IEC 60669-2-4:2024
(Main)Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 2-4: Particular requirements - Isolating switches
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 2-4: Particular requirements - Isolating switches
IEC 60669-2-4:2024 applies to manually operated general purpose isolating switches with a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 125 A, intended for household and similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2004. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) revision of the present edition with reference to the published IEC 60669-1:2017 Edition 4 with its amendments and references to clauses and tables;
b) introducing the values for isolating switches with ratings from 6 A to 13 A;
c) introducing a circuit motor load with a rated current not exceeding 10 A and a power factor not less than 0,6 in the scope;
d) modification of Table 1 and Table 5.
Interrupteurs pour installations électriques fixes domestiques et analogues - Partie 2-4: Exigences particulières - Interrupteurs-sectionneurs
L’IEC 60669-2-4:2024 s’applique aux interrupteurs-sectionneurs pour usage général manœuvrés manuellement, de tension assignée ne dépassant pas 440 V et de courant assigné ne dépassant pas 125 A, destinés aux installations électriques fixes domestiques et analogues intérieures ou extérieures. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition parue en 2004, dont elle constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l’édition précédente:
a) Révision de la présente édition par rapport à la norme publiée IEC 60669-1:2017 Édition 4, avec ses amendements et références aux articles et tableaux.
b) Introduction des valeurs des interrupteurs-sectionneurs dont les caractéristiques assignées sont comprises entre 6 A et 13 A.
c) Introduction, dans le domaine d’application, d’un circuit de charge par moteur de courant assigné ne dépassant pas 10 A et de facteur de puissance d’au moins 0,6.
d) Modification du Tableau 1 et du Tableau 5.
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IEC 60669-2-4 ®
Edition 2.0 2024-03
EXTENDED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
This extended version of IEC 60669-2-4:2024 includes the content of the references made to
IEC 60669-1:2017
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations –
Part 2-4: Particular requirements – Isolating switches
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IEC 60669-2-4 ®
Edition 2.0 2024-03
EXTENDED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
This extended version of IEC 60669-2-4:2024 includes the content of the references made to
IEC 60669-1:2017
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations –
Part 2-4: Particular requirements – Isolating switches
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.120.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-8543-5
– 2 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 8
1 Scope . 11
2 Normative references . 12
3 Terms and definitions . 13
4 General requirements . 18
5 General remarks on tests . 18
6 Ratings . 21
6.1 Rated voltage . 21
6.2 Rated current . 21
6.3 Preferred combinations of number of poles and ratings . 21
6.101 Standard and preferred values of the rated conditional short-circuit current
(I ) . 22
nc
6.101.1 Values up to and including 10 000 A . 22
6.101.2 Values above 10 000 A . 22
7 Classification . 22
8 Marking . 24
8.1 General . 24
8.2 Symbols . 25
8.3 Visibility of markings . 26
8.4 Marking on terminals for phase conductors . 26
8.5 Marking on terminals for neutral and earth conductors . 27
8.6 Marking of the switch position . 27
8.7 Additional requirements for marking . 28
8.8 Durability . 28
9 Checking of dimensions . 28
10 Protection against electric shock . 28
10.1 Prevention of access to live parts. 28
10.2 Requirements for operating parts . 29
10.3 Requirements for accessible metal parts . 29
10.4 Requirements for insulation of the mechanism . 30
10.5 Requirements for insulation of the mechanism with respect to the
surrounding environment . 30
10.6 Requirements for switches operated indirectly . 30
10.7 Requirements for switches with replaceable pull cord . 31
11 Provision for earthing . 31
11.1 General . 31
11.2 Earthing terminals . 31
11.3 Requirements for surface-type switches . 31
11.4 Test for earthing connection . 31
12 Terminals . 32
12.1 General . 32
12.2 Terminals with screw clamping for external copper conductors . 32
12.3 Screwless terminals for external copper conductors . 38
13 Constructional requirements . 43
13.1 Mechanical requirements for insulating means . 43
13.2 Installation requirements . 44
13.3 Fixing of covers, cover plates and actuating members . 45
13.4 Openings in normal use . 46
13.5 Attachment of knobs . 46
13.6 Mounting means . 47
13.7 Combination of switches . 47
13.8 Accessories combined with switches . 47
13.9 Surface-type switches having an IP code higher than IP20 . 47
13.10 Installation in a box . 48
13.11 Connection of a second current-carrying conductor . 48
13.12 Inlet openings . 48
13.13 Provision for back entry from a conduit . 50
13.14 Switch provided with membranes or the like for inlet openings . 50
13.15 Requirements for membranes in inlet openings . 50
13.16 Pilot light units . 51
13.101 Indication of the contact position . 51
14 Mechanism . 51
14.1 Indication of the position . 51
14.2 Rest and intermediate position . 51
14.3 Undue arcing . 52
14.4 Making and breaking . 52
14.5 Action of the mechanism without cover or cover plate . 52
14.6 Pull force for cord-operated switches . 52
15 Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of switches and
resistance to humidity . 52
15.1 Resistance to ageing . 52
15.2 Protection provided by enclosures of switches . 53
15.2.1 General . 53
15.2.2 Protection against access to hazardous parts and against harmful
effects due to ingress of solid foreign objects . 53
15.2.3 Protection against harmful effects due to ingress of water . 54
15.3 Resistance to humidity . 55
16 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 56
16.1 General . 56
16.2 Test for measuring the insulation resistance . 56
16.3 Electric strength test . 58
16.101 Impulse voltage test . 59
17 Temperature rise . 60
17.1 General . 60
17.2 Switches incorporating pilot lights . 62
18 Making and breaking capacity . 62
