1 Scope
This part of GB 16915 specifies the classification, marking, protection against electric shock, structural requirements, mechanical property, electrical property and other technical requirements of switches for household and similar fixed-electrical installations.
This part is applicable to manually operated general purpose switches, for a.c. only with a rated voltage not exceeding 440V and a rated current not exceeding 63A, intended for household and similar fixed electrical installations, either indoors or outdoors.
For switches provided with screwless terminals, the rated current is limited to 16A.
Switches covered by this part are intended for the control in normal use of:
——a circuit for a tungsten filament lamp load; or
——a circuit for a fluorescent lamp load (including electronic ballast); or
——a circuit for a substantially resistive load with a power factor not less than 0.95; or
——a monophase circuit for motor load with a rated current up to 10A and a power factor not less than 0.6; or
——a circuit for a self-ballasted ultraviolet germicidal lamp load (e.g. LEDi or CFLi); or
——a circuit for a halogen lamp load; or
——a combination of these.
Note 1: An extension of the scope to switches for rated voltages higher than 440V is under consideration.
Note 2: An increase of the rated current of 10A for motor load is under consideration.
Note 3: For the time being, switches with a rated current more than 10A are considered as a 10A current for motor load switch.
The also applies to mounting boxes for switches, with the exception of mounting boxes for flush type switches.
Note 4: General requirements for mounting boxes for flush-type switches are given in GB 17466.
It also applies to switches such as:
——switches incorporating pilot lights;
——electromagnetic remote control switches (particular requirements are given in Part 2);
——switches incorporating a time-delay device (particular requirements are given in Part 2);
——combinations of switches and other functions (with the exception of switches combined with fuses);
——electronic switches (particular requirements are given in Part 2);
——switches having facilities for the outlet and retention of flexible cables (see Annex B);
——isolating switches (particular requirements are given in Part 2).
Note 5: The minimum length of the flexible cable used with these switches may be governed by National Wiring Rules.
Switches complying with this part are suitable for use at ambient temperatures not normally exceeding 35°C, but occasionally reaching 40°C1).
Note 6: Switches complying with this part are suitable only for incorporation in equipment in such a way and in such a place that it is unlikely that the surrounding ambient temperature exceeds 40°C.
In locations where special conditions prevail, such as in ships, vehicles and the like and in hazardous locations, for example where explosions are liable to occur, special constructions may be required.
Foreword i
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 General requirements
5 General notes on tests
6 Ratings
7 Classification
8 Marking
9 Checking of dimensions
10 Protection against electric shock
11 Provision for earthing
12 Terminals
13 Constructional requirements
14 Switch mechanism
15 Resistance to aging, protection provided by enclosures of switches, and resistance to humidity
16 Insulation resistance and electric strength
17 Temperature rise
18 Making and breaking capacity
19 Normal operation
20 Mechanical strength
21 Resistance to heat
22 Screws, current-carrying parts and connections
23 Creepage distances, clearances and distances through sealing compound
24 Resistance of insulating material to abnormal heat, to fire and to tracking
25 Resistance to rusting
26 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements
Annex A (Normative) Survey of specimens needed for tests
Annex B (Normative) Additional requirements for switches having facilities for the outlet and retention of flexible cables
Annex C (Informative) Source of circuit in Subclause 19.3
Bibliography
