IEC 60669-1:1998/AMD2:2006
(Amendment)Amendment 2 - Switches for household and similar fixed-electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements
Amendment 2 - Switches for household and similar fixed-electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements
Amendement 2 - Interrupteurs pour installations électriques fixes domestiques et analogues - Partie 1: Prescriptions générales
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 10-Oct-2006
- Technical Committee
- SC 23B - Plugs, socket-outlets and switches
- Current Stage
- DELPUB - Deleted Publication
- Start Date
- 22-Feb-2017
- Completion Date
- 26-Oct-2025
Relations
- Effective Date
- 05-Sep-2023
- Effective Date
- 05-Sep-2023
Overview
IEC 60669-1:1998/AMD2:2006 is the second amendment to the international standard governing switches used in household and similar fixed electrical installations. Published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this document updates the general requirements for manually operated switches designed for alternating current (a.c.) circuits with rated voltages up to 440 V and currents up to 63 A. These switches are typically installed indoors or outdoors in domestic environments and analogous applications.
This amendment refines scope, definitions, ratings, construction requirements, and test procedures to enhance safety, reliability, and performance of switches used in residential electrical systems. Key changes include updated current ratings, enhanced marking and insulation standards, and revised mechanical and thermal characteristics.
Key Topics
Scope and Application
- Applies specifically to manual switches for AC circuits with a rated voltage ≤ 440 V and rated current ≤ 63 A.
- Limits rated current to 16 A for switches featuring screwless terminals.
- Covers switches for controlling:
- Tungsten filament lamp circuits
- Fluorescent lamp circuits (including electronic ballasts)
- Substantially resistive loads with power factor ≥ 0.95
- Single-phase motor loads up to 10 A with power factor ≥ 0.6
- Combinations of these load types
- Excludes mounting boxes for flush-type switches but includes switch boxes generally.
Definitions and Classifications
- Introduces precise definitions for switch types based on contact gap construction:
- Normal gap (≥ 3 mm)
- Mini gap (≥ 1.2 mm)
- Micro gap (no specified clearance)
- Classifies switches by contact opening and performance, facilitating standardization across different designs.
- Notes the potential for future scope extensions to:
- Switches with higher voltage ratings (> 440 V)
- Motor load switches with higher rated currents (> 10 A)
Ratings and Markings
- Updates current ratings, adding values of 45 A and 50 A alongside 40 A, to reflect contemporary electrical system needs.
- Specifies markings:
- Must be placed on parts not removable without tools
- Should clearly indicate switch position and direction of actuator movement
- Introduces symbol ε to denote semiconductor switching devices without contact gaps
Construction and Performance
- Enhances dielectric strength requirements by increasing insulation test voltages (e.g., from 1250 V to 2000 V).
- Revises mechanical strength parameters, including material hardness specifications.
- Specifies temperature rise limits for various rated currents, ensuring thermal safety.
- Defines test conditions for normal operation, especially for fluorescent lamp loads, to verify performance under real-world electrical and thermal stresses.
- Refines creepage distances, clearances, and distances through filling materials to improve insulation and reduce risk of electrical faults.
Applications
IEC 60669-1:1998/AMD2:2006 ensures that switches installed in residential and similar fixed electrical systems meet strict safety and performance criteria. Typical applications include:
- Household light switches controlling incandescent and fluorescent lighting circuits.
- Switching devices for resistive heating appliances with high power factor operation.
- Manual control of single-phase motors in domestic or light commercial environments, such as fans and small pumps.
- Integration into switch boxes for ease of installation and maintenance within fixed wiring systems.
- Use where screwless terminal technology facilitates faster, secure wiring at reduced currents.
By adhering to this standard, manufacturers and installers can provide reliable, safe, and durable switching solutions that comply with international best practices and regulatory requirements.
Related Standards
- IEC 60669 Series: Complete set covering switches for household and similar electrical installations, including Part 2 which details particular switch types like isolating switches.
- IEC 60947: Addresses low-voltage switchgear and controlgear, complementing the requirements of household switches for industrial and commercial applications.
- IEC 61058: Pertains to switches for appliances, focusing on appliance control switches rather than fixed installation devices.
