with a
SCPD of a three-pole isolating switch ................................................................................... 25
Figure 104 – Test circuit for verification of the short circuit withstand capability with a
SCPD of a four-pole isolating switch ..................................................................................... 26
Figure 105 – Test apparatus for verification of the minimum I 2 t and I p values to be
withstood by the isolating switch ........................................................................................... 27

Table 2 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional areas

of copper conductors for screw-type terminals ........................................................................8
Table 3 – Tightening torque for verification of the mechanical strength of screw-type
terminals.................................................................................................................................9
Table 4 – Test values for flexion and pull out for copper conductors ..................................... 10
Table 5 – Test values for pulling out test............................................................................... 10
Table 6 – Composition of conductors .................................................................................... 11
Table 7 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional areas
of copper conductors for screwless terminals ........................................................................ 11
Table 8 – Test current for the verification of electrical and thermal stresses in normal
use of screwless terminals .................................................................................................... 11
Table 9 – Cross-sectional areas of rigid copper conductors for deflection test of
screwless terminals .............................................................................................................. 12
Table 10 – Deflection test forces........................................................................................... 12
Table 12 – External cable diameter limits for surface type switches ...................................... 13
Table 101 – Test voltage across the open contacts for verifying the suitability for
isolation, referred to the rated voltage of the isolating switch and to the altitude where
the test is carried out ............................................................................................................ 15
Table 15 – Temperature-rise test currents and cross-sectional areas of copper
conductors ............................................................................................................................ 15
Table 102 – Minimum values of I 2 t and I p ............................................................................. 17
Table 103 – Power factors for short-circuit tests ................................................................... 18
Table 17 – Number of operations for normal operation test ................................................... 20
Table BB.1 – Indication of silver wire diameters as a function of rated currents and
short-circuit currents ............................................................................................................. 33
 XEDIF ELRECTICALN ITSALLATIONS –

Pat 2r-4: Particular requirements – Page 5

Iolatsiwng sitches EN 60669−2−4:2005
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066-96-24  IE:C002 4 –5–

SWTIEHCS FOH ROUSEHLOA DNDS IIMLA R

1 Scope
FIDEXE LRTCEICALI NTSALLATNOIS–
This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.
Pa2 tr-:4citraP ralueriuqernemt – s
Replacement of the first paragraph: Istalois gnwti sehc

This part of IEC 60669 applies to manually operated general purpose isolating switches with a
rated voltage not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 125 A, intended for
1 pocS and
household e similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors.
NOTE Isolating switches are designed for overvoltage category III and used in environment of pollution degree 2
Thsi clsuae
according ofP
to IEC arta 1 pplseie xcetpa s follows .
60664-1.

2Replcaemneo
Normativetf thf eirstrap agraph :
references

Thsirap
This o tf of
clause IE6Part
C0669a pplies
1 applies to manuallyo
except peratg deerenalrup pose isoltai gnswitchsew ia ht
as follows.
radetlov tgae note xcideegn044 V anda rac deturrent note xceedgni1 25 A, intednedf or
hosuheol dands imilarf ixed elcertciali nstallatisno,e ihtre inodroso r oudtoors .
Addition:
NO ET Isnitalos gwctihsea r esedngif deoro vrevotlgac eagetory dna III use ni denviromnoitullop fo tnenged re2 e
acocrdingt oI EC6 066-41.
IEC 61180-1:1992, High-voltage test techniques for low voltage equipment – Part 1:
Definitions, test and procedure requirements
N 2oitamrve ferenersec
NOTE Normative references to international publications with their corresponding European publications are
listed
Thsi in Annex ofP
clsuae ZA.arta 1 pplseie xcetpa s follows .

3Adtidino:
Definitions

IEC116
This 08-191:,29
clause Hihg-vtloegat
of Part 1 applies etstfollows.
except as echnieuqf sorl owv oltgae eqiuempnt– Part 1:
Definiitons, testa np drcoderu ereuqriements
Additional definitions:
NOTE roNmtaiv efereercnset o intetanrionalp bulictaionsw itht ehic rorrsepondinE guroepp nabulictaisnoa re
siltedni nA nex .AZ
3.101
isolating switch
eD 3finiti
switch designedsno
to provide isolation of the installation or part of the installation and equipment
from the supply and to carry and to make and break the current in all line current carrying
poles
Thsi clsuae foP arta 1 pplseixe ceptsa follows .

3.102
dAtidianod leiftinino:s
conditional short-circuit current
I nc
.3110
value of the a.c. component of a prospective current, which a switch without integral short-
osilatniws gtich
circuit protection, but protected by a suitable short-circuit protective device (hereinafter
switchd esign de otrpovidsi eolati nofot ehinstalalti norop artfo t hei nstallati nona dequipmtne
referred to as SCPD) in series, can withstand under specified conditions of use and behaviour
frmos eht upply nat do carry nat dom ake a dnbreak htc eurren t niall li encurrenc tarrying
oples

.3120
conditoianhs lrot-criuctic uerrnt
I cn
vaulfo e thec.a . componentfo rp aospectiv ecurrenthw ,ci a hswitchiw thoutni tgeral shrot-
circiurp ttoeciton ,ubp trtoecteb dy a suitabls eroht-circiurp ttoecitve edvice( hreeinafter
reefrreda ot s SCPD) nis eries,c an wihtnatsednu dr specifiidnoc detoinso fu se an dbevahiuor
 Page 6
EN 60669−2−4:2005
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066-96-24  IE:C002 4 –6–

3.103
I2t
integral of the square of the current over a given time interval (t 0 , t 1 )

t1 2
I 2t = ∫t0 i dt

4 General requirements

This clause of Part 1 applies.

5 General notes on tests

This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.

5.4 Addition:

For the test of 18.101 three additional specimens are used.

6 Ratings

This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.

6.2 Modification:

In the first paragraph, delete the values "6 A" and "10 A" and add the values “80 A, 100 A and
125 A.”

