SIST EN IEC 61439-8:2026

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2026
Sestavi nizkonapetostnih stikalnih in krmilnih naprav - 8. del: Sestavi za uporabo v
fotonapetostnih inštalacijah (IEC 61439-8:2026)
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 8: Assemblies for use in
photovoltaic installations (IEC 61439-8:2026)
Niederspannungs-Schaltgerätekombinationen – Teil 8: Schaltgerätekombinationen für
den Einsatz in Photovoltaik-Anlagen (IEC 61439-8:2026)
Ensembles d'appareillage à basse tension - Partie 8: Ensembles destinés aux
installations photovoltaïques (IEC 61439-8:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 61439-8:2026
ICS:
27.160 Sončna energija Solar energy engineering
29.130.20 Nizkonapetostne stikalne in Low voltage switchgear and
krmilne naprave controlgear
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 61439-8

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM April 2026
ICS 29.130.20
English Version
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 8:
Assemblies for use in photovoltaic installations
(IEC 61439-8:2026)
Ensembles d'appareillage à basse tension - Partie 8: Niederspannungs-Schaltgerätekombinationen - Teil 8:
Ensembles destinés aux installations photovoltaïques Schaltgerätekombinationen für den Einsatz in Photovoltaik-
(IEC 61439-8:2026) Anlagen
(IEC 61439-8:2026)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2026-04-17. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 61439-8:2026 E

European foreword
The text of document 121B/224/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 61439-8, prepared by SC 121B "Low-
voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies" of IEC/TC 121 "Switchgear and controlgear and their
assemblies for low voltage" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by
CENELEC as EN IEC 61439-8:2026.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2027-04-30
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2029-04-30
document have to be withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document is read in conjunction with EN IEC 61439-1:2021.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61439-8:2026 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 60269 (series) NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60269 (series)
IEC 60898 (series) NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60898-3:2025/A1 (series)
IEC 60947 (series) NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60947 (series)
IEC 61008 (series) NOTE Approved as EN 61008 (series)
IEC 61009 (series) NOTE Approved as EN 61009 (series)
IEC 61010-2-201 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 61010-2-201
IEC 61427-1 NOTE Approved as EN 61427-1
IEC 61439-2:2020 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 61439-2:2021 (not modified)
IEC 61800-5-1 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 61800-5-1
IEC 62093 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 62093
IEC 62124 NOTE Approved as EN 62124
IEC 62423 NOTE Approved as EN 62423
IEC 62446 (series) NOTE Approved as EN IEC 62446 (series)
IEC 62446-1:2016 NOTE Approved as EN 62446-1:2016 (not modified)
IEC 62790 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 62790
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
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.
NOTE 1  Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2  Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
EN IEC 61439-1:2021, Clause 2, is applicable in addition to the following:
Addition:
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60068-2-14 - Environmental testing - Part 2-14: Tests - EN IEC 60068-2-14 -
Test N: Change of temperature
IEC 60269-6 - Low-voltage fuses - Part 6: Supplementary EN 60269-6 -
requirements for fuse-links for the
protection of solar photovoltaic energy
systems
IEC 60364-7-712 - Low-voltage electrical installations - Part 7- - -
712: Requirements for special installations
or locations - Solar photovoltaic (PV)
power supply installations
IEC 60664-1 - Insulation coordination for equipment EN IEC 60664-1 -
within low-voltage supply systems - Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC/TR 60890 - A method of temperature-rise verification of - -
low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies by calculation
IEC 60898-2 - Electrical accessories - Circuit-breakers for EN 60898-2 -
overcurrent protection for household and
similar installations - Part 2: Circuit-
breakers for AC and DC operation
IEC 60898-3 - Electrical accessories - Circuit-breakers for EN IEC 60898-3 -
overcurrent protection for household and
similar installations - Part 3: Circuit-
breakers for DC operation
IEC 60947-2 2024 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - EN IEC 60947-2 2025
Part 2: Circuit-breakers
IEC 60947-3 2020 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - EN IEC 60947-3 2021
Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-
disconnectors and fuse-combination units
IEC 61439-1 2020 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear EN IEC 61439-1 2021
assemblies - Part 1: General rules
IEC 62109 series Safety of power converters for use in - series
photovoltaic power systems - Part 1:
General requirements
IEC 62262 2002 Degrees of protection provided by EN 62262 2002
enclosures for electrical equipment against
external mechanical impacts (IK code)
