BS EN IEC 60947-9-2:2025

Low-voltage Switchgear and Controlgear: Active Arc-fault Mitigation Systems

Optical-based Internal Arc-detection and Mitigation Devices

Introducing the BS EN IEC 60947-9-2:2025, a cutting-edge standard that sets the benchmark for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear systems. This comprehensive document, spanning 94 pages, is a must-have for professionals in the electrical engineering and safety sectors. Released on July 16, 2025, this standard is the latest in the series, ensuring you are up-to-date with the most advanced practices in arc-fault mitigation.

With the ISBN 978 0 580 99225 4, this standard is recognized globally, providing a reliable framework for the implementation of optical-based internal arc-detection and mitigation devices. These systems are crucial for enhancing the safety and reliability of electrical installations, particularly in environments where the risk of arc faults is significant.

Why Choose BS EN IEC 60947-9-2:2025?

The BS EN IEC 60947-9-2:2025 standard is designed to address the growing need for effective arc-fault mitigation in low-voltage systems. Here are some key reasons why this standard is essential:

• Comprehensive Coverage: With 94 pages of detailed guidelines, this standard provides an in-depth understanding of the requirements and best practices for arc-fault mitigation systems.
• Latest Release: As a 2025 release, it incorporates the most recent technological advancements and industry insights, ensuring your systems are at the forefront of safety and efficiency.
• Global Recognition: The standard is recognized internationally, making it a valuable resource for companies operating in multiple regions.
• Focus on Safety: By implementing the guidelines in this standard, you can significantly reduce the risk of arc faults, protecting both personnel and equipment.

Key Features of the Standard

The BS EN IEC 60947-9-2:2025 standard is packed with features that make it an indispensable tool for professionals in the field:

• Optical-based Detection: The standard emphasizes the use of optical-based technologies for detecting internal arc faults, which are known for their speed and accuracy.
• Mitigation Strategies: It outlines effective strategies for mitigating the effects of arc faults, minimizing damage and downtime.
• Detailed Guidelines: Provides step-by-step instructions and recommendations for implementing arc-fault mitigation systems.
• Compatibility: Ensures that the systems are compatible with existing low-voltage switchgear and controlgear setups.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is ideal for a wide range of professionals and organizations, including:

• Electrical Engineers: Gain insights into the latest technologies and practices for arc-fault mitigation.
• Safety Officers: Ensure compliance with the highest safety standards to protect personnel and equipment.
• Facility Managers: Implement effective arc-fault mitigation systems to enhance the reliability of electrical installations.
• Manufacturers: Design and produce equipment that meets the latest standards for safety and performance.

Conclusion

The BS EN IEC 60947-9-2:2025 standard is an essential resource for anyone involved in the design, implementation, or management of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear systems. By adhering to this standard, you can ensure that your systems are safe, efficient, and compliant with the latest industry requirements. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and capabilities with this comprehensive guide to active arc-fault mitigation systems.

BS EN IEC 60947-9-2:2025

This standard BS EN IEC 60947-9-2:2025 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear is classified in these ICS categories:

• 29.130.20 Low voltage switchgear and controlgear
• 29.120.40 Switches

This document covers internal arc-fault control devices, hereinafter referred to as IACD, which are intended to: - detect internal arc-faults in low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, by processing (at a minimum) the optical effect of an internal arc-fault, and - operate mitigation device (either external or combined) in order to minimize the effects of the internal arc-fault (see Figure 1). For the purpose of this document the terms "light" or "optical" covers more than visible spectra. They may cover also, for example, infrared or ultraviolet electromagnetic radiations (see Annex D). For combined-type IACD, this document is considered in addition to the relevant product standard for internal arc-fault mitigation devices (IARD per IEC TS 63107:2020). Compliance to the relevant product standard is mandatory and cannot be claimed by testing to this document alone. NOTE 1 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies are usually described by IEC 61439 series. [Figure 1] Therefore, this document covers the following: - internal arc-fault control device (stand-alone, multifunction or combined); - one or more associated sensor(s) used to detect optical effect of the internal arc-fault; - sensor(s), sensing another physical effect, to confirm the fault; - associated or combined mitigation device. An IACD is not intended to trigger under normal operation of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear (i.e. absence of internal arc-fault), including normal arcing associated with operation of disconnecting and switching devices. This document only covers the following methods: - optical detection of the light caused by an internal arc-fault; - optional confirmation of internal arc-fault by line current measurement. Many different conductive materials could be used in LV assemblies (e.g. steel, copper, aluminium). Nevertheless, tests specified in this document are deemed to represent the most critical and challenging conditions for arc-detection and cover all combinations of conductive materials. NOTE 2 Compared to other materials (e.g. steel, aluminium), copper leads to a lower optical radiation energy. The rated voltage of the assembly in which an IACD is installed does not exceed 1 000 V AC. Such devices are designed to be operated and maintained by skilled persons only. This document does not cover: - DC internal arc-fault detection and control; - overcurrent relays; - AFDD (arc-fault detection devices) as defined by IEC 62606; - guidance on installation within assemblies; NOTE 3 The integration of an IACD into an assembly is described in IEC TS 63107. - use with additional measures needed for installation and operation within explosive atmospheres. These are given in IEC 60079 series documents; - requirements for embedded software and firmware design rules; for this subject, the manufacturer is responsible for taking additional safety measures; NOTE 4 IEC TR 63201 describes rules for firmware and embedded software development preventing errors in software. - cybersecurity aspects; for this subject, the manufacturer is responsible for taking additional safety measures; NOTE 5 See IEC TS 63208. - mobile applications. NOTE 6 Even when addressing internal arc-fault mitigation devices, this document does not supersede any other relevant product standard (e.g. IEC 60947-2 or IEC 60947-9-1). NOTE 7 DC arcing fault phenomena are under consideration. Further investigation is needed to comprehend DC arcing phenomena and required sensing.