Additional note:
 NOTE See Annex ZB for special national conditions. 

Additional subclause:

6.101 Standard and preferred values of the conditional short-circuit current (I nc )

NOTE The associated power-factors are specified in Table 103.

6.101.1 Values up to and including 10 000 A

The standard values of the conditional short-circuit current (I nc ) are:

1 500 A, 3 000 A, 4 500 A, 6 000 A and 10 000 A.

6.101.2 Values above 10 000 A

The preferred values are:

15 000 A, 20 000 A and 25 000 A.

Values above 25 000 A are not considered by this standard.

 Page 7
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066-96-24  IE:C002 4 –7–

7 Classification

This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.

7.1.1 Addition:

Isolating switches shall be only of pattern numbers 1, 2, 3 or 03.

7.1.2 This subclause of Part 1 is not applicable.

7.1.6 Addition:

– rail type

7.2 Replacement in Table 1, first column, last line, of the values “16, 20, 25, 32, 40, and 63”
by “equal and above 16”.

8 Marking

This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.

8.1 Addition:

– symbols for open position (OFF) and closed position (ON),

– symbol for isolating function,
– rated conditional short-circuit current (I nc ).

The manufacturer shall provide reference(s) of one or more short circuit protection devices
(SCPDs) in his catalogue and/or in the instructions which are provided with the isolating
switch.

8.2 Addition:

– isolating function ...............................................................................................

– rated conditional short-circuit current ............................................................... I nc

8.3 Addition

Isolating switches shall be marked with the symbols for isolating function and for the closed
and open position. These markings shall be visible from the front after installation, even after
removal of the front cover of the enclosure when the isolating switch is mounted and wired as
in normal use. The isolating symbol may be included in a wiring diagram even combined with
symbols of other functions, provided that it is visible from the front under the conditions
specified before.

The marking for the rated conditional short-circuit current (I nc ) shall be on the isolating switch
or in the manufacturer's published literature.

8.6 Replacement of the first sentence of the first paragraph

Isolating switches shall be so marked that the actual contact position is clearly indicated.

Deletion of Note 1 .
 Page 8
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066-96-24  IE:C002 4 –8–

9 Checking of dimensions

This clause of Part 1 applies.

10 Protection against electric shock

This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.

10.3 Replacement of the first two lines:

Accessible parts of isolating switches shall be made of insulating material, with the exception
of the following:

11 Provision for earthing

This clause of Part 1 applies.

12 Terminals

This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.

Replacement of Table 2:

Table 2 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional areas

of copper conductors for screw-type terminals

Ranges of rated currents Rigid conductors (solid or stranded) a

Nominal cross-sectional areas Diameter of largest conductor
A
mm 2 mm
16 b From 1,5 up to 4 inclusive 2,72
Above 16 up to and including 25 From 2,5 up to 6 inclusive 3,34
Above 25 up to and including 32 From 4 up to 10 inclusive 4,34
Above 32 up to and including 50 From 6 up to 16 inclusive 5,46
Above 50 up to and including 80 From 10 up to 25 inclusive 6,85
Above 80 up to and including 100 From 16 up to 35 inclusive 7,90
Above 100 up to and including 125 From 25 up to 50 inclusive 9,10
a The use of flexible conductors is permitted.
b Each supply terminal of isolating switches, other than those of pattern numbers 3 and 03, shall allow the
connection of two 2,5 mm 2 conductors. For isolating switches having a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V a
round hole is sufficient for the connection of two 2,5 mm 2 conductors.

NOTE See Annex ZB for special national conditions.

 Page 9
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066-96-24  IE:C002 4 –9–

12.2.5 Replacement of Table 3:

Table 3 – Tightening torque for verification of the mechanical strength

of screw-type terminals

Nominal diameter of thread Torque

mm Nm
1 2 3 4 5
Up to and including 1,6 0,05 – 0,1 0,1 –
Above 1,6 up to and including 2,0 0,1 – 0,2 0,2 –
Above 2,0 up to and including 2,8 0,2 – 0,4 0,4 –
Above 2,8 up to and including 3,0 0,25 – 0,5 0,5 –
Above 3,0 up to and including 3,2 0,3 – 0,6 0,6 –
Above 3,2 up to and including 3,6 0,4 – 0,8 0,8 –
Above 3,6 up to and including 4,1 0,7 1,2 1,2 1,2 1,2
Above 4,1 up to and including 4,7 0,8 1,2 1,8 1,8 1,8
Above 4,7 up to and including 5,3 0,8 1,4 2,0 2,0 2,0
Above 5,3 up to and including 6,0 1,2 1,8 2,5 3,0 3,0
Above 6,0 up to and including 8,0 2,5 2,5 3,5 6,0 4,0
Above 8,0 up to and including 10,0 – 3,5 4,0 10,0 6,0
Above 10,0 up to and including 12,0 – 4,0 – – 8,0
Above 12,0 up to and including 15,0 – 5,0 – – 10,0
NOTE 1 Column 1 applies to screws without heads if the screw when tightened does not protrude from the hole,
and to other screws which cannot be tightened by means of a screwdriver with a blade wider than the diameter of
the screw.
Column 2 applies to nuts of mantle terminals which are tightened by means of a screwdriver.
Column 3 applies to other screws which are tightened by means of a screwdriver.
Column 4 applies to nuts of mantle terminals in which the nut is tightened by means other than a screwdriver.
Column 5 applies to screws or nuts, other than nuts of mantle terminals, which are tightened by means other than
a screwdriver.
Where a screw has a hexagonal head with a slot for tightening with a screwdriver and the values of columns 3
and 5 are different, the test is made twice, first applying to the hexagonal head the torque specified in column 5
and then applying the torque specified in column 3 by means of a screwdriver. If the values of columns 3 and 5
are the same, only the test with the screwdriver is made.
NOTE 2 For mantle terminals the specified nominal diameter is that of the slotted stud.
NOTE 3 The shape of the blade of the test screwdriver should suit the head of the screw to be tested.
NOTE 4 The screws and nuts should not be tightened in jerks.
 01 egaP
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EN 60669−2−4:2005
2−96606−4:2005
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066-96-24  IE:C002 4 – 10–

