International electrical and digital building infrastructure specialist Legrand last month announced that its range of XL³ modular power distribution enclosures comply with the new IEC 61439 standards, which replace the previous IEC 60439 standards.

The XL³ cabinets and enclosures are used for power distribution sites that have a capacity of between 160 A and 6 300 A. They provide adapted solutions that meet the exact site power distribution needs in industrial, commercial and residential environments. The units’ complete compliance with IEC 61439 also guarantees reliability and total protection of the installation.

“Owing to its robust frame and customisable configuration, the XL³ range is unique. Enclosures can be joined side by side or back to back, and each panel can be replaced by a door to define the composition most suited to the client’s requirements,” says Legrand South Africa projects and technical coordinator Marc Naidoo, adding that there are no restrictions as a result of the joined enclosures. These fully modular enclosures are the only product of their kind rated up to 6300 A.

He highlights that each model in this range includes a selection of sizes, versions and equipment, and that XL³ enclosures are enhanced by Legrand devices for optimum protection and efficient distribution. These devices include DMX³ air circuit breakers, moulded case circuit breakers, DX³ Din rail-mounting circuit breakers, busbars and modular distribution blocks.

XL³ metallic or plastic enclosures, with index protection (IP) ratings of between IP 30 and IP 55, have a short circuit resistance from 20 kA to 110 kA.

This flexible power distribution system can be adapted and includes either standard or optimised distribution. Standard distribution enables the user to choose busbars and their supports, with a personal configuration for efficient power distribution.

The optimised distribution system, which ensures freedom of assembly, eliminates the need to create special connections upstream and ensures time-saving during installation by enabling the user to connect appliances on pre-equipped units.

Also available to optimise the design is user-friendly XL Pro panel design software, incorporating XL Pro Calculator software, which automatically calculates the total power consumption, required protection devices and cable selection for the circuit, as well as cascading and discrimination solutions.

“Legrand and its national distributor network also offer a technical advisory and support service,” says Naidoo.

Locally Certified
Since the establishment of its Johannesburg facility in 1985, many products in Legrand’s range have been certified by the South African Bureau of Standards, which dovetails with other quality-control certifications, such as the IEC and ISO 9001 accreditations, providing users with the assurance that products have been manufactured in accordance with stringent specifications in terms of design, development, production, installation and servicing.

“The certification of enclosures is defined by IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2 for power switchgear and control-gear assemblies. This accreditation formulates the definitions, operating conditions, structural provisions, technical characteristics and tests for low-voltage wiring accessory assemblies,” explains Naidoo.

Modifications to these IEC standards entail different, but equivalent, types for verifying requirements – verification by a test, calculation or measurement, or by adhering to design rules. Unlike IEC 60439-1, conformity cannot be established simply on the basis of the general rules of the standard. Assemblies must comply with the specific standards dedicated to them. Compliance with IEC 61439-2 also enables the European Conformity mark to be attached, if required.

There are 13 standard tests for the certification of pre-equipped enclosures, which are an additional guarantee of safe operation. Characteristics that need to be checked include the resistance of materials and parts, temperature increases, the degree of protection (ingress protection) dielectric properties and short circuit resistance, as well as electric shock protection and the integrity of the protective circuit. Clearances and creepage distances, mechanical operation and electromagnetic compatibility are also important.

IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2 also require final checks on all wired assemblies. These checks certify that the essential characteristics linked to safety are fully complied with.

Naidoo notes that Legrand celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of its Johannesburg-based South African subsidiary this year by hosting a function for customers, architects, contractors, consultants and interior designers, as well as the media.