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

When it comes to electrical equipment, there are various standards and regulations in place to ensure safety and performance. Two of the most important standards used for circuit breakers are EN 60898 and EN 60947-2. While both standards focus on circuit protection, they have distinct differences that set them apart.

EN 60898: The Standard for Circuit Breakers

EN 60898 is a European standard that specifically pertains to circuit breakers for overcurrent protection in household and similar installations. It sets the requirements for circuit breakers designed to protect electrical circuits against overload and short-circuit currents. This standard covers devices commonly found in residential and commercial buildings.

EN 60898 specifies parameters like rated voltage, short-circuit capacity, breaking capacity, and tripping characteristics. It ensures that the circuit breaker can interrupt the flow of current in a timely manner when excessive current is detected. Compliance with this standard guarantees a certain level of safety and performance for circuit breakers used in everyday applications.

EN 60947-2: The Standard for Low-Voltage Circuit Breakers

On the other hand, EN 60947-2 focuses on low-voltage circuit breakers used in industrial applications. It applies to circuit breakers intended for operation at voltages below 1000V AC or 1500V DC. These circuit breakers are typically used in factories, power distribution systems, and other industrial settings.

EN 60947-2 provides more rigorous requirements compared to EN 60898, considering the harsher operating conditions in industrial environments. It covers aspects such as endurance, resistance to heat and humidity, mechanical strength, and resistance to voltage fluctuations. These additional requirements ensure that the circuit breakers can withstand the demands of industrial operations.

Key Differences between EN 60898 and EN 60947-2

The main differences between these two standards can be summarized as follows:

EN 60898 applies to circuit breakers used in household and similar installations, while EN 60947-2 targets low-voltage circuit breakers in industrial applications.

EN 60947-2 has more stringent requirements, considering the harsher operating conditions in industrial settings.

EN 60947-2 covers a wider range of performance parameters and electrical characteristics compared to EN 60898.

Compliance with EN 60898 ensures safe and reliable protection for everyday applications, while compliance with EN 60947-2 guarantees the durability and reliability of circuit breakers in industrial environments.

In conclusion, both EN 60898 and EN 60947-2 are essential standards for circuit breakers, but they serve different purposes and cater to distinct applications. Understanding these standards is crucial for selecting the appropriate circuit breaker based on the specific requirements of the installation.