Electrical Safety and Safety Controls

Many machines are equipped with an electrical system with a control panel. If an electrical system is not working properly, this can result in dangerous situations such as coming into contact with live parts.

A machine control panel often includes safety features such as an emergency stop circuit, glare shield and function-blocking protective device. These features are essential in order to be able to operate the machine safely, and failures can result in dangerous situations.

Electrical systems for machines

In principle, affixing CE marking to an electrical system is only compulsory on the basis of two EU directives, i.e. the EMC Directive (2004/108/EC) and/or the Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC). This only applies to systems constructed after 1 January 1996 and 1 January 1997 respectively.

The controls and operation of a system are usually combined in a switch box. Many of the (loose) components are not considered to be machines within the meaning of the EMC Directive (2004/108/EC). This means that the manufacturers of such components are not obliged by law to fulfil the EMC requirements. However, this obligation does apply to manufacturers of machinery (suppliers of systems or machines). If a machine is made up of components each of which fulfils all the EMC requirements, this does not necessarily mean that the entire machine fulfils these requirements, e.g. with respect to the earthing circuit.

The most important standard for electrical systems for industrial machinery is EN-IEC 60204-1. This standard provides a framework for the requirements in the Low Voltage Directive, and applies to the control panel, including all the cables attached to it and the sensors and motors connected to it. And the EN-IEC 61439 standard for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies usually applies as well.

Other standards such as NEN 1010 apply to the electrical system in a building, up to the main switch of the control panel for a machine. The EN-IEC 60335-1 standard applies to household machinery and appliances.

Technical support for your electrical system

D&F can give you technical support by providing coaching or advisory services. We can also show you how to make safety calculations according to EN 62061 (SIL) and EN ISO 13849-1 (PL). For more information, or if you would like to make an appointment for a no-obligation initial meeting, please contact Daisy Markerink at d.markerink@denf.nl or call her on +31 (0)316 712802.

Click here for more information on safety controls and system safety under SIL and PL.

Training courses

D&F’s training courses focus on understanding the standards and applying them in practice. We offer the following training courses on Electrical Safety and Safety Controls:

  • Master Class on safety controls under SIL and PL and electrical equipment for machinery
  • Safety controls and electrical equipment for machinery and systