Now the logical question is: why do we need to meet this standard?
Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 8:59 am
Benefits of complying with EN 61439
First of all, it is the certainty that even in the event of an emergency, the switchgear will not be fatally damaged. Only the section that has failed will require repair. All other switchgear equipment will continue to operate, and the enterprise special database will not lose profits associated with the shutdown.
Basic technical requirements of the EN 61439 standard
The technical requirements of the standard primarily concern the following characteristics of the switchgear:
The thickness of the metal frame of the switchgear.
Wall thickness and barrier of the switchgear.
The number of tire holders, depending on its cross-section.
Type of busbar, depending on the section (flexible with insulation or open).
Compliance of circuit breakers with the low-voltage equipment safety standard.
Ventilation requirements.
Consequences of accidents on switchgear
Switchgear failures can have serious consequences for electrical networks, equipment and employees. The main consequences include:
Power outages : Accidents can lead to large-scale power outages, which can paralyze the operation of industrial enterprises, commercial facilities, and residential buildings.
Equipment damage : Accidents often cause significant damage to switchgear and other electrical equipment, which can require expensive repairs or replacement.
Fires : Faults in switchgear can cause fires that threaten not only material damage but also human life.
Injuries and Deaths : Electrical accidents can cause serious injuries or even death to people who are near the faulty equipment.
Economic losses : Production stoppages, damage to equipment and infrastructure can lead to significant economic losses for businesses and society as a whole.
This standard is quite voluminous, which makes studying it a lengthy task.
First of all, it is the certainty that even in the event of an emergency, the switchgear will not be fatally damaged. Only the section that has failed will require repair. All other switchgear equipment will continue to operate, and the enterprise special database will not lose profits associated with the shutdown.
Basic technical requirements of the EN 61439 standard
The technical requirements of the standard primarily concern the following characteristics of the switchgear:
The thickness of the metal frame of the switchgear.
Wall thickness and barrier of the switchgear.
The number of tire holders, depending on its cross-section.
Type of busbar, depending on the section (flexible with insulation or open).
Compliance of circuit breakers with the low-voltage equipment safety standard.
Ventilation requirements.
Consequences of accidents on switchgear
Switchgear failures can have serious consequences for electrical networks, equipment and employees. The main consequences include:
Power outages : Accidents can lead to large-scale power outages, which can paralyze the operation of industrial enterprises, commercial facilities, and residential buildings.
Equipment damage : Accidents often cause significant damage to switchgear and other electrical equipment, which can require expensive repairs or replacement.
Fires : Faults in switchgear can cause fires that threaten not only material damage but also human life.
Injuries and Deaths : Electrical accidents can cause serious injuries or even death to people who are near the faulty equipment.
Economic losses : Production stoppages, damage to equipment and infrastructure can lead to significant economic losses for businesses and society as a whole.
This standard is quite voluminous, which makes studying it a lengthy task.