What is the difference between IEC 60898 and IEC 60947-2 ?

Title: The Differences Between IEC 60898 and IEC 60947-2: A Comprehensive Guide

Electrical systems are a vital part of our daily lives, and the performance and safety of these systems are regulated by various international standards. Two such standards are IEC 60898 and IEC 60947-2, which are widely used for the testing and certification of low-voltage circuit breakers. While both of these standards are concerned with the safety and reliability of electrical equipment, they differ in their scope and application. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the differences between IEC 60898 and IEC 60947-2, including their respective focuses, differences in testing and certification procedures, and their primary purposes.

IEC 60898: Ensuring Residential and Commercial Safety

IEC 60898 is an international standard that focuses on ensuring the safety of lighting fixtures, including electrical circuit breakers. The standard was developed to provide a common language for manufacturers, designers, and testing organizations to ensure that lighting fixtures meet the necessary safety and performance requirements.

The primary purpose of IEC 60898 is to ensure that electrical circuit breakers are safe for use in both residential and commercial applications. The standard sets guidelines for the design, testing, and certification of electrical circuit breakers, including their performance, endurance, and environmental aspects.

IEC 60947-2: Protecting Electrical Enclosures

IEC 60947-2 is an international standard that focuses on the protective capabilities of electrical enclosures, including circuit breakers. The standard was developed to provide a common language for manufacturers, designers, and testing organizations to ensure that electrical enclosures provide adequate protection against solid foreign objects and liquids.

The primary purpose of IEC 60947-2 is to ensure that electrical enclosures are able to withstand the ingress of solid objects and liquids, including circuit breakers. The standard sets guidelines for the design, testing, and certification of electrical enclosures, including their resistance to solid objects, water, and other potentially damaging elements.

Differences between IEC 60898 and IEC 60947

IEC 60898 and IEC 60947 are both essential standards for the safety and reliability of electrical systems. While they serve distinct purposes, they differ in their scope and application.

The main difference between the two standards lies in their respective focus areas. IEC 60898 is concerned with the safety of lighting fixtures, while IEC 60947 focuses on the protective capabilities of electrical enclosures. While IEC 60898 focuses more on internal electrical and mechanical safety aspects, IEC 60947 concentrates on external protection features.

Another difference is the testing and certification procedures involved. IEC 60898 requires specific performance tests to ensure compliance with safety regulations. These tests include tests for endurance, resistance to heat and fire, insulation properties, and photometric performance. In contrast, IEC 60947 employs a different set of tests to assess the ingress protection provided by electrical enclosures. These tests evaluate the degree of protection against solid objects, water, corrosive substances, and other potentially damaging elements.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, IEC 60898 and IEC 60947 are two essential standards for the safety and reliability of electrical systems. While they differ in their scope and application, both standards serve a critical purpose in ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical equipment. By understanding the differences between these two standards, manufacturers, designers, and testing organizations can ensure that their products meet the necessary safety and performance requirements.