Know these standard numbers before you specify a cabinet
Know these standard numbers before you specify a cabinet
Compliance for a control cabinet or distribution cabinet is not a slogan — it comes down to specific standard numbers. Once you know these, talking to an engineer gets a lot easier.
| Standards | Scope | How it applies to us |
|---|---|---|
| GB/T 7251.1 | General rules for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies (identical to IEC 61439-1) | The primary basis for design and testing of our distribution assemblies |
| IEC 61439 | Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies (international) | The basis for execution on projects in Europe |
| GB/T 4208 / IEC 60529 | Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP) | The basis for defining and testing IP ratings |
| GB/T 14048.1 | Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear (temperature rise) | The basis for the busbar temperature rise limit of ≤70K |
| IEC 60204 | Electrical safety of machinery | The electrical safety basis for control cabinets supplied with equipment |
The above describes what each standard is for; it is not a certification claim. Product conformity is governed by the original certificates and test reports.
What each standard covers
- GB/T 7251 (IEC 61439) — covers the overall design and type testing of assemblies: temperature rise, dielectric, short-circuit withstand, protection and more. It is the root of what makes an assembly compliant;
- GB/T 4208 (IEC 60529) — covers only the enclosure IP rating; the two digits cover dust and water respectively;
- GB/T 14048.1 — general requirements including temperature rise for low-voltage switchgear; the busbar ≤70K limit comes from here;
- IEC 60204 — electrical safety of machinery; control cabinets supplied with machinery must meet it.
Our position
Domestic projects are executed to GB/T 7251 plus CQC compulsory certification, with an annual CQC on-site audit. For exports to Europe, we work to IEC 61439 plus CE (LVD + EMC). Compliance with any specific standard number is subject to the original certificates and test reports; we make no claims beyond that scope.
FAQ: Common questions on standards interpretation
Common questions on standards interpretation
What is GB/T 7251?
The national standard for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies (corresponding to IEC 61439). It sets out the general rules for design, construction and testing of assemblies. Our distribution assemblies are built to this standard.
How does IEC 61439 relate to GB/T 7251?
GB/T 7251 is identical to the IEC 61439 series. For exports to Europe we work to IEC 61439 plus CE (LVD + EMC); domestically we work to GB/T 7251 and CQC compulsory certification requirements.
Which standard covers IP ratings?
The IP code comes from IEC 60529, with the corresponding Chinese standard GB/T 4208. For the meaning of each rating and how to select one, seeIngress Protection (IP) Rating Conversion Guide.
Have a project that must be accepted to a specific standard? Ask an engineer
Send us your target market or acceptance standard, and our engineers will explain the applicable compliance path and the conformity documents required.
Ask about standards compliancesales@gu-electric.com · WhatsApp: +86 186 5712 0011 · ISO 9001:2015 · CE (LVD+EMC) · IP65 test report