This document applies, when required by the relevant product standard, to low-voltage switchgear and controlgear hereinafter referred to as "equipment" or “device” and intended to be connected to circuits, the rated voltage of which does not exceed 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC.

This document states the general rules and common safety requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear, including:

− definitions;

− characteristics;

− information supplied with the equipment;

− normal service, mounting and transport conditions, decommissioning and dismantling;

− constructional and performance requirements;

− verification of characteristics and performance;

− energy efficiency aspects (see Annex V);

− environmental aspects.

This document does not apply to:

− low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies which are dealt with in IEC 61439 series, as applicable;

− terminals for connection of aluminium conductors;

NOTE Terminals for aluminium conductors are under consideration for the next revision.

− use within explosive atmospheres (see IEC 60079 series);

− software and firmware requirements for functional safety application (see IEC 61508-3);

− cyber security aspects (see IEC 62443 series).