The purpose of the TS EN 61439-1 LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR PANELS - Part 1: General Rules standard is to ensure the applicability of all the rules and features related to the general construction of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear panels (PANELS), in order to achieve uniformity of the rules for PANELS and verification and avoid the need for verification in other standards. Therefore, these general rules, commonly accepted for PANELS standards, along with specific topics widely related and applicable, such as temperature rise, dielectric properties, etc., are collected in this basic TS EN 61439-1 LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR PANELS - Part 1: General Rules standard.

For determining all the rules and corresponding verification methods for each type of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear panel, only two standards are required:

• This basic standard, referred to as "IEC 61439-1" in the special standards covering low-voltage switchgear and controlgear panels,
• The relevant special panel standard referred to thereafter as the panel standard. For a general rule to be applied to the special panel standard, it is explicitly referenced by specifying the relevant article and sub-article number of the TS EN 61439-1 LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR PANELS - Part 1: General Rules standard (e.g., IEC 61439-1 Article 9.1.3). The special panel standard may not require a general rule if it cannot be applied, and therefore may not refer to this rule, or if the general rule is considered inadequate in a particular case, additional rules may be added. However, without detailed essential technical verification in the special panel standard, this rule should not deviate.

In the case of a cross-reference to another article in the TS EN 61439-1 LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR PANELS - Part 1: General Rules standard, this reference should be taken by the special panel standard as an amendment for the application of this article, where applicable.

The rules in the TS EN 61439-1 LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR PANELS - Part 1: General Rules standard, which are subject to agreement between the panel manufacturer and the user, are summarized in Annex C (for information). Annex C provides ease for the user in obtaining additional information about the basic requirements and the appropriate design, application, and use of the PANEL.

The IEC 61439 standard series is structured into the following parts: a) IEC 61439-1: General Rules, b) IEC 61439-2: Power Switchgear and Controlgear PANELS, c) IEC 61439-3: Distribution Boards (to withdraw IEC 60439-3), d) IEC 61439-4: Panels for Construction Sites (to withdraw IEC 60439-4), e) IEC 61439-5: Panels for Power Distribution (to withdraw IEC 60439-5), f) IEC 61439-6: Busbar Systems (to withdraw IEC 60439-2), g) IEC 61439-0: Explanatory Guide for Panels.

In the TS EN 61439-1 LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR PANELS - Part 1: General Rules standard, the term PANEL is used instead of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear panels.

The TS EN 61439-1 LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR PANELS - Part 1: General Rules standard covers the definitions, operational conditions, construction rules, technical specifications, and verification rules for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear panels.

The TS EN 61439-1 LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR PANELS - Part 1: General Rules standard cannot be used to specify a PANEL or determine its compliance on its own. PANELS must comply with the relevant part of the IEC 61439 standard series (from Part 2 onwards).

The TS EN 61439-1 LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR PANELS - Part 1: General Rules standard is only applicable to low-voltage switchgear and controlgear panels (PANELS) when the following conditions are met:

• PANELS with a rated voltage not exceeding 1000 V for a.c. or 1500 V for d.c.,
• Fixed or portable PANELS, whether or not they are enclosed,
• PANELS intended for use in the generation, transmission, distribution, and conversion of electrical energy and control of electrical equipment,
• PANELS designed for use in specific operational conditions, such as for use on ships, rail vehicles, or other special environments, as long as other applicable special rules are met, For PANELS on ships, additional features are covered by IEC 60092-302.
• PANELS designed for electrical equipment of machines. Complementary rules for PANELS forming part of a machine are covered by the IEC 60204 standard series.

The TS EN 61439-1 LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR PANELS - Part 1: General Rules standard applies to all panels that are designed, manufactured, verified, or standardized and produced in a certain quantity.

The TS EN 61439-1 LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR PANELS - Part 1: General Rules standard does not apply to individual devices and independent components such as motor starters, fuse switches, electronic equipment, etc., which must conform to the relevant product standards.

The TS EN 61439-1 LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR PANELS - Part 1: General Rules standard specifies that compliance of a PANEL should be tested based on the relevant standards and corresponding verification methods.