IEC 61439-5:2023

IEC 61439-5 ®
Edition 3.0 2023-05
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies –
Part 5: Assemblies for power distribution in public networks

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IEC 61439-5 ®
Edition 3.0 2023-05
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies –
Part 5: Assemblies for power distribution in public networks
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.130.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-6987-9

– 2 – IEC 61439-5:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 9
5 Interface characteristics. 9
6 Information . 10
7 Service conditions . 10
8 Constructional requirements . 10
9 Performance requirements. 14
10 Design verification . 14
11 Routine verification . 30
Annexes . 31
Annex O L (informative) Guidance on verification of temperature rise verification . 32
Annex AA (normative) Cross-section of conductors . 33
Annex BB (informative) Items subject to agreement between the assembly
manufacturer and the user . 35
Annex CC (informative) Design verification . 39
Annex DD (informative) List of notes concerning certain countries . 41
Bibliography . 42

Figure 101 – Typical distribution network . 7
Figure 102 – Diagram of test to verify resistance to shock load of a PENDA-O . 18
Figure 103 – Diagram of test to verify impact force withstand of a PENDA-O . 19
Figure 104 – Diagram of test to verify the resistance to static load . 20
Figure 105 – Sandbag for test to verify the resistance to shock load . 21
Figure 106 – Diagram of test to verify resistance to torsional stress of a PENDA-O . 23
Figure 107 – Diagram of test to verify the mechanical strength of doors . 26
Figure 108 – Striker element for test of resistance to mechanical shock impacts
induced by sharp-edged objects . 27
Figure 109 – Typical test arrangement for mechanical strength of base . 28

Table 101 – Values of assumed loading . 9
Table 102 – Axial load to be applied to the inserts . 27
Table AA.1 – Minimum and maximum cross-section of copper and aluminium
conductors, suitable for connection (see 8.8) . 33
Table AA.2 – Standard cross-sections of round copper conductors and approximate
relationship between mm and AWG/kcmil sizes (see 8.8 of IEC 61439‑1:2020) . 34
Table BB.1 – Items subject to agreement between the ASSEMBLY manufacturer
and the user . 35
Table CC.1 – List of design verifications to be performed. 39

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LOW-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR ASSEMBLIES –

Part 5: Assemblies for power distribution in public networks

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
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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
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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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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
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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
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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) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes
made to the previous edition IEC 61439-5:2014. A vertical bar appears in the margin
wherever a change has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in
strikethrough red text.
– 4 – IEC 61439-5:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
IEC 61439-5 has been prepared by subcommittee 121B: Low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear assemblies, of IEC technical committee 121: Switchgear and controlgear and their
assemblies for low voltage. It is an International Standard.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2014. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) omission of the requirement to conduct mechanical tests at -25 °C when enclosures are
made of a metallic material;
b) addition of assumed loading factors generation supplies and electric vehicle charging
applications;
c) additional dielectric tests when a PENDA is used in a distribution substation with separate
HV and LV earths;
d) further clarification of representative samples for design verification.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
121B/173/FDIS 121B/178/RVD
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 document is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61439-1. The provisions of the general
rules dealt with in IEC 61439-1 are only applicable to this document insofar as they are
specifically cited. When this document states "addition", "modification" or "replacement", the
relevant text in IEC 61439-1:2020 is to be adapted accordingly. Subclauses that are numbered
with a 101 (102, 103 etc.) suffix are additional to the same subclause in IEC 61439‑1:2020.
Tables and figures in IEC 61439-5:2023 that are new are numbered starting with 101.
New annexes in IEC 61439-5:2023 are lettered AA, BB, etc.
The reader’s attention is drawn to the fact that Annex DD lists all of the "in-some-country"
clauses on differing practices of a less permanent nature relating to the subject of this
document.
A list of all parts of the IEC 61439 series, under the general title Low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear assemblies can be found on the IEC website.

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,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
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.