18.1 General . 62
18.2 Overload . 63
18.3 Overload test with filament lamps . 64
18.101 Short-circuit withstand capability tests . 65
18.101.1 General . 65
18.101.2 General conditions for test . 65
18.101.3 Verification of the co-ordination between the isolating switch and the
SCPD . 68
19 Normal operation . 69
– 4 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
19.1 Test for switches intended for inductive loads . 69
19.2 Test for switches intended for externally ballasted lamp loads . 71
19.3 Test for switches intended for self ballasted lamp loads . 74
20 Mechanical strength . 77
20.1 General . 77
20.2 Pendulum hammer test . 77
20.3 Test on the main parts of surface-type switches . 79
20.4 Screwed glands . 80
20.5 Covers, cover plates or actuating members – accessibility to live parts . 80
20.5.1 General . 80
20.5.2 Verification of the non-removal of covers, cover plates or actuating
members . 80
20.5.3 Verification of the removal of covers, cover plates or actuating members. 81
20.6 Covers, cover plates or actuating members – accessibility to non-earthed
metal parts separated from live parts . 81
20.7 Covers, cover plates or actuating members – accessibility to insulating
parts, earthed metal parts, the live parts of SELV ≤ 25 V AC and 60 V DC or
metal parts separated from live parts . 81
20.8 Covers, cover plates or actuating members – application of gauges . 81
20.9 Grooves, holes and reverse tapers . 81
20.10 Additional test for cord-operated switch . 82
21 Resistance to heat . 82
21.1 General . 82
21.2 Basic heating test . 82
21.3 Ball-pressure test on parts of insulating material necessary to retain current-
carrying parts and parts of the earthing circuit in position . 83
21.4 Ball-pressure test on parts of insulating material not necessary to retain
current-carrying parts and parts of the earthing circuit in position. 83
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 83
22.1 General . 83
22.2 Correct insertion of screws . 84
22.3 Contact pressure of electrical connections . 84
22.4 Screws and rivets used both as electrical and mechanical connections . 84
22.5 Material of current-carrying parts . 85
22.6 Contacts subjected to sliding actions . 85
22.7 Thread-forming and thread-cutting screws . 86
23 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound . 86
23.1 General . 86
23.2 Insulating compound . 88
24 Resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat, to fire and to tracking . 88
24.1 Resistance to abnormal heat and to fire . 88
24.2 Resistance to tracking . 89
25 Resistance to rusting . 90
26 EMC requirements . 90
26.1 Immunity . 90
26.2 Emission . 90
Annex A (normative) Additional requirements for switches having facilities for the
outlet and retention of flexible cables . 116
Annex B (informative) Changes planned for the future in order to align IEC 60669-1
with the requirements of IEC 60998 (all parts), IEC 60999 (all parts) and IEC 60228 . 119
Annex C (informative) Circuit development (19.3) . 120
C.1 Rationale . 120
C.2 I and I t for normal operation tests . 120
peak
C.2.1 General . 120
C.2.2 Switching a single lamp . 120
C.2.3 Switching multiple lamps . 122
Annex D (informative) Additional requirements for insulation-piercing terminals . 124
Annex E (informative) Additional requirements and tests for switches intended to be
used at a temperature lower than −5 °C . 134
Annex AA (informative) Determination of short-circuit power factor . 136
AA.1 General . 136
AA.2 Method I – Determination from DC component . 136
AA.3 Method II – Determination with pilot generator . 136
Annex BB (informative) SCPDs for short-circuit tests . 137
BB.1 General . 137
BB.2 Silver wires . 137
BB.3 Fuses. 137
BB.4 Other means . 137
Bibliography . 138
Figure 1 – Pillar terminals . 91
Figure 2 – Screw head terminals and stud terminals . 93
Figure 3 – Saddle terminals . 94
Figure 4 – Lug terminals . 95
Figure 5 – Mantle terminals. 96
Figure 6 – Thread-forming screw . 96
Figure 7 – Thread-cutting screw . 96
Figure 8 – Classification according to connections . 97
Figure 9 – Test apparatus for checking damage to conductors . 98
Figure 10 – Information for deflection test . 99
Figure 11 – Circuit diagrams for making and breaking capacity and normal operation . 100
Figure 12 – Circuit diagrams for testing switches . 101
Figure 13 – Arrangement for test on cover-plates . 101
Figure 14 – Gauge (thickness: about 2 mm) for the verification of the outline of covers,
cover-plates or actuating members . 102
Figure 15 – Example of application of the gauge of Figure 14 on covers fixed without
screws on a mounting surface or supporting surface . 103
Figure 16 – Examples of applications of the gauge of Figure 14 in accordance with the
requirements of 20.8 . 104
Figure 17 – Gauge for verification of grooves, holes and reverse tapers . 105
Figure 18 – Sketch showing the direction of application of the gauge of Figure 17 . 105
Figure 19 – Ball-pressure apparatus . 106
Figure 20 – Determining parts of insulating material to be tested – Diagrammatic
representation (see 24.1) . 106
– 6 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
Figure 21 – Test wall in accordance with the requirements of 15.2.3 . 107
Figure 22 – Direction for the conductor pull of 30 N for 1 min . 109
Figure 23 – Examples of membranes and grommets . 110
Figure 101 – Test circuit for verification of the short-circuit withstand capability with an
SCPD of one-pole isolating switch . 111
Figure 102 – Test circuit for verification of the short-circuit withstand capability with an
SCPD of a two-pole isolating switch . 112
Figure 103 – Test circuit for verification of the short-circuit withstand capability with an
SCPD of a three-pole isolating switch . 113
Figure 104 – Test circuit for verification of the short-circuit withstand capability with an
SCPD of a four-pole isolating switch . 114
Figure 105 – Test apparatus for verification of the minimum I t and I values to be
p
withstood by the isolating switch . 115
Figure C.1 – 120 V 15 W (LT spice model) . 121
Figure C.2 – 230 V 15 W (LT spice model) . 122
Figure C.3 – Model for multiple lamp loads . 123
Figure C.4 – I and I t for multiple lamp loads . 123
peak
Figure D.1 − Example of insulation-piercing terminals . 132
Figure D.2 – Example of test-points . 132
Figure D.3 – Temperature cycle for the voltage drop test of 12.4.11 . 133
