IEC 60947-2 the “all-risk” insurance for circuit breakers – Part 1

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IEC 60947-2 has been around a while. Originally called IEC 947-2, it got its current name way back in 1997. So, you may wonder, why talk about it now?

Let’s say a timely reminder is about due.

Substandard circuit breakers galore

Electrical distribution has become an ever more important part of our daily lives. More and more people worldwide are enjoying comfortable, device-driven lifestyles, while business and industry in developed and developing economies are dependent on ICT and always available power.
And if electrical distribution pervades every aspect of work, play, and travel, so, too, do circuit breakers. But not all circuit breakers qualitatively comply with IEC 60947. And in fact, today’s deregulated, fast-changing global market is flooded with billions that don’t. That spells trouble for end-users – both domestic and industrial.

Circuit breakers the basic building block of electrical safety

Certified, conformity-assessed, standard-compliant devices last decades. circuit breakers in switchboards operate for 10 to 15 years at a time, for example. Low-price, substandard – rather, standardless! – circuit breakers may work for a while. But not much longer. When – rather than if – they fail, the cost may be high. Money, time and – above all – lives may be lost.
Lest we forget: the circuit breaker affords essential protection against short-circuits and overcurrent. They prevent fire.
In fact, I like to call circuit breakers the basic building block of electrical protection. Of course, some countries also require other kinds of mandatory safety devices. Devices that prevent and protect against earth leakage, electrocution, and the damage caused by surges.

The humble circuit breaker

Compounding the problem of the market flooded with substandard circuit breakers is one of ignorance of, and even disregard for, the humble circuit breaker.
End users may be forgiven for not caring too much about the technical niceties of circuit breakers. I admit, it’s not their concern even though it might eventually become their problem. Design engineers and general contractors, however, should have in-depth knowledge of circuit breakers and standard IEC 60947 2, which governs their specifications.
And if the tech specs are clear and standards-based, then end-users, too, will benefit. They’ll know what their circuit breaker is supposed to do and what it does do.

Circuit breaker casings tell you what they do

Clearly, then, it is critical to select the right circuit breaker. The right choice is a reliable one that should be fit not just for general purpose, but should also meet the specifications for the application in hand.

IEC 60947 2 requires circuit breakers to have information printed on the outside. The more there is, the better the device, and the more you will know about what it does. It is information like:
• Rated current (should always show, even when the circuit breaker is installed)
• Manufacturer’s trademark
• Compliance with standard IEC/EN 60947-2
• Selectivity category
• Rated voltage
• Rated impulse withstand voltage
• Rated short circuit making capacity
• Rated short-circuit breaking capacity
• Reference temperature (if different from 30°C)
• Pollution degree
• Rated insulation voltage
• Suitability for isolation (should show even when circuit breaker is installed)
• Clearly marked on and off positions (should show even when circuit breaker is installed)

This information is indicated by abbreviations and diagrams. IEC 60947 2 spells it out in words.

> See IEC 60947-2 the “all-risk” insurance for circuit breakers – Part 2

> See IEC 60947-2 the “all-risk” insurance for circuit breakers – Part 3