What is BS EN IEC 60664-1 about?
BS EN IEC 60664-1 is the first in a multi-part series on insulation coordination of low-voltage equipment that specifies basic safety requirements for clearances, creepage distances, and solid insulation. BS EN IEC 60664-1 applies to frequencies up to 30kHz.
Note: The minimum clearances specified do not apply where ionized gases are present. BS EN IEC 60664-1 does not deal with distances through:
- Liquid insulation
- Gases other than air
- Compressed air
Who is BS EN IEC 60664-1 for?
BS EN IEC 60664-1 on insulation coordination of low-voltage equipment is relevant to:
- Power management and energy distribution companies
- Electric and electronic component and equipment manufacturer
- Companies involved with earthing, overload and lightening protection systems
Why should you use is BS EN IEC 60664-1?
Insulation coordination represents an aspect of the safety of persons, livestock and property, so that the probability of risk of incidents due to voltage stresses does not lead to an unacceptable risk of harm. BS EN IEC 60664-1 addresses insulation coordination for any kind of hazard.
BS EN IEC 60664-1 eliminates the risk of serious electric shock, while also providing a safer option for outdoor lighting installations that minimises risks arising from exposure to rain and moisture.
Calculation of proper and adequate creepage and clearance distances helps protect against tracking- an electrical breakdown of the surface insulation resistance of an insulator. BS EN IEC 60664-1 ensures this risk, arising from factors such as humidity, contamination, corrosive chemicals and altitude, are mitigated and failure of insulators is prevented. Meanwhile, appropriate clearance distance prevents dielectric breakdown between electrodes caused by the ionization of air.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN IEC 60664-1:2020 supersedes BS EN IEC 60664-1:2007, which is withdrawn. BS EN 60664-1:2020 includes the following significant technical changes:
- Addition of 1 500 V DC into tables
- New structure for Clauses 4 (Basic technical characteristics for insulation coordination) and 5 (Design for insulation coordination)
- Addition of a flowchart on determination of clearance distances and creepage distances in Annex G and H, respectively
- Update of distances altitude correction in a new Table F 10
