AS/NZS 61439 standard update
What is AS/NZS 61439?
AS/NZS 61439 is a series of standards for low voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies which are derived from the International IEC series but with specific notes relating to Australian and New Zealand. The 61439 series helps address the need for portability between Australia, New Zealand and international suppliers.
AS/NZS 61439 has 7 parts:
Part 0 - A guide for specifiers to be used at tender
Part 1 - General rules
Part 2 - Low voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies
Part 3 - Distribution boards intended to be operated by ordinary persons
Part 4 - Assemblies for construction sites
Part 5 - Assemblies for power distribution in public networks
Part 6 - Busbar trunking systems
What standard do I have to comply with?
AS/NZS 3000 requires that new ASSEMBLIES are to comply with the relevant part of the AS/NZS 61439 series or AS/NZS 3439 (available superseded). (Refer to local state regulations).
Alterations and upgrades may comply with the original standard to which the switchboard was designed, installed, and energised.
Why the standard has changed?
AS/NZS 3439 was first introduced in 1998. There have since been many changes and improvements to electrical switchgear, design, manufacture and safety processes. As the electrical industry advances, standards are updated to suit the current technology and market demand.
The AS/NZS 61439 has compiled all the testing procedures from other standards into one place to make it much easier for design and verification for switchboard manufacturers.
The series of standards also aim to harmonise the rules and requirements of the international and local low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies (ASSEMBLIES) as far as practicable.
Term for a compliant switchboard
Design Verified. The terms ’Type Test (TT)’ and ’Partial Type Test (PTT)’ are no longer used.
Device substitution
Allowed if not exceeding 3150A and equal or lower watts loss and terminal temperature, and conditions in Table 13 are satisfied. Download whitepaper
Heat rise testing and calculations
Must be completed as a complete system
(all covers fitted and electrical components connected).
Temperature limits of copper conductor
ΔT of 105K from a mean of 35°C. Therefore, a maximum theoretical mean of 140°C on the copper.
Heat rise calculation using AS 60890
For a single compartment ASSEMBLIES not exceeding 630A or for multicompartment ASSEMBLIES not exceeding 1600A.
Staying within scope of the design
Changes made to an already verified assembly will need to stay within the design scope provided by the original manufacturer.
How can you make sure your site is AS/NZS 61439 compliant?
NHP has worked comprehensively with our global partners to give you hassle-free solutions for your enterprise needs.
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CUBIC switchboards
Verification
- One of the most extensively tested and AS/NZS 61439 verifiable switchboard systems in the world
- Highly tested busbar system with fully insulated option
High level of safety
- Arc flash containment design and integrated arc flash mitigation technology
- Shock and seismic resistant tested to ensure robust design
- Fully withdrawable Multi Drawer (MD) system to allow for fully isolated maintenance without disconnecting main supply of the switchboard
Applications
- Main switchboards
- Motor control centres
- Power factor correction units
- Custom control panels
Segregation:
- Form 1 up to Form 4b according to AS/NZS 61439
Ingress protection
IP 43 and IP 54 options
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Terasaki circuit breakers
Verification
- ACBs and MCCBs highly verified to AS/NZS 61439 with CUBIC switchboards and NHP panelboards
- Deliver maximum power at ambient temperatures up to 50°C
- Fully adjustable to meet various selectivity requirements to provide highest flexibility in settings
- Highly verified with NHP's MCBs and RCBOs for cascading and selectivity
High level of safety
- Remote open / close control
- Broad frame size
- Wide range of breaking capacity (Icu)
- Live line visual indicators
- Integrated temperature health indicator with option of remote monitoring
- Unmatched reduction on let through energy
Applications
- Main switchboards
- Motor control centres
- Distribution boards
Other features:
- Mix blend of trip unit technologies
- Remote monitoring capability for power and critical values
- Vast range of options ranging from breakers to suit basic applications to advanced high specification applications
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NHP panelboards
Verification
- Thoroughly design verified using many tests by utilising third party test laboratories
- AS/NZS 61439 verified to part 2 and 3
- NHP accessories are included in verification and therefore deemed to be within the design scope. Click here for allowable accessory options.
High level of safety
- Remote open / close control
- Isolation chassis option that allows busbar tee-offs that can be isolated individually prior to fitting or removal of MCB
- Extra safety feature options for surge protection, RCD testing and emergency light testing
Applications
- Small to large distribution boards
- Dual energy monitoring panelboards
- Indoor or outdoor installation
Other features:
- IP40 Concept One
- IP42 Concept Plus (IP52 Option)
- IP66 Concept Premier
- IP66 Concept Tough
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Socomec enclosed ATyS Bypass
Verification
- Independently test verified to IEC 61439-2 for guaranteed performance
High level of safety
- Complete isolation of the automatic transfer switch ensuring maintenance safety.
- Removes ‘single point of failure’ with the no-break bypass function that allows for uninterrupted power during maintenance and test mode.
- Password protected configuration, test and control functions via D20 interface
Industries examples
- Data centres
- Hospitals and pharmaceuticals
- Transportation
- Power production
Ingress protection
- IP41 enclosure
- IP2X shrouded connections
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Allen-Bradley CENTERLINE 2500 motor control centres
Verification
- Independently verified to AS/NZS 61439
- Arc fault containment to AS/NZS 61439 Annex ZD
- Form 1 up to Form 4 B according to AS/NZS 61439
- IEC 61892
High level of safety
- Enhanced safety features providing electrical segregation/isolation in a fully withdrawable structure
- Ability to disconnect power with door closed
- Reduce exposure to electrical hazards by disconnecting power from the vertical power bus in an individual unit with the door closed
- Provides four operating positions: connected, test, disconnected and released. A plunger near the handle can also be locked out for added safety
Applications
- Switch room environment
- Heavy industry
Ingress protection
- IP20
- IP42
- IP54
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Allen-Bradley Powerflex 755 arc fault contained VSDs
Verification
- Arc fault containment to AS/NZS 61439 Annex ZD
- Form 1 up to Form 4 B according to AS/NZS 61439
- IEC/TR 61641
High level of safety
- Specially designed enclosure now adds another layer of protection to personnel in the event of an arc fault
- Patented arc baffle ventilation system which allows air to flow under normal operating conditions, but under an arcing fault, diverts all gases flowing from the enclosure and provides no direct path for gas. Find out more here
Applications
- Switch room environment
- Water industry
- Food and beverage
- Oil and Gas
Ingress protection
- IP54 enclosure
Resources and downloads
For further information on AS/NZS 61439 changes information and product options, please download the documents below or contact your local NHP Account Representative.
Technical downloads
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Knowledge base brochures
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Product selection assistance
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Standard certificates of conformity (SDocs)
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Standard certificates of conformity (SDocs) for Socomec Bypass transfer switches
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CAD blocks