IEC 61558-2-20:2010

Overview

IEC 61558-2-20:2010 specifies the safety requirements and tests for small reactors used in general applications. Published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard covers stationary or portable, single-phase or polyphase, air-cooled reactors-including alternating current (AC), premagnetised, and current-compensated types. It applies to reactors with rated supply voltages up to 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V ripple-free DC and suitable for operating frequencies up to 1 MHz. This edition revises and updates previous requirements in line with IEC 61558-1:2005, reinforcing international safety and performance expectations for small electrical reactors.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application:

  • Covers safety aspects (electrical, thermal, and mechanical) for general-purpose small reactors.
  • Ensures requirements for both independent and associated reactors, including those with electronic circuits.

• Classification of Reactors:

  • According to electric shock protection: Class I, II, III.
  • According to overload protection: inherently overload proof, non-inherently overload proof, non-overload proof, and fail-safe reactors.

• Marking and Identification:

  • Specifies required markings such as rated supply voltage, power, current, frequency, inductance, resistance, and protective class.
  • Manufacturers must include important information for correct installation and maintenance.

• Essential Safety and Performance Tests:

  • Tests for insulation, dielectric strength, leaking current, heating, and mechanical strength.
  • Overload and short-circuit protection validation for different types of reactors.
  • Requirements for resistance to dust, moisture, heat, fire, tracking, and rusting.

• Construction and Components:

  • Details on acceptable construction methods to avoid displacement or deformation under high currents.
  • Requirements for internal wiring, external connections, and protective earthing.

Applications

IEC 61558-2-20:2010 is applicable to a wide variety of fields, including:

• Industrial Control Systems: Enhances operational safety of reactors in motor control centers, power factor correction, and variable speed drives.
• Power Electronics: Essential for reactors used in AC/DC power supplies, inverters, and UPS systems.
• Renewable Energy Systems: Provides foundational safety for reactors integrated in solar, wind, and other distributed generation installations.
• General Electrical Equipment Manufacturing: Widely used by manufacturers to ensure safety conformity in products destined for international markets.

By adhering to the requirements and tests outlined in IEC 61558-2-20:2010, businesses assure compliance with global safety standards, support reliable product operation, and reduce liability risks. The standard also guides testing organizations in developing rigorous, consistent safety assessment procedures.

Related Standards

Integrating and harmonizing requirements, IEC 61558-2-20:2010 is closely related to:

• IEC 61558-1:2005 - General requirements and tests for transformers, power supplies, and reactors (parent standard to be read in conjunction).
• IEC 61558 Series - Other parts addressing specific types of transformers and reactors.
• IEC 60289 - For reactors not covered within the IEC 61558-2-20 scope.
• IEC 61347-2-8 and IEC 61347-2-9 - For ballasts for tubular fluorescent and discharge lamps.

Compliance with IEC 61558-2-20:2010 supports regulatory acceptance and market access, reinforcing electrical safety and performance in diverse industrial and commercial applications. For the latest updates and amendments, users are encouraged to monitor new releases from the IEC.