Current practice of testing and certification for low voltage switch- and controlgear assemblies can be rather vague in terms of objectivity, interpretation of the standards, scope, acceptability and the accuracy of chosen measure. 

Actually, the IEC/EN 60439-1 itself leaves much room for interpretation. As a result, some suppliers cannot really distinguish their products’ contribution to safety while others make use of the “fog” and successfully claim compliance with products that could just as easily be the cause of accidents. 

Some examples we will all recognize: 

• Perfect panel system is fitted with switching components which failed individual tests.
• Type tested sample panel passed the IP test with use of lots of sealant while commercially produced units are leaky.
• Basic panel passes temperature rise test while units sold are compartmentised and are fitted with additional components.     

Who will bear the financial consequences when things go wrong? To complicate matters further, it takes an expert to study test reports, certificates and other documentation provided by an assembly manufacturer in order to demonstrate compliance. It pays to put in the effort though, since stakeholders are faced with considerable variation in the value of both panel type test reports and panel (CENELEC based) certification. 

Especially, for those projects where risk is more of an issue, there is a need for a certification mark that ensures a fixed high level of risk reduction, promotes safety and is both easy to specify and to verify. 

For more information, contact us.

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