INTERNATIONAL

STANDARD

IEC
60947-2
Third edition
2003-04

Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear

Part 2:
Circuit-breakers

This English-language version is derived from the original

bilingual publication by leaving out all French-language
pages. Missing page numbers correspond to the Frenchlanguage pages.

Reference number
IEC 60947-2:2003(E)

INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD

IEC
60947-2
Third edition
2003-04

Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear

Part 2:
Circuit-breakers

IEC 2003 Copyright - all rights reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Electrotechnical Commission, 3, rue de Varemb, PO Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 919 02 11 Telefax: +41 22 919 03 00 E-mail: inmail@iec.ch Web: www.iec.ch

Com mission Electrotechnique Internationale

International Electrotechnical Com m ission

PRICE CODE

XK

For price, see current catalogue

60947-2 IEC:2003

CONTENTS
FOREWORD .........................................................................................................................13
1

General...........................................................................................................................15

1.1 Scope and object ...................................................................................................15

1.2 Normative references .............................................................................................17
Definitions.......................................................................................................................21

Classification ..................................................................................................................27

Characteristics of circuit-breakers ...................................................................................29

4.1 Summary of characteristics ....................................................................................29

4.2 Type of circuit-breaker ...........................................................................................31
4.3 Rated and limiting values of the main circuit ...........................................................31
4.4 Utilization categories ..............................................................................................39
4.5 Control circuits.......................................................................................................39
4.6 Auxiliary circuits .....................................................................................................41
4.7 Releases ...............................................................................................................41
4.8 Integral fuses (integrally fused circuit-breakers) .....................................................43
Product information .........................................................................................................43

5.1 Nature of the information........................................................................................43

5.2 Marking .................................................................................................................45
5.3 Instructions for installation, operation and maintenance ..........................................47
Normal service, mounting and transport conditions ..........................................................47

Constructional and performance requirements .................................................................47

7.1 Constructional requirements...................................................................................47

7.2 Performance requirements .....................................................................................51
7.3 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) ......................................................................63
Tests ..............................................................................................................................63
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4

Kind of tests...........................................................................................................63
Compliance with constructional requirements .........................................................65
Type tests ..............................................................................................................65
Routine tests........................................................................................................119

Annex A (normative) Coordination under short-circuit conditions between

a circuit-breaker and another short-circuit protective device associated in
the same circuit ...................................................................................................................129
Annex B (normative)

Circuit-breakers incorporating residual current protection ..................147

Annex C (normative)

Individual pole short-circuit test sequence .........................................213

Annex D

Vacant ................................................................................................................215

Annex E (informative)

Items subject to agreement between manufacturer and user............217

Annex F (normative) Additional tests for circuit-breakers

with electronic over-current protection .................................................................................219
Annex G (normative)

Power loss .......................................................................................265

Annex H (normative)

Test sequence for circuit-breakers for IT systems .............................271

60947-2 IEC:2003

Annex J (normative) Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Requirements and

test methods for circuit-breakers .........................................................................................275
Annex K (informative) Glossary of symbols related to products covered
by this standard ...................................................................................................................317
Annex L (normative) Circuit-breakers not fulfilling the requirements
for overcurrent protection ....................................................................................................321
Annex M (normative) Modular residual current devices
(without integral current breaking device).............................................................................331
Annex N (normative) Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Additional requirements
and test methods for devices not covered by annexes B, F and M ........................................417

