ECS Knowledge Base

KB-001 Understanding IEC 61439: LV Switchgear Assemblies

What is IEC 61439?

IEC 61439 is the international standard series governing the design, manufacture, and testing of low-voltage (LV) switchgear and controlgear assemblies. It replaced the older IEC 60439 series and is now the primary compliance reference for panel builders worldwide, including under Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and SASO regulations.

Verification Methods under IEC 61439

• Design verification confirms the design meets all requirements via testing, calculation, or comparison
• Routine verification is performed on every assembly leaving the factory (e.g., dielectric test, wiring check)
• Type-tested assembly (TTA) is fully verified against the standard through physical type tests
• Partially type-tested assembly (PTTA) is partially based on type tests supplemented by calculations

Why It Matters for Your Project

Specifying IEC 61439-compliant panels ensures predictable fault-level performance, personnel safety, and long-term reliability. ECS provides full type test reports, design verification documentation, and routine test certificates with every order.