This part of IEC 62271, which is a Technical Report, refers to prefabricated metal-enclosed and solid-insulation enclosed (both hereinafter called enclosed) switchgear and controlgear assemblies for alternating current of rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV as specified in IEC 62271‑200 and IEC 62271‑201, and to other equipment included in the same enclosure with any possible mutual influence.
This document can be used for the extension of the validity of type tests performed on one test object with a defined set of ratings to another switchgear and controlgear assembly of the same family with a different set of ratings or different arrangements of components or insulating fluids. It supports the selection of representative test objects composed of functional units of a family of switchgear and controlgear aimed at the optimization of type tests in order to perform a consistent conformity assessment.
The extension of validity, as this is the case for type tests, does not cover ageing, material compatibility, human health toxicity or impact on the environment, among others. It is the task of the manufacturer and the user to check those aspects are covered for the technical validation of an assembly design.
The extension of validity of type tests according to a component standard is outside the scope of this document.
This document utilises a combination of sound technical and physical principles, manufacturer and user experience, and calculations to establish guidance for the extension of validity of type tests, covering various design and rating aspects.
