What is BS EN 61439-1:2018 ?

Title: A Comprehensive Guide to BS EN 61439-1:2018 and BS EN 60947-62

The advancement of electric vehicles (EVs) has created a growing demand for high-quality EV charging infrastructure. As the number of EVs on the road continues to grow, it is essential to ensure that EV charging stations are compatible with the vehicle's specific requirements. Two key standards that play a critical role in ensuring the compatibility and reliability of EV charging infrastructure are BS EN 61439-1:2018 and BS EN 60947-6In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to these two important standards.

Overview of BS EN 61439-1:2018

BS EN 61439-1:2018 is a European standard that outlines the requirements for the design, manufacture, and testing of EV charging stations. This standard is divided into four parts, each covering a different aspect of EV charging infrastructure.

Part 1: Essential tests and measurement methods

This part covers the essential tests and measurement methods that must be performed to ensure the safety and performance of EV charging stations. These tests include:

* Test for electrical continuity

* Test for insulation resistance

* Test for voltage drop

* Test for overcurrent

* Test for short-circuit

* Test for overvoltage

Part 2: Connection requirements and test methods

This part covers the requirements for the physical connection of EV charging stations to the vehicle's electrical system. These requirements include:

* The use of specific connectors

* The use of the appropriate voltage and current ratings

* The use of protective materials for electrical connections

Part 3: Power supply requirements

This part covers the requirements for EV charging stations, including the power supply voltage, current, and frequency.

Part 4: Control requirements

This part covers the requirements for the control system of EV charging stations, including the use of specific control systems and the necessary communication between the control system and the power supply.

Overview of BS EN 60947-62

BS EN 60947-62 is a technical standard that specifies the requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear devices. This standard is part of a series developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to ensure the safety and performance of electrical equipment.

The primary objective of BS EN 60947-62 is to ensure the safe operation and performance of circuit-breakers. These circuit-breakers are crucial devices that protect electrical circuits from overload, short-circuit, and other faults that could lead to damage or fire.

The standard provides manufacturers, installers, and users with clear guidelines and requirements for designing, manufacturing, and using circuit-breakers that meet high safety and performance standards.

Key Requirements and Tests:

BS EN 60947-62 includes several key requirements and tests that manufacturers must meet to ensure the safety and performance of their circuit-breakers. These requirements include:

* The use of specific materials that are resistant to fire

* The use of adequate thermal protection

* The use of circuit-breakers that are capable of interrupting the flow of current in a timely manner

* The use of circuit-breakers that are suitable for the specific application

* The use of testing procedures that ensure the safety and performance of the circuit-breakers

Conclusion:

BS EN 61439-1:2018 and BS EN 60947-62 are two important standards that play a critical role in ensuring the compatibility and reliability of EV charging infrastructure. By defining the physical dimensions and tolerances for plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors, and vehicle inlets, these standards enable easy and reliable connections between EVs and charging stations.

BS EN 60947-62 ensures the safe operation and performance of circuit-breakers, while BS EN 61439-1:2018 outlines the requirements for the design, manufacture, and testing of EV charging stations. By ensuring that EV charging stations are compatible with the vehicle's specific requirements, these standards contribute to the growing popularity of EVs and the safe and reliable operation of EV charging infrastructure.