This standard applies to switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units to be used in distribution circuits and motor circuits of which the rated voltage does not exceed 1 000 V a.c. or 1 500 V d.c.
The manufacturer shall specify the type, ratings and characteristics according to the relevant standard of any incorporated fuses.
This standard does not apply to equipment coming within the scope of IEC 60947-2, IEC 60947-4-1 and IEC 60947-5-1; however, when switches and fuse-combination units coming into the scope of this standard are normally used to start, accelerate and/or stop an individual motor they shall also comply with the additional requirements given in annex A.
The requirements for single pole operated three pole switches are included in Annex C.
Auxiliary switches fitted to equipment within the scope of this standard shall comply with the requirements of IEC 60947-5-1.
This standard does not include the additional requirements necessary for electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres.
NOTE 1 Depending on its design, a switch (or disconnector) can be referred to as "a rotary switch (disconnector)", "cam-operated switch (disconnector)", "knife-switch (disconnector)", etc.
NOTE 2 In this standard, the word "switch" also applies to the apparatus referred to in French as "commutateurs", intended to modify the connections between several circuits and inter alia to substitute a part of a circuit for another.
NOTE 3 In general, throughout this standard switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units will be referred to as "equipment".
The object of this standard is to state
a) the characteristics of the equipment;
b) the conditions with which the equipment shall comply with reference to
1) operation and behaviour in normal service;
2) operation and behaviour in case of specified abnormal conditions, e.g. short circuit;
3) dielectric properties;
c) the tests for confirming that these conditions have been met and the methods to be adopted for these tests;
d) the information to be marked on the equipment or made available by the manufacturer, e.g. in the catalogue.