This part of IEC 60669 applies to manually operated general purpose functional switches, for alternating current (AC) only with a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V with a rated current not exceeding 63 A, intended for household and similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors.
For switches provided with screwless terminals, the rated current is limited to 16 A.
NOTE 1 The rated current is limited to 16 A for switches provided with insulation piercing terminals (IPT’s) according to Annex D.
Switches covered by this document are, where applicable, intended for the control in normal use of all of the following loads:
– a circuit for a tungsten filament lamp load;
– a circuit for an externally ballasted lamp load (for example LED, CFL, fluorescent lamp load);
– a circuit for a self ballasted lamp load (for example LEDi or CFLi);
– a circuit for a substantially resistive load with a power factor not less than 0,95;
– a single phase circuit for motor load with a rated current not exceeding 3 A at 250 V (750 VA) and 4,5 A at 120 V (540 VA) and a power factor not less than 0,6. This applies to both switches rated not less than 10 A that have not undergone additional tests and to momentary switches rated not less than 6 A that have not undergone additional tests.
NOTE 2 In the following country the suitability of a switch intended to control the inrush current of a motor shall be tested: AU.
This document also applies to boxes for switches, with the exception of mounting boxes for flush-type switches.
NOTE 3 General requirements for boxes for flush-type switches are given in IEC 60670-1.
It also applies to switches such as
– switches incorporating pilot lights;
– electromagnetic remote control switches (particular requirements are given in IEC 606692- 2);
– switches incorporating a time-delay device (particular requirements are given in IEC 60669-2-3);
– combinations of switches and other functions (with the exception of switches combined with fuses);
– electronic switches (particular requirements are given in IEC 60669-2-1);
– switches having facilities for the outlet and retention of flexible cables (see Annex A);
– isolating switches (particular requirements are given in IEC 60669-2-4);
– switches and related accessories for use in home and building electronic systems (particular requirements are given in IEC 60669-2-5);
– firemen’s switches (particular requirements are given in IEC 60669-2-6).
Switches complying with this document are suitable for use at ambient temperatures not normally exceeding +40 °C, but their average over a period of 24 h does not exceed +35 °C, with a lower limit of the ambient air temperature of –5 °C.
NOTE 4 For lower temperatures see Annex E.
Switches complying with this document are suitable only for incorporation in equipment in such a way and in such a place that it is unlikely that the surrounding ambient temperature exceeds +35 °C.
In locations where special conditions prevail, such as in ships, vehicles and the like and in hazardous locations, for example where explosions are liable to occur, special construction and/or additional requirements may be required.
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