Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear — Part 1: General rules

This document applies, when required by the relevant product standard, to low-voltage switchgear and controlgear hereinafter referred to as "equipment" or “device” and intended to be connected to circuits, the rated voltage of which does not exceed 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC.  

This document states the general rules and common safety requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear, including: 

− definitions;  
− characteristics;  
− information supplied with the equipment;  
− normal service, mounting and transport conditions, decommissioning and dismantling;  
− constructional and performance requirements;  
− verification of characteristics and performance;  
− energy efficiency aspects (see Annex V);  
− environmental aspects.  

This document does not apply to:  
− low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies which are dealt with in IEC 61439 series, as applicable;  
− terminals for connection of aluminium conductors;  

NOTE Terminals for aluminium conductors are under consideration for the next revision.  
− use within explosive atmospheres (see IEC 60079 series);  
− software and firmware requirements for functional safety application (see IEC 61508-3);  
− cyber security aspects (see IEC 62443 series).