The primary difference between standards like EN 61439 and EN 60204, based on their relevance to EU directives, lies in which specific directives they are listed under.
While both standard numbers are associated with electrical equipment safety, their scope regarding mandatory compliance within the European Union differs.
Understanding the Standards
The numbers 61439 and 60204 typically refer to families of international and European standards related to electrical equipment:
- EN 60204: This series of standards, particularly EN 60204-1, focuses on the electrical equipment of machines. It covers safety aspects from the incoming power supply to the electrical components on a machine.
- EN 61439: This series, particularly EN 61439-1 and subsequent parts (like EN 61439-2 for power switchgear and controlgear assemblies), deals with low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. It sets requirements for the design and verification of these assemblies.
Key Difference in EU Directive Relevance
According to the provided information, the critical distinction regarding EU regulatory requirements is:
- EN 60204-1 is listed in both the EU Machinery Directive and the Low Voltage Directive.
- In contrast, EN 61439-1 is only relevant for the EU Low Voltage Directive.
This means that for machinery, compliance with EN 60204-1 is often a means of demonstrating conformity to the electrical safety requirements of both the Machinery Directive and the Low Voltage Directive. For low-voltage assemblies covered by EN 61439, the standard is primarily used for demonstrating conformity with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive only.
Directive Relevance Comparison
To make this clear, let's look at their listing under the relevant EU Directives:
| Standard | EU Machinery Directive | EU Low Voltage Directive |
|---|---|---|
| EN 60204-1 | ✓ (Listed) | ✓ (Listed) |
| EN 61439-1 | X (Not Listed) | ✓ (Listed) |
Note: This table highlights the difference mentioned in the reference regarding directive listing.
Practical Implications
This difference has practical implications for manufacturers and system integrators:
- When designing and building machines, conformity to EN 60204-1 is crucial for addressing the electrical safety requirements under the Machinery Directive. The standard also helps meet the Low Voltage Directive requirements for the electrical parts of the machine.
- When designing and building low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies (like control panels, distribution boards, etc., which might be part of a machine but are verified as assemblies themselves), conformity to EN 61439 is necessary to meet the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive for the assembly itself.
In essence, EN 60204-1 focuses on the electrical safety of the machine as a whole, while EN 61439 focuses on the safety and performance characteristics of the specific electrical assemblies within a system. Their relevance to different directives reflects their distinct scope within the broader field of electrical safety.
