Press: Planning software makes verification as per IEC 61439 easy

Rittal has taken into account the demands of the new IEC 61439-1/-2 standard and offers the user comprehensive help in the new 6.0 version of the Power Engineering application. The main features of the new standard include extensive verification of the design of switchgear created by original switchgear manufacturer, as well as exact details of the rated currents of switching devices.

With Power Engineering, a suitable switching device can be selected - as early as the low-voltage switchgear preparation stage - that bears the current needed by the circuit. The protection category and the mounting location within the unit are also taken into account. Similarly, the software provides the appropriate design verification at the push of a button. The engineering tool offers check-lists, with which the switchgear manufacturer can check all the requirements that have to be considered during the planning and performance of the switchgear.

The software offers a blank form for the subsequent provision of individual evidence of items that must be compiled by every piece of switchgear. Check-lists included in the software also assist the manufacturer in conducting the tests needed to conduct and document the individual evidence of items.

Rittal Power Engineering supports users both with the Ri4Power modular system for low voltage switchgear, as well as with the low-voltage switchgear that consists of the TS 8 enclosure system and the RiLine60 modular busbar system.

Background information on the new standard

Unlike testing the switching devices according to the respective switchgear standard, the influence of installing this switching device in an enclosure or compartment of a switchgear unit may lead to a lowering of the rated current of the device. According to the new standard, the original manufacturer must therefore state the rated current Inc that each circuit can bear under the conditions chosen. In addition, the switchgear manufacturer must take this into consideration when planning its switchgear for each switchgear device installed and for each circuit.

The new standard offers major benefits, both for the manufacturers of switchgear, as well as for customers and users:With the extension of design certifications from involving the enclosure standard, quality features are defined that increase the quality of low-voltage switchgear. Besides this, their interfaces are specified to external peripherals are defined in more detail. Finally, the design of low-voltage switchgear is now easier and safer because the influence of the enclosure and protection category on the switching equipment is given greater consideration than before.

(3,242 characters)

+++++++

Rittal GmbH & Co. KG

Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, which has its headquarters in Herborn, Germany, is one of the world's leading system suppliers for enclosures, power distribution, climate control, IT infrastructure and software & services. Customers from all sectors of industry, from mechanical and plant engineering, as well as from the IT and telecoms market are making use of system solutions from Rittal.

Its broad product range also includes complete solutions for modular and energy-efficient data centres: from innovative security concepts for data systems (formerly known as Litcos) through to physical data and system security for IT infrastructures (formerly known as Lampertz). The leading software providers Eplan and Mind8 - Rittal subsidiaries - are supplementing the Rittal product portfolio with interdisciplinary engineering solutions.

Founded in 1961, Rittal is now active worldwide with 12 production sites, 63 subsidiaries and 40 agencies. With 10,000 employees worldwide, Rittal is the largest company of the proprietor-run Friedhelm Loh Group of Haiger, Germany. The entire group employs more than 11,000 people and will generate revenues of about € 1.8 billion in 2010. Further information at www.rittal.com and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com.