What is the difference between IEC 60898-1 and 60947-2 ?

Title: What is the Difference Between IEC 60898 and IEC 60947? A Comprehensive Guide

Electrical systems are designed to ensure safety, reliability, and performance. To achieve these goals, various international standards are established. Two of the most important standards that impact the performance and testing of low-voltage circuit breakers are IEC 60898 and IEC 6094While both of these standards deal with circuit breakers, they have distinct differences in their scope and application. In this article, we will delve into the key differences between IEC 60898 and IEC 60947.

IEC 60898: Ensuring Residential and Commercial Safety

IEC 60898 is an essential standard for ensuring the safety of residential and commercial electrical systems. This standard covers various aspects of the circuit breaker's performance, such as its electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. It also specifies the tests that need to be performed to verify the compliance of the circuit breaker with safety regulations.

One of the primary goals of IEC 60898 is to ensure the integrity of the circuit breaker, which is critical for protecting people and property from electrical hazards. The standard sets guidelines for the design, testing, and certification of circuit breakers, which are essential for ensuring the safety of electrical installations.

IEC 60947: Protecting Electrical Enclosures from Foreign Objects

IEC 60947 is another essential standard for ensuring the safety of electrical equipment. It focuses on the degree of protection provided by enclosures of electrical equipment against the ingress of solid foreign objects and liquids. In simpler terms, IEC 60947 lays down the standards for the levels of protection an electrical enclosure offers against dust, dirt, water, and other foreign substances.

The primary purpose of IEC 60947 is to prevent damage or malfunctions caused by these external factors and ensure the continued operational safety and reliability of electrical equipment. The standard specifies a set of tests to assess the ingress protection of electrical enclosures, which are essential for ensuring the integrity and reliability of the enclosure.

Differences between IEC 60898 and IEC 60947

While both IEC 60898 and IEC 60947 are essential standards for ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical systems, they serve distinct purposes. The main difference lies in their respective focus areas.

IEC 60898 is concerned with the safety of lighting fixtures, while IEC 60947 addresses the protective capabilities of electrical enclosures. While IEC 60898 focuses more on internal electrical and mechanical safety aspects, IEC 60947 concentrates on external protection features.

Another significant difference is the testing and certification procedures involved. IEC 60898 requires specific performance tests to ensure compliance with safety regulations. These tests include tests for endurance, resistance to heat and fire, insulation properties, and photometric performance.

In contrast, IEC 60947 employs a different set of tests to assess the ingress protection provided by electrical enclosures. These tests evaluate the degree of protection against solid objects, water, corrosive substances, and other potentially damaging elements.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, IEC 60898 and IEC 60947 are two essential standards that regulate the performance and testing of low-voltage circuit breakers. While both standards focus on the safety and reliability of electrical systems, they differ in their scope and application. IEC 60898 is concerned with the safety of lighting fixtures, while IEC 60947 addresses the protective capabilities of electrical enclosures. The testing and certification procedures involved in each standard are also distinct, with IEC 60898 requiring specific performance tests and IEC 60947 employing a different set of tests to assess the ingress protection provided by enclosures.