Switchgear systems in Austria must comply with a range of national and international standards—from planning and manufacturing to testing and operation. The specific standards that apply depend on the voltage level, system type, and installation location.
This article provides a structured overview of the most important standards for low- and medium-voltage switchgear, explains the difference between type testing and routine testing, and shows how Austrian ÖNORM standards relate to international IEC standards.
Standards hierarchy: IEC, CENELEC, and national standards
Switchgear standards follow a three-level hierarchy:
- IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission): International standards that are recognized worldwide and serve as the basis for European and national implementations.
- CENELEC / EN standards: European implementations of IEC standards that are binding in all EU and EEA countries. An EN standard supersedes conflicting national standards.
- ÖNORM (Austria) / DIN VDE (Germany): National implementations of EN standards. In Austria, ÖNORM often adopts the EN standard word for word under its own designation.
In practice, this means that anyone who designs and tests in accordance with IEC 62271-200 also complies with ÖNORM EN 62271-200. The standards do not differ in content, only in their national designation.
Standards for medium-voltage switchgear
IEC 62271-200 / ÖNORM EN 62271-200
This is the central standard for metal-enclosed AC switchgear with rated voltages above 1 kV and up to 52 kV. It defines requirements relating to:
- Rated values: rated voltage, rated current, and rated short-circuit current
- Degree of protection: minimum IP protection requirements for indoor and outdoor systems
- Internal arc resistance: IAC classification—A, B, and C for accessibility, and F, L, and R for the accessible sides
- Performance of type tests and routine tests
- Requirements for interlocking and safety devices
IEC 62271-100 / ÖNORM EN 62271-100
This standard applies specifically to AC circuit breakers rated above 1 kV. It regulates switching behaviour under load and short-circuit conditions, making and breaking capacity, and the exact conditions for type testing.
IEC 62271-1 / ÖNORM EN 62271-1
This standard contains the general requirements for high-voltage switchgear and controlgear. As the basic standard, it is referenced by all more specific parts of the IEC 62271 series. It defines common terminology, test conditions, and general requirements.
IEC 62271-102 / ÖNORM EN 62271-102
This is the standard for AC disconnectors and earthing switches rated above 1 kV. It is relevant to all medium-voltage systems with integrated disconnector and earthing-switch combinations.
Standards for low-voltage switchgear
IEC 61439 / ÖNORM EN 61439
The main standards series for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies up to 1,000 V AC is divided into several parts:
| Standard | Scope |
| IEC 61439-1 | General rules—the basic standard for all low-voltage switchgear assemblies |
| IEC 61439-2 | Power switchgear and controlgear assemblies |
| IEC 61439-3 | Distribution boards intended to be operated by ordinary persons, such as domestic distribution boards |
| IEC 61439-4 | Assemblies for construction sites |
| IEC 61439-5 | Cable distribution cabinets for public networks |
| IEC 61439-6 | Busbar trunking systems |
IEC 60947 / ÖNORM EN 60947
This standards series regulates individual low-voltage switching devices, including circuit breakers under IEC 60947-2, motor protection devices and contactors under IEC 60947-4 and IEC 60947-4-1, and switch-disconnectors under IEC 60947-3.
While these standards apply to individual components, IEC 61439 regulates the completed switchgear assembly as a whole.
Type testing and routine testing: what is the difference?
Both types of testing are strictly required under IEC 62271-200 for medium-voltage systems and IEC 61439 for low-voltage systems, but they serve different purposes:
| Feature | Type test | Routine test |
| Purpose | Verification that a switchgear design complies with the applicable standard | Verification that each individual delivered system is free from defects |
| Frequency | Once per design type, or following significant modifications | For every individual system before delivery |
| Performed by | Accredited testing institute, such as TÜV or KEMA | Manufacturer at its own testing facility |
| Typical MV tests | Short-circuit withstand, internal arc resistance, temperature rise, and dielectric testing | Insulation measurement, functional testing, voltage withstand testing, and interlocking tests |
| Typical LV tests | Short-circuit withstand, temperature rise, degree of protection, and EMC | Insulation resistance, voltage withstand, wiring inspection, and functional testing |
| Documentation | Type-test certificate, retained by the manufacturer and available upon request | Routine test report supplied with every system |
For operators and purchasers, the routine test report is the most important document. It provides written proof that the specific system delivered has been successfully tested.
