Type Test Certificate - LV Switchgears Vs LV Distribution Boards 1

Dear Mr. NickParker (Electrical)(OP)27 Dec 21 12:35
[highlight #3465A4]"... I have the below panels in my project,
LV Switchgear: 690V, 75kA. LV Distribution Boards: 400/230V, 20kA.
... The issue here is ...; he could produce the type test certificate only for 690V, 75kA switchgear...The vendor is asking me to consider the same type test certificate for the LV Distribution boards too(400/230V, 20kA, Non withdrawable).
I agree that if he can manufacture and produce 690V, 75kA switchgear, he is very much capable to make the LV Distribution board, but from the compliance point of view to compare with other manufacturers, he fails on this count. How do you go with this?..."[/highlight]
1. Some 50+ years ago, I was involved in the drafting of Singapore standard that adopted the IEC 60439; i.e. PTTA and TTA.
2. As it evolved, many small switchboard fabricators raised the problem of costly "Type testing" by accredited testing stations.
3. The current IEC 61439 proposed some leeway, and methods where (similar design) may be considered acceptable; [without having to go through the costly Type testing].
4. In your case, the boards are 690V,75kA and 400/230V 20kA. It is likely that the boards are of different (design/arrangement) [in busbar size and distance between holders][highlight #FFFFFF][/highlight].
5. When the busbars size and holder distance differ significantly from that of the type tested board; a thorough reassessment/justification must be carried out. Otherwise, Type testing would be preferred.
Che Kuan Yau (Singapore)

Agree with Mr. Che Kuan Yau.
The design of two boards is different and so separate type test certificates are required.
I remember the standard waives short circuit test for boards rated 10kA or lower.

I would go for a 65 kA rather than 20 kA LV switchboard. With its own certificate.

che12345 said:

4. In your case, the boards are 690V,75kA and 400/230V 20kA. It is likely that the boards are of different (design/arrangement) [in busbar size and distance between holders].

Click to expand...

IEC 61439 - part-1 allows for design verification by three options,
1. Testing (By actual Testing) - may be on a representative sample.
2. Comparison with a reference design - Test already made on a similar equipment
3. Assessment - using calculations to verify
(Is this what you meant by thorough reassessment to verify)

Nick: per your request to che ... reassessment means just that - either comparison to known (and proven) design OR a specific type test on the board in question. For the resistance to environment issues (heat and ultraviolet) the vendor has the option of using calculation methods - if acceptable to both you and the authority performing the type test review, otherwise they're stuck with performing the "real" test.

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