Table 1 – Number of specimens needed for the tests . 19
Table 2 – Relationship between rated current of the switch and rated power of the SBL
circuit . 21
Table 3 – Preferred combinations of numbers of poles and ratings . 22
Table 4 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional areas
of copper conductors . 32
Table 5 – Tightening torque for the verification of the mechanical strength of screw-
type terminals . 34
Table 6 – Test values for flexion and pull out for copper conductors . 35
Table 7 – Test values for pulling out test . 36
Table 8 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional areas
of copper conductors for screwless terminals . 38
Table 9 – Test current for the verification of electrical and thermal stresses in normal
use of screwless terminals . 41
Table 10 – Cross-sectional areas of rigid copper conductors for deflection test of
screwless terminals . 43
Table 11 – Deflection test forces . 43
Table 12 – Forces to be applied to covers, cover-plates or actuating members whose
fixing is not dependent on screws . 46
Table 13 – External cable diameter limits for surface type switches . 49
Table 14 – Points of application of the test voltage for the verification of insulation
resistance and electric strength . 56
Table 15 – Test voltage, points of application and minimum values of insulating
resistance for the verification of electric strength . 59
Table 101 – Test voltage and corresponding altitudes . 60
Table 16 – Temperature-rise test currents and cross-sectional areas of copper
conductors . 61
Table 17 – Fractions of total number of operations. 64
Table 102 – Minimum values of I t and I . 66
p
Table 103 – Power factors for short-circuit tests . 67
Table 18 – Number of operations for normal operation test . 69
Table 19 – Values for I and I t depending on the type of distribution system . 74
peak
Table 20 – Calculated circuit parameters . 75
Table 21 – Height of fall for impact test . 78
Table 22 – Torque for the verification of the mechanical strength of glands . 80
Table 23 – Creepage distances, clearances and distances through insulating sealing
compound . 86
Table A.1 – Limits of external dimensions of flexible cables . 117
Table C.1 – Lamp . 120
Table D.1 – Specimens needed for Clause 12 for insulation-piercing terminals (IPTs) . 125
Table D.2 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional
areas of copper conductors for insulation-piercing terminals . 127
Table D.3 – Test current for the verification of electrical and thermal stresses in
normal use of insulation-piercing terminals . 131
Table BB.1 – Indication of silver wire diameters as a function of rated currents and
short-circuit currents . 137
– 8 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SWITCHES FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR
FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 2-4: Particular requirements –
Isolating switches
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
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This extended version (EXV) of the official IEC Standard provides the user with the
comprehensive content of the Standard.
made to IEC 60669-1:2017.
The specific content of IEC 60669-2-4:2024 is displayed on a blue background.
IEC 60669-2-4 has been prepared by subcommittee 23B: Plugs, socket-outlets and switches,
of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories. It is an International Standard.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2004. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) revision of the present edition with reference to the published IEC 60669-1:2017 Edition 4
with its amendments and references to clauses and tables;
b) introducing the values for isolating switches with ratings from 6 A to 13 A;
c) introducing a circuit motor load with a rated current not exceeding 10 A and a power factor
not less than 0,6 in the scope;
d) modification of Table 1 and Table 5.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
23B/1460/CDV 23B/1480A/RVC
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement,
available at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by
IEC are described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
This part of IEC 60669 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60669-1:2017. It lists the
changes necessary to convert that standard into a specific standard for isolating switches.
When a particular subclause of IEC 60669-1:2017 is not mentioned in this document, that
subclause applies as far as reasonable.
In this document,
• the following print types are used:
– requirements proper: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– notes: in smaller roman type;
• subclauses, figures, tables or notes which are additional to those in IEC 60669-1:2017 are
numbered starting from 101. Annexes additional to those in IEC 60669-1:2017 are lettered
AA, BB, etc.
– 10 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
SWITCHES FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR
FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 2-4: Particular requirements –
Isolating switches
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60669 applies to manually operated general purpose isolating switches with a
rated voltage not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 125 A, intended for
household and similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors.
For switches provided with screwless terminals, the rated current is limited to 16 A.
NOTE 1 The rated current is limited to 16 A for switches provided with insulation piercing terminals (IPT’s)
according to Annex D.
Switches covered by this document are, where applicable, intended for the control in normal
use of all of the following loads:
– a circuit for a tungsten filament lamp load;
– a circuit for an externally ballasted lamp load (for example LED, CFL, fluorescent lamp
load);
– a circuit for a self ballasted lamp load (for example LEDi or CFLi);
– a circuit for a substantially resistive load with a power factor not less than 0,95;
– a monophase circuit for motor load with a rated current up to 10 A and a power factor not
less than 0,6.
NOTE 2 In the following country the suitability of a switch intended to control the inrush current of a motor shall
be tested: AU.