- IEC 60364: Deals with electrical installations of buildings, providing overarching wiring rules that include compliance with switch standards.
For the latest information and updates, stakeholders should consult the IEC webstore and maintain awareness of potential future amendments expanding scope and requirements.
Keywords: IEC 60669-1 amendment, household switches standard, fixed electrical installations, manual AC switches, electrical safety standard, switch ratings, switch marking requirements, switch construction, insulation resistance, thermal performance, switch classification.
Frequently Asked Questions
IEC 60669-1:1998/AMD2:2006 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Amendment 2 - Switches for household and similar fixed-electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements". This standard covers: Amendment 2 - Switches for household and similar fixed-electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements
Amendment 2 - Switches for household and similar fixed-electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements
IEC 60669-1:1998/AMD2:2006 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 29.120.40 - Switches. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
IEC 60669-1:1998/AMD2:2006 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to IEC 60669-1:1998, IEC 60669-1:2017. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
You can purchase IEC 60669-1:1998/AMD2:2006 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of IEC standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
NORME CEI
INTERNATIONALE
IEC
60669-1
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
AMENDEMENT 2
AMENDMENT 2
2006-10
Amendement 2
Interrupteurs pour installations électriques
fixes domestiques et analogues –
Partie 1:
Prescriptions générales
Amendment 2
Switches for household and similar
fixed-electrical installations –
Part 1:
General requirements
© IEC 2006 Droits de reproduction réservés ⎯ Copyright - all rights reserved
International Electrotechnical Commission, 3, rue de Varembé, PO Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 919 02 11 Telefax: +41 22 919 03 00 E-mail: inmail@iec.ch Web: www.iec.ch
CODE PRIX
F
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
PRICE CODE
International Electrotechnical Commission
МеждународнаяЭлектротехническаяКомиссия
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
For price, see current catalogue
– 2 – 60669-1 Amend. 2 © CEI:2006
AVANT-PROPOS
Le présent amendement a été préparé par le sous-comité 23B: Prises de courant et
interrupteurs, du comité d'études 23 de la CEI: Petit appareillage.
Le texte du présent amendement est issu des documents suivants:
FDIS Rapport de vote
23B/828/FDIS 23B/845/RVD
Le rapport de vote indiqué dans le tableau ci-dessus donne toute information sur le vote ayant
abouti à l'approbation de cette norme.
Le comité a décidé que le contenu de cet amendement et de la publication de base ne sera
pas modifié avant la date de maintenance indiquée sur le site web de la CEI sous
"http://webstore.iec.ch" dans les données relatives à la publication recherchée. A cette date,
la publication sera
• reconduite,
• supprimée,
• remplacée par une édition révisée, ou
• amendée.
_____________
Page 10
1 Domaine d’application
Remplacement des trois premiers alinéas par le nouveau texte suivant:
La présente partie de la CEI 60669 s'applique aux interrupteurs pour courant alternatif
seulement à commande manuelle pour usages courants, de tension assignée ne dépassant
pas 440 V et de courant assigné ne dépassant pas 63 A, destinés aux installations
électriques fixes domestiques et analogues, soit intérieures ou extérieures.
Pour les interrupteurs pourvus de bornes sans vis, le courant assigné est limité à 16 A.
Les interrupteurs couverts par la présente norme sont prévus pour commander en usage
normal
– un circuit de charge par lampe à filament de tungstène ; ou
– un circuit de charge par lampe à fluorescence (y compris les ballasts électroniques) ; ou
– un circuit de charge en grande partie résistif avec un facteur de puissance supérieur ou
égal à 0,95 ; ou
– un circuit monophasé de charge par moteur de courant assigné jusqu'à 10 A et de facteur
de puissance supérieur ou égal à 0,6 ; ou
– ou une combinaison de ceux-ci.
NOTE 1 Une extension du domaine d'application aux interrupteurs de tensions assignées supérieures à 440 V est
à l'étude.
60669-1 Amend. 2 © IEC:2006 – 3 –
FOREWORD
This amendment has been prepared by subcommittee 23B: Plugs, socket-outlets and
switches, of IEC technical committee 23: Electrical accessories.