Replacement of Table 4:

Table 4 – Test values for flexion and pull-out for copper conductors

Conductor Diameter Height H c Mass

cross-sectional area a of bushing hole b mm for conductor
mm 2 mm kg
1,5 6,5 260 0,4
2,5 9,5 280 0,7
4,0 9,5 280 0,9
6,0 9,5 280 1,4
10,0 9,5 280 2,0
16,0 13,0 300 2,9
0Page 1
25,0 13,0 300 4,5
5002:4−2−96606 NE
60669-2-4 35IEC:2004 14,5
–1 0 – 320 6,8
50 16 340 9,5
a 2
AWG sizes corresponding to mm can be found in IEC 60999.
Relpacemento f Taelb :4
b If the bushing hole diameter is not large enough to accommodate the conductor without binding, a bushing
having the next larger hole size may be used.
c
Taelb 4 – Testv aulesf orf lexnoia n dluptuo-lf or copperc oudnctors
Tolerance for height H = ±15 mm.
Cocudnto r Dimate re Hethgi H c Ma ss
crso-scesitlanoa
NOTE See Annex rae
ZB afor specialofeloh gnihsub
national b
conditions. mm foudnoc rtcor
mm 2 mm kg
1,6 5, 5 0620, 4
2,9 5, 5 0820, 7
12.2.6 Replacement
4,9 of Table 5: 0, 5 0820, 9
6,9 0, 5 0821, 4
Table 5 – Test values for pulling out test
,019 0, 5 0822, 0
,61,31 0 0 003 2, 9
Cross-
sectional,52,31 0 0 003 4, 5
area of From 1,5 From 2,5 From 4 From 6 From 10 From 16 From 25 From 35
conductors,41 up to 2,5 up to 4
53
up to 6 up to 10
5
up to 16 up to 25
0236,
up to 35 up to 50
8
accepted by inclusive inclusive61 inclusive inclusive inclusive inclusive inclusive inclusive
05 043
9, 5
the terminal
a AWGs izec sorreopsndingt om m 2 c af eb nonui dnI E6 C09.99
mm 2
b Ift hsub eih gnlohd eimateeri ston l a egrenuot hgo accommotadt ehc eoncudto rwithtuob indi,gn sub ahing
Pull 50 50 60 80 90 100 190 235
vahit gnhn eextl argerloh s eizem au eb ysed.
c N
Tolecnarf eoh reigth± = H 1m 5m.

NOTE In tU ehNIETDK INGDOM, islotasro havi gntar ac deurrtneb elo1 w6 A era widelyu sena dep dmrittde.
NOTE See Annex ZB for special national conditions. 
Int U ehNITEDK INDGOM,baT lo 5 efP atr pa 1plies.

12.2.6 Rlpeacemento fT able 5:

aTble 5 –eT st valuesrof up lling uotet st

rCos-s
cesitlano
eraao f orFm 5,1 morF 5,2 morF 4 morF 6 morF01 morF61 morF52 morF53
cudnocto sr 2 ot pu, 5 puto4 ut po 6 ut po 01 t puo 61 t puo 52 t puo 53 t puo 05
ccatpeedb y inclisuv e inclisuv e inclisuv e inlcuisv e inlcuisv e inlcuisv e inlcuisv e inlcuisv e
ehtterminal
mm 2
uP ll 505 0 09 08 06 001
1 09 532
N

ONTE In the UNITED KIGNDOM,i solators having a rated currentb elow 16A arewidely used an pedrmitt.ed
In the UNITEDK IGDNOM, Tablfe 5 o Part 1 applies.
 Page 11
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066-96-24  IE:C002 4 – 11–

12.2.7 Replacement of Table 6:

Table 6 – Composition of conductors

Number of wires and nominal diameter of wires

Cross-sectional area
mm
mm 2
Solid conductor Stranded conductor

1,5 1 × 1,38 7 × 0,52

2,5 1 × 1,78 7 × 0,67
4 1 × 2,25 7 × 0,86
6 1 × 2,76 7 × 1,05
10 1 × 3,57 7 × 1,35
16 – 7 × 1,70
25 – 7 × 2,14
35 – 7 × 2,53
50 – 19 × 1,83

NOTE See Annex ZB for special national conditions.

12.3.2 Replacement of Table 7:

Table 7 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional areas

of copper conductors for screwless terminals

Conductors
Rated current Nominal cross- Diameter of largest Diameter of largest
sectional areas rigid conductor flexible conductor
A mm 2 mm mm

16 a 1,5 to 2,5 2,13 2,21

a Each supply terminal of isolating switches other than those of pattern numbers 3 and 03 shall allow the
connection of two 2,5 mm 2 conductors. In such cases a terminal with separate independent clamping
means for each conductor shall be used.

NOTE See Annex ZB for special national conditions.

12.3.11 Replacement of Table 8:

Table 8 – Test current for the verification of electrical and thermal stresses
in normal use of screwless terminals

Rated current Test current Cross-sectional area

of the conductor
A A mm 2
16 22 2,5

NOTE See Annex ZB for special national conditions.

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066-96-24  IE:C002 4 – 12–

12.3.12 Replacement of Tables 9 and 10:

Table 9 – Cross-sectional areas of rigid copper conductors

for deflection test of screwless terminals

Rated current of the isolating Cross-sectional area of the test conductor

switch mm 2

A 1st test sequence 2nd test sequence

16 1,5 2,5

Table 10 – Deflection test forces

Cross-sectional area of the test conductor Force for deflecting the test conductor a
mm 2 N

1,5 0,5

2,5 1,0
a The forces are chosen so that they stress the conductors close to the limit of elasticity.