This document also applies to boxes for switches, with the exception of mounting boxes for
flush-type switches.
NOTE 3 General requirements for boxes for flush-type switches are given in IEC 60670-1.
It also applies to switches such as
– switches incorporating pilot lights;
– electromagnetic remote control switches (particular requirements are given in
IEC 60669-2-2);
– switches incorporating a time-delay device (particular requirements are given in
IEC 60669-2-3);
– combinations of switches and other functions (with the exception of switches combined
with fuses);
– electronic switches (particular requirements are given in IEC 60669-2-1);
– switches having facilities for the outlet and retention of flexible cables (see Annex A);
– isolating switches (particular requirements are given in IEC 60669-2-4);
– switches and related accessories for use in home and building electronic systems
(particular requirements are given in IEC 60669-2-5);
– firemen’s switches (particular requirements are given in IEC 60669-2-6).
Switches complying with this document are suitable for use at ambient temperatures not
normally exceeding +40 °C, but their average over a period of 24 h does not exceed +35 °C,
with a lower limit of the ambient air temperature of –5 °C.
– 12 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 EXV © IEC 2024
NOTE 4 For lower temperatures see Annex E.
Switches complying with this document are suitable only for incorporation in equipment in
such a way and in such a place that it is unlikely that the surrounding ambient temperature
exceeds +35 °C.
In locations where special conditions prevail, such as in ships, vehicles and the like and in
hazardous locations, for example where explosions are liable to occur, special construction
and/or additional requirements may be required.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 60038:2009, IEC standard voltages
IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60112:2009, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking
indices of solid insulating materials
IEC 60212:2010, Standard conditions for use prior to and during the testing of solid electrical
insulation materials
IEC 60227-5:2011, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V – Part 5: Flexible cables (cords)
IEC 60228:2004, Conductors of insulated cables
IEC 60245-4:2011, Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V –
Part 4: Cords and flexible cables
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment (available from: http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment)
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosu
...
IEC 60669-2-4 ®
Edition 2.0 2024-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations –
Part 2-4: Particular requirements – Isolating switches
Interrupteurs pour installations électriques fixes domestiques et analogues –
Partie 2-4: Exigences particulières – Interrupteurs-sectionneurs
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
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copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
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About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.
IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC Products & Services Portal - products.iec.ch
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a Discover our powerful search engine and read freely all the
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IEC 60669-2-4 ®
Edition 2.0 2024-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations –
Part 2-4: Particular requirements – Isolating switches
Interrupteurs pour installations électriques fixes domestiques et analogues –
Partie 2-4: Exigences particulières – Interrupteurs-sectionneurs
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.120.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-8332-5
– 2 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 General requirements . 7
5 General remarks on tests . 7
6 Ratings . 8
7 Classification . 9
8 Marking . 9
9 Checking of dimensions . 10
10 Protection against electric shock . 10
11 Provision for earthing . 10
12 Terminals . 10
13 Constructional requirements . 12
14 Mechanism . 13
15 Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of switches and
resistance to humidity . 13
16 Insulation resistance and electric strength . 13
17 Temperature rise . 14
18 Making and breaking capacity . 15
19 Normal operation . 19
20 Mechanical strength . 19
21 Resistance to heat . 19
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections . 20
23 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound . 20
24 Resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat, to fire and to tracking . 21
25 Resistance to rusting . 21
26 EMC requirements . 21
Annexes . 28
Annex B (informative) Changes planned for the future in order to align IEC 60669-1
with the requirements of IEC 60998 (all parts), IEC 60999 (all parts) and IEC 60228 . 29
Annex AA (informative) Determination of short-circuit power factor . 30
Annex BB (informative) SCPDs for short-circuit tests . 32
Bibliography . 34
Figure 101 – Test circuit for verification of the short-circuit withstand capability with an
SCPD of one-pole isolating switch . 23
Figure 102 – Test circuit for verification of the short-circuit withstand capability with an
SCPD of a two-pole isolating switch . 24
Figure 103 – Test circuit for verification of the short-circuit withstand capability with an
SCPD of a three-pole isolating switch . 25
Figure 104 – Test circuit for verification of the short-circuit withstand capability with an
SCPD of a four-pole isolating switch . 26
Figure 105 – Test apparatus for verification of the minimum I t and I values to be
p
withstood by the isolating switch . 27
Table 1 – Number of specimens needed for the tests . 7
Table 4 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable cross-sectional areas
of copper conductors . 11
Table 5 – Tightening torque for verification of the mechanical strength of screw-type
terminals . 11
Table 6 – Test values for flexion and pull out for copper conductors . 12
Table 7 – Test values for pulling out test . 12
Table 13 – External cable diameter limits for surface type switches . 12
Table 101 – Test voltage and corresponding altitudes . 14
Table 16 – Temperature-rise test currents and cross-sectional areas of copper
conductors . 14
Table 102 – Minimum values of I t and I . 16
p
Table 103 – Power factors for short-circuit tests . 17
Table 18 – Number of operations for normal operation test . 19
Table 23 – Creepage distances, clearances and distances through insulating sealing
compound . 20
Table BB.1 – Indication of silver wire diameters as a function of rated currents and
short-circuit currents . 32
– 4 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 © IEC 2024
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SWITCHES FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR
FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 2-4: Particular requirements –
Isolating switches
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as "IEC Publication(s)"). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent
the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 60669-2-4 has been prepared by subcommittee 23B: Plugs, socket-outlets and switches,
of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories. It is an International Standard.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2004. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) revision of the present edition with reference to the published IEC 60669-1:2017 Edition 4
with its amendments and references to clauses and tables;
b) introducing the values for isolating switches with ratings from 6 A to 13 A;
c) introducing a circuit motor load with a rated current not exceeding 10 A and a power factor
not less than 0,6 in the scope;
d) modification of Table 1 and Table 5.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
23B/1460/CDV 23B/1480A/RVC
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
This part of IEC 60669 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60669-1:2017. It lists the changes
necessary to convert that standard into a specific standard for isolating switches.
