IEC 60947-8

Hello dear colleagues,

The IEC 60947-8 standard is part of the broader IEC 60947 series, which deals with low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. Specifically, IEC 60947-8 addresses the aspects related to control units for built-in thermal protection (PTC) for rotating electrical machines. This standard provides the essential guidelines and specifications for integrating and using thermal protectors effectively within motor systems. 


Scope and Application

    Purpose: The standard is designed to define the requirements and tests for control units used with positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors embedded in electrical machines, primarily motors.
    Applications: It applies to equipment intended to connect PTC thermistors for protective functions to the machine's control circuit.

 Normative References

    These include references to other standards within the IEC 60947 series and possibly other relevant IEC standards that are crucial for ensuring compatibility and safety.

 Terms and Definitions

    This section outlines specific terms used within the standard, ensuring clarity and uniform understanding across different applications and geographical regions.

 Requirements

    General Requirements: Describes the basic requirements for control units, including construction, performance under normal and fault conditions, and user accessibility.
    Environmental Conditions: Specifies the operating conditions for temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.
    Electrical Requirements: Details voltage, current, power, and other electrical specifications that the control units must meet.
    Mechanical Requirements: Includes information on size, mounting requirements, and mechanical robustness.

 Testing and Performance Criteria

    Test Conditions: Provides details on how tests should be conducted to ensure units meet the standard’s requirements.
    Performance Tests: Describes specific tests for verifying that the control units maintain performance over their intended lifespan.
    Safety Tests: Ensures that the units operate safely under both normal and fault conditions.

 User Guidelines

    Installation Instructions: Detailed guidelines on how to install the control units properly.
    Operation and Maintenance: Provides instructions for the safe operation and maintenance of the units to ensure long-term reliability and safety.
    Troubleshooting: Outlines common problems that may occur and how to resolve them efficiently.

 Marking and Documentation

    Labeling Requirements: Specifications for labels and markings that must be present on the control units.
    Documentation: Requirements for user manuals and other documentation that must accompany the product.

  Certification and Compliance

    Details the requirements for certification marks and what tests or certifications are necessary to demonstrate compliance with the standard.

 Annexes (if applicable)

    Additional information that may be included as annexes, providing further details or examples pertinent to specific cases or applications.

This standard is critical for ensuring the safety and functionality of thermal protection in electrical machines, enhancing the reliability of these machines in various industrial applications. It ensures that devices equipped with PTC thermistors can protect themselves from thermal overloads effectively, thereby prolonging their operational lifespan and maintaining efficiency and safety.


IEC 60947 is a series of standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. This standard specifies the design, construction, performance, and testing criteria for electrical control devices used in industrial applications. It covers the general characteristics of these devices which are critical for safety and reliability, and is widely accepted internationally.

 IEC 60947-1: General Rules

 IEC 60947-2: Circuit Breakers

 IEC 60947-3: Switches, Disconnectors, Switch-disconnectors, and Fuse-combination units


 IEC 60947-4-1: Contactors and Motor-starters
 IEC 60947-4-2: Electromechanical Contactors and Motor-starters -
 IEC 60947-4-3: AC Semiconductor Motor Controllers and Starters

 IEC 60947-5-1: Control Circuit Devices and Switching Elements
 IEC 60947-5-2: Proximity Switches
 IEC 60947-5-3: Illuminated Actuators
 IEC 60947-5-4: Position Switches
 IEC 60947-5-5: Electrical Power Monitoring Devices
 IEC 60947-5-6: DC Power System Controllers
 IEC 60947-5-7: Emergency Stop Devices
 IEC 60947-5-8: Mechanical Interlock Devices

 IEC 60947-6-1: Transfer Switching Equipment
 IEC 60947-6-2: Distribution and Motor Control Centres

 IEC 60947-7 Series: Connection Devices
 IEC 60947-7-1: Terminal Blocks
 IEC 60947-7-2: PCB Connection Devices
 IEC 60947-7-3: Other Connection Devices
 IEC 60947-8: Control Devices for Load Control Using Semiconductor Devices

* These questions generally include the ones that may come to mind for many people regarding the "IEC Industry Standards" topic. Each user or student will have their specific questions depending on a particular situation or application. The answers are not binding and do not express absolute certainty. "There is no objection to sharing our article above, citing it as a source". Automation Mall Community 03.2022

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