NOTE See Annex ZB for special national conditions.

13 Constructional requirements

This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.

Additional subclause:

13.2.101 Isolating switches when in the open position shall provide an isolation distance in
accordance with the requirements necessary to satisfy the isolating function.

Indication of the contact position shall be provided by the position of the actuating member
and/or by suitable means.
NOTE A pilot light alone is not considered as suitable means.

The actuating member shall be connected to the moving contacts in a reliable way. The
actuating member shall not indicate the open position unless all the moving contacts are in
the open position.

Isolating switches shall be so designed that the actuating member can only be fitted in a
manner which ensures correct contact position and correct locking, if the isolating switch is
provided with means for locking. When means are provided or specified by the manufacturer
to lock the isolating switch in the open position, locking in that position shall only be possible
when the contacts are in the open position.

Compliance is checked by inspection and by the tests of clause 16.101.

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13.12 Replacement of Table 12:

Table 12 – External cable diameter limits for surface type switches

Limits of external diameter

Rated Cross-sectional of cables
Number
current areas
of conductors
A mm 2 Minimum Maximum
mm mm
2 15
3 16
16 1,5 up to and including 4 7,6
4 18
5 19,5
2 18,5
20 3 20
2,5 up to and including 6 8,6
25 4 22
5 24,5
2 24
3 25,5
32 4 up to and including 10 9,6
4 28
5 30,5
2 27,5
40
3 29,5
45 6 up to and including 16 10,5
4 32
50
5 35,5
2 31,5
3 34
63 10 up to and including 25 13
4 37,5
5 41,5
2 —
80 3 38,0
16 up to and including 35 15,5
100 4 42,0
5 —
2 —
3 44,0
125 25 up to and including 50 18,5
4 48,5
5 —
NOTE The limits of external diameter of cables specified in this table are based on type 60227 IEC 10 according
to IEC 60227-4 and type 60245 IEC 66 according to IEC 60245-4 and are given for information.

NOTE See Annex ZB for special national conditions.

14 Mechanism

This clause of Part 1 applies.

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15 Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of switches and

resistance to humidity

This clause of Part 1 applies.

16 Insulation resistance and electric strength

This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.

Additional subclause:

16.101 Isolating switches shall be suitable for isolation. They shall be tested in the new,
clean and dry conditions, when in the open position, across the terminals of each pole.

Compliance is checked by the following test.

The 1,2/50 impulse voltage according to Figure 1 of IEC 61180-1 is applied between the line
terminals connected together and the load terminals connected together with the contacts in
the open position.

The impulses are given by a generator producing positive and negative impulses having a
front time of 1,2 µs and a time to half value of 50 µs, the tolerances being

± 5 % for the peak value;

± 30 % for the front time;
± 20 % for the time to half value.

The shape of the impulses is adjusted with the isolating switch under test connected to the
impulse generator. For this purpose appropriate voltage dividers and voltage sensors shall be
used.

Small oscillations in the impulses are allowed, provided that their amplitude near the peak of
the impulse is less than 5 % of the peak value.

For oscillations on the first half of the front, amplitudes up to 10 % of the peak value are
allowed.

The test voltage shall be chosen from Table 101, in accordance with the rated voltage of the
isolating switch.

The impulse voltage shall be applied 3 times at intervals of 1 s minimum.

There shall be no discharges during the test.

NOTE 1 The surge impedance of the test apparatus should be 500 Ω; a substantial reduction of this value is
under consideration.
NOTE 2 The expression “discharge“ is used to cover the phenomena associated with the failure of insulation
under electric stress, which includes current flow and a drop in voltage.
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Table 101 – Test voltage across the open contacts for verifying the suitability
for isolation, referred to the rated voltage of the isolating switch and
to the altitude where the test is carried out

Rated voltage Test voltage [kV] and corresponding altitudes above sea level [m]
V Sea level 200 500 1 000 2 000
Not exceeding
3,5 3,5 3,4 3,2 3
130 V
Exceeding
6,2 6 5,8 5,6 5
130 V

17 Temperature rise

This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.

Replacement of Table 15:

Table 15 – Temperature-rise test currents and cross-sectional areas

of copper conductors

Nominal cross-sectional
Rated current Test current area of conductors
A A mm 2

16 20 4a
20 25 4
25 32 6
32 38 10
40 46 16
45 51 16
50 57,5 16
63 75 25
80 90 25
100 115 35
125 145 50
a For isolating switches having a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V, other than those of
pattern number 3 and 03 the test shall be carried out with conductors having a
cross-sectional area of 2,5 mm 2 .

NOTE See Annex ZB for special national conditions.

Replacement of the penultimate paragraph before Note 5:

The temperature rise test of the terminals shall not exceed 45 K for isolating switches having
rated current up to and including 63 A, 65 K for isolating switches having rated current greater
than 63 A.
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18 Making and breaking capacity

This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.

Additional subclause:

18.101 Short-circuit withstand capability tests

Six new specimens are used for this test.

The test is intended to verify that the isolating switch is able to withstand, without damage,
short-circuit currents up to and including its rated conditional short-circuit current.

18.101.1 General conditions for test

The conditions of 18.101 are applicable to any test intended to verify the behaviour of the
isolating switches under short-circuit conditions.

a) Test circuit

Figures 101, 102, 103 and 104 respectively give diagrams of the circuits to be used for the
tests concerning:
– a single pole isolating switch;
– a two-pole isolating switch;
– a three-pole isolating switch;
– a four-pole isolating switch.
The supply S feeds a circuit including resistors R, reactors L, the short circuit protection
device SCPD and the isolating switch under test D.
The values of the resistors and reactors of the test circuit shall be adjusted to satisfy the
specified test conditions.
The reactors L shall be air-cored. They shall always be connected in series with the
resistors R, and their value shall be obtained by connecting individual reactors in series;
parallel connecting of reactors is allowed when these reactors have practically the same
time-constant.
Since the transient recovery voltage characteristics of test circuits including large air-
cored reactors are not representative of normal service conditions, the air-cored reactor in
any phase shall be shunted by a resistor taking approximately 1 % of the current through
the reactor, unless otherwise agreed between manufacturer and user.
In each test circuit the resistors R and the reactors L are inserted between the supply
source S and the isolating switch D.
The SCPD is inserted between the resistor R and the isolating switch D.
For the tests of 18.101.2 the isolating switch D shall be connected with cables having a
length of 0,75 m per pole and the maximum cross-sectional area corresponding to the
rated current according to Table 2.
NOTE It is recommended to connect 0,5 m on the supply side and 0,25 m on the load side of the isolating
switch.