When a particular subclause of IEC 60669-1:2017 is not mentioned in this document, that
subclause applies as far as reasonable.
In this document,
• the following print types are used:
– requirements proper: in roman type;
– test specifications: in italic type;
– notes: in smaller roman type;
• subclauses, figures, tables or notes which are additional to those in IEC 60669-1:2017 are
numbered starting from 101. Annexes additional to those in IEC 60669-1:2017 are lettered
AA, BB, etc.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
– 6 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 © IEC 2024
SWITCHES FOR HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR
FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 2-4: Particular requirements –
Isolating switches
1 Scope
Clause 1 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies except as follows.
Replacement of the first paragraph with the following:
This part of IEC 60669 applies to manually operated general purpose isolating switches with a
rated voltage not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 125 A, intended for
household and similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors.
Replacement of the fifth dash of the third paragraph:
– a monophase circuit for motor load with a rated current up to 10 A and a power factor
not less than 0,6.
NOTE 101 Isolating switches are designed for overvoltage category III and used in environment of pollution
degree 2 according to IEC 60664-1.
2 Normative references
Clause 2 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies except as follows.
Addition:
IEC 60669-1:2017, Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations – Part 1:
General requirements
IEC 61180:2016, High-voltage test techniques for low-voltage equipment – Definitions, test and
procedure requirements, test equipment
3 Terms and definitions
Clause 3 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies except as follows.
Additional definitions:
3.101
isolating switch
switch designed to provide isolation of the installation or part of the installation and equipment
from the supply and to carry and to make and break the current in all line current carrying poles
3.102
rated conditional short-circuit current
I
nc
value of the AC component of a prospective current assigned by the manufacturer, which a
switch without integral short-circuit protection, but protected by a suitable short-circuit
protective device (hereinafter referred to as SCPD) in series, can withstand under specified
conditions of use and behaviour
3.103
Joule integral
I t
integral of the square of the current over a given time interval (t , t )
0 1
t
2 2
I t = i dt
∫
t
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-18-23 – modified with the deletion of the notes and
addition of "(t , t )".]
0 1
4 General requirements
Clause 4 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies.
5 General remarks on tests
Clause 5 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies except as follows.
Replace Table 1 with the following:
Table 1 – Number of specimens needed for the tests
Number of
additional
Number
Clauses and subclauses specimens for
of specimens
dual current
rating
6 Ratings A
7 Classification A
8 Marking A
9 Checking of dimensions ABC
10 Protection against electric shock ABC
11 Provision for earthing ABC
a,f,l
12 ABC JKL
Terminals
b, m
13 ABC
Constructional requirements
14 Mechanism ABC
Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of
ABC
switches, and resistance to humidity
c
16 ABC
Insulation resistance and electric strength
17 Temperature rise ABC JKL
i
18 Making and breaking capacity JKL
ABC
i
19 Normal operation JKL
ABC
– 8 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 © IEC 2024
Number of
additional
Number
Clauses and subclauses specimens for
of specimens
dual current
rating
d,g
20 ABC
Mechanical strength
h
21 Resistance to heat ABC
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections ABC
Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing
23 ABC
compound
l
16.101 XYZ
Impulse voltage test
m
18.101 Short-circuit withstand capability XYZ + PQR
19.2
Test for switches intended for externally ballasted lamp loads DEF MNO
19.3
Test for switches intended for self-ballasted lamp loads UVW XYZ
24.1 Resistance to abnormal heat and to fire GHI
e
24.2 Resistance to tracking GHI
25 Resistance to rusting GHI
TOTAL 18 9
a
Five extra screwless terminals are used for the test of 12.3.11 and one extra set of specimens is used for the
test of 12.3.12.
b
An extra set of membranes are needed for each of the tests of 13.15.1 and 13.15.2.
c
One extra set of specimens of switches fitted with pilot light may be used for the tests of Clause 16.
d
One extra set of specimens of cord-operated isolating switches is needed for the test of 20.10.
e
One extra set of specimens may be used.
f
Two extra sets of specimens of terminals suitable for rigid and flexible conductors are required for 12.2.5,
12.2.6 and 12.2.7.
g
One extra set of specimens is needed for the tests of 20.5.1 and 20.5.2.
h
One extra set of specimens may be used for the tests of 21.2 and 21.3. In this case the specimens shall be
subjected first to the tests of 15.1.
i
Number of specimens required for insulation-piercing terminals (IPTs) are shown in Table D.1.
j
For switches with pilot light units if the electronic circuitry is so enclosed that the short-circuiting or
disconnecting of components is impossible or difficult, the manufacturer shall provide additional prepared test
specimens.
k
For isolating switches of pattern number 2 one extra set of specimens is used.
l
Test to be carried out only if the clearance of item 6 of Clause 23 is lower than 4 mm.
m
For the test of 18.101 six additional specimens are used.
6 Ratings
Clause 6 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies except as follows.
6.2 Modification:
In the first paragraph, add the values "80 A, 100 A and 125 A."