– 6 – IEC 61439-5:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
LOW-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR ASSEMBLIES –

Part 5: Assemblies for power distribution in public networks

1 Scope
This document defines the specific requirements for public electricity network distribution
assemblies (PENDAs).
PENDAs have the following criteria:
– used for the distribution of electrical energy in three phase systems for which the rated
voltage does not exceed 1 000 V AC (see Figure 101 for a typical distribution network) and
DC systems not exceeding 1 500 V DC;
– stationary;
– open type assemblies are not covered by this document;
– suitable for installation in places where only skilled persons have access for their use,
however, outdoor types may can be installed in situations that are accessible to ordinary
persons
• intended for use in energy distribution in public power grids;
• indoor use: assemblies for installation inside of electric power substations;
• outdoor use: assemblies containing an enclosure suitable for open air installation.
The object of this document is to state the definitions and to specify the service conditions,
construction requirements, technical characteristics and tests for PENDAs. Network parameters
may require Tests at higher performance level can be applicable with some network parameters.
PENDAs may can also include control and or signalling devices associated with the distribution
of electrical energy.
NOTE 1 Control and monitoring devices can be used in smart grid applications or the transmission of smart grid
data.
This document applies to all PENDAs whether they are designed, manufactured on a one-off
basis or fully standardised and manufactured in quantity.
The manufacture and/or assembly may can be carried out other than by the original
manufacturer (see 3.10.1 of IEC 61439-1:20112020).
This document does not apply to individual devices and self-contained components, such as
motor starters, fuse switches, electronic equipment, etc. which comply with the relevant product
standards.
If the substation is owned or operated by a public distribution system operator (DSO), PENDA’s
which are used as LV distribution panels in transformer substations are within the scope of this
document,
This document does not apply to specific types of assemblies covered by other parts of
IEC 61439 series.
Figure 101 – Typical distribution network
NOTE 2 If a PENDA is equipped with additional equipment (for example meters), in such a way that the main
function is changed considerably, then other standards can also apply as agreed between user and manufacturer
(see 8.5 of IEC 61439-1:20112020).
NOTE 3 Where local regulations and practices permit, a PENDA according to this document can be used in other
than public networks.
NOTE 4 DSO’s can define additional requirements for their PENDA’s.
2 Normative references
This clause of IEC 61439-1:2020 applies except as follows.
Addition:
IEC 60695-11-10:2013, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-10: Test flames – 50 W horizontal and
vertical flame test methods
IEC 61439-1:20112020, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 1: General
rules
IEC 62262, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against
external mechanical impacts (IK code)
ISO 9223:2012, Corrosion of metals and alloys – Corrosivity of atmospheres – Classification,
determination and estimation
ISO 6506-1:2014, Metallic materials – Brinell hardness test – Part 1: Test method

– 8 – IEC 61439-5:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
3 Terms and definitions
This clause of IEC 61439-1:2020 applies except as follows.
3.1 General terms
Additional terms:
3.1.101
public electricity network distribution assembly
PENDA
assembly, generally for installation in a public electricity network which in use, receives
electrical energy from one or more supplies and distributes that energy through one or more
cables to other equipment
Note 1 to entry: A PENDA is installed, operated and maintained solely by skilled persons.
Note 2 to entry: Some types of a PENDA were previously known as a cable distribution cabinet (CDC).
3.1.101.1
outdoor public electricity network distribution assembly
PENDA-O
cubicle type public electricity network distribution assembly that is suitable for outdoor
installation in places that may can, or may not cannot, be accessible to the public
3.1.101.2
indoor public electricity network distribution assembly
PENDA-I
public electricity network distribution assembly suitable for installation indoors, generally
without an enclosure, but including all structural parts necessary to support busbars, functional
units and other ancillary devices, necessary to complete the assembly
3.1.102
design life
minimum duration for which specified performance characteristics of equipment are expected
when the equipment is operated as intended and regularly maintained by instructed persons in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-395:2014, 395-07-93, modified – Note to entry omitted and 'granted'
replaced by 'expected when . instructions'.]
3.3 External design of assemblies
3.3.1
open-type assembly
This term of IEC 61439-1:2020 does not apply.
3.9 Verification
Modifications:
3.9.1
design verification
Delete the note.
3.9.1.2
verification comparison
This term of IEC 61439-1:2020 does not apply.