The text of this amendment is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
23B/828/FDIS 23B/845/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this amendment can be found in the report
on voting indicated in the above table.
The committee has decided that the contents of this amendment and the base publication will
remain unchanged until the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under
"http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the
publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
_____________
Page 11
1 Scope
Replacement of the first three paragraphs by the following new text:
This part of IEC 60669 applies to manually operated general purpose switches, for a.c. only
with a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V and a rated current not exceeding 63 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.
Switches covered by this standard are intended for the control in normal use of:
– a circuit for a tungsten filament lamp load; or
– a circuit for a fluorescent lamp load (including electronic ballast); or
– a circuit for a substantially resistive load with a power factor not less than 0,95; or
– a monophase circuit for motor load with a rated current up to 10 A and a power factor not
less than 0,6; or
– a combination of these.
NOTE 1 An extension of the scope to switches for rated voltages higher than 440 V is under consideration.
– 4 – 60669-1 Amend. 2 © CEI:2006
NOTE 2 Une augmentation du courant assigné de 10 A pour les charges par moteur est à l’étude.
NOTE 3 Pour le moment, un interrupteur de courant assigné supérieur à 10 A est considéré comme un
interrupteur pour charge moteur de 10 A.
La présente norme s'applique également aux boîtes des interrupteurs, à l'exception des
boîtes de montage pour interrupteurs pour pose encastrée.
Renuméroter les notes 2, 3 et 4 en notes 4, 5 et 6.
ème ème ème
Au 4 alinéa, addition du mot "approprié" après les mots "partie 2" dans les 2 , 3 et
ème
5 tirets.
ème
Addition à la fin du 4 alinéa du nouveau tiret suivant:
– interrupteurs-sectionneurs (les règles particulières sont données dans la Partie 2
appropriée)
Page 14
3 Définitions
Remplacement de 3.1.5 par les nouvelles définitions suivantes:
3.1.5
interrupteur à distance normale d'ouverture des contacts
interrupteur ayant une distance d'isolement dans l'air entre les contacts ouverts au moins
égale à 3 mm, et satisfaisant aux exigences de fonctionnement pour la construction à
distance normale d'ouverture des contacts
3.1.6
interrupteur à faible distance d'ouverture des contacts
interrupteur ayant une distance d'isolement dans l'air entre les contacts ouverts au moins
égale à 1,2 mm, et satisfaisant aux exigences de fonctionnement pour la construction à faible
distance d'ouverture des contacts
3.1.7
interrupteur à microdistance d'ouverture des contacts
interrupteur n'ayant pas de distance d'isolement dans l'air spécifiée entre les contacts ouverts
et satisfaisant aux exigences de fonctionnement pour la construction à microdistance
d'ouverture des contacts
Page 22
6 Caractéristiques assignées
6.2 Addition dans le premier alinéa des valeurs " 45 A, 50 A" après " 40 A".
7 Classification
A la page 24, modification de la première ligne de 7.1.2 comme suit:
7.1.2 en fonction de l'ouverture des contacts et des performances de l'interrupteur:
Suppression de la NOTE 1 et de la NOTE 2 et renumérotation des NOTES 3 et 4 en NOTES 1
et 2.
60669-1 Amend. 2 © IEC:2006 – 5 –
NOTE 2 An increase of the rated current of 10 A for motor load is under consideration.
NOTE 3 For the time being, switches with a rated current more than 10 A are considered as a 10 A current for
motor load switch.
The standard also applies to boxes for switches, with the exception of mounting boxes for
flush type switches.
Renumbering of notes 2, 3 and 4 as notes 4, 5 and 6.
th nd rd
In the 4 paragraph, addition of the word “relevant” before the words “part 2” in the 2 , 3
th
and 5 dashed texts.
th
Addition at the end of the 4 paragraph of the following dashed text:
– isolating switches (particular requirements are given in the relevant Part 2)
Page 15
3 Definitions
Replacement of 3.1.5 by the following new definitions:
3.1.5
switch of normal (gap) construction
switch construction having a clearance between the
...
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