The type-test certificate, by contrast, confirms that the general design complies with the applicable standards.
F-Gas Regulation 2024/573: effects on medium-voltage switchgear
Since 1 January 2026, EU Regulation 2024/573 has prohibited the commissioning of new SF₆-insulated switchgear rated up to 24 kV. This affects all gas-insulated medium-voltage switchgear that uses SF₆ as an insulating and arc-extinguishing medium.
What applies from 2026?
- New systems up to 24 kV: SF₆ is no longer permitted. Only SF₆-free technologies may be used, such as vacuum combined with air insulation, solid insulation, or alternative gases.
- Extensions and repairs of existing SF₆ systems remain permitted.
- Systems above 24 kV, such as 36 kV systems, are not yet affected, although further regulatory stages are planned.
- Existing SF₆ systems may continue to operate without restriction. There is no mandatory retrofit requirement.
Consequence for new projects: Only SF₆-free designs should be planned for new medium-voltage systems up to 24 kV.
Operators of existing older systems must still decide whether a switchgear retrofit—replacing switching devices while retaining the existing enclosure—or a complete new installation is more economical. This decision primarily depends on the age and condition of the system.
Standards overview
| Standard | Scope | Austrian implementation |
| IEC 62271-200 | Metal-enclosed medium-voltage switchgear from 1 to 52 kV | ÖNORM EN 62271-200 |
| IEC 62271-100 | Medium-voltage circuit breakers rated above 1 kV | ÖNORM EN 62271-100 |
| IEC 62271-102 | Medium-voltage disconnectors and earthing switches | ÖNORM EN 62271-102 |
| IEC 62271-1 | General requirements for medium-voltage switchgear and controlgear | ÖNORM EN 62271-1 |
| IEC 61439-1 | General requirements for low-voltage switchgear assemblies up to 1,000 V | ÖNORM EN 61439-1 |
| IEC 61439-2 | Power switchgear and controlgear assemblies | ÖNORM EN 61439-2 |
| IEC 60947-2 | Low-voltage circuit breakers | ÖNORM EN 60947-2 |
| IEC 60038 | Standard voltages and definition of the medium-voltage range | ÖNORM EN 60038 |
| EU-VO 2024/573 | F-Gas Regulation and SF₆ restrictions for systems up to 24 kV from 2026 | Directly applicable EU law |
Standards-compliant switchgear construction at SKS
SKS Elektroanlagenbau manufactures and tests low- and medium-voltage switchgear consistently in accordance with the applicable IEC standards and their Austrian ÖNORM implementations. Before delivery, every system undergoes comprehensive routine testing at the company’s own testing facility in Fohnsdorf.
- Low-voltage switchgear in accordance with IEC 61439: Routine testing including insulation measurement, voltage withstand testing, and complete functional testing.
- Medium-voltage switchgear in accordance with IEC 62271-200: Routine testing including insulation measurement, circuit-breaker functional testing, and interlocking tests.
- Comprehensive documentation: Legally compliant routine test reports are supplied with every system.
- Future-proof solutions: New low-voltage installations and modern medium-voltage projects are designed entirely around SF₆-free technologies, in full compliance with EU Regulation 2024/573.
Related articles
- What is medium-voltage switchgear? – Design, components, and standards explained in detail
- LV, MV, and HV switchgear compared – Which system is suitable for which application?
- Switchgear retrofit – When is modernization more worthwhile than a new installation?