3.9.1.3
verification assessment
This term of IEC 61439-1:2020 does not apply.
4 Symbols and abbreviations
This clause of IEC 61439-1:2020 applies.
5 Interface characteristics
This clause of IEC 61439-1:2020 applies, except as follows.
5.4 Rated diversity factor (RDF)
Addition:
In the absence of an agreement between the assembly manufacturer and user concerning the
actual load currents, the assumed loading of the outgoing circuits of the assembly or group of
outgoing circuits may can be based on the values given in Table 101.
For distribution and final circuits, it is assumed that the load current is the rated current of the
protective device, I , as required by the user, multiplied with the loading factor of Table 101.
n
Table 101 – Values of assumed loading
Number of main circuits Assumed loading factor
2 and 3 0,9
4 and 5 0,8
6 to 9 inclusive 0,7
10 (and above) 0,6
Application Assumed
loading
factor
Regular distribution grid connections 0,9
2 to 3 circuits
Regular distribution grid connections 0,8
4 to 5 circuits
Regular distribution grid connections 0,7
6 to 9 circuits
Regular distribution grid connections 0,6
≥ 10 circuits
Generation supply (e,g. PV, wind farm, biomass) 1,0
Charging infrastructure for EV 1,0

– 10 – IEC 61439-5:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
6 Information
This clause of IEC 61439-1:2020 applies except as follows.
6.1 Assembly designation marking
Addition to first paragraph:
Designation plates may can be placed inside an enclosure of an assembly provided their
intended place ensures good legibility and visibility when the door(s) is(are) open or the cover
is removed.
Replacement of item dg):
dg) IEC 61439-5.
6.3 Device and/or component identification
Additional paragraph:
In the case of removable fuse-carriers which are specific to a fuseway, a label shall be placed
on the fuse carrier as well as on the fuse base, to avoid incorrect interchangeability of the
fuse-carrier.
Additional subclause:
6.101 Circuit identification
It shall be possible to identify each functional unit in a clearly visible manner.
7 Service conditions
This clause of IEC 61439-1:2020 applies except as follows.
7.1 Normal service conditions
7.1.1 Climatic conditions
Addition to the first paragraph:
Unless the user specifies that a PENDA shall be suitable for use in an arctic climate, the lower
limit of ambient air temperature is –25 °C as specified in Table 15 of IEC 61439-1:2020. For an
arctic climate the lower limit of ambient temperature is –50 °C.
7.1.1.2 Ambient air temperature for outdoor installations
Replacement of last paragraph with:
Unless the user specifies a PENDA shall be suitable for use in an arctic climate, the lower limit
of ambient air temperature is –25 °C. For an arctic climate the lower limit of ambient
temperature is –50 °C.
7.1.2 Pollution degree
Replace the first paragraph with the following:
The pollution degree referred to in Annex BB is the macro-environmental condition for which
the assembly is intended.
7.2 Special service conditions
Addition of the following note to item h):
NOTE Exposure to vibration arising from traffic and/or occasional ground excavation is a normal service condition
for PENDAs.
Additional paragraph:
Additional requirements for a PENDA-O, to be installed where heavy snowfalls occur and where
they are adjacent to areas where there is snow clearance by ploughing, are subject to
agreement between manufacturer and user.
8 Constructional requirements
This clause of IEC 61439-1:2020 applies except as follows.
8.1 Strength of materials and parts
8.1.1 General
Change the reference to Annex C to Annex BB in paragraph 5 of 8.1.1 of IEC 61439-1:2020.
Addition:
A PENDA-O shall be arranged for ground mounting, transformer mounting, pole mounting,
