Top 5 Reasons Why IEC 61439 Type-Tested Panels Are Worth the Investment
Behind every dependable power system lies a switchboard built to do more than just distribute electricity — it protects lives and assets. In industrial plants, refineries, and commercial complexes, low-voltage switchgear assemblies (LVSAs) play a vital role in maintaining both safety and continuity of power.
The IEC 61439 series of standards defines how these panels should be designed, constructed, and tested to guarantee that performance and safety are not left to chance. Assemblies that pass these verifications are called Type-Tested or Design Verified Assemblies (DVA) — meaning their reliability has been proven through actual tests, not assumptions.
At Wisdom Techno Solutions, our MCC, PCC, and iMCC panels are fully type-tested at NABL-accredited facilities in accordance with IEC 61439-1 and 61439-2. This ensures your electrical system performs exactly as it should — safely, efficiently, and consistently.
1. Tested Insulation and Safety — No Guesswork
When a switchboard fails due to insulation breakdown, the consequences can be serious. To prevent this, IEC 61439-1 (Clause 10.9) requires a power-frequency withstand voltage test. This test checks whether the insulation can endure high voltage without flashover or damage.
In simple terms, we apply 2.5 kV RMS for one minute across the insulation paths. The panel must hold firm — no spark, no arc, no failure. This test also verifies creepage and clearance distances based on IEC 60664-1 to ensure the assembly is safe for its rated voltage and environmental conditions. At WTS, every panel passes this test with verified insulation integrity. That means your operators and maintenance staff stay safe, even under demanding conditions.
2. Proven Thermal Endurance
Electrical equipment generates heat, and too much of it shortens lifespan drastically. Clause 10.10 of IEC 61439 defines how to verify that a panel can carry its rated current without exceeding safe temperature limits.
Our panels are tested for:
- Busbar current up to 6300 A
- Short-time withstand current (Icw) up to 70 kA for 1 second
- Temperature rise on copper busbars below 70°C
These results show that conductors and insulation inside our panels can handle continuous full-load operation without overheating. By keeping temperature rise within limits, the panel maintains efficiency, extends insulation life, and reduces long-term maintenance. At WTS, we monitor thermal performance using precise sensors during type testing — ensuring real-world durability, not just compliance on paper.
3. Short-Circuit Strength That Withstands the Real Shock
A short-circuit test is the ultimate stress test for any panel. It’s where design quality meets reality.Under Clause 10.11, IEC 61439 requires that panels demonstrate their ability to withstand the mechanical and thermal forces generated during faults.
At Wisdom Techno Solutions, we’ve successfully tested our assemblies for:
- Icw: up to 70 kA for 1 second
- Ipk (Peak withstand): up to 154 kA
The results confirm that our busbar supports, connections, and structures remain stable and secure — even when fault currents surge to extreme levels. It’s this level of verification that separates a tested design from one that’s merely assumed safe.
4. Consistent Design and Verified Documentation
Type-testing isn’t just about one successful prototype — it’s about repeatable quality. IEC 61439 (Clauses 7.1 to 7.10) mandates design verification for all functional and constructional parameters, ensuring every unit built from that design performs identically.
At WTS, we maintain detailed design documentation including:
- Design Verification Reports (DVRs)
- Routine Verification Reports (RVRs)
- Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) protocols
- General Arrangement and SLD drawings
Each report is traceable and consultant-friendly, making inspection and commissioning straightforward for project auditors and EPC engineers. For our clients — including ONGC, IOCL, NTPC, and EIL — these documents serve as formal proof of compliance during technical audits and pre-dispatch inspections.
5. Recognized Globally — Ready for Any Project
One of the biggest advantages of working with IEC 61439-certified panels is their global acceptance.
This standard aligns with:
- IS/IEC 8623 in India
- UL 891 in North America
- CE / UKCA Directives in Europe
That means a single tested design can be deployed worldwide without the need for re-testing. For export-oriented EPCs and OEMs, this not only saves time and cost but also builds consultant confidence across borders. Our panels are already powering installations across energy, water, and manufacturing sectors — each designed for long-term performance and compliance.
Quick Comparison: Type-Tested vs Non-Tested Panels
| Parameter | Non-Tested Design | IEC 61439 Type-Tested Design |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Test | Component level only | Full assembly tested at 2.5 kV |
| Temperature Rise | Estimated from tables | Verified by actual test (Clause 10.10) |
| Short-Circuit Strength | Theoretical | Tested up to 70 kA / 1 s |
| IP & IK Degree | Unverified | Certified up to IP 65 |
| Documentation | Limited | Full DVR, FAT & RVR provided |
When you choose a type-tested panel, you’re choosing proven reliability and documented performance — not just a promise.
Why Choose Wisdom Techno Solutions (WTS)
Our philosophy is simple — build it right, prove it right.
Here’s what makes us a trusted name among consultants and EPCs:
- IEC 61439-1 & 61439-2 type-tested MCC, PCC & iMCC assemblies
- Busbar systems rated up to 6300 A / 70 kA
- IP65 enclosure protection verified as per IEC 60529
- Routine verification as per Clause 11 of IEC 61439-1: 2020
- NABL-tested thermal, dielectric & short-circuit performance
- Complete FAT documentation and test certificates
- CE, UKCA, and BIS compliant export-ready designs
When you work with WTS, you’re not just getting a switchboard — you’re getting tested engineering, transparent reports, and guaranteed compliance.
Conclusion
A truly reliable switchboard doesn’t just claim performance — it proves it. By choosing an IEC 61439 Type-Tested Panel, you’re ensuring that every safety margin, clearance, and current rating has been validated through real testing.
At Wisdom Techno Solutions, our mission is to deliver engineering that stands up to scrutiny — not just today, but throughout its operational life. Because in power systems, trust isn’t given; it’s tested.