BEAMA Technical Bulletin - Why low-voltage assemblies must comply with BS EN 61439
24 June 2019
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies are at the heart of most electricity distribution networks. Very few assemblies cause any problems throughout their life. This is in part due to many never, if ever, being fully loaded or being subject to a design limit occurrence. However, if issues arise it can be many years after the initial installation and if they do arise, the consequences can be severe. A failure within an assembly can cause immense disruption, there may be a risk of electric shock and fire, loss of services or production, possible injury to personnel and in extreme cases death. In such circumstances the manufacturer and purchaser can face significant legal problems if ‘best practice’ to avoid such occurrences has not been followed.
