What is IEC 60720:2013 ?

IEC 60720:2013 is an essential international standard that provides guidelines for the design, construction, and testing of electrical control panels and switchgear assemblies. It focuses on low-voltage equipment and covers various aspects such as temperature rise, dielectric properties, short-circuit withstand capacity, and more.

Compliance with IEC 60720:2013 is crucial for ensuring safety, reliability, and interoperability in electrical systems. Here are some of the benefits of complying with this standard.

Key Aspects of IEC 60720:2013

* Temperature Rise: IEC 60720:2013 provides guidelines for the temperature rise that can be experienced in electrical equipment. It sets limits on the temperature rise that can be allowed in various components of the switchgear assembly, such as the frame, the actuators, and the interiors.

* Dielectric Properties: IEC 60720:2013 sets guidelines for the dielectric properties of switchgear components. This standard provides a standard formula for calculating the dielectric strength of a switchgear assembly, which can help engineers to ensure that the components they are using meet the necessary specifications.

* Short-Circuit Survival: IEC 60720:2013 sets guidelines for the short-circuit withstand capacity of switchgear components. This standard provides a standard test procedure for determining the short-circuit withstand capacity of a switchgear assembly, which can help engineers to ensure that the components they are using meet the necessary specifications.

* Other Aspects: IEC 60720:2013 covers various aspects such as the use of recycled materials, the use of vegetable oil as an insulating fluid, and more.

How to Comply with IEC 60720:2013

* The first step to comply with IEC 60720:2013 is to familiarize yourself with the standard. This can be done by reading the standard's introduction, which provides an overview of the standard's purpose, scope, and objectives.

* The next step is to determine which category of equipment the switchgear assembly falls under. This is determined by the equipment's maximum allowable voltage (MAV) and the number of turns in the assembly.

* Once you have determined the category, you can begin to comply with the standard by following its guidelines and procedures. This can include things like ensuring that the switchgear assembly is made of non-metallic materials, using a specific type of insulation, and more.

* Finally, you should perform regular testing to ensure that the switchgear assembly is in compliance with the standard. This can include things like measuring the temperature rise of the assembly, measuring the dielectric properties of the components, and more.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IEC 60720:2013 is an essential international standard that provides guidelines for the design, construction, and testing of electrical control panels and switchgear assemblies. Compliance with this standard is crucial for ensuring safety, reliability, and interoperability in electrical systems. By familiarizing yourself with the standard and following its guidelines, engineers can ensure that the switchgear assembly they are designing is in compliance with the necessary specifications.