IEC 62626-1:2023

Overview

IEC 62626-1:2023 - "Low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear enclosed equipment - Part 1" specifies additional requirements for enclosed switch‑disconnectors used to provide safe isolation of electrical equipment during repair, cleaning and maintenance in specific applications. Applicable to devices derived from IEC 60947-3 with rated voltages up to 1 000 V AC, this second edition (2023) replaces the 2014 edition and is updated to align with IEC 60947-1:2020. These enclosed switch‑disconnectors (often called maintenance switches or safety switches) are intended for local, manual isolation and are not fitted for remote control or automatic switching - they are not intended for operational switching tasks such as rapid start/stop or jogging.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope and purpose: Isolation during repair, maintenance or cleaning of load circuits (especially motor circuits) at low voltage (≤ 1 000 V AC).
• Constructional requirements: Enclosure design, mechanical strength, degree of protection (IP/IK considerations), and environmental influence provisions.
• Operational features: Manual operation/actuation, locking provisions to prevent unauthorized re‑energization, and avoidance of remote/automatic switching.
• Performance and tests: Specified type tests and performance criteria consistent with IEC 60947 series for making, breaking and insulating functions.
• Product information and markings: Required front and additional markings, manufacturer information and symbol marking for identification and safe use.
• Classification and characteristics: Device classes, minimum test requirements and defined characteristics for different application needs.

Keywords: low‑voltage switchgear, enclosed switch‑disconnectors, maintenance switch, safety switch, isolation during repair, IEC 62626-1:2023.

Applications and Who Uses It

Practical applications:

• Local isolation of motor circuits and other load circuits during maintenance, cleaning or repair.
• Use in industrial, commercial and building installations where site‑mounted isolation is required.

Who benefits from this standard:

• Manufacturers designing enclosed switch‑disconnectors and finished low‑voltage switchgear.
• Compliance engineers and specifiers writing procurement and installation requirements.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies conducting conformity and type tests.
• Facility engineers, installers and maintenance teams choosing appropriate isolation devices for worker safety.
• Regulators and safety auditors verifying correct selection and marking of isolation equipment.

Related Standards

• IEC 60947-3 - Switches, disconnectors, switch‑disconnectors and fuse‑combination units.
• IEC 60947-1:2020 - General rules for low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear (basis for 2023 update).
• IEC 62262 - Degrees of protection by enclosures against mechanical impact (IK code).
• IEC 60050‑441 - Electrotechnical vocabulary: switchgear and controlgear terms.

This standard helps ensure that enclosed switch‑disconnectors used for maintenance isolation meet coherent safety, performance and marking requirements for low‑voltage installations.