+ AMD 2021 + A1 2021
IEC 63027 - Photovoltaic power systems - DC arc EN IEC 63027 -
detection and interruption
IEC 63112 - Photovoltaic (PV) arrays - Earth fault EN IEC 63112 -
protection equipment - Safety and safety-
related functionality
IEC 61439-8 ®
Edition 1.0 2026-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies -
Part 8: Assemblies for use in photovoltaic installations
ICS 29.130.20  ISBN 978-2-8327-1077-7

IEC 61439-8:2026-03(en)
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 10
5 Interface characteristics . 11
6 Information . 13
7 Service conditions . 13
8 Constructional requirements . 14
9 Performance requirements . 18
10 Design verification . 19
11 Routine verification . 32
Annexes . 37
Annex AA (informative) Items subject to agreement between the assembly
manufacturer and the user . 38
Annex BB (informative) Forms of internal separation (see 8.101) . 42
Annex CC (informative) Determining power loss by measurement for circuits
exceeding 1 600 A in a reference design . 47
Annex DD (informative) Design verification (PVA only) . 49
Annex EE (informative) List of notes concerning certain countries . 51
Annex FF (informative) Examples of PV installations . 52
Bibliography . 53

Figure 101 – Example of a large scale-utility PV installation . 5
Figure 701 – Diagram of test to verify the resistance to static load . 21
Figure 702 – Diagram of test to verify the mechanical strength of doors . 22
Figure 703 – Sandbag for test to verify the resistance to shock load . 23
Figure 704 – Diagram of test to verify resistance to shock load . 24
Figure 705 – Diagram of test to verify resistance to torsional stress . 26
Figure 706 – Indicative arrangement of radiant heat lamps for temperature-rise test
with simulated solar radiation . 28
Figure BB.1 – Symbols used in Figure BB.2, Figure BB.3 and Figure BB.4 . 42
Figure BB.2 – Forms 1 and 2 . 44
Figure BB.3 – Form 3 . 45
Figure BB.4 – Form 4 . 46
Figure CC.1 – Power loss measurement of one pole/line . 48
Figure FF.1 – PV array combiner box with a single string of modules . 52
Figure FF.2 – PV array combiner box with several module strings in parallel . 52

Table 101 – Solar radiation conditions . 14
Table 102 – Mechanical tests. 33
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
Table 103 – Test voltages across the open contacts of equipment suitable for isolation . 34
Table 104 – Electrical conditions for the different positions of withdrawable parts . 35
Table 105 – Forms of internal separation . 36
Table AA.1 – Items subject to agreement between the assembly manufacturer
and the user . 38
Table DD.1 – List of design verifications to be performed on PVA . 49

IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies -
Part 8: Assemblies for use in photovoltaic installations

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 61439-8 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 first edition will replace Annex DD, Annex EE and Annex FF from IEC 61439-2 edition 3
published in 2020 to create IEC 61439-8 as a standalone document. This edition constitutes a
technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
Annex DD in IEC 61439-2:2020:
a) the scope has been modified to further define the characteristics of PVA;
b) addition of several definitions of different type of boxes and other technical terms;
c) consideration of IP code according to the different applications of PVA;
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
121B/224/FDIS 121B/227/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.
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.
This document is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61439-1:2020. 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 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.
Tables and figures in this document that are new are numbered starting with 101.
Annexes in this document are lettered AA, BB, etc.
In this document, general terms and definitions are defined in Subclause 3.1.
In this document, the term Photovoltaic Assembly (PVA) is defined in 3.1.101.
NOTE Throughout the IEC 61439 series of standards, the term assembly (see IEC 61439-1:2020, 3.1.1) is used for
a low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assembly.
The reader's attention is drawn to the fact that Annex EE lists all the "in-some-country" clauses
on differing practices of a less permanent nature relating to the subject of this document.
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.
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
INTRODUCTION
The photovoltaic technology enables electricity to be produced directly from sunlight, which is
a source of renewable energy. Photovoltaic (PV) energy is one of the most promising
technologies meeting the pressing need for green renewable energy and is a part of the answer
to the challenge of sustainable development. Pushed by sustainable energy policies, extensive
country engagement, technology development, and cost reduction, the number of photovoltaic
(PV) installations according to IEC 60364-7-712 is increasing rapidly.
PV installations are usually split into two main categories:
– large scale-utility PV installations, where electricity production can be stored or exported to
the grid.
– small PV installations, for example rooftop installation, where the produced energy can be
consumed locally or exported to the grid.
