What are the specific standards for the structure and size of distribution cabinets in Europe?

There is no uniform rigid standard for the structure and size of power distribution cabinets in Europe, but in practical application, the following standards and common size ranges are usually referred to:

Relevant requirements of structural standards

EN 60439-1 standard: It is stipulated that the distribution cabinet should have good mechanical strength and stability, and can withstand the operating force and short-circuit force in normal use. For example, the frame structure of the cabinet should be able to maintain its deformation during transportation, installation and operation, so as to protect the normal work of internal electrical components. At the same time, the distribution cabinet is required to have a perfect grounding system to ensure that the fault current can be safely introduced into the earth when an electrical fault occurs, so as to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. In addition, there are regulations on the protection level of the power distribution cabinet, such as IP30 and above, to prevent solid foreign matter larger than 2.5mm from entering the cabinet, and to avoid damage to electrical components or short circuit and other failures.

EN 61439-1 standard: Pay attention to the electrical gap and creepage distance inside the distribution cabinet, and ensure that there is enough space between conductors with different potentials to prevent electrical breakdown and leakage. For example, for circuits with different voltage levels, the corresponding minimum electrical clearance and creepage distance values are specified. It is also required that the bus and connecting wires in the distribution cabinet should have sufficient current-carrying capacity and mechanical strength to withstand the current during normal operation and the thermal effect and electromotive force during short circuit.

Common range of dimensions

Cabinet height: The common height is 2200mm, which is convenient for installation and maintenance personnel to operate on the ground and can accommodate more electrical components and wiring space.

Cabinet depth: generally 600mm or 600+400mm and other specifications. The depth of 600mm is suitable for most conventional electrical component layout and wiring requirements; The depth of 600+400mm may be to meet some special requirements, such as accommodating more buses or requiring more heat dissipation space.

Cabinet width: There are various specifications, including 500mm, 550mm, 600mm, 700mm, 800mm, 900mm, 1000mm, 1100mm, 1200mm, 1300mm, 1600mm, etc. Among them, 500mm and 550mm are compact cabinets, which are suitable for places with limited space; The wide cabinet, such as more than 1000mm, is usually used in situations where a large number of electrical components need to be installed or complex wiring is required.