6.3 Preferred combinations of number of poles and ratings
Replacement in Table 3, first column, last line, of the values "16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 45, 50 and 63"
with "equal to or greater than 16".
Additional subclause:
6.101 Standard and preferred values of the rated conditional short-circuit current (I )
nc
NOTE 101 The associated power-factors are specified in Table 103.
6.101.1 Values up to and including 10 000 A
The standard values of the rated conditional short-circuit current (I ) are:
nc
1 500 A, 3 000 A, 4 500 A, 6 000 A and 10 000 A.
6.101.2 Values above 10 000 A
The preferred values are:
15 000 A, 20 000 A and 25 000 A.
Values above 25 000 A are not considered by this document.
7 Classification
Clause 7 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies except as follows.
7.1 Addition:
Isolating switches shall be only of pattern numbers 1, 2, 3 or 03.
7.2 Subclause 7.2 of IEC 60669-1:2017 is not applicable.
7.6 Addition:
– rail-type
8 Marking
Clause 8 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies except as follows.
8.1 General
Modify as follows:
f), g) and h) are not applicable
Addition:
n) symbols for open position (OFF) and closed position (ON),
o) symbol for isolating function,
p) rated conditional short-circuit current (I ).
nc
The manufacturer shall provide reference(s) of one or more short-circuit protection devices
(SCPDs). This information shall be provided:
– in a catalogue, or
– in the instructions accompanying the isolating switch, or
– in both the catalogue and the accompanying instructions.
– 10 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 © IEC 2024
8.2 Symbols
Modify as follows:
Symbols for mini-gap construction, micro-gap constructions and without contact gap are not
applicable.
Addition:
isolating function .
rated conditional short-circuit current . I
nc
8.3 Visibility of markings
Addition:
Isolating switches shall be marked with the symbols for isolating function and for the closed and
open position. These markings shall be visible from the front after installation, even after
removal of the front cover of the enclosure when the isolating switch is mounted and wired as
in normal use. The isolating function symbol may be included in a wiring diagram combined with
symbols for other functions, provided that the isolation function symbol is visible from the front
when the isolating switch is mounted and wired as in normal use.
The marking for the rated conditional short-circuit current (I ) shall be on the isolating switch
nc
or in the manufacturer's documentation.
8.6 Marking of the switch position
Replacement of the first sentence of the first paragraph:
Isolating switches shall be so marked that the actual contact position is clearly indicated.
Deletion of Note 1 and Note 2.
9 Checking of dimensions
Clause 9 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies.
10 Protection against electric shock
Clause 10 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies except as follows.
10.3.1 Replacement of the introductory sentence to the list:
Accessible parts of isolating switches shall be made of insulating material, with the exception
of the following:
11 Provision for earthing
Clause 11 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies.
12 Terminals
Clause 12 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies except as follows.
12.2.1 Addition to Table 4:
Table 4 – Relationship between rated currents and connectable
cross-sectional areas of copper conductors
c
Ranges of rated currents Rigid conductors (solid or stranded)
A Nominal cross-sectional areas Diameter of largest conductor
mm mm
Above 63 up to and including 80 From 10 up to 25 inclusive 6,85
Above 80 up to and including 100 From 16 up to 35 inclusive 7,90
Above 100 up to and including 125 From 25 up to 50 inclusive 9,10
12.2.5 Replacement of Table 5:
Table 5 – Tightening torque for verification of the mechanical strength
of screw-type terminals
Nominal diameter of thread Torque
mm Nm
1 2 3 4 5
Up to and including 2,8 0,2 – 0,4 0,4 –
Above 2,8 up to and including 3,0 0,25 – 0,5 0,5 –
Above 3,0 up to and including 3,2 0,3 – 0,6 0,6 –
Above 3,2 up to and including 3,6 0,4 – 0,8 0,8 –
Above 3,6 up to and including 4,1 0,7 1,2 1,2 1,2 1,2
Above 4,1 up to and including 4,7 0,8 1,2 1,8 1,8 1,8
Above 4,7 up to and including 5,3 0,8 1,4 2,0 2,0 2,0
Above 5,3 up to and including 6,0 1,2 1,8 2,5 3,0 3,0
Above 6,0 up to and including 8,0 2,5 2,5 3,5 6,0 4,0
Above 8,0 up to and including 10,0 – 3,5 4,0 10,0 6,0
Above 10,0 up to and including 12,0 – 4,0 – – 8,0
Above 12,0 up to and including 15,0 – 5,0 – – 10,0
Column 1 applies to screws without heads if the screw when tightened does not protrude from the hole, and to
other screws which cannot be tightened by means of a screwdriver with a blade wider than the diameter of the
screw.
Column 2 applies to nuts of mantle terminals which are tightened by means of a screwdriver.
Column 3 applies to other screws which are tightened by means of a screwdriver.
Column 4 applies to nuts of mantle terminals in which the nut is tightened by means other than a screwdriver.
Column 5 applies to screws or nuts, other than nuts of mantle terminals, which are tightened by means other than
a screwdriver.
– 12 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 © IEC 2024
12.2.5 Addition to Table 6:
Table 6 – Test values for flexion and pull out for copper conductors
c
Conductor Diameter Mass
Height H
a b
cross-sectional area of bushing hole for conductor
mm mm kg
mm
35 14,5 320 6,8
50 16 340 9,5
12.2.6 Addition to Table 7:
Table 7 – Test values for pulling out test
Cross-section
of conductors connected to
35 50
the terminal
mm
Pull 190 235
N
13 Constructional requirements
Clause 13 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies except as follows.