surface wall mounting or mounting within a recess within a wall, as agreed between user and
manufacturer.
A PENDA may can be directly coupled to a transformer by means of a flange coupling or it may
can connect to its supply by means of cable or via busbars as agreed between user and
manufacturer. Outgoing circuits shall be suitable for connection by means of cables.
A reliable locking device shall be provided on outdoor enclosures which prevents access by
unauthorized persons. Doors, lids and covers shall be so designed that, after they are locked,
they do not open due to subsequent moderate ground settlement, nor due to exposure to
vibration arising from traffic and/or ground excavation and reinstatement works. The fixings of
any covers etc. which are removable for installation or maintenance operations shall only be
accessible while the door(s) is (are) open.
Any auxiliary equipment, e.g. meters, relays, instruments, circuit breaker trip units,
communications equipment, that can be readily replaced, are excluded from the minimum
design life of a PENDA.
NOTE When applicable, a design life can be agreed between user and manufacturer, assuming it is operated as
intended and regularly maintained by instructed personnel in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8.1.3.2 Resistance of insulating materials to heat and fire
Additional subclause:
8.1.3.2.101 Verification of category of flammability
The insulating materials used for enclosures, barriers and other insulating parts shall have
flame retardant flammability properties in accordance with 10.2.3.102 of this standard
10.2.3.101.
– 12 – IEC 61439-5:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
8.1.5 Mechanical strength
Additional subclause:
8.1.5.101 Verification of mechanical strength
The mechanical properties of a PENDA-O shall comply with 10.2.101.
Parts of the PENDA-O intended to be embedded in the ground shall withstand the stresses
imposed on them during installation and normal service and comply with 10.2.101.9.
Additional subclause:
8.1.101 Thermal stability
The thermal stability of a PENDA shall be verified according to 10.2.3.101.
8.2 Degree of protection provided by an assembly enclosure
8.2.1 Protection against mechanical impact (IK code)
Subclause 8.2.1 of IEC 61439-1:2020 does not apply.
The mechanical impact tests required by this document are at least equal to IK10 in accordance
with IEC 62262 (see 8.1.5.101).
8.2.2 Protection against contact with live parts, ingress of solid foreign bodies and
water (IP code)
Addition:
Open type assemblies (IP00) are not covered by this document.
When a PENDA-O is intended to be installed in places accessible to the public, its enclosure
shall, when fully-installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, provide a degree
of protection of at least IP34D according to IEC 60529. In other locations, the minimum level of
protection shall be at least IP33.
PENDA-O’s that are intended to be installed in places accessible to the public shall, unless
otherwise stated by the user, be designed such that when any temporary cables are connected,
the enclosure shall provide a degree of protection of at least IP23C according to IEC 60529.
See 8.8.
8.4 Protection against electric shock
8.4.2.1 General
The third paragraph does not apply.
Additional subclause:
8.4.2.101 Earthing and short-circuiting means
When specified by the user, the outgoing units in an assembly shall be so constructed that they
can be earthed and short-circuited in a secure manner by means of a device(s) recommended
by the manufacturer, which ensures the manufacturer’s indicated required degree of protection
(IP code) is maintained for all parts of the assembly. This requirement is not applicable if it
could cause a safety hazard arising from the system conditions and/or operational practice.