The diagram of the test circuit shall be given in the test report. It shall be in accordance
with the relevant figure.
There shall be one and only one point of the test circuit which is directly earthed; this shall
be the neutral point of the supply.
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The SCPD may be a circuit-breaker, or a fuse, having an I 2 t and peak current I p not
exceeding the I 2 t and peak current I p withstand capabilities stated by the manufacturer for
the isolating switch D.
For the purpose of verifying the minimum I 2 t and I p values to be withstood by the isolating
switch, as given in Table 102, tests have to be performed. The SCPD shall be adjusted
and shall be embodied either by a silver wire using the test apparatus shown in Figure 105
or by a fuse (as proposed in Annex BB) or by any other means.
For the purpose of this test, verification of the correctly selected and adjusted SCPD (I 2 t
and I p ) is made prior to testing, the isolating switch being replaced by a temporary
connection having a negligible impedance.
The minimum values of let-through energy I 2 t and peak current based on an electrical
angle of 45°, are given in Table 102.
Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, these values shall not be higher than
1,1 times the values given in Table 102.

Table 102 – Minimum values of I 2 t and I p

Inc Ip / I 2t In = 16 A 16 A < In ≤ 32 A 32 A < In ≤ 40 A 40 A < In ≤ 63 A 63 A < In ≤ 80 A 80 A < In ≤ 125 A

1 500 I p (kA) 1,02 1,50 1,90 2,10 - -

2 2
I t (kA s) 1,00 4,10 9,75 22,00 - -
3 000 I p (kA) 1,10 1,85 2,35 3,30 3,70 3,95
2 2
I t (k A s) 1,20 4,50 8,70 22,50 36,00 72,50
4 500 I p (kA) 1,15 2,05 2,70 3,90 4,80 5,60
2 2
I t (k A s) 1,45 5,00 9,70 28,00 40,00 82,00
>6 000 I p (kA) 1,30 2,30 3,00 4,05 5,10 5,80
2 2
I t (k A s) 1,60 6,00 11,50 25,00 47,00 65,00

NOTE 1 At the request of the manufacturer higher values of I 2 t and I p may be used.
NOTE See Annex ZB for special national conditions.

For intermediate values of short-circuit test currents the next higher short-circuit current
shall apply.
The verification of the minimum I 2 t and I p values is not needed if the manufacturer has
stated for the isolating switches values higher than the minimum ones, in which case the
stated values shall be verified.
For co-ordination with circuit-breakers, tests with this combination are necessary.
All the conductive parts of the isolating switch D normally earthed in service, including the
metal support on which the isolating switch is mounted or any metal enclosure (see
18.101.1 f), shall be connected to the neutral point of the supply or to a substantially non-
inductive artificial neutral permitting a prospective fault current of at least 100 A.
This connection shall include a copper wire F of 0,1 mm diameter and not less than 50 mm
in length for the detection of the fault current and, if necessary, a resistor R 1 limiting the
value of the prospective fault current of approximately 100 A.
The current sensors O 1 are connected on the load side of the isolating switch D.
The voltage sensors O 2 are connected across the supply terminals.
Resistors R 2 drawing a current of 10 A per phase are connected on the supply side of the
isolating switch D between the reactor for adjusting the prospective current to the rated
conditional short-circuit current of the isolating switch and the isolating switch D.
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Unless otherwise stated in the test report, the resistance of the measuring circuits shall be
at least 100 ohm per volt of the power frequency recovery voltage.

b) Tolerances for test quantities

The verification tests for the conditional short-circuit withstand capability shall be
performed at values of influencing quantities and factors as stated by the manufacturer in
accordance with Clause 5, unless otherwise specified.
The tests are considered as valid if the values as recorded in the test report are within the
following tolerances for the specified values:
+5
– current: ( ) %;
0

– rated frequency: ± 5 %;
– voltage: ± 5 % (including recovery voltage).

c) Power factor of the test circuit

The power factor of each phase of the test circuit shall be determined according to a
recognised method which shall be stated in the test report.
Two examples are given in Annex C.
The power factor of a polyphase circuit is considered as the mean value of the power
factor of each phase.
The power factor shall be in accordance with Table 103.

Table 103 – Power factors for short-circuit tests

Short circuit current Power factor

A
I c = 1 500 0,95 to 0,98

1 500 < I c ≤ 3 000 0,85 to 0,90

3 000 < I c ≤ 4 500 0,75 to 0,80

4 500 < I c ≤ 6 000 0,65 to 0,70

6 000 < I c ≤ 10 000 0,45 to 0,50

10 000 < I c ≤ 25 000 0,20 to 0,25

d) Power frequency recovery voltage

The value of the power frequency recovery voltage shall be equal to a value
corresponding to 105 % of the rated voltage of the isolating switch D.
NOTE 2 The value of 105 % of the rated voltage is deemed to cover the effects of the variations of the
system voltage under normal service conditions. The upper limit value may be increased with the approval of
the manufacturer.