PV applications have characteristics that require assemblies with specific performance. A
typical arrangement of a PV installation is shown in Figure 101. Further examples are provided
in Annex FF.
Figure 101 – Example of a large scale-utility PV installation

IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
1 Scope
This part of the IEC 61439 series specifies requirements for the design and verification of
low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies for use in photovoltaic installations.
PVAs have the following characteristics:
– assemblies used for the combination of electrical energy in DC systems for which the input
and output voltage does not exceed 1 500 V DC;
– assemblies supplied from an AC network where the voltage does not exceed 1 000 V AC
for auxiliary and control purposes;
– stationary assemblies with an enclosure;
– assemblies intended for operation by authorised persons (see IEC 61439-1:2020, 3.7.17),
but can be located in an area accessible to ordinary persons (see IEC 61439-1:2020,
3.7.16);
– suitable for indoor or outdoor installation.
NOTE 1 PV installations having PV modules with micro-inverters that are connected directly to inter-connection
assemblies according to IEC 61439-2 or IEC 61439-3 are not covered by this document.
NOTE 2 Requirements for PVA including other types of DC distribution circuits, for example battery circuits,
connected in the same assembly are under consideration.
This document identifies definitions, specifies the service conditions, details the construction
requirements, defines the technical characteristics, and provides verifications for PVAs.
PVAs can also include control or signalling devices, or both, associated with the distribution of
electrical energy.
This document applies to all PVAs whether they are designed and manufactured on a one-off
basis or fully standardized and manufactured in quantity. Either the manufacture or assembly,
or both, can be carried out by an entity other than the original manufacturer (see
IEC 61439-1:2020, 3.10.1).
This document does not apply to:
– individual devices, for example, circuit-breakers, fuse switches and self-contained
components such as, motor starters, switch mode power supplies (SMPS), uninterruptable
power supplies (UPS), basic drive modules (BDM), complete drive modules (CDM),
adjustable speed power drives systems (PDS), stand-alone energy storage systems (battery
and capacitor systems), other electronic equipment which comply with their relevant product
standards, such as junction boxes of photovoltaic modules. This document describes their
integration into a PVA or an empty enclosure used as a part of a PVA;
– photovoltaic power conversion equipment (PCE) incorporating DC combination sub-
systems, covered by the IEC 62109 series.
Some applications, such as either explosive atmospheres or functional safety, or both, can be
subject to the requirements of other standards or local installation rules in addition to those
specified in the IEC 61439 series.
This document does not apply to the specific types of assemblies covered by other parts of the
IEC 61439 series.
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
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 61439-1:2020, Clause 2, is applicable in addition to the following:
Addition:
IEC 60068-2-14, Environmental testing - Part 2-14: Tests - Test N: Change of temperature
IEC 60269-6, Low-voltage fuses - Part 6: Supplementary requirements for fuse-links for the
protection of solar photovoltaic energy systems
IEC 60364-7-712, Low voltage electrical installations - Part 7-712: Requirements for special
installations or locations - Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems
IEC 60664-1, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage supply systems - Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC TR 60890, A method of temperature-rise verification of low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear assemblies by calculation
IEC 60898-2, Electrical accessories - Circuit-breakers for overcurrent protection for household
and similar installations - Part 2: Circuit-breakers for AC and DC operation
IEC 60898-3, Electrical accessories - Circuit-breakers for overcurrent protection for household
and similar installations - Part 3: Circuit-breakers for DC operation
IEC 60947-2:2024, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 2: Circuit-breakers
IEC 60947-3:2020, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors,
switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
IEC 61439-1:2020, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 1: General rules
IEC 62109 (all parts), Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems
IEC 62262:2002, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against
external mechanical impacts (IK code)
IEC 62262:2002/AMD1:2021
IEC 63027, Photovoltaic power systems - DC arc detection and interruption
IEC 63112, Photovoltaic (PV) arrays - Earth fault protection equipment - Safety and safety
related functionality
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61439-1 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
– IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
– ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1 General terms
Additional terms and definitions:
3.1.101
photovoltaic assembly
PVA
assembly used in the DC part of a photovoltaic installation to receive electrical energy from one
or more PV modules and distributes the energy through one or more outgoing circuits
3.1.102
PV string
circuit of one or more series-connected PV modules
3.1.103
photovoltaic string combiner box
PVA where photovoltaic strings are electrically connected, which can also contain either
overcurrent protection or disconnection devices, or both
Note 1 to entry: The terms junction, connection and termination box have the same meaning.
