What is the difference between IEC 60898 and IEC 60947?

Electrical systems are regulated globally to ensure safety and reliability. Two important standards that govern the performance and testing of low-voltage circuit breakers are IEC 60898 and IEC 60947. While both of these standards focus on circuit breakers, they differ in their scope and application.

IEC 60898: Ensuring residential and commercial safety

IEC 60898, also known as the International Electrotechnical Commission Standard for Circuit Breakers for Overcurrent Protection for Household and Similar Installations, primarily applies to low-voltage circuit breakers intended for residential and commercial use. The standard aims to ensure the safety of people and properties by providing guidelines for designing and manufacturing circuit breakers that protect against overloads and short circuits.

IEC 60898 specifies various performance requirements and tests that circuit breakers must comply with. These include carrying out operational tests at different current levels, endurance tests to check their ability to perform reliably over time, and temperature rise tests to assess their thermal characteristics. By meeting the requirements set forth in this standard, manufacturers can certify that their products are safe and reliable for use in household and similar installations.

IEC 60947: Addressing broader industrial applications

In contrast, IEC 60947, officially called the International Electrotechnical Commission Low-voltage Switchgear and Controlgear - Part 2: Circuit-Breakers, focuses on low-voltage circuit breakers used in a wider range of applications, including industrial settings. This standard covers circuit breakers for industrial control panels, motor control centers, and other equipment where higher currents or more complex electrical systems are involved.

Similar to IEC 60898, IEC 60947 includes requirements for the performance, testing, and construction of circuit breakers. However, it also provides additional guidance for applications such as selective coordination, where multiple circuit breakers need to coordinate their functions to ensure that only the faulty section is isolated during a fault, rather than bringing down the entire system. This standard offers more flexibility and customization options to meet the specific needs of industrial installations.

The key differences at a glance

To summarize, the main difference between IEC 60898 and IEC 60947 lies in their scope of application. IEC 60898 focuses on low-voltage circuit breakers for residential and commercial use, ensuring safety and protection against overloads and short circuits. On the other hand, IEC 60947 addresses a broader range of industrial applications, providing guidelines for circuit breakers used in complex electrical systems and control panels.

Both standards play a crucial role in maintaining electrical safety worldwide by setting benchmarks for manufacturers and facilitating international conformity assessment. By adhering to these standards, circuit breaker manufacturers can demonstrate the reliability and quality of their products, ultimately contributing to safer electrical installations across various sectors.