e) Calibration of the test circuit

The isolating switch D and the SCPD are replaced by temporary connections G 1 having
negligible impedance compared with that of the test circuit.
For the test of 18.101.2 the load terminals of the isolating switch D being short-circuited
by means of the connections of negligible impedance, the resistors R and the reactors L
are adjusted so as to obtain, at the test voltage, a current equal to the rated conditional
short-circuit current at the prescribed power-factor; the test circuit is energised
simultaneously in all poles and the current curve is recorded with the current sensor O 1 .
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f) Condition of the isolating switch for test

The isolating switch D shall be mounted on a metal support in free air, unless it is
intended for installation in an individual metal enclosure specified by the manufacturer, in
which case it shall be tested in the smallest of such individual enclosures.
Its control mechanism shall be operated simulating as closely as possible the normal
manual operation.
It shall be verified that the isolating switch D operates correctly on no-load when it is
operated under the specified conditions.

g) Sequence of operations

The test procedure consists of a sequence of operations. The following symbols are used
for defining the sequence of operations:
O represents an automatic opening operation of the SCPD, the short-circuit being
established by the closing device T, with the isolating switch under test (D) and the
SCPD in the closed position;
CO represents a closing operation of the isolating switch under test (D), both the closing
device T and the SCPD being in the closed position, followed by an automatic
operation of the SCPD.
t represents the time interval between two successive short-circuit operations, which
shall be at least 3 min.

h) Behaviour of the isolating switch during tests

During tests, the isolating switch D shall not endanger the operator.
Furthermore, there shall be no permanent arcing, no flashover between poles or between
poles and exposed conductive parts, no melting of the fuse F.

i) Condition of the isolating switch after tests

After the test carried out in accordance with 18.101.2 the isolating switch D shall show no
damage impairing its further use and shall be capable, without maintenance, of
– complying with the requirements of 16.2 without previous humidity treatment, the test
voltage of 4 000 V being reduced by 1 000 V, and the other test voltages by 500 V;
– switching on and off its rated current at its rated voltage once only.

18.101.2 Verification of the co-ordination between the isolating switch and the SCPD

These tests are intended to verify that the isolating switch D, protected by the SCPD, is able
to withstand, without damage, short-circuit currents up to and including its rated conditional
short-circuit current (see 6.101).

The short-circuit current is interrupted by the SCPD.

The SCPD is renewed or reset as applicable, after each operation.

The following test is made under the general conditions of 18.101.1, to check that at the rated
conditional short-circuit current I nc the SCPD protects the isolating switch.

For the breaking operations (sequence O), the closing device T is synchronised with respect
to the voltage wave so that a point of initiation is +45° ± 5° from the 0 crossing point. The
same phase shall be used as reference for the purpose of synchronisation for the different
specimens.
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a) Test condition
The connections G 1 of negligible impedance are replaced by the isolating switch D and by
the SCPD.
b) Test procedure
The following sequence of operations is performed:

O - t - CO
NOTE For the explanation of this sequence of operations see 18.101.1 g).

19 Normal operation

This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.

Addition:

After the normal operation tests the isolating switch shall comply with 6 mA maximum leakage
current test with a voltage of 110 % of the rated voltage.

19.1 Replacement of Table 17:

Table 17 – Number of operations for normal operation test

Rated current Number of

operations

16 A, for isolating switches having a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V a.c. of pattern
40 000
number 2
16 A, for pattern number 3 and 03 having a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V
20 000
16 A, for isolating switches having a rated voltage exceeding 250 V a.c.
Above 16 A up to and including 40 A 10 000
Above 40 A up to and including 80 A 5 000
Above 80 A up to and including 125 A 1 000

Replacement of the third paragraph starting from the end by:

After the test, the specimen shall withstand an electric strength test as specified in 16.2
without previous humidity treatment, the test voltage of 4 000 V being reduced by 1 000 V,
and the other test voltages by 500 V, and a temperature rise test as specified in Clause 17,
the test current being reduced to a value of the rated current.
NOTE See Annex ZB for special national conditions.

20 Mechanical strength

This clause of Part 1 applies.

21 Resistance to heat

This clause of Part 1 applies.

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22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections

This clause of Part 1 applies.

23 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound

This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.

Replacement of point 1 of Table 20:

1 Between live parts which are separated when the contacts are open ......……………………………...4 101

Replacement of point 6 of Table 20

6 Between live parts which are separated when the contacts are open . ......……………………………....4 101

Addition of the following footnote to Table 20:

101 If the value is lower than 4 mm but not lower than 3 mm compliance with this standard is given when the
isolating switches fulfil the conditions of the test of 16.101.

24 Resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat, to fire and to tracking

This clause of Part 1 applies except as follows.

24.2 Replacement of the first paragraph

For isolating switches, parts of insulating material retaining live parts in position shall be of
material resistant to tracking.

25 Resistance to rusting

This clause of Part 1 applies.

26 EMC requirements

This clause of Part 1 applies.

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Figures

Figures of Part 1 apply except as follows.

Figure 1

Addition:

Addition of two rows to the table of dimensions:

35 8,2 3,5 2,5 – – – – – –

50 10 4 2,5 – – – – – –

Figure 2

Addition:

Addition of two rows to the table of dimensions:

Up to 35 8,2 – – – –
Up to 50 10 – – – –

Figure 3

Addition:

Addition of two rows to the table of dimensions:

Up to 35 8,2 –
Up to 50 10 –

Figure 4

Addition:

Addition of two rows to the table of dimensions:

Up to 35 9 – –
Up to 50 9 – –

Figure 5

Addition:

Addition of two rows to the table of dimensions:

Up to 35 8.2 –
Up to 50 10 –
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Additional figures:

R
F

L
R1
R2

G1 P

O2

G1

O1

IEC 419/04

Key

S = Supply
R = Adjustable load resistor
L = Adjustable load reactor
T = Closing device
F = Copper wire fuse
R1 = Fault current limiting resistor
R2 = Resistor drawing a current of 10 A per phase
P = SCPD
G1 = Temporary connection for calibration
O1 = Current sensor
O2 = Voltage sensor
D = Isolating switch under test

