EN 60034-8:2007/A1:2014

Overview

EN 60034-8:2007/A1:2014 (IEC 60034-8:2007/A1:2014) is a CENELEC/IEC amendment that clarifies and updates requirements for terminal markings and direction of rotation of rotating electrical machines. This Amendment 1 was approved by CENELEC on 24 April 2014 and updates Part 8 of the IEC 60034 series, which establishes standardized identification of machine terminals and the convention for indicating rotation. The amendment specifically refines provisions for synchronous machines, including field winding terminal designations and guidance for permanent magnet machines.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Terminal markings and direction of rotation for rotating electrical machines (general applicability across machine types).
• Amendment highlights for synchronous machines:
  • Primary windings: Terminal markings for synchronous machine primaries are to follow the conventions established for asynchronous machines.
  • Field winding (d.c. separately excited): Terminal markings shall be F1 and F2 for separately excited dc field windings.
  • Permanent magnet machines: Because there is no separate excitation, terminal markings for permanent magnet machines shall follow those established for asynchronous machines. This applies to machines driven by adjustable frequency drives (AFD) and to machines intended for across-the-line start, including designs with permanent magnets in/on the rotor with or without a squirrel-cage starting rotor.
• Direction of rotation: The standard defines the convention for indicating rotation direction (as part of Part 8), ensuring consistent labelling across equipment and documentation.
• Administrative details: Amendment 1 was incorporated into the European standard without modification and contains implementation timelines for national adoption.

Practical applications

• Ensures consistent terminal identification on motors and generators for installation, maintenance, testing, and documentation.
• Reduces wiring errors and improves safety by standardizing markings (especially important for multi-terminal synchronous machines and machines with dc field windings).
• Supports integration of permanent magnet motors with AFDs and traditional starters by clarifying terminal marking expectations.
• Useful for manufacturers, motor repair shops, test laboratories, and specifying engineers who need consistent terminal and rotation information for procurement, installation, and commissioning.

Who should use this standard

• Motor and generator manufacturers for product marking and documentation
• Electrical design engineers and panel builders for correct wiring and control schematics
• Maintenance personnel and installation contractors for safe connection and reversing procedures
• Test labs and certification bodies ensuring compliance with EN/IEC machine marking rules

Related standards

• IEC/EN 60034 series (general standard for rotating electrical machines)
• Other parts of IEC 60034 addressing performance, testing, and mounting that complement terminal/rotation markings

Keywords: EN 60034-8, IEC 60034-8, terminal markings, direction of rotation, rotating electrical machines, synchronous machines, permanent magnet machines, F1 F2, adjustable frequency drive, CENELEC.