Product Safety Testing
At DEKRA, our experts will support you by testing against the right standards, not only under normal operating conditions, but also under extreme ones.
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Low Voltage Power Testing
Independent Testing, Verification, and Certification Support for Low-Voltage Switchgear, Control Gear, Assemblies, and Protection Equipment
Low-voltage equipment plays an essential role in distributing, controlling, switching, and protecting electrical power across industrial facilities, commercial buildings, infrastructure, energy systems, and other demanding applications.
Manufacturers, assembly manufacturers, and panel builders must demonstrate that their equipment meets applicable safety, performance, construction, and reliability requirements. Depending on the product, this may involve verification of temperature rise, short-circuit withstand, dielectric properties, switching and protection performance, mechanical operation, and environmental protection.
DEKRA provides testing, verification, and certification support for low-voltage power distribution and control equipment. Our services help manufacturers evaluate whether products and assemblies meet applicable requirements and support certification and market access.
How DEKRA Supports Low-Voltage Equipment Projects
DEKRA supports equipment manufacturers, assembly manufacturers, panel builders, and other stakeholders with testing and verification programs tailored to the equipment, applicable standards, intended application, and target market.
Our services can support:
- development and pre-compliance testing
- design verification and type testing
- testing according to applicable standards and requirements
- support for certification and market access
By covering electrical, thermal, mechanical, environmental, and protection requirements, DEKRA testing provides technical evidence that helps support product development, compliance, certification, and reliable operation.
Low-Voltage Power Testing Capabilities
DEKRA provides testing and verification for low-voltage equipment used to distribute, control, switch, and protect electrical power. The applicable testing program depends on the equipment, relevant standards, intended application, and certification requirements. The following sections outline the main capability areas.
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies must meet construction and performance requirements for their intended power distribution or control application.
DEKRA provides testing and verification according to applicable requirements, including the IEC 61439 series, for switchgear and controlgear assemblies, distribution boards, power distribution panels, busbar trunking systems, and related equipment.
Testing capabilities include:
- construction, materials, and component verification
- temperature-rise and short-circuit withstand verification
- dielectric properties, clearances, and creepage distances
- protection against electric shock and protective-circuit verification
- mechanical operation and degree-of-protection testing
- internal circuits, connections, and terminals
- electromagnetic compatibility, where applicable
The applicable verification approach depends on the assembly, intended application, relevant part of the standard, and available technical evidence.
DEKRA can also evaluate how modifications to an existing assembly or changes to IEC 61439 requirements may affect previous test results and the need for additional verification.
Switching and protection equipment must reliably establish, carry, interrupt, and control current under normal operating and specified fault conditions.
DEKRA provides testing for circuit breakers, switches, disconnectors, contactors, motor starters, residual current devices, and other switching and protection equipment.
Testing capabilities include:
- making, breaking, and short-circuit performance testing
- operating and tripping characteristic testing
- overload and protection-function verification
- switching performance testing
- electrical and mechanical endurance testing
- terminal, connection, and material testing
Internal arc faults can produce intense heat, pressure, gases, and mechanical effects that may affect equipment integrity and people in the surrounding area.
DEKRA addresses these risks through:
- internal arc and arc-containment testing
- arc-mitigation performance testing
- evaluation of pressure effects, mechanical effects, and protective measures
The applicable test program depends on the equipment, intended application, and relevant technical requirements.
Low-voltage equipment may be exposed to heat, humidity, dust, water, impact, vibration, and other mechanical or environmental conditions during operation.
Testing capabilities include:
- IP and IK testing
- high-, low-, and elevated ambient-temperature testing
- humidity and climatic testing
- mechanical operation, endurance, and vibration testing
- enclosure, material, and structural performance evaluation
- glow-wire, ball-pressure, aging, and durability testing
Equipment and Systems DEKRA Tests
DEKRA provides testing, verification, and certification support for low-voltage power distribution and control equipment, assemblies, and components, including:
- low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
- power distribution panels, distribution boards, and industrial control panels
- assemblies for construction sites and public distribution networks
- motor control centers and busbar trunking systems
- circuit breakers, switches, disconnectors, and fuse-combination units
- contactors, motor starters, transfer switching equipment, and control circuit devices
- miniature circuit breakers, residual current devices, and other protective devices
- terminal blocks, empty enclosures, and related components
- low-voltage cables and accessories
- EV charging distribution and protection equipment
- other low-voltage power distribution and control equipment
Standards and Testing Requirements
DEKRA performs testing and verification in accordance with applicable international standards, regulatory requirements, and certification schemes. The applicable requirements depend on the equipment, intended application, and target market.
Key standards include:
- IEC 61439 series for low-voltage assemblies and distribution systems
- IEC 60947 series for switchgear and controlgear
- IEC 60898, IEC 61008, IEC 61009, IEC 62423, and IEC 61095 for circuit breakers and protection devices
- IEC 62208, IEC 60529, and IEC 62262 for enclosures and degrees of protection
- IEC 60998 series for connecting devices
- IEC 62955 and other applicable requirements for EV charging protection equipment
- IEC/TR 61641 and IEC/TS 63107 for internal arc and arc-mitigation performance
Applicable EN standards, national requirements, and other product-specific standards may also apply depending on the equipment and intended market.
Within the European Union, applicable regulatory requirements may include the Low Voltage Directive.
International Certification and Market Access Support
Testing and verification may form part of a broader certification and market-access process. DEKRA combines testing, inspection, certification, and regulatory expertise to support manufacturers entering international markets.
Key standards include:
- testing and technical documentation review for product certification
- IECEE CB Scheme services, including CB Test Reports and Certificates
- DEKRA certification marks, Test Reports, and Test Certificates
- certification according to applicable national and international schemes
- factory inspection and production surveillance, when required
- support for applicable market requirements and Global Market Access
DEKRA experts help manufacturers identify the appropriate testing and certification route for their equipment and intended markets.
- ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing laboratories
- ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification bodies
- ISO/IEC 17020 accredited inspection bodies
- National Certification Body activities within the IECEE CB Scheme
- CB Testing Laboratory activities