Figure 101 – Test circuit for verification of the short circuit withstand capability
with a SCPD of one-pole isolating switch
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S
N

R R
F

L L
R1
R2

G1 P G1

O2

G1 G1

O1

IEC 420/04

Key

S = Supply
R = Adjustable load resistor
L = Adjustable load reactor
T = Closing device
F = Copper wire fuse
R1 = Fault current limiting resistor
R2 = Resistor drawing a current of 10 A per phase
P = SCPD
G1 = Temporary connection for calibration
O1 = Current sensor
O2 = Voltage sensor
D = Isolating switch under test

Figure 102 – Test circuit for verification of the short circuit withstand capability
with a SCPD of a two-pole isolating switch
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S
N

R R R
F

L L L
R1
R2

G1

G1 P G1

O2 O2

O2

G1
G1 G1
D

O1 O1 O1

IEC 421/04

Key

S = Supply
R = Adjustable load resistor
L = Adjustable load reactor
T = Closing device
F = Copper wire fuse
R1 = Fault current limiting resistor
R2 = Resistor drawing a current of 10 A per phase
P = SCPD
G1 = Temporary connection for calibration
O1 = Current sensor
O2 = Voltage sensor
D = Isolating switch under test

Figure 103 – Test circuit for verification of the short circuit withstand capability
with a SCPD of a three-pole isolating switch
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S N

R R R
F

L L L
R1
R2

G1

G1 P G1

O2 O2

O2

G1 G1
G1 G1

O1 O1 O1

IEC 422/04

Key

S = Supply
R = Adjustable load resistor
L = Adjustable load reactor
T = Closing device
F = Copper wire fuse
R1 = Fault current limiting resistor
R2 = Resistor drawing a current of 10 A per phase
P = SCPD
G1 = Temporary connection for calibration
O1 = Current sensor
O2 = Voltage sensor
D = Isolating switch under test

Figure 104 – Test circuit for verification of the short circuit withstand capability
with a SCPD of a four-pole isolating switch
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1
48 200
20

40
2 2

80
200

4
5

10 10 80 10
5,5
3

5 79

90

R=1
25

12
1

IEC 423/04
Dimensions in millimetres

Key

1) Gliding plates
2) Terminal
3) Stop for gliding plate
4) Silver wire

Figure 105 – Test apparatus for verification of the minimum I 2 t and I p values
to be withstood by the isolating switch
Licensed Copy: Institute Of Technology Tallaght, Institute of Technology, Fri Aug 31 18:56:54 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
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Annex A
Annexes

Replacement:
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066-96-24  IE:C002 4

Annexes of Part 1 apply except as follows.

– 28–
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Annex A
(normative)
Survey of specimens needed for tests

The numbers of specimens needed for the tests according to 5.4 are as follows:

Number of
additional
Number
Clauses and subclauses specimens for
of specimens
dual current
rating
6 Ratings A
7 Classification A
8 Marking A
9 Checking of dimensions ABC
10 Protection against electric shock ABC
11 Provision for earthing ABC
12 Terminals a ABC JKL
13 Constructional requirements b ABC
14 Mechanism ABC
15 Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of ABC
switches and resistance to humidity
16 Insulation resistance and electric strength ABC
17 Temperature rise ABC JKL
18.1 and18.2 Making and breaking capacity ABC JKL
19 Normal operation c ABC JKL
16.101 Impulse test d ABC
20 Mechanical strength subclauses 20.1 to 20.9 e ABC
21 Resistance to heat ABC
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections ABC
23 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing
compound ABC
18.101 Short circuit withstand capability XYZ + PQR
16.101 Impulse test d XYZ
19.2 Normal operation for fluorescent lamp circuits DEF MNO
24.1 Resistance to abnormal heat and to fire GHI
24.2 Resistance to tracking f GHI
25 Resistance to rusting GHI
TOTAL 15 6
a Five extra screwless terminals are used for the test of 12.3.11 and one extra set of specimens is used for the
test of 12.3.12.
b An extra set of membranes are needed for each of the tests of 13.15.1 and 13.15.2.
c For isolating switches of pattern number 2 one extra set of specimens is used.
d Test to be carried out only if the clearance of item 6 of Clause 23 is lower than 4 mm.
e One extra set of specimens of cord-operated isolating switches is needed for the test of 20.9.
f One extra set of specimens may be used.
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Annex B
(normative)

Additional requirements for switches having facilities for the outlet and
retention of flexible cables

This annex of Part 1 applies.

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Additional annexes:

Annex AA
(informative)

Determination of short-circuit power factor

AA.1 Introduction

There is no method by which the short-circuit power factor can be determined with precision.
Two examples of acceptable methods are given in this annex.

AA.2 Method I – Determination from d.c. component

The angle may be determined from the curve of the d.c. component of the asymmetrical
current wave between the instant of the short-circuit and the instant of contact separation as
follows:

a) The formula for the d.c. component is:

i d = I do . e -Rt/L

where

id is the value of d.c. components at the instant t;

I do is the value of the d. c. component at the instant taken as time origin;
L/R is the time constant of the circuit, in seconds;
t is the time, in seconds, taken from the initial instant;
e is the base of Napierian logarithms.

The time-constant L/R can be ascertained from the above formula as follows:

1) measure the value of I do at the instant of short-circuit and the value of i d at another
instant t before contact separation;
2) determine the value of e -Rt/L by dividing i d by I do ;
3) from a table of values of e -x , determine the value of -x corresponding to the ratio of i d /
I do
4) the value x represents Rt/L from which L/R is obtained.

b) Determine the angle ϕ from:

ϕ = arc tan ω L/R
where ω is 2 π times the actual frequency.

This method should not be used when the currents are measured by current transformers.
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066-96-24  IE:C002 4 – 32–

AA.3 Method II - Determination with pilot generator

When a pilot generator is used on the same shaft as the test generator, the voltage of the
pilot generator on the oscillogram may be compared in phase first with the voltage of the test
generator and then with the current of the test generator.