3.1.104
photovoltaic array combiner box
PVA where photovoltaic sub-arrays or arrays are electrically connected, which can also contain
either overcurrent protection or disconnection devices, or both
3.1.105
test situation
condition of a PVA or part of it in which the relevant main circuits are open on its supply side
but not necessarily isolated whilst the associated auxiliary circuits are connected, allowing
operational tests of the incorporated device(s)
3.1.106
form of internal separation
classification of physical separation within a PVA
3.1.107
solar irradiance
irradiance produced by solar radiation expressed in watt per square metre (W/m ).
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
3.2 Constructional units of assemblies
Replacement of the title:
3.2 Constructional units of PVAs
Additional terms and definitions:
3.2.101
withdrawable part
removable part intended to be moved from the connected position to the isolated position and
to a test position, if any, whilst remaining mechanically attached to the PVA
3.2.102
test position
position of a withdrawable part in which the relevant main circuits are open on its supply side
but not necessarily isolated and in which the auxiliary circuits are connected allowing operation
tests of the incorporated device(s), the withdrawable part remaining mechanically attached to
the PVA
Note 1 to entry: The opening can also be achieved without any mechanical movement of the withdrawable part by
operation of a suitable device.
3.2.103
isolated position
position of a withdrawable part in which an isolating distance is established in main and auxiliary
circuits on its supply side, the withdrawable part remaining mechanically attached to the PVA
Note 1 to entry: The isolating distance can also be established without any mechanical movement of the
withdrawable part by operation of a suitable device, e.g. a disconnector in accordance with IEC 60947-3.
3.2.104
isolating distance
clearance between open contacts of withdrawable parts meeting the safety requirements
specified for disconnectors
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-441:2000, 441-17-35, modified – "between open contacts" has been
replaced by "between open contacts of withdrawable parts".]
3.4 Structural parts of assemblies
Replacement of the title:
3.4 Structural parts of PVAs
Additional terms and definitions:
3.4.101
active cooling
use of equipment mounted on or within the assembly, installed to reduce or control the
assembly's internal air temperature during normal operation, which requires energization to
operate
Note 1 to entry: Examples include fans, internal air conditioning, heat exchangers, etc.
3.4.102
pressure relief flap
mechanical component provided to limit the pressure rise in case of internal arc-faults
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
3.5 Conditions of installation of assemblies
Replacement of the title:
3.5 Conditions of installation of PVAs
3.5.3
stationary assembly
Additional terms and definitions:
3.5.3.701
ground and floor mounted PVA
stationary PVA permanently connected to the supply with a part embedded in the ground or
intended to be fixed directly on the floor or a base
3.5.3.702
wall-mounted PVA
stationary PVA intended to be fixed directly on the wall while being permanently fixed to the
supply
3.5.101
PVA location with restricted access
location accessible for all persons who are permitted to have access to the location (e.g. private
housing, private solar farm or similar places)
3.5.102
PVA location with non-restricted access
location accessible to any person (e.g. the PVA is in an unrestricted area), but the assembly is
not intended to be operated by an ordinary person
3.5.103
base
additional part of the arrangement used to support the PVA in any case of mounting intended
to accommodate only cables
3.5.104
fixing mean
accessory intended to fix the base or the PVA to the ground, the floor or the wall etc.
3.8 Characteristics
Additional terms and definitions:
3.8.9.2.101
U
OC MAX
maximum voltage across an unloaded (open) PV module, PV string, or PV array, or on the DC
side of the PV PCE
3.8.10.7.101
I
SC MAX
maximum short-circuit current produced by a PV module, PV string, Direct Current Unit (DCU)
string, PV sub-array or PV array
4 Symbols and abbreviations
IEC 61439-1:2020, Clause 4, is applicable.
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
5 Interface characteristics
IEC 61439-1:2020, Clause 5, is applicable, except as follows:
5.1 General
Replacement:
The characteristics of the PVA shall ensure compatibility with the ratings of the circuits to which
it is connected and the installation conditions. These characteristics shall be declared by the
assembly manufacturer using the criteria identified in IEC 61439-1:2020, 5.2 to 5.6, as
amended by this document.
The specification schedule detailed in the informative Annex AA is intended to help the user
and the assembly manufacturer to meet this objective, whether the user:
– selects catalogue products, the characteristics of which meet their needs, and the
requirements of this document; or,
– makes a specific agreement with the assembly manufacturer, or both.
