What is the difference between 60898 and 60947?

In the field of electrical engineering, standards play a crucial role in ensuring safety, compatibility, and efficiency. Two commonly referenced standards are IEC 60898 and IEC 60947. While they both deal with circuit breakers, there are significant differences between these two standards that users need to be aware of.

IEC 60898: Understanding the Basics

IEC 60898 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for low-voltage circuit breakers. It focuses on the protection and control of circuits in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. These circuit breakers are primarily designed to guard against overloads and short circuits, providing protection to electrical systems and preventing electrical fires. IEC 60898 sets strict guidelines for parameters such as rated voltage, rated current, breaking capacity, and operating characteristics, ensuring compatibility, reliability, and safety.

IEC 60947: Beyond Circuit Breakers

While IEC 60898 focuses specifically on low-voltage circuit breakers, IEC 60947 is a broader standard that covers a wide range of equipment used in low-voltage electrical installations. It not only includes circuit breakers but also addresses other devices such as contactors, switches, motor starters, and disconnectors. IEC 60947 emphasizes coordination between different components within an electrical system, ensuring seamless operation, protection, and maintenance. The standard defines requirements for performance, operational limits, electrical ratings, and testing procedures for these devices.

Key Differences Between the Standards

One of the main differences between IEC 60898 and IEC 60947 lies in their scope. While IEC 60898 focuses exclusively on circuit breakers for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, IEC 60947 extends its coverage to a broader range of low-voltage electrical equipment. Additionally, the two standards have different testing procedures and requirements. For example, IEC 60898 primarily tests circuit breakers against overload and short-circuit conditions, while IEC 60947 includes performance tests for various devices such as contactors and switches.

Another significant difference is the breaking capacity requirement. IEC 60898 usually mandates lower breaking capacity values since it mainly protects against overloads and short circuits within limited applications. On the other hand, IEC 60947 specifies higher breaking capacity values to accommodate the diverse range of electrical equipment it covers, including devices used in more demanding environments such as industrial plants.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Standard

In summary, understanding the difference between IEC 60898 and IEC 60947 is essential for ensuring the appropriate application of these standards. If you are designing a circuit breaker for typical residential or commercial use, IEC 60898 would be the proper reference. However, if you are working on a more complex electrical installation or need to consider a range of low-voltage equipment beyond circuit breakers, IEC 60947 becomes the relevant standard. By adhering to the appropriate standard, engineers, electricians, and end-users can ensure the safety and reliability of their electrical systems.