AS/NZS 61439 – Low voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies

AS/NZS 61439 was released in 2016 and will supercede AS3439. The scope applies to low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies not exceeding 1000V a.c. or 1500 V d.c. and includes assemblies in connection with automation, control, equipment and machines.

AS/NZS 61439 and Electrical Enclosures

Electrical enclosures form part of, and enclose, an assembly to provide a defined degree of protection and therefore must comply with AS/NZS 61439. The type of enclosures include cubicle, multi-cubicle, desk type, box type, multi-box type and wall-mounted enclosures.

IP Enclosures, IEC62208 and AS/NZS 61439

IP Enclosures comply with AS/NZS 61439 Clause 8.1 Strength of materials and parts; and Clause 8.2 Degree of protection provided by an assembly enclosure by complying to IEC62208. IP Enclosures is also compatible with and supports verification requirements outlined in Clauses 10.2 Strength of materials and parts; and 10.3 Degree of protection of assemblies by complying to IEC62208.

Where an empty enclosure in accordance with IEC62208 is used, and not modified, no repetition of the enclosure testing is required (Clause 10.2.1).

IP Enclosures comply with IEC62208 ‘Empty enclosures for low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies’, and are tested by an independent accredited test laboratory.

IP Enclosures supports Original Manufacturers and Assembly Manufacturers

AS/NZS 61439 ‘Low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies’ is the standard for ‘ASSEMBLIES’ and responsibilities are outlined in section 3, Terms and Definitions. The ‘Original Manufacturer’ is the organisation that has carried out the original design and verification of an assembly (Clause 3.10.1) while the ‘Assembly Manufacturer’ is the organisation taking responsibility for the completed assembly. IP Enclosures is an empty enclosure supplier as per IEC62208. We support organisations defined as Original Manufacturers and Assembly Manufacturers throughout design verification and routine verification processes required by IEC61439 by complying with IEC62208, relevant sections of 61439 and providing necessary documentation and certificates.

Design Verification and Routine Verification

IP Enclosures’ empty electrical enclosures have been tested in accordance with IEC62208 and documentation is made available for design verification in accordance with IEC61439. This documentation is relevant for enclosures that have not been modified.

Certificate for IEC62208 – Empty Enclosures (Not for AS/NZS 61439 – Assemblies)

IP Enclosures can provide certificates to IEC62208 ‘Empty enclosures for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear’. However IP Enclosures is not an Original Manufacturer or Assembly Manufacturer as defined by the ASSEMBLY standard IEC61439 and therefore cannot provide certificates for IEC61439 ‘Low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies’.

IP Enclosures empty electrical enclosures have been tested to IEC62208 and this standard is referenced by IEC61439 outlining the requirements for electrical enclosures. A certificate of conformity to IEC62208 assists Original Manufacturers and Assembly Manufacturers throughout design verification and routine verification processes without the need for re-testing if the enclosure is not modified.

For more information

*The information provided is a guide only. Refer to SAI Global for more relevant standards.