What are the ratings per IEC/EN 60664-1?

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) have established the IEC/EN 60664-1 standard for insulation coordination within low-voltage systems. This technical article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the different ratings defined by this standard.

Overvoltage categories

IEC/EN 60664-1 classifies low-voltage systems into four overvoltage categories: I, II, III, and IV. These categories represent different levels of exposure to transient overvoltages originating from external sources such as lightning or switching operations.

Category I applies to installations where the likelihood of overvoltages is minimal, such as telecommunication systems or control circuits. Category II covers systems connected to low-voltage power distribution networks, including residential, commercial, and light industrial applications. Category III relates to equipment directly connected to the building's electrical installation, while Category IV applies to specific installations where enhanced protection is required, such as industrial environments.

Pollution degrees

Pollution degree is another important aspect addressed by IEC/EN 60664-1. It characterizes the amount of contamination that electrical equipment may be exposed to in its operating environment. The standard defines four pollution degrees: 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Pollution degree 1 refers to clean environments with no expected presence of conductive contaminants. For instance, it can include laboratories or well-controlled indoor settings. Pollution degree 2 includes typical indoor environments where non-conductive pollutants might occur, such as dust or moisture. Pollution degree 3 applies to harsher environments with more severe contamination, like industrial areas with conductive residues. Pollution degree 4 represents environments with heavy contamination, like outdoor installations subject to rain or snow.

Clearance and creepage distances

In order to ensure insulation coordination, IEC/EN 60664-1 specifies clearance and creepage distances for different overvoltage categories and pollution degrees. Clearance distance refers to the shortest distance along the surface of an insulating material between two conductive parts, while creepage distance is the shortest path distance over the surface of a solid insulating material between two conductive parts.

The standard defines minimum clearance and creepage distances based on voltage levels. Higher voltages require larger distances to prevent electrical breakdowns between conductive parts. These distances are crucial in determining the selection and spacing of insulation materials, as well as ensuring safe operation and preventing electric shock hazards.

Understanding the ratings per IEC/EN 60664-1 is essential for engineers and designers involved in low-voltage system installations. By following the guidelines set by this standard, they can ensure proper insulation coordination and design systems that are both safe and reliable.