IEC 63044-3:2017

Overview

IEC 63044-3:2017 defines the electrical safety requirements for Home and Building Electronic Systems (HBES) and Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS). It supplements product safety standards for HBES/BACS devices and covers devices or interfaces used in a dedicated HBES/BACS network when no specific product standard exists. The standard focuses on keeping devices safe when connected to a network under normal and single‑fault conditions and specifies requirements for network interfaces, cabling and interconnection.

Key Topics

• Scope and applicability: Applies to operator stations, human–system interfaces, management devices, control/automation stations, field devices and network cabling used in dedicated HBES/BACS networks.
• Protection from device hazards: Safety requirements to ensure devices remain safe when network‑connected.
• Overvoltage protection: Requirements for protection from overvoltages on the HBES/BACS network, including specified impulse voltages for galvanically separated networks (fixed installations: 2.5 kV; detachable networks: 1.5 kV).
• Touch current limitation: Criteria to limit leakage and touch currents flowing via the network to acceptable levels.
• Circuit type hazards: Rules for handling hazards caused by mixing different circuit types (mains, ELV, FELV, SELV, PELV) on a dedicated HBES/BACS network.
• Communication wiring protection: Prevention of overheating of communication wiring due to excessive current.
• Classification and installation: Requirements addressing overvoltage category, pollution degree, material class and installation practices to ensure proper insulation coordination.

Applications

IEC 63044-3 is used by:

• Device manufacturers designing HBES/BACS products (controllers, sensors, operator panels) to ensure network safety compliance.
• System integrators and installers implementing dedicated building automation networks and cabling.
• Test labs and certification bodies assessing electrical safety of networked building automation equipment.
• Safety and compliance engineers specifying separation levels, insulation coordination and touch‑current limits in projects.

Typical implementations include smart lighting and shading control, HVAC and building management systems, access control and sensor networks where reliable electrical separation, overvoltage protection and wiring safety are required.

Related Standards

• IEC 63044-1 - HBES/BACS General requirements
• IEC 62949 - Safety for equipment connected to ICT networks (applies when HBES/BACS devices use ICT networks)
• IEC 60664-1 - Insulation coordination for low‑voltage equipment
• IEC 60364 - Low‑voltage electrical installation rules
• IEC 62151, IEC 61180, IEC 60038 - referenced normative documents

By following IEC 63044-3, stakeholders ensure HBES/BACS devices and networks meet consistent electrical safety criteria for installations in residential and commercial buildings.