builds directly on Part 1. It adds specific requirements for power switchgear assemblies – the main distribution boards feeding motors, transformers, and large loads.
3. The Three Responsibilities: Original Manufacturer, Assembly Manufacturer, and User
Whether you are looking for an download to verify compliance, design a compliant power panel, or understand the responsibilities of an original manufacturer, this comprehensive article breaks down everything you need to know about these critical international standards. What is IEC 61439?
IEC 61439-1 lays down the general definitions, service conditions, construction requirements, technical characteristics, and verification requirements for low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. This document applies to low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies (referred to as "ASSEMBLIES" in the standard) only when required by the relevant assembly standard that follows it.
[System Design by Original Manufacturer] │ ▼ [Design Verification (Testing, Comparison, Assessment)] │ ▼ [Custom Assembly Configuration by Panel Builder] │ ▼ [Routine Verification (Inspections, Dielectric, Wiring)] │ ▼ [Declaration of Conformity & CE/UKCA Labeling] iec 614391 and 2 pdf
One of the most crucial elements highlighted in any reference guide is the division of liability between the design phase and the construction phase.
The old concepts of Type-Tested Assemblies (TTA) and Partially Type-Tested Assemblies (PTTA) were completely discarded. IEC 61439 replaces them with a unified verification system, ensuring every assembly achieves equivalent safety regardless of its custom design. The Three Methods of Design Verification
: Physical laboratory tests conducted on a prototype or component configuration.
Engineers, panel builders, and specifiers frequently search for the to understand compliance requirements. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of these two critical standards, explaining how they interact, how verification works, and how to implement them successfully. 1. Structure of the IEC 61439 Standard Series builds directly on Part 1
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IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2 are the international standards governing (up to 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC). They replaced the older IEC 60439 series to provide a more rigorous framework for safety and performance. Key Components of the Standard
While Design Verification is done once by the Original Manufacturer, must be performed by the Assembly Manufacturer on every single completed panel before it leaves the workshop.
This part serves as the foundation. It lays down the common definitions, operating conditions, construction requirements, technical characteristics, and verification methods applicable to all types of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. Note: Part 1 cannot be used alone to certify an assembly; it must always be paired with a specific product part. it introduced a unified
Annex C of IEC 61439-2 provides a user agreement template. This allows the end-user or specifier to define crucial installation parameters for the panel builder, including:
This part works in conjunction with Part 1 . It adds specific requirements for power switchgear assemblies (typically used for heavy industrial distribution, main switchboards, and motor control centers). Where Part 1 says "general rules," Part 2 says "and here is what is special for power assemblies."
IEC 61439 completely eliminated the TTA and PTTA terminology. Instead, it introduced a unified, precise engineering approach based on and Routine Verification . The Structure of the Series
Power assemblies specifics (Part 2)
: Major electrical manufacturers offer free, highly detailed engineering whitepapers and design guides based on the IEC 61439 standards. These are excellent, free legal alternatives for understanding the technical requirements without buying the raw standard text.