NOTE Annex AA also relates to the topics dealt with in Clause 6 and Clause 7.
5.2 Voltage ratings
5.2.2 Rated operational voltage (U ) (of a circuit of a PVA)
e
Addition:
The rated operational voltage (U ) shall be as minimum U of the DC circuits of a PVA
e OC MAX
and shall be specified by the assembly manufacturer.
NOTE See IEC 60364-7-712 for open-circuit maximum voltage (U ) for DC circuit of the PVA.
OC MAX
5.3 Current ratings
5.3.1 Rated current of the assembly (I )
nA
Replacement:
The rated current I of the DC part of a PVA is defined by the original manufacturer.
nA
This rated current I shall be equal or greater than the sum of short-circuit currents I of
nA SC MAX
all connected input circuits.
This current shall be carried without the temperature-rise of the individual parts exceeding the
limits specified in this document.
Replacement of 5.3.3:
5.3.3 Group rated current of an incoming circuit (I )
ng
Each incoming circuit of a PVA shall be capable of carrying the maximum short-circuit current
I produced by PV string(s) or PV sub-array continuously. See Figure FF.1 and
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Figure FF.2 for examples of PV installations.
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
The maximum short-circuit current I that can be connected to any incoming circuit shall
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be specified by assembly manufacturer.
Replacement of 5.3.4:
5.3.4 Maximum short-circuit current (I )
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The assembly manufacturer shall declare the value of maximum short-circuit current of all
incoming circuits.
NOTE The terms group rated current I and maximum short-circuit current I are considered equal.
ng SC MAX
5.3.5 Rated short-time withstand current (I ) (of a main circuit of an assembly)
cw
Addition:
NOTE The selection of the different protection of all incoming circuits are according to the maximum short-circuit
current I of the downstream circuit including the inverter if any (see 60364-7-712).
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5.6 Other characteristics
Replacement of item f):
f) degree of protection against contact with hazardous live parts, ingress of solid foreign
bodies and water, IP code (see IEC 61439-1:2020, 8.2.2), including the degree of protection
for any distinct positions for removable and withdrawable parts;
Replacement of item g):
g) intended for use by (electrically) skilled, competent or instructed persons (see IEC 61439-
1:2020, 3.7.13, 3.7.14, and 3.7.15);
Replacement of item l):
l) type of construction, fixed, removable or withdrawable parts (see IEC 61439-1:2020, 8.5.1
and 8.5.2);
Addition:
aa) form of internal separation and associated degree(s) of protection, IP code (see 8.2.2);
bb) mounting orientation (horizontal, vertical, etc.) if the assembly can be mounted in different
positions from vertical.
Additional item:
q) locations with restricted access or non-restricted access (see 3.5.101 and 3.5.102).
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
6 Information
IEC 61439-1:2020, Clause 6, is applicable, except as follows:
6.1 Assembly designation marking
Replacement of the title and item g):
6.1 PVA designation marking
g) IEC 61439-8;
Addition:
h) If an incorporated device does not have adequate switching capacity a warning label visible
at the time of the operation shall be provided adjacent to the device stating, "Do not operate
under load" (see IEC 62790).
i) If a PVA is energized from more than one source it shall carry a warning label indicating
that the assembly is energized from more than one source, and that parts inside the
assembly can still be live, unless isolated from all sources of supply including all PV circuits.
j) If a PVA is not suitable for exposure to solar radiation, it shall carry a warning label indicating
that the assembly cannot be installed in a position where solar radiation can occur.
6.2 Documentation
6.2.2 Instructions for handling, installation, operation and maintenance
Addition:
Where a PVA is intended for indoor installation or outdoors without exposure to direct sunlight
it shall include a warning indicating PVA is not suitable for exposure to direct sunlight.
Where a PVA is exposed to direct sunlight, it shall include a warning label indicating operators
should be aware that the temperatures of external parts that are exposed to solar radiation can
be high, and precautions should be taken if they are to be touched.
NOTE Further background information regarding documentation is given in the IEC 62446 series.
7 Service conditions
IEC 61439-1:2020, Clause 7, is applicable except as follows.
Additional subclause:
7.101 PVA under solar radiation conditions
PVAs shall be suitable for one of the solar radiation conditions given in Table 101.
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
Table 101 – Solar radiation conditions
Solar radiation condition Comment
Indoor – no solar radiation PVA installed in a normal indoor environment.