Figure 1 Test arrangement (connecting cables not shown) for short-circuit tests................127
Figure A.1 Over-current coordination between a circuit-breaker and a fuse
or back-up protection by a fuse: operating characteristics ....................................................139
Figure A.2 and Figure A.3 Total discrimination between two circuit-breakers .....................141
Figure A.4 and Figure A.5 Back-up protection by a circuit-breaker
Operating characteristics .....................................................................................................143
Figure A.6 Example of test circuit for conditional short-circuit breaking capacity tests
showing cable connections for a 3-pole circuit-breaker (C 1 ) .................................................145
Figure B.1 Test circuit for the verification of the operating characteristic (see B.8.2)..........197
Figure B.2 Test circuit for the verification of the limiting value
of the non-operating current under over-current conditions (see B.8.5) .................................199
Figure B.3 Test circuit for the verification of the behaviour of CBRs classified
under B.3.1.2.2 (see B.8.9) ..................................................................................................201
Figure B.4 Current ring wave 0,5 s/100 kHz ....................................................................203
Figure B.5 Example of test circuit for the verification of resistance to unwanted tripping........ 205
Figure B.6 Surge current wave 8/20 s .............................................................................205
Figure B.7 Test circuit for the verification of resistance to unwanted tripping in case
of flashover without follow-on current (B.8.6.2).....................................................................207
Figure B.8 Test circuit for the verification of the correct operation of CBRs,
in the case of residual pulsating direct currents (see B.8.7.2.1, B.8.7.2.2 and B.8.7.2.3) .......209
Figure B.9 Test circuit for the verification of the correct operation of CBRs,
in the case of a residual pulsating direct current superimposed
by a smooth direct residual current (see B.8.7.2.4) ..............................................................211
Figure F.1 Representation of test current produced by back-to-back thyristors
in accordance with F.4.1 ......................................................................................................239
Figure F.2 Test circuit for emission tests, immunity to harmonics, current dips,
electrostatic discharges and radiated electromagnetic fields in accordance
with F.4.1.3, F.4.2.1, F.4.3, F.4.4, F.5.4 and F.6.2. Two phase poles in series ...................241
Figure F.3 Test circuit for emission tests, immunity to harmonics, current dips,
electrostatic discharges and radiated electromagnetic fields in accordance
with F.4.1.3, F.4.2.1, F.4.3, F.4.4, F.5.4 and F.6.2. Three phase poles in series ................243

60947-2 IEC:2003

Figure F.4 Test circuit for emission tests, immunity to harmonics, current dips,
electrostatic discharges and radiated electromagnetic fields in accordance
with F.4.1.3, F.4.2.1, F.4.3, F.4.4, F.5.4 and F.6.2. Three-phase connection......................245
Figure F.5 Test current for the verification of the influence of the current dips
and interruptions in accordance with F.4.2.1 ........................................................................247
Figure F.6 Circuit for electrical fast transients/bursts (EFT/B) immunity test
in accordance with F.4.5 Two phase poles in series ..........................................................249
Figure F.7 Circuit for electrical fast transients/bursts (EFT/B) immunity test
in accordance with F.4.5 Three phase poles in series........................................................251
Figure F.8 Circuit for electrical fast transients/bursts (EFT/B) immunity test
in accordance with F.4.5 Three-phase connection .............................................................253
Figure F.9 Test circuit for the verification of the influence of surges in the main circuit
(line-to-earth) in accordance with F.4.6 Two phase poles in series ....................................255
Figure F.10 Test circuit for the verification of the influence of surges in the main
circuit (line-to-earth) in accordance with F.4.6 Three phase poles in series........................257
Figure F.11 Test circuit for the verification of the influence of surges in the main
circuit (line-to-earth) in accordance with F.4.6 Three-phase connection .............................259
Figure F.12 Test circuit for the verification of the influence of current surges
in the main circuit in accordance with F.4.6 Two phase poles in series ..............................261
Figure F.13 Test circuit for the verification of the influence of current surges
in the main circuit in accordance with F.4.6 Three phase poles in series............................261
Figure F.14 Test circuit for the verification of the influence of current surges
in the main circuit in accordance with F.4.6 Three-phase connection .................................263
Figure F.15 Temperature variation cycles at a specified rate of change
in accordance with F.9.1 ......................................................................................................263
Figure G.1 Example of power loss measurement according to G.2.1 .................................269
Figure G.2 Example of power loss measurement according to G.2.2 and G.2.3 .................269
Figure J.1 EUT mounted in metallic enclosure Two phase poles in series .......................293
Figure J.2 EUT mounted in metallic enclosure Three phase poles in series ....................297
Figure J.3 EUT mounted in metallic enclosure Three-phase connection..........................301
Figure J.4 Test set-up for the verification of immunity to electrostatic discharges ..............303
Figure J.5 Test set-up for the verification of immunity to radiated electromagnetic fields .......305
Figure J.6 Test set-up for the verification of immunity
to electrical fast transients/bursts (EFT/B) ...........................................................................307
Figure J.7 Test set-up for the verification of immunity to conducted disturbances
induced by radio-frequency fields (common mode) Two phase poles in series ...................309
Figure J.8 Test set-up for the verification of immunity to conducted disturbances
induced by radio-frequency fields (common mode) Three phase poles in series ................311
Figure J.9 Test set-up for the verification of immunity to conducted disturbances
induced by radio-frequency fields (common mode) Three-phase connection ......................313
Figure J.10 Test set-up for radiated emissions ..................................................................315
Figure K.1 Relationship between symbols and tripping characteristics ...............................319

60947-2 IEC:2003

Figure M.1 Test circuits for the verification of operation in the case
of a steady increase of residual current................................................................................379
Figure M.2 Test circuits for the verification of operation in the case
of a sudden appearance of residual current (with breaking device) .......................................381
Figure M.3 Test circuits for the verification of operation in the case
of a sudden appearance of residual current (without breaking device) ..................................383
Figure M.4 Test circuits for the verification of the limiting value
of non-operating current under overcurrent conditions..........................................................385
Figure M.5 Test circuits for the verification of the resistance to unwanted tripping
in the case of loading of the network capacitance ................................................................387
Figure M.6 Test circuit for the verification of the resistance to unwanted tripping
in the case of flashover without follow-on current .................................................................389
Figure M.7 Test circuits for the verification of operation in the case
of a continuous rise of a residual pulsating direct current .....................................................391
Figure M.8 Test circuits for the verification of operation in the case of a sudden
appearance of residual pulsating direct current (without breaking device) .............................393
Figure M.9 Test circuits for the verification of operation in the case of a sudden
appearance of residual pulsating direct current (with breaking device)..................................395
Figure M.10 Test circuits for the verification of operation in the case of a residual
pulsating direct current superimposed by smooth direct current of 6 mA...............................397
Figure M.11 Test circuits for the verification of operation in the case
of a slowly rising residual smooth direct current ...................................................................399
Figure M.12 Test circuits for the verification of operation in the case
of a sudden appearance of residual smooth direct current (without breaking device) ............401
Figure M.13 Test circuits for the verification of operation in the case
of a sudden appearance of residual smooth direct current (with breaking device) .................403
Figure M.14 Test circuits for the verification of operation in the case
of a slowly rising residual current resulting from a fault in a circuit fed
by a three-pulse star or a six-pulse bridge connection ..........................................................405
Figure M.15 Test circuits for the verification of operation in the case
of a slowly rising residual current resulting from a fault in a circuit fed
by a two-pulse bridge connection line-to-line ........................................................................407
Figure M.16 Test circuit for the verification of the behaviour of MRCDs
with separate sensing means in the case of a failure of the sensor means connection ..........409
Figure M.17 Test circuit for the verification of the behaviour of MRCD
with separate sensing means under short-circuit conditions .................................................411
Figure M.18 Test circuit for the verification of the behaviour of MRCD
with integral sensing means under short-circuit conditions ...................................................413
Figure M.19 Test circuit for the verification of the behaviour
of terminal type MRCD under short-circuit conditions ...........................................................415

Table 1 Standard ratios between I cs and I cu ........................................................................35

Table 2 Ratio n between short-circuit making capacity and short-circuit
breaking capacity and related power factor (for a.c. circuit-breakers) .....................................37

60947-2 IEC:2003

11

Table 3 Minimum values of rated short-time withstand current.............................................37

Table 4 Utilization categories ..............................................................................................39
Table 5 Preferred values of the rated control supply voltage, if different from that
of the main circuit ..................................................................................................................39
Table 6 Characteristics of the opening operation of inverse time-delay over-current
opening releases at the reference temperature ......................................................................55
Table 7 Temperature-rise limits for terminals and accessible parts ......................................59
Table 8 Number of operating cycles ....................................................................................61
Table 9 Overall schema of test sequences ..........................................................................69
Table 9a Applicability of test sequences according to the relationship
between I cs , I cu and I cw ..........................................................................................................71
Table 10 Number of samples for test ..................................................................................77
Table 11 Values of power factors and time constants corresponding to test currents ...........81
Table 12 Test circuit characteristics for overload performance ..........................................101
Table B.1 Operating characteristic for non-time-delay type ................................................157
Table B.2 Operating characteristic for time-delay-type having a limiting
non-actuating time of 0,06 s ................................................................................................159
Table B.3 Requirements for CBRs functionally dependent on line voltage ..........................167
Table B.4 Additional test sequences .................................................................................173
Table B.5 Tripping current range for CBRs in case
of an earth fault comprising a d.c. component ......................................................................183
Table F.1 Test parameters for current dips and interruptions.............................................227
Table J.1 EMC Immunity tests .......................................................................................279
Table J.2 Reference data for the application of the figures for immunity tests ....................281
Table J.3 EMC Emission tests .......................................................................................287
Table J.4 Reference data for the application of the figures for emission tests ....................287
Table M.1 Product information ..........................................................................................343
Table M.2 Requirements for MRCDs with voltage source ..................................................347
Table M.3 Test sequences ................................................................................................351
Alphabetical index of tests .....................................................................................................67

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13

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
LOW-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR
Part 2: Circuit-breakers
FOREWORD
1) The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, the IEC publishes International Standards. Their preparation is
entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may
participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. The IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization
for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two
organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of the IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested National Committees.
3) The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in the form
of standards, technical specifications, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National
Committees in that sense.
4) In order to promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC International
Standards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Any
divergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding national or regional standard shall be clearly
indicated in the latter.
5) The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with one of its standards.
6) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject
of patent rights. The IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

International Standard IEC 60947-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 17B: Low-voltage
switchgear and controlgear, of IEC technical committee 17: Switchgear and controlgear.
This third edition of IEC 60947-2 cancels and replaces the second edition published in 1995,
amendment 1 (1997) and amendment 2 (2001).
The document 17B/1269/FDIS, circulated to the National Committees as amendment 3, led to
the publication of this new edition.
The text of this standard is based on the second edition, its amendments 1 and 2 and the
following documents:
FDIS

Report on voting

17B/1269/FDIS

17B/1278/RVD

Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until 2004.
At this date, the publication will be

reconfirmed;
withdrawn;
replaced by a revised edition, or
amended.

60947-2 IEC:2003

15

LOW-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR

Part 2: Circuit-breakers

General

The provisions of the general rules dealt with in IEC 60947-1 (hereinafter referred to as Part 1)
are applicable to this standard, where specifically called for. Clauses and subclauses, tables,
figures and appendices of the general rules thus applicable are identified by reference to
Part 1, for example, 1.2.3 of Part 1, table 4 of Part 1, or annex A of Part 1.
1.1

Scope and object

This standard applies to circuit-breakers, the main contacts of which are intended to be
connected to circuits, the rated voltage of which does not exceed 1 000 V a.c. or 1 500 V d.c.;
it also contains additional requirements for integrally fused circuit-breakers.
It applies whatever the rated currents, the method of construction or the proposed applications
of the circuit-breakers may be.
The requirements for circuit-breakers which are also intended to provide earth-leakage
protection are contained in annex B.
The additional requirements for circuit-breakers with electronic over-current protection are
contained in annex F.
The additional requirements for circuit-breakers for IT systems are contained in annex H.
The requirements and test methods for electromagnetic compatibility of circuit-breakers are
contained in annex J.
The requirements for circuit-breakers not fulfilling the requirements for overcurrent protection
are contained in annex L.
The requirements for modular residual current devices (without integral current breaking
device) are contained in annex M.
The requirements and test methods for electromagnetic compatibility of circuit-breaker
auxiliaries are contained in annex N.
Supplementary requirements for circuit-breakers used as direct-on-line starters are given in
IEC 60947-4-1, applicable to low-voltage contactors and starters.
The requirements for circuit-breakers for the protection of wiring installations in buildings and
similar applications, and designed for use by uninstructed persons, are contained in
IEC 60898.
The requirements for circuit-breakers for equipment (for example electrical appliances) are
contained in IEC 60934.

60947-2 IEC:2003

17

For certain specific applications (for example traction, rolling mills, marine service) particular or
additional requirements may be necessary.
NOTE Circuit-breakers which are dealt with in this standard may be provided with devices for automatic opening
under predetermined conditions other than those of over-current and undervoltage as, for example, reversal of
power or current. This standard does not deal with the verification of operation under such pre-determined
conditions.

The object of this standard is to state:

a) the characteristics of circuit-breakers;
b) the conditions with which circuit-breakers shall comply with reference to:
1) operation and behaviour in normal service;
2) operation and behaviour in case of overload and operation and behaviour in case of
short-circuit, including co-ordination in service (discrimination and back-up protection);
3) dielectric properties;
c) tests intended for confirming that these conditions have been met and the methods to be
adopted for these tests;
d) information to be marked on or given with the apparatus.
1.2

Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of
the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60050(441):1984, International
Switchgear, controlgear and fuses

Electrotechnical

Vocabulary

(IEV)

Chapter

441:

IEC 60051 (all parts) Direct acting indicating analogue electrical measuring instruments and
their accessories
IEC 60068-2-14:1984, Environmental testing Part 2: Tests. Test N: Change of temperature
IEC 60068-2-30:1980, Environmental testing Part 2: Tests Test Db and guidance: Damp
heat, cyclic (12+12-hour cycle)
IEC 60364 ( all parts), Electric installations of buildings
IEC 60364-4-41:1982, Electric installations of buildings Part 4: Protection for safety
Chapter 41: Protection against shock
IEC 60695-2-10:2000, Fire hazard testing Part 2-10: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods
Glow-wire apparatus and common test procedure
IEC 60695-2-11:2000, Fire hazard testing Part 2-11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods
Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products
IEC 60695-2-12:2000, Fire hazard testing Part 2-12: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods
Glow-wire flammability test method for materials
IEC 60695-2-13:2000, Fire hazard testing Part 2-13: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods
Glow-wire ignitability test method for materials
IEC 60755:1983, General requirements for residual current operated protective devices

60947-2 IEC:2003

19

IEC 60898, Circuit-breakers for over-current protection for household and similar installations
IEC 60934, Circuit-breakers for equipment (CBE)
IEC 60947-1:1999, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear Part 1: General rules
Amendment 1 (2000)
Amendment 2 (2001)
IEC 60947-4-1:2000, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear Part 4-1: Contactors and
motor-starters Electromechanical contactors and motor-starters
IEC 61000-3-2:2000, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 3-2: Limits Limits for
harmonic current emissions (equipment input current 16 A per phase)
IEC 61000-3-3:1994, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 3: Limits Section 3:
Limitation of voltage fluctuations and flicker in low-voltage supply systems for equipment with
rated current 16 A
IEC 61000-4-2:1995, Electromagnetic compatibility(EMC) Part 4: Testing and measurement
techniques Section 2: Electrostatic discharge immunity test
Amendment 1 (1998)
Amendment 2 (2000)
IEC 61000-4-3:2002, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 4-3: Testing and
measurement techniques Radiated radio-frequency electromagnetic field immunity test
Amendment 1 (2002)
IEC 61000-4-4:1995, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 4: Testing and measurement
techniques Section 4: Electrical fast transient/burst immunity test
Amendment 1 (2000)
Amendment 2 (2001)
IEC 61000-4-5:1995, Electromagnetic compatibility(EMC) Part 4: Testing and measurement
techniques Section 5: Surge immunity test
Amendment 1 (2000)
IEC 61000-4-6:1996, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 4: Testing and measurement
techniques Section 6: Immunity to conducted disturbances, induced by radiofrequency fields
Amendment 1 (2000)
IEC 61000-4-11:1994, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 4: Testing and measuring
techniques Section 11: Voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage variation immunity tests
Amendment 1 (2000)
IEC 61000-5-2:1997, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 5: Installation and mitigation
guidelines Section 2: Earthing and cabling
IEC 61008-1:1990, Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral over-current
protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs) Part 1: General rules
IEC 61009-1:1991, Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral over-current
protection for household and similar uses (RCBOs) Part 1: General rules

60947-2 IEC:2003

21

CISPR 11:1997, Industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio-frequency equipment Electromagnetic disturbance characteristics Limits and methods of measurement
Amendment 1 (1999)
CISPR 22:1997, Information technology equipment Radio disturbance characteristics Limits
and methods of measurement

Definitions

For the majority of the definitions required in connection with this standard, see Clause 2 of
Part 1.
For the purpose of this standard, the following additional definitions shall apply:
NOTE Where these definitions are taken unchanged from the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV),
IEC 60050(441), the IEV reference is given in brackets.

2.1
circuit-breaker
a mechanical switching device, capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under
normal circuit conditions and also making, carrying for a specified time and breaking currents
under specified abnormal circuit conditions such as those of short-circuit
[IEV 441-14-20]
2.1.1
frame size
a term designating a group of circuit-breakers, the external physical dimensions of which are
common to a range of current ratings. Frame size is expressed in amperes corresponding to
the highest current rating of the group. Within a frame size, the width may vary according to the
number of poles
NOTE

This definition does not imply dimensional standardization.

2.1.2
construction break
a significant difference in construction between circuit-breakers of a given frame size, requiring
additional type testing (see 7.1.5)
2.2
integrally fused circuit-breaker
a combination, in a single device, of a circuit-breaker and fuses, one fuse being placed in
series with each pole of the circuit-breaker intended to be connected to a phase conductor
[IEV 441-14-22]
2.3
current-limiting circuit-breaker
a circuit-breaker with a break-time short enough to prevent the short-circuit current reaching its
otherwise attainable peak value
[IEV 441-14-21]