13.12 Addition to Table 13:
Table 13 – External cable diameter limits for surface type switches
Limits of external diameter
Cross-sectional
Rated
of cables
Number
current areas
of conductors
Minimum Maximum
A
mm
mm mm
2 —
80 3 37,1
16 up to and including 35 15,5
100 4 41,1
5 —
2 —
3 42,9
125 25 up to and including 50 18,5
4 47,5
5 —
Addition:
13.101 Indication of the contact position
Isolating switches when in the open position shall provide an isolation distance in accordance
with the requirements necessary to satisfy the isolating function.
Indication of the contact position shall be provided by the position of the actuating member or
by other suitable means or both.
NOTE 101 A pilot light alone is not considered as suitable means.
The actuating member shall be connected to the moving contacts in a reliable way. The
actuating member shall not indicate the open position unless all the moving contacts are in the
open position.
Isolating switches shall be so designed that the actuating member can only be fitted in a manner
which ensures correct contact position and correct locking if the isolating switch is provided
with means for locking. When means are provided or specified by the manufacturer to lock the
isolating switch in the open position, locking in that position shall only be possible when the
contacts are in the open position.
NOTE 102 In the following country the test of IEC 60947-1:2020, 8.2.5 is required to verify the requirement of
13.101: AU, CA
Compliance is checked by inspection and by the tests of 16.101.
14 Mechanism
Clause 14 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies.
15 Resistance to ageing, protection provided by enclosures of switches and
resistance to humidity
Clause 15 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies.
16 Insulation resistance and electric strength
Clause 16 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies except as follows.
Addition:
16.101 Impulse voltage test
Isolating switches shall be suitable for isolation.
Compliance is checked by the following test.
The test is performed on new specimens, in clean and dry conditions.
The 1,2/50 impulse voltage according to Figure 1 of IEC 61180:2016 is applied between the
line terminals connected together and the load terminals connected together with the contacts
in the open position.
The impulses are given by a generator producing positive and negative impulses having a front
time of 1,2 µs and a time to half value of 50 µs, the tolerances being:
– ±5 % for the peak value;
– ±30 % for the front time;
– ±20 % for the time to half value.
– 14 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 © IEC 2024
The shape of the impulses is adjusted with the isolating switch under test connected to the
impulse generator. For this purpose, appropriate voltage dividers and voltage sensors shall be
used.
Small oscillations in the impulses are allowed, provided that their amplitude near the peak of
the impulse is less than 5 % of the peak value.
For oscillations on the first half of the front, amplitudes up to 10 % of the peak value are allowed.
The test voltage shall be chosen from Table 101, in accordance with the rated voltage of the
isolating switch.
The impulse voltage shall be applied 3 times at intervals of 1 s minimum.
There shall be no discharges during the test.
The surge impedance of the test apparatus should be 500 Ω.
NOTE 101 The expression "discharge" is used to cover the phenomena associated with the failure of insulation
under electric stress, which includes current flow and a drop in voltage.
Table 101 – Test voltage and corresponding altitudes
Rated voltage Test voltage [kV] and corresponding altitudes above sea level [m]
V Sea level 200 500 1 000 2 000
Not exceeding 130 V 3,5 3,5 3,4 3,2 3
Exceeding 130 V 6,2 6 5,8 5,6 5
17 Temperature rise
Clause 17 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies except as follows.
17.1 General
Addition to Table 16:
Table 16 – Temperature-rise test currents and cross-sectional areas
of copper conductors
Nominal cross-sectional
Rated current Test current
area of conductors
A A mm
80 90 25
100 115 35
125 145 50
Replacement in footnote a of Table 16 of the word "switches" by "isolating switches".
Replacement of the penultimate paragraph (before Note 3) with the following:
The temperature rise of the terminals shall not exceed 45 K for isolating switches having rated
current up to and including 63 A, 65 K for isolating switches having rated current greater than
63 A.
18 Making and breaking capacity
Clause 18 of IEC 60669-1:2017 applies except as follows.
Addition:
18.101 Short-circuit withstand capability tests
18.101.1 General
Six new specimens are used for this test.
The test is intended to verify that the isolating switch is able to withstand, without damage,
short-circuit currents up to and including its rated conditional short-circuit current.
18.101.2 General conditions for test
The conditions of 18.101 are applicable to any test intended to verify the behaviour of the
isolating switches under short-circuit conditions.
a) Test circuit
Figure 101, Figure 102, Figure 103 and Figure 104 respectively give diagrams of the circuits
to be used for the tests concerning:
– a single pole isolating switch;
– a two-pole isolating switch;
– a three-pole isolating switch;
– a four-pole isolating switch.
The supply S feeds a circuit including resistors R, reactors L, the short-circuit protection
device SCPD and the isolating switch under test D.
The values of the resistors and reactors of the test circuit shall be adjusted to satisfy the
specified test conditions.
The reactors L shall be air-cored. They shall always be connected in series with the resistors
R, and their value shall be obtained by connecting individual reactors in series; parallel
connecting of reactors is allowed when these reactors have practically the same time-
constant.
Since the transient recovery voltage characteristics of test circuits including large air-cored
reactors are not representative of normal service conditions, the air-cored reactor in any
phase shall be shunted by a resistor taking approximately 1 % of the current through the
reactor, unless otherwise agreed between manufacturer and user.
In each test circuit the resistors R and the reactors L are inserted between the supply source
S and the isolating switch D.
The SCPD is inserted between the resistor R and the isolating switch D.
For the tests of 18.101.3 the isolating switch D shall be connected with cables having a
length of 0,75 m per pole and the maximum cross-sectional area corresponding to the rated
current according to Table 4. It is recommended to connect 0,5 m on the supply side and
0,25 m on the load side of the isolating switch.
