IEC 60092-302-2:2019

Overview

IEC 60092-302-2:2019 - "Electrical installations in ships - Part 302-2: Low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Marine power" defines specific technical requirements for low voltage marine power switchgear and controlgear assemblies (MPSC-assemblies) used on ships. It applies to stationary, enclosed assemblies with rated voltages up to 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC, intended for power generation, distribution, conversion and control of electrical loads. The standard covers one‑off bespoke assemblies as well as fully standardized production units and allows manufacturing by parties other than the original manufacturer.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and terminology: Defines MPSC-assembly types such as main switchboard, motor control centre (MCC), emergency switchboard and distribution board for marine use.
• Interface characteristics & markings: Requirements for rated voltages, insulation levels and mandatory assembly markings (including reference to IEC 60092-302-2 and ambient temperature limits).
• Rated insulation voltage and creepage: Clause 5.2.3 applies a marine safety factor to rated insulation voltages (1.5× reference values) up to a final maximum and introduces special consideration for DC systems exceeding specified limits; creepage distances have been revised for marine environments.
• Constructional and performance requirements: Addresses enclosure design, service conditions, electrical clearances, temperature rise, dielectric testing and protection measures tailored to the marine environment.
• Design verification and routine testing: Specifies verification and routine tests to ensure assemblies perform safely under shipboard operating and environmental conditions.
• Exclusions: Individual devices and self-contained components (e.g., motor starters, fuse switches, electronic devices) are excluded when they comply with their product standards (for example, the IEC 60947 series).
• Alignment with IEC 61439: This edition is restructured and renumbered to align with IEC 61439 (Parts 1 & 2); it supplements or modifies those clauses where applicable.

Practical applications - who uses this standard

• Shipbuilders and naval architects specifying switchgear for newbuilds and retrofits
• Marine electrical designers and system integrators designing main switchboards, MCCs and distribution boards
• Panel manufacturers and OEMs producing low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies for ships
• Classification societies, shipowners and operators evaluating compliance and safety
• Commissioning and maintenance teams performing verification and routine tests

Related standards and references

• IEC 61439-1 / IEC 61439-2 - low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies (general & power)
• IEC 60092 series - broader electrical installations in ships
• IEC 60092-101 / IEC 60092-201 - definitions and system design for ship installations
• IEC 60947 series - product standards for individual switchgear components

IEC 60092-302-2:2019 is essential when specifying, manufacturing or verifying marine power switchgear to ensure safe, verifiable performance in shipboard environments.