What standards do we need to follow to export European distribution cabinets?

Distribution cabinets exported to Europe need to comply with the following series of standards:

I. Safety standards

EN 60439-1/2/3 series standards

This is the European standard for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. It covers the basic safety requirements of power distribution cabinets, including mechanical safety, electrical safety and many other aspects. For example, in terms of mechanical safety, it is stipulated that the strength of the shell of the distribution cabinet should be able to withstand certain external impact to prevent people from accidentally touching the internal live parts. In electrical safety, there are clear requirements for insulation distance and creepage distance to avoid electrical breakdown and leakage risk.

The standard specifies the design and manufacturing specifications of different types of power distribution cabinets (such as power distribution cabinets and lighting distribution cabinets). Like power distribution cabinets, because of the large current involved, the requirements on bus connection and short-circuit tolerance are more stringent.

EN 61439-1/2/3 series standards

The main concern is the standard requirements of low-voltage switchgear and control equipment components. This standard ensures that various components (such as circuit breakers, contactors, relays, etc.) inside the distribution cabinet can work together safely and reliably.

Taking the circuit breaker as an example, it stipulates that the breaking capacity of the circuit breaker must meet the protection requirements of the distribution cabinet under different short circuit conditions. Moreover, there are strict regulations on the connection mode and electrical clearance between components to ensure the integrity and safety of the whole power distribution cabinet system.

Second, the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standard

EN 50081-1/2 standard (general emission standard)

This standard is mainly to limit the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by power distribution cabinets and ensure that it will not interfere with the surrounding electronic equipment and communication systems during normal operation. For example, switching operation and current change in the distribution cabinet may produce electromagnetic radiation, which needs to be controlled within a certain range.

For some places sensitive to electromagnetic environment, such as hospitals and communication base stations, the electromagnetic emission requirements of distribution cabinets are more stringent.

EN 50082-1/2 standard (general immunity standard)

It is stipulated that the distribution cabinet should have certain anti-electromagnetic interference ability. The electromagnetic environment in Europe is complex, and there are various sources of electromagnetic interference generated by industrial equipment and communication equipment.

The power distribution cabinet should be able to resist interference such as electrostatic discharge, radio frequency electromagnetic field radiation, electrical fast transient, etc., and ensure that the electrical components inside it can work normally. For example, in an industrial environment where large motors are frequently started and stopped, the power distribution cabinet needs to effectively resist the electromagnetic pulse interference caused by it.

Third, environmental protection standards

RoHS Directive (Hazardous Substances Restriction Directive)

It is required to restrict the use of harmful substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls and their ethers in the materials used in power distribution cabinets. This is not only for the sake of environmental protection, but also to ensure that the distribution cabinet will not cause harm to the environment and human health during the whole life cycle.

Manufacturers need to strictly screen and test raw materials to ensure that they meet the requirements of RoHS directive. For example, in the manufacturing process of printed circuit board (PCB), lead-containing solder cannot be used.

WEEE Directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive)

The relevant requirements such as recovery, treatment and reuse of abandoned distribution cabinets are stipulated. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure that the product is easy to disassemble and recycle, and it should be recycled according to the prescribed procedures.

For example, the shell of the power distribution cabinet should be made of easily separated materials, which is convenient for classifying different materials in the recycling process. The metal part can be remelted and the plastic part can be recycled.

In addition, different European countries may have some local supplementary standards or special requirements. When exporting distribution cabinets, it is necessary to fully understand the specific regulations of the target market countries.