The diagram of the test circuit shall be given in the test report. It shall be in accordance with
one of the following: Figure 102, Figure 103 or Figure 104.
There shall be one and only one point of the test circuit which is directly earthed; this shall
be the neutral point of the supply.
The SCPD may be a circuit-breaker, or a fuse, having an I t and peak current I not
p
exceeding the I t and peak current I withstand capabilities stated by the manufacturer for
p
the isolating switch D.
– 16 – IEC 60669-2-4:2024 © IEC 2024
For the purpose of verifying the minimum I t and I values to be withstood by the isolating
p
switch, as given in Table 102, tests have to be performed. The SCPD shall be adjusted and
shall be embodied either by a silver wire using the test apparatus shown in Figure 105 or
by a fuse (as proposed in Annex BB) or by any other means.
For the purpose of this test, verification of the correctly selected and adjusted SCPD (I t
and I ) is made prior to testing, the isolating switch being replaced by a temporary
p
connection having a negligible impedance.
The minimum values of let-through energy I t and peak current based on an electrical angle
of 45°, are given in Table 102.
Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, these values shall not be higher than
1,1 times the values given in Table 102.
Table 102 – Minimum values of I t and I
p
I 6 A < I ≤ 16 A 16 A < I ≤ 32 A 32 A < I ≤ 40 A 40 A < I ≤ 63 A 63 A < I ≤ 80 A 80 A < I ≤ 125 A
I / I t
nc n n n n n n
p
1 500 I (kA) 1,02 1,50 1,90 2,10 - -
p
2 2
1,00 4,10 9,75 22,00 - -
I t (kA s)
3 000 I (kA) 1,10 1,85 2,35 3,30 3,70 3,95
p
1,20 4,50 8,70 22,50 36,00 72,50
I t (k
A s)
4 500 I (kA) 1,15 2,05 2,70 3,90 4,80 5,60
p
1,45 5,00 9,70 28,00 40,00 82,00
I t (k
A s)
≥ 6 000 I (kA) 1,30 2,30 3,00 4,05 5,10 5,80
p
1,60 6,00 11,50 25,00 47,00 65,00
I t (k
A s)
NOTE 101 At the request of the manufacturer higher values of I t and I can be used.
p
For intermediate values of short-circuit test currents the next higher short-circuit current
shall apply.
The verification of the minimum I t and I values is not needed if the manufacturer has
p
stated for the isolating switches values higher than the minimum ones, in which case the
stated values shall be verified.
For co-ordination with circuit-breakers, tests with this combination are necessary.
All the conductive parts of the isolating switch D normally earthed in service, including the
metal support on which the isolating switch is mounted or any metal enclosure (see
18.101.2 f), shall be connected to the neutral point of the supply or to a substantially
non-inductive artificial neutral permitting a prospective fault current of at least 100 A.
This connection shall include a copper wire F of 0,1 mm diameter and not less than 50 mm
in length for the detection of the fault current and, if necessary, a resistor R limiting the
value of the prospective fault current to approximately 100 A.
The current sensors O are connected on the load side of the isolating switch D.
The voltage sensors O are connected across the supply terminals.
Resistors R drawing a current of 10 A per phase are connected on the supply side of the
isolating switch D between the reactor for adjusting the prospective current to the rated
conditional short-circuit current of the isolating switch and the isolating switch D.
Unless otherwise stated in the test report, the resistance of the measuring circuits shall be
at least 100 Ω/V of the power frequency recovery voltage.
b) Tolerances for test quantities
The verification tests for the conditional short-circuit withstand capability shall be performed
at values of influencing quantities and factors as stated by the manufacturer in accordance
with Clause 5, unless otherwise specified.
The tests are considered as valid if the values as recorded in the test report are within the
following tolerances for the specified values:
+5
%;
– current:
( )
– rated frequency: ±5 %;
– voltage: ±5 % (including recovery voltage).
c) Power factor of the test circuit
The power factor of each phase of the test circuit shall be determined according to a
recognised method which shall be stated in the test report.
Two examples are given in Annex AA.
The power factor of a polyphase circuit is considered as the mean value of the power factor
of each phase.
The power factor shall be in accordance with Table 103.
Table 103 – Power factors for short-circuit tests
Short-circuit current Power factor
A
I = 1 500 0,95 to 0,98
c
1 500 < I ≤ 3 000 0,85 to 0,90
c
3 000 < I ≤ 4 500 0,75 to 0,80
c
4 500 < I ≤ 6 000 0,65 to 0,70
c
6 000 < I ≤ 10 000 0,45 to 0,50
c
10 000 < I ≤ 25 000 0,20 to 0,25
c
d) Power frequency recovery voltage
The value of the power frequency recovery voltage shall be equal to a value corresponding
to 105 % of the rated voltage of the isolating switch D.
The value of 105 % of the rated voltage is deemed to cover the effects of the variations of
the system voltage under normal service conditions. The upper limit value may be increased
with the approval of the manufacturer.
e) Calibration of the test circuit
The isolating switch D and the SCPD are replaced by temporary connections G having
negligible impedance compared with that of the test circuit.
For the test of 18.101.3 the load terminals of the isolating switch D being short-circuited by
means of the connections of negligible impedance, the resistors R and the reactors L are
adjusted so as to obtain, at the test voltage, a current equal to the rated conditional
short-circuit current at the prescribed power-factor; the test circuit is energised
simultaneously in all poles and the current curve is recorded with the cur
...
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