Outdoor – no solar radiation PVA suitable for installation outdoors where it is not exposed to direct sunlight
(in the shade).
Outdoor – with solar radiation PVA suitable for outdoor installation where it is exposed to direct sunlight.
Ratings apply when the PVA is installed in locations where the solar irradiance
reaches a maximum of 1,0 kW/m and at the maximum ambient air temperature.

7.2 Special service conditions
Addition:
n) Additional precaution(s) for special service conditions, see IEC TS 62738:2018, 7.3.2.1.
8 Constructional requirements
IEC 61439-1:2020, Clause 8, is applicable, except as follows.
8.2 Degree of protection provided by an assembly enclosure
Replacement of the title:
8.2 Degree of protection provided by PVA enclosure
8.2.1 Mechanical strength of PVA enclosure
Additional subclauses:
8.2.1.701 PVA for location with restricted access
The minimum mechanical strength for PVA for locations with restricted access is the IK07.
For the relevant tests and severities see Table 102.
8.2.1.702 PVA for location with non-restricted access
The minimum mechanical strength for PVA for locations with non-restricted access is the IK08.
For the relevant tests and severities see Table 102.
8.2.2 Protection against contact with live parts, ingress of solid foreign bodies and
water (IP code)
Replace text second and third paragraph with the following:
The minimum degree of protection (IP code) provided by a PVA enclosure shall be at least IP44
for outdoor applications. The specified IP rating shall not be lower than the minimum level of
protection required by the devices contained within the PVA.
Where a PVA is located in an area accessible to ordinary persons, the degree of protection of
a PVA enclosure for indoor applications shall be at least IP2XC after installation in accordance
with the assembly manufacturer's instructions.
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
Additional subclause:
8.2.101 PVA with withdrawable parts
The degree of protection (IP code) indicated for PVA applies to the connected position
(see IEC 61439-1:2020, 3.2.3) of withdrawable parts. The assembly manufacturer shall indicate
the degree of protection in other positions, if it is lower than the degree of protection applicable
to the connected position of withdrawable parts.
If, after the removal of a withdrawable part, it is not possible to maintain the original degree of
protection (e.g. by closing a door), the assembly manufacturer shall provide the appropriate
cover or similar to restore the original degree of protection. If these measures are not available,
the IP tests shall be carried out without the removable part in place.
8.3 Clearances and creepage distances
8.3.2 Clearances
Addition:
The isolating distance between the withdrawable unit's main contacts and their associated fixed
contacts in the isolated position shall withstand the test voltage for the declared impulse
withstand voltage as specified in Table 103.
NOTE For altitudes above 2 000 m, refer to IEC 60664-1.
8.4 Protection against electric shock
8.4.1 General
Addition:
PVA manufacturer shall specify the class of the assembly taking into consideration the
requirements of IEC 60364-7-712.
8.4.3 Fault protection
8.4.3.1 Installation conditions
8.4.3.2 Requirements for the protective conductor to facilitate automatic
disconnection of the supply
8.4.3.2.2 Requirements for earth continuity providing protection against the
consequences of faults within the Class I assembly
Replacement of the title:
8.4.3.2.2 Requirements for earth continuity providing protection against the
consequences of faults within the Class I PVA
Replacement of last paragraph:
When removable or withdrawable parts are equipped with a metal supporting surface that have
suitable conductivity and corrosion resistance, these surfaces shall be considered sufficient for
ensuring earth continuity, provided that the pressure exerted on them is sufficiently high. The
earth continuity of the exposed conductive parts of a withdrawable part shall remain effective
from the connected position to the isolated position inclusively.
IEC 61439-8:2026 © IEC 2026
8.4.5 Limitation of steady-state touch currents and charge
Addition:
NOTE PVAs which can be used in energy storage off-grid applications comply with the pertinent requirements of
relevant standards, e.g. IEC 61427-1.
8.4.6 Operating and servicing condition
8.4.6.1 Devices to be operated or components to be replaced by ordinary persons
IEC 61439-1:2020, 8.4.6.1, is not applicable.
8.4.6.2 Requirements related to accessibility in service by authorized persons
8.4.6.2.1 General
Addition:
The appropriate form of internal separation for a PVA is determined by the operations to be
undertaken when the assembly is energized and in service, but with individual circuits de-
energized (see 8.101).
8.5 Incorporation of switching devices and components
8.5.2 Removable parts
Replacement of the title by:
8.5.2 Removable and wit
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