The provisions of the general rules dealt with in IEC 60947-1 are applicable to this part, where
specifically called for. Clauses and subclauses, tables, figures and appendices of the general
rules thus applicable are identified by reference IEC 60947-1, e.g., 4.3.4.1 of IEC 60947-1,
Table 4 of IEC 60947-1, or Annex A of IEC 60947-1.
1.1 Scope and object
This part of IEC 60947 applies to switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-
combination units to be used in distribution circuits and motor circuits of which the rated
voltage does not exceed 1 000 V a.c. or 1 500 V d.c.
The manufacturer shall specify the type, ratings and characteristics according to the relevant
standard of any incorporated fuses.
This part does not apply to equipment coming within the scope of IEC 60947-2, IEC 60947-4-1 and
IEC 60947-5-1; however, when switches and fuse-combination units coming into the scope of
this part are normally used to start, accelerate and/or stop an individual motor they shall also
comply with the additional requirements given in Annex A.
The requirements for single pole operated three pole switches are included in Annex C.
Auxiliary switches fitted to equipment within the scope of this part shall comply with the
requirements of IEC 60947-5-1.
This part does not include the additional requirements necessary for electrical apparatus for
explosive gas atmospheres.
NOTE 1 Depending on its design, a switch (or disconnector) can be referred to as "a rotary switch (disconnector)",
"cam-operated switch (disconnector)", "knife-switch (disconnector)", etc.
NOTE 2 in this part, the word "switch" also applies to the apparatus referred to in French as "commutateurs",
intended to modify the connections between several circuits and inter alia to substitute a part of a circuit for
another.
NOTE 3 In general, throughout this part switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
will be referred to as "equipment".
The object of this part is to state
a) the characteristics of the equipment;
b) the conditions with which the equipment shall comply with reference to
1) operation and behaviour in normal service;
2) operation and behaviour in case of specified abnormal conditions, e.g. short circuit;
3) dielectric properties;
c) the tests for confirming that these conditions have been met and the methods to be
adopted for these tests;
d) the information to be marked on the equipment or made available by the manufacturer, e.g.
in the catalogue.
IEC 60947-3:2008 Referenced Document
IEC 60050-441:1984 International Electrotechnical Vocabulary. Part 441 : Chapter 441: Switchgear, controlgear and fuses
IEC 60269 Low-voltage fuses - Part 7: Supplementary requirements for fuse-links for the protection of batteries and battery systems*, 2021-12-15 Update
IEC 60410:1973 Sampling plans and procedures for inspection by attributes
IEC 60947-1:2007 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 1: General rules
IEC 60947-2:2006 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 2: Circuit-breakers
IEC 60947-5-1:2003 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 5-1: Control circuit devices and switching elements - Electromechanical control circuit devices
IEC 61000-4-2:1995 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 4: Testing and measuring techniques - Section 2: Electrostatic discharge immunity test - Basic EMC publication
IEC 60947-3:2008 history
2021IEC 60947-3:2020/COR1:2021 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units; Corrigendum 1
2020IEC 60947-3:2020 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
2015IEC 60947-3:2008/AMD2:2015 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units; Amendment 2
2015IEC 60947-3:2015 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
2013IEC 60947-3:2008/AMD1:2012/COR1:2013 Amendment 1 - Corrigendum 1 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
2012IEC 60947-3:2008/AMD1:2012/COR1:2012 Corrigendum 1 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
2012IEC 60947-3:2012 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
2008IEC 60947-3:2008 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
1970IEC 60947-3:1999/AMD2:2005 Amendment 2 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
2005IEC 60947-3:2005 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
1970IEC 60947-3:1999/AMD1:2001/COR1:2001 Corrigendum 1 to Amendment 1 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
2001IEC 60947-3:2001 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
1970IEC 60947-3:1999/COR1:1999 Corrigendum 1 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
1999IEC 60947-3:1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
1998IEC 60947-3:1998 Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear - Part 3: Switches@ Disconnectors@ Switch-Disconnectors and Fuse-Combination Units (Edition 1.2; Edition 1.0: 1990 Consolidated with Amendment 1: 1994 and Amendment 2: 1997; Replaces IEC 60408: 1985; Should be Used i
1970IEC 60947-3:1990/AMD2:1997 Amendment 2 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
1970IEC 60947-3:1990/AMD1:1994 Amendment 1 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
1991IEC 60947-3:1990/COR1:1991 Corrigendum 1 — Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
1990IEC 60947-3:1990 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear; part 3: switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units