The difference between the phase angles between pilot generator voltage and main generator
voltage on the one hand and pilot generator voltage and test generator current on the other
hand gives the phase angle between the voltage and current of the test generator, from which
the power factor can be determined.
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066-96-24  IE:C002 4 – 33–

Annex BB
(informative)

SCPDs for short-circuit tests

BB.1 Introduction

For the verification of the minimum I 2 t and l p values to be withstood by the isolating switch as
given in Table 102, short-circuit tests have to be performed. The short-circuit tests shall be
made by the use of a fuse or a silver wire using the test apparatus shown in Figure 105 or by
the use of any other means producing the required I 2 t and l p values.

BB.2 Silver wires

For the purpose of verifying the minimum I 2 t and l p values to be withstood by the isolating
switch, in order to obtain reproducible test results, the SCPD, if any, may be a silver wire
using the test apparatus shown in Figure 105.

For silver wires with at least 99,9 % purity, Table BB.1 gives an indication of the diameters
according to the rated current l n and the short-circuit currents l nc .

Table BB.1 – Indication of silver wire diameters as a function of rated currents

and short-circuit currents
a
l nc Silver wire diameter in mm corresponding to
A l n = 16 A 16 A < l n ≤ 32 A 32 A < l n ≤ 40 A 40 A< l n ≤ 63 A 63 A < l n ≤ 80 A 80 A < l n ≤ 125 A
1 500 0,35 0,50 0,65 0,85 - -
3 000 0,35 0,50 0,60 0,80 0,95 1,15
4 500 0,35 0,50 0,60 0,80 0,90 1,15
>6 000 0,35 0,50 0,60 0,75 0,90 1,00
a The silver wire diameter values are essentially based on peak current (I p ) considerations (see Table 102).

NOTE See Annex ZB for special national conditions.

The silver wire shall be inserted horizontally in the appropriate position of the test apparatus
shown in Figure 105 and stretched. The silver wire shall be replaced after each test.

BB.3 Fuses

For the purpose of verifying the minimum I 2 t and l p values to be withstood by the isolating
switch, in order to obtain reproducible test results, the SCPD, if any, may be a corresponding
fuse.

The rating of the fuse shall not be smaller than the rating of the isolating switch. Higher
ratings of fuses may be used to obtain the I 2 t and l p values of Table 102.

Intermediate values can be achieved by adding fuses in parallel.

BB.4 Other means

Other means may be used provided that the values of Table 102 are fulfilled.
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066-96-24  IE:C002 4 – 34–

Addition:

Bibliography

IEC 60664-1:1992, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests

NOTE Harmonized as EN 60664-1:2003 (not modified).

IEC 60999 (all parts), Connecting devices – Electrical copper conductors – Safety require-
ments for screw-type and screwless-type clamping units

NOTE Harmonized in the EN 60999 series (not modified).

___________
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Annex ZA
(normative)

Normative references to international publications

with their corresponding European publications

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.

NOTE Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.

Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 61180-1 1992 High-voltage test techniques for low-voltage EN 61180-1 1994
equipment
Part 1: Definitions, test and procedure
requirements
_____________
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Annex ZB
(normative)

Special national conditions

Special national condition: National characteristic or practice that cannot be changed even over a long
period, e.g. climatic conditions, electrical earthing conditions.

NOTE If it affects harmonization, it forms part of the European Standard.

For the countries in which the relevant special national conditions apply these provisions are normative,
for other countries they are informative.

Clause Special national condition

6.2 United Kingdom

Add:

Isolators having a rated current below 16 A are widely used and permitted. In the United
Kingdom, this clause in Part 1 applies.

12 United Kingdom

Add after Table 2:

Isolators having a rated current below 16 A are widely used and permitted. In the United
Kingdom, Table 2 of Part 1 applies.

12.2.5 United Kingdom

Add after Table 4:

Isolators having a rated current below 16 A are widely used and permitted. In the United
Kingdom, Table 4 of Part 1 applies.

12.2.6 United Kingdom

Add after Table 5:

Isolators having a rated current below 16 A are widely used and permitted. In the United
Kingdom, Table 5 of Part 1 applies.

12.2.7 United Kingdom

Add after Table 6:

Isolators having a rated current below 16 A are widely used and permitted. In the United
Kingdom, Table 6 of Part 1 applies.

12.3.2 United Kingdom

Add after Table 7:

Isolators having a rated current below 16 A are widely used and permitted. In the United
Kingdom, Table 7 of Part 1 applies.
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Clause Special national condition

12.3.11 United Kingdom

Add after Table 8:

Isolators having a rated current below 16 A are widely used and permitted. In the United
Kingdom, Table 8 of Part 1 applies.

12.3.12 United Kingdom

Add after Table 10:

Isolators having a rated current below 16 A are widely used and permitted. In the United
Kingdom, Tables 9 and 10 of Part 1 applies.

13.12 United Kingdom

Add after Table 12:

Isolators having a rated current below 16 A are widely used and permitted. In the United
Kingdom, Table 12 of Part 1 applies.

17 United Kingdom

Add after Table 15:

Isolators having a rated current below 16 A are widely used and permitted. In the United
Kingdom, Table 15 of Part 1 applies.

18.101.1 United Kingdom

Add after Table 102:

Isolators having a rated current below 16 A are widely used and permitted. For current
rating less than 16 A, the column for 16 A rating applies.

19.1 United Kingdom

Add at the end:

Isolators having a rated current below 16 A are widely used and permitted. In the United
Kingdom, Table 17 of Part 1 applies.

BB.2 United Kingdom

Add after Table BB.1:

Isolators having a rated current below 16 A are widely used and permitted. For current
rating less than 16 A, the column for 16 A rating applies.

__________
 BS EN
60669-2-4:2005
BSI — British Standards Institution
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