EN 61229:1995/A2:2002

Overview

EN 61229:1995/A2:2002 is a European standard developed by CLC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) focusing on rigid protective covers for live working on alternating current (a.c.) installations. This standard provides essential guidelines and requirements to ensure safety and protection against electric shock during live electrical maintenance or operational activities on a.c. systems. It serves as an amendment (A2) to the original EN 61229:1995 standard, reflecting updates approved by CENELEC in 2002.

The standard harmonizes safety practices across member countries and mandates the use of specific protective covers designed to shield workers from electrical hazards. It aligns internationally with IEC 61229:1993/A2:2002, promoting uniform safety measures for live working environments.

Key Topics

• Rigid Protective Covers: Specifications for design, materials, and mechanical strength ensuring effective insulation and protection during live working on a.c. installations.
• Safety Against Electric Shock: Measures to minimize risk of electric shock, particularly during maintenance or inspection on live electrical equipment.
• Marking and Identification: Requirements for clear markings on the covers, including:
  • IEC graphical symbol for suitability for live working (IEC-60417-5216)
  • Relevant IEC standard number
  • Manufacturer's name or trademark
  • Cover class and category
  • Manufacturing date (year and possibly month)
  • Space for inspection date notation
• Compliance and Testing: Standards for testing the protective covers to verify their effectiveness, durability, and insulation properties.
• Normative References: Incorporation of additional IEC standards such as IEC 60417 for graphical symbols, ensuring standardized communication and safety symbols.

Applications

• Electrical Maintenance and Testing
  The standard is critical for operators working on energized electrical systems, providing assurance that protective covers will reduce the risk of accidental electric shock during testing, inspection, or repair.

• High-Voltage Electrical Installations
  Utility companies and industrial facilities working with high-voltage alternating current installations utilize these rigid protective covers to safeguard personnel during live interventions.

• Live Working Procedures
  Ensures that personnel employing live working techniques meet safety criteria through the mandated use of certified protective equipment conforming to EN 61229.

• Training and Compliance
  Used by safety professionals and trainers to define best practices and required safety gear for live working conditions in line with European electrical safety regulations.

Related Standards

• IEC 61229:1993 – Base international standard on rigid protective covers for live working on a.c. installations.
• IEC 60417 Series – Provides graphical symbols for use on equipment, referenced in EN 61229 for marking protective devices.
• EN 61140 – Protection against electric shock, covering general requirements for electrical safety and insulation.
• EN 50110 – Operational procedures for electrical installations, including safety rules for live working.
• EN 60903 – Specifications for insulated gloves used during live working, complementing the use of rigid covers.

Keywords: EN 61229, rigid protective covers, live working, a.c. installations, electrical safety standards, electric shock protection, IEC 61229 amendment, CLC, CENELEC, electrical insulation covers, live working safety equipment.