8.4.3.1 Installation conditions
Additional paragraph:
For an assembly that is expected When a user specifies the assembly is to feed overhead cable
lines, outgoing units shall be designed in such a way that an attached cable(s) can be earthed
at the termination(s).
8.8 Terminals for external conductors cables
Replacement of the first three paragraphs with the following:
In the absence of a special agreement between user and manufacturer, terminals shall be
capable of accommodating cables having copper or aluminium conductors from the smallest to
the largest cross-sectional area corresponding to the appropriate rated current (see
Table AA.1).
The terminations for outgoing circuits shall be located so that adequate spacing is provided and
to facilitate terminating the phase conductors of a cable irrespective of their lay.
When specified by the user the phase cable terminals of each outgoing circuit shall be
separated from all other hazardous live parts. When the terminals of an outgoing circuit are
exposed protection shall be provided against accidental contact with other hazardous live parts.
Separation and protection shall be from the normal direction of access and in accordance with
IPXXB of IEC 60529.
Where specified by the user, the incoming circuit shall be suitable for connection by means of
either bare or insulated bars.
Additional subclauses:
8.101 Marking as an obstacle to snow clearance
When specified by the user, Where a PENDA-O that is intended for use in regions where heavy
snowfalls occur in accordance with 7.2, or alternatively, if required by the user, it shall be
possible to mark it marked as an obstacle to snow clearance. Holders shall be provided,
attached to the PENDA-O, to accommodate marking rods and it shall be possible to install and
make adjustments to the position of the marking rod from outside the PENDA-O. The holders
shall be constructed in a manner which ensures that the holder or marking rod will give way to
a mechanical force before the transmitted force to the PENDA-O’s enclosure reaches the value
which would adversely affect the degree of protection (IP code).
8.102 Ease of operation and maintenance
All parts of the assembly shall, as far as practicable, be readily accessible and replaceable
without excessive dismantling. The conditions for interchangeability of parts of the ASSEMBLY
may be subject to an agreement between the user and the manufacturer.
The design shall be such that the cables can be readily connected from the front.
When a PENDA does not have a means of measurement incorporated, it shall be possible, by
the use of a portable instrument, to readily and safely measure voltages in all phases of
incoming units and on both sides of all current breaking and/or switch devices of outgoing units,
also the current in one phase of all outgoing units. During this operation all live parts of the
PENDA shall be protected sufficiently to retain the required degree of protection in accordance
with 8.2. Instructions concerning the procedure to be adopted shall be provided by the
manufacturer.
– 14 – IEC 61439-5:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
If the assembly is intended to be connected to a live reserve power, for example a standby
generator, the switchgear connecting device shall be designed so that connection can be made
with the live parts having a degree of protection of IP10 IPXXB according to IEC 60529.
Locking arrangements shall be provided on a PENDA to secure the door(s) and prevent
unauthorised access. The fixings of any covers etc. which are removable for installation or
maintenance operations shall only be accessible while the door(s) are open.
9 Performance requirements
This clause of IEC 61439-1:2020 applies.
10 Design verification
This clause of IEC 61439-1:2020 applies except as follows.
10.1 General
th th th th th th
Replace 4 , 5 , and 6 6 , 7 , and 8 paragraph with:
Design verification shall only be achieved by the application of tests in accordance with
Clause 10. The alternatives methods of verification by assessment or comparison with a
reference design shall not be used (see Table CC.1).
It is not necessary to test every arrangement produced. Tests carried out on a representative
sample of the most onerous PENDA are deemed to verify the performance of similar and less
onerous assemblies of the same general construction and rating. For example a temperature
rise test carried out on an 800 A PENDA-O with 5 outgoing circuits is deemed to apply to a
PENDA-O of the same construction (same general design of enclosure, same design of busbars
and same incoming units) with 8 outgoing circuits of the same rating as those included in the
PENDAO that was temperature rise tested. The same approach applies to short-circuit
verification. Examples of tests carried out on most onerous representative sample include:
1) A temperature rise test carried out on 800 A PENDA with 5 outgoing circuits is deemed to
apply to an 800 A PENDA of the same construction (same general enclosure, same design
of busbars and same incoming unit(s)) with 8 outgoing circuits of the same design.
2) Mechanical strength tests carried out on the smallest and largest enclosure in a series are
deemed to apply to all other enclosures in the series, when they have the same number of
doors and when they are of the same general construction.
3) Providing the busbar and connection support arrangements are the same, short-circuit tests
carried out on a design of busbar and connections are deemed to apply to higher current
ratings of busbars and connections.
4) A short circuit test carried out on 800 A PENDA with 8 outgoing circuits is deemed to apply
to an 800 A PENDA of the same construction (same general enclosure, same design of
busbars and same incoming unit(s)) with 5 outgoing circuits of the same design.
5) For a given short circuit rating, a short circuit tests carried out on an incoming or outgoing
circuit is deemed to apply to higher current rating circuits of the same design and
construction
Additional last paragraph:
Where necessary to suit their particular network parameters, users may can specify more
onerous or additional test requirements.

10.2 Strength of materials and parts
10.2.2 Resistance to corrosion
10.2.2.1 Test procedure Verification by test
Replacement of last paragraph with the following:
When the corrosion resistance properties and projected life, as agreed between the
manufacturer and the user, can shall be confirmed by reference to ISO 9223:2012, the tests
detailed herein need not be performed.
In all other cases the corrosion resistance of each design of assembly shall be verified by
severity test A or B, as applicable and as detailed 10.2.2.3 of IEC 61439-1:2020 and 10.2.2.2.
10.2.2.2 Severity test A
Replacement of the test specification (paragraph 2) with the following:
Damp heat cycling test of IEC 60068-2-30:2005: Severity – temperature 55 °C, 6 cycles and
variant 1.
At the end of the test, the specimens are removed from the test chamber.
Compliance is checked by visual inspection. The parts tested shall not show rust, cracking or
other deterioration. However, surface corrosion of the protective coating is allowed.
10.2.2.4 Results to be obtained
This subclause of IEC 61439-1:2020 is not applicable in respect of tests carried out in
accordance with 10.2.2.2.
10.2.3 Properties of insulating materials
Additional subclause:
10.2.3.101 Dry heat test
The complete ASSEMBLY shall be placed in an oven, the internal temperature of which is raised
to (100 ± 2) °C over a period of 2 h to 3 h and maintained at this temperature for 5 h.
Compliance is checked by inspection that there are no visible signs of deterioration.
Deformation of protective covers manufactured from insulating materials is acceptable if they
are more than 6 mm distant from parts which may have a temperature rise in excess of 40 K
and do not support live components.
10.2.3.102101 Verification of category of flammability
Representative specimens of each of the materials of enclosures, barriers and other insulating
parts shall be subjected to a flammability test in accordance with test method A – horizontal
burning test of IEC 60695-11-10:2013.
Compliance is checked by inspection that each set of specimens can be classified to category
HB40 criteria a) or b) in accordance with 8.4.3 of IEC 60695-11-10:2013.
10.2.6 Verification of protection against mechanical impact (IK code)
This subclause of IEC 61439-1:2020 is not applicable to assemblies complying with this
document.
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Additional subclauses:
10.2.101 Verification of mechanical strength
10.2.101.1 General
Where enclosures are manufactured in a series and are of the same design and construction,
only the smallest and largest size of enclosure shall be tested.
The tests shall be carried out at an ambient temperature between 10 °C and 40 °C.
With the exception of the test of 10.2.101.7, a new sample assembly may can be used for each
of the independent tests. If the same sample assembly is used for more than one test of
10.2.101, the compliance check for the second numeral of the degree of protection (IP code)
need only be applied when the tests on that sample have been completed.
All tests shall be carried out with the assembly fixed at its normal service mounting and where
appropriate, added support at normal ground level as indicated in Figure 102a, Figure 102b,
Figure 103a, and Figure 103b.
Dimensions in millimetres
Start position
Impact
position
Cabinet
Top edge of base
Base
Support as stated
by the manufacturer
IEC
Figure 102a – Diagram of test to verify the resistance to shock load
of a ground mounted PENDA-O with embedded base
Dimensions in millimetres
Start position
Impact
position
IEC
Figure 102b – Diagram of test to verify resistance to shock load
of a ground mounted PENDA-O without embedded base

1 000
1 000
– 18 – IEC 61439-5:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 102a – Diagram of test to verify the resistance to shock load
of a ground mounted PENDA-O with embedded base
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 102b – Diagram of test to verify resistance to shock load
of a ground mounted PENDA-O without embedded base
Figure 102 – Diagram of test to verify resistance to shock load of a PENDA-O

Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 103a – Diagram of test to verify impact force withstand
for a ground mounted PENDA-O with embedded base
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 103b – Diagram of test to verify impact force withstand
for a ground mounted PENDA-O without embedded base
Figure 103 – Diagram of test to verify impact force withstand of a PENDA-O
With the exception of the test of 10.2.101.8, the door(s) of the assembly, if applicable, shall be
locked at the commencement of the test and remain locked for the duration of the test.
10.2.101.2 Verification of resistance to static load
The following tests shall be carried out on all types of PENDA-0:
Test 1 – An evenly distributed load of 8 500 N/m shall be applied for 5 min to the roof of the
enclosure (see Figure 104).
– 20 – IEC 61439-5:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
Test 2 – A force of 1 200 N shall be applied for 5 min in turn to the front and back upper edges
of the roof of the enclosure (see Figure 104).

Figure 104 – Diagram of test to verify the resistance to static load
Compliance is checked by verification after the test that the minimum degree of protection is in
accordance with 8.2.2, and the operation of the door(s) and locking points are not impaired;
also by verification that the electrical clearances have remained satisfactory for the duration of
the tests and in the case of an assembly having metallic enclosure, that no contact between
live parts and the enclosure has occurred caused by permanent or temporary distortion.
10.2.101.3 Verification of resistance to shock load
The test shall apply to all types of PENDA-O.
A bag in accordance with Figure 105 containing dry sand and having a total mass of 15 kg shall
be hung from an overhead support vertically above the surface under test and at least 1 m
above the highest strike point of the assembly.

Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 105 – Sandbag for test to verify the resistance to shock load
Each test shall consist of one blow aimed at the upper part of each of the vertical surfaces of
the assembly which are visible when the assembly is installed in its normal service position.
Separate enclosures may can be used for each of the test blows.
In the case of an enclosure of cylindrical form, the test shall consist of three blows which are
positioned with an angular displacement of 120°.
A test shall consist of raising the lifting eye through a height of 1 m and allowing the sandbag
to fall through a vertical arc to impact the approximate centre of the upper part of the surface
of the assembly under test (see Figure 102a and Figure 102b).
Compliance is checked by verification after the test that the degree of protection remains in
accordance with 8.2.2, and the operation of the door(s) and locking points are not impaired;
also by verification that the electrical clearances have remained satisfactory for the duration of
the tests and, in the case of an assembly having a metallic enclosure, that no contact between
live parts and the enclosure has occurred caused by permanent or temporary distortion. In the
case of an assembly having an insulating enclosure, if the appropriate conditions are satisfied,
then damage such as small dents or small degrees of surface cracking or flaking are
disregarded, provided that there are no associated cracks detrimental to the serviceability of
the assembly.
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10.2.101.4 Verification of resistance to torsional stress
The test only applies to all types of PENDA-O.
The test is carried out using a horizontally rotatable frame constructed from
60 mm × 60 mm × 5 mm angle iron, having vertical locations 100 mm long at the frame arm’s
extremities. The assembly under test is rigidly fixed at its base and the frame closely fitted over
it, so that the end locations of the frame arm are in contact with the roof and walls of the
assembly.
The assembly, with the door(s) closed shall have a torsional force of 2 × 1 000 N applied for
30 s as shown in Figure 106a and Figure 106b. This is comprised two separate tests, first with
the two forces each of 1 000 N applied to twist the PENDA in a clockwise direction and the
second with the two forces each of 1 000 N applied to rotate the PENDA in an anti-clockwise
direction.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 106a – Diagram of test to verify the resistance to torsional stress
of a ground mounted PENDA-O with embedded base
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 106b – Diagram of test to verify resistance to torsional stress
of a ground mounted PENDA-O without embedded base
Figure 106 – Diagram of test to verify resistance to torsional stress of a PENDA-O
Compliance is checked by verifying that the doors(s) remain closed for the duration of the test
and by verification after the test that the degree of protection remains in accordance with 8.2.2.
10.2.101.5 Verification of impact force withstand
10.2.101.5.1 Test applicable to PENDAs PENDA-Os designed for operation at ambient
temperatures of between 40 °C and –25 °C
The test shall be carried o
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