The Department for Business & Trade (DBT) recently published a consolidated list of designated standards for low-voltage electrical equipment under Guidance: Designated Standards. This update aims to ensure compliance and safety in UK engineering practices, impacting procurement managers, maintenance engineers, and component suppliers.
What Are the Key Changes?
As of June 2023, Guidance: Designated standards: low voltage includes several new standards that replace older ones. These updates are important for ensuring electrical equipment meets modern safety requirements. The DBT's latest notice highlights specific changes in BS EN 61850 series and IEC 61439-2.
How Does This Affect UK Engineers?
For UK engineers, adherence to these new standards means using updated materials and practices. For instance, components like DIN rail mount enclosures or cable glands must now comply with the latest BS EN 61850 series, which outlines communication networks and systems for power supply equipment.
Impact on Procurement Managers
Procurement managers need to review their supplier lists to ensure compliance with these new standards. The updated Guidance: Designated Standards requires components like carbon steel DIN nuts (EN8) or stainless steel cable ties (A2-70 grade) to meet the latest safety and performance criteria. This can streamline procurement processes by focusing on reliable, compliant suppliers.
Maintenance Engineers' Role
Maintenance engineers must stay informed about these changes to ensure ongoing compliance in existing systems. For example, replacing older circuit breakers with newer models certified under IEC 61439-2 ensures continued safety and reliability. Training programs for maintenance staff can help them understand the importance of these updates.
Supplier Compliance
Component suppliers must update their product offerings to meet the new standards set by Guidance: Designated Standards. This includes offering components like low-voltage switchgear assemblies (IEC 61439-2) and ensuring that all products are CE marked for compliance with EU safety regulations. Suppliers should also provide detailed documentation on material grades. Such as EN8 carbon steel or A2-70 stainless steel, to prove adherence.
Product Categories Affected
Several product categories on MLC are directly impacted by these updates:
DIN Rails and Mounting Hardware
DIN rail mounting hardware must now comply with BS EN 61850. Suppliers offering products like DIN rail mount enclosures (EN50022) or DIN rail cable ties should ensure their components meet the latest standards.
Cable Management Solutions
Cable management solutions, including cable glands and conduits, need to adhere to IEC 61439-2. This includes stainless steel conduit sleeves (A2-70 grade) and carbon steel clamps (EN8).
Electrical Protection Equipment
Electrical protection equipment like circuit breakers and fuses must be updated to meet the new standards outlined in Guidance: Designated Standards. Procurement managers should look for components certified under IEC 61439-2, ensuring safety in industrial applications.
Conclusion
The updates to Guidance: Designated standards: low voltage are vital for maintaining electrical safety and compliance within UK engineering practices. By adhering to these new standards, procurement managers, maintenance engineers, and suppliers can ensure their systems and components meet the latest requirements, enhancing reliability and safety across all relevant product categories on MLC.
For more information or to find compliant products, visit MLC's website.