Rockwell Automation Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear - Manual (Page 4)

General preliminary comments
The present technical manual is intended as an aid in project design and the application of low-
voltage switchgear and controlgear in switchgear assemblies and machine control. The focus of
the document is on electromechanical switchgear, however electronic devices used in low-
voltage engineering have also been included. They are in many cases an effective alternative to
mechanical devices.
The discussions relate – insofar relevant – to the IEC standards, which correspond to the
European CENELEC standards. Where standards are quoted, the respective IEC designations
are listed. The numbering of the CENELEC standards (EN) largely corresponds to that of the
IEC standards. National standards (e.g. DIN/VDE or BS) in some cases have differing number-
ing for historical reasons, but in terms of content are largely identical to the IEC and EN
standards, apart from rare national deviations. In relation to the requirements of other standard
zones, especially in North America, reference is made to specific publications. The physical
characteristics are generally applicable.
For switchgear combinations the standard IEC 60439-1 is referred to that is in effect at issuance
of this document. It is expected that IEC 61439-1 will shortly replace IEC 60439-1. The state-
ments in the present documentation for switchgear assemblies also apply for IEC 61439-1.
Statements made in this document concentrate on the underlying principles and facts and avoid
– insofar as this is possible – stating technical data relating to specific products in order to avoid
premature obsolescence of the information contained. The applicable technical data about the
products should be obtained from the latest valid product documentation as published in printed
and “electronic” catalogs and electronic documentation like RALVET.
LVSAM-WP001A-EN-P - April 2009 0-4