What is BS EN IEC 60947-3 about?
BS EN IEC 60947-3 is the third part of an international multi-series standard. It includes guidelines about low-voltage switchgear and control-gear. BS EN IEC 60947-3 applies to switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors, fuse combination units, and their dedicated accessories to be used in, distribution circuits and motor circuits where the rated voltage does not exceed 1000 V AC or 1500 V DC.
BS EN IEC 60947-3 also states the characteristics of the equipment, test methods confirming the conditions for the equipment operation and behaviour in normal service, in case of specified abnormal conditions, e. g. short-circuit and for dielectric properties.
Note: BS EN IEC 60947-3 does not include the additional requirements necessary for electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres.
Who is BS EN IEC 60947-3 for?
BS EN IEC 60947-3 on low-voltage switchgear and control-gear is for:
- Manufacturers of low voltage switches, disconnectors, fuses
- Suppliers and dealers of low voltage switches, disconnectors, fuses
- Installers and test conductors for low voltage switches, disconnectors, fuses
Why should you use BS EN IEC 60947-3?
Effective switchgear triggers immediately and automatically, interrupting the power supply to secure the electrical system from damage, in case of any fault. They are useful for de-energizing equipment for safe testing, maintenance, and clearance of fault.
BS EN IEC 60947-3 on low-voltage switchgear and control-gear, gives you particular requirements for switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors, and fuse combination units, that will help you to understand the use of switching devices for single or multiple switching tasks, depending on their type.
BS EN IEC 60947-3 gives specific requirements for LV switchgear intended for the connections of aluminium conductors as well as for switch-disconnectors and fuse combination units, for various areas such as in photovoltaic (PV) DC applications, which is very beneficial for you to fabricate a customized product.
BS EN IEC 60947-3 on low-voltage switchgear and control-gear provides guidance on measurement of power loss which enables you to trace the problems, eliminate them and enhance the quality of the low voltage switchgear. It also provides information relevant to the marking of the equipment that is useful for a manufacturer.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN IEC 60947-3:2021 supersedes BS EN 60947‑3:2009+A2:2015, which will be withdrawn on 19 February 2024. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
- Addition of critical load current tests for DC switches
- Addition of requirements for a conditional short-circuit rating for disconnectors, switches, and switch-disconnectors protected by circuit-breakers
- Addition of new categories for high-efficiency motors switching
- Addition of new Annex E for connection to aluminium conductors
- Addition of new Annex F for power losses measurement