Electrical Engineering Standards Summary – September 2025 (Part 4 of 6)

Looking back at September 2025, the Electrical Engineering sector witnessed a concentrated set of standards that not only responded to the sector’s ongoing digital and regulatory evolution but also consolidated key requirements for low-voltage systems, digital information exchange, and advanced control devices. This part of our six-part monthly overview encompasses five notable standards, each addressing essential technical or operational aspects—from sophisticated BIM data models for assemblies to high-reliability control and switching elements. For professionals managing compliance, engineering design, and procurement, understanding these developments is vital to align operations with the latest benchmarks and best practices.

Monthly Overview: September 2025

In the context of Electrical Engineering, September 2025 witnessed continued momentum in standardizing digital workflows and strengthening both safety and interoperability for low-voltage systems. Compared to typical months, there was a marked focus on aligning product data with building information modelling (BIM), updating control and switching devices for evolving smart grid and prosumer contexts, and expanding functional safety and communication abilities. This cluster of publications reflects an industry readiness for digital transformation, smarter buildings, and greater system resilience.

Key trends observed include:

• Increasing adoption of BIM and digital object models within electrical products lifecycle
• Standardization initiatives supporting distributed energy, prosumer installations, and flexible network topologies
• Enhanced requirements for electromechanical contactors, motor-starters, and proximity sensors to meet contemporary performance and cybersecurity expectations

The standards published this month send a clear message: supply chains, manufacturers, and designers will need to prioritize data-driven workflows, cyber-physical system alignment, and interoperability to stay competitive and compliant going forward.

Standards Published This Month

IEC 62683-2-2:2025 – BIM for Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies

Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Product data and properties for information exchange - Engineering data - Part 2-2: Switchgear and controlgear assembly objects for building information modelling

IEC 62683-2-2:2025 is a pioneering standard that specifies the information structure and digital object models for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies within Building Information Modelling (BIM) environments. Targeted mainly at the construction phase—but extending throughout the building lifecycle—it provides standardized BIM object models registered in the IEC Common Data Dictionary. These support the process defined by ISO 16739 series (Industry Foundation Classes, or IFC), ensuring accurate, interoperable data exchange amongst stakeholders.

The standard's coverage excludes the detailed configuration of internal components, safety-related machinery control, and logistical data, focusing instead on assemblies as defined within the IEC 61439 series, with future scope for busbar trunking systems. Its approach connects with global trends towards digitalized construction and opens new opportunities for lifecycle data-driven asset management.

This standard is highly relevant for:

• Electrical designers and engineers working in BIM-enabled workflows
• Manufacturers of switchgear and controlgear assemblies
• General contractors, facility managers, and digital construction consultants

Key highlights:

• Standardizes BIM data for low-voltage switchgear assemblies
• Ensures compatibility with ISO 16739 (IFC) and BuildingSMART principles
• Facilitates data-driven construction, operation, and maintenance processes

Access the full standard:View IEC 62683-2-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

IEC 63445:2025 – System Referencing Conductor Switching Device (SRCSD)

System referencing conductor switching device

IEC 63445:2025 lays down comprehensive requirements and testing regimes for System Referencing Conductor Switching Devices (SRCSD), with particular focus on household and similar prosumer electrical installations (PEI). The SRCSD plays a pivotal role in enabling local installations to operate both in connection with, and isolated from, the main distribution network—vital for islandable prosumer systems, microgrids, and smart home environments.

The standard encompasses detailed classifications by operation, interlocking, mounting, and terminal types, and demands rigorous construction, insulation, protection, reliability, and EMC performance. It also defines extensive tests for mechanical, thermal, and reliability requirements, ensuring devices can withstand operational and environmental stresses typical in modern flexible power systems.

This standard is crucial for:

• Manufacturers of switching and safety devices for distributed power systems
• Designers and operators of smart home, prosumer, and islandable energy installations
• Certification and testing bodies focused on new energy and resilience solutions

Key highlights:

• Supports intentional and unintentional connection/disconnection of PEIs from grid
• Mandates robust mechanical, electrical, and EMC performance under diverse use cases
• Aligns device operation with local earthing requirements and safety needs

Access the full standard:View IEC 63445:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 60947-4-1:2025 – Electromechanical Contactors and Motor-Starters

Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 4-1: Contactors and motor-starters - Electromechanical contactors and motor-starters

EN IEC 60947-4-1:2025 (aligned with IEC 60947-4-1:2023) is a cornerstone revision governing electromechanical contactors and motor-starters for low-voltage applications up to 1000 V AC or 1500 V DC. The fifth edition brings substantial technical updates in definitions, product types, functional requirements, and environmental responsibilities.

Key additions include expanded categories (e.g., instantaneous only motor protective switching devices), enhanced definitions, incorporation of AC-7d utilization category, updated methodologies for overload protection and environmental aspects, cybersecurity considerations, and improved coordination references. This reflects an ongoing push for smarter, more sustainable, and resilient motor-control solutions in both industrial and commercial settings.

Organizations engaged in:

• Manufacturing or specifying contactors and starters
• Integrating advanced protective and control schemes
• Managing safety and lifecycle management for low-voltage installations

will find actionable updates to harmonize with contemporary compliance, sustainability, and performance requirements.

Key highlights:

• Robust revision aligning with updated safety, environmental, and cyber requirements
• Introduces new types and enhanced methods for motor protection and utilization
• Supports photovoltaic (PV), smart drive, and grid-tied application needs

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60947-4-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 60947-5-7:2025 – Proximity Devices with Analogue Output

Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 5-7: Control circuit devices and switching elements - Proximity devices with analogue output

EN IEC 60947-5-7:2025 delivers completely revised requirements for proximity devices featuring analogue outputs—addressing the rapid growth of digitalized automation and precise sensing operations. Replacing the 2003 edition, this document now expands on analogue characteristics, performance, EMC, and harmonization with essential standards such as IEC 62683 and IEC 61131-2/9.

The standard clarifies essential product attributes (e.g., output voltage/current, linearity, signal ranges), specifies test procedures, and introduces annexes for conformity evaluation and interoperability. This pushes device design and specification forward, enabling next-generation industrial controls, robotics, and smart process environments.

The revision is relevant for:

• Sensing and automation device manufacturers
• System integrators and robotics designers
• Industries employing analogue process and proximity feedback

Key highlights:

• Expanded performance and EMC requirements for analogue proximity devices
• Harmonized definitions and communication compliance
• New test methodologies for reliability, accuracy, and digital communication interfaces

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60947-5-7:2025 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

Across this month’s releases, two dominant trajectories emerge: the digitalization of electrical systems (notably via standardized BIM and advanced information exchange), and the increasing integration between safety/switching devices and distributed, dynamic power sources. In addition:

• BIM and Digital Modelling: With IEC 62683-2-2:2025, digital object standards are now entering the switchgear and controlgear domain, vital for future-ready, interoperable construction.
• Smart Grids and Prosumer Enablement: IEC 63445:2025 reflects the pivotal shift toward decentralization and end-user energy generation, requiring robust, adaptive switching devices.
• Product Safety, Cybersecurity, and Environmental Design: The evolution of EN IEC 60947-4-1 reinforces holistic considerations—now spanning from classic electrical safety to software, EMC, and sustainability.
• Precision and Interoperability in Sensing: Updated proximity device standards empower fine-grained control and data capture within industrial automation and digitalized environments.

With these standards, professionals see the sector’s trajectory toward increased system intelligence, higher data quality, and seamless integration between digital and physical infrastructure.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

Organizations impacted by these standards should prioritize the following actions:

1. For digital and BIM-based projects: Map current product data/IPCs to the new IEC 62683-2-2 BIM structures. Update design processes to ensure compatibility with IFC and associated data templates.
2. For prosumer/grid-interactive installations: Evaluate the selection and installation of SRCSDs per IEC 63445, accounting for islanding, earthing, and switching scenarios. Integrate tested devices into your compliance documentation and training.
3. For switchgear and motor-control procurement: Audit existing contactor/motor-starter lines against the new EN IEC 60947-4-1 edition. Address updated requirements regarding overload protection, environmental performance, and cybersecurity.
4. For industrial sensing and automation: Review all specifications for proximity devices with analog outputs. Ensure new and replacement deployments are evaluated against EN IEC 60947-5-7 for reliability, accuracy, and EMC.

Implementation timeline:

• Immediate alignment is critical for new projects and tenders commencing post-publication
• Existing installations and ongoing projects should plan audits and transitionary upgrades; transition periods can range from 1–3 years, but earlier adoption will provide compliance and interoperability advantages

Resources for support:

• Each standard is available with full detail through iTeh Standards (https://standards.iteh.ai)
• Technical committees and national standards bodies provide interpretation and implementation workshops
• Specialized training and software vendors are increasingly offering BIM, cyber, and testing integration solutions

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from September 2025

Reflecting on September 2025, the published standards in Electrical Engineering bring a sharper focus on digitalization, distributed energy, and holistic lifecycle performance. Embracing these frameworks allows industry participants to future-proof their operations, enhance compliance postures, and harness smarter, more connected infrastructures.

Recommendations:

• For professionals working in design, operations, and compliance, now is the time to deepen familiarity with both BIM-based practices and advanced device standards
• Procurement teams should reference the latest documents for all new purchases or specification updates
• System integrators and maintenance personnel must update procedures, tools, and training materials to reflect expanded requirements

Staying up-to-date with these developments is not just about compliance, but about securing a leadership stance in a rapidly evolving field. Continuously consult authoritative sources like iTeh Standards to ensure your organization benefits fully from the latest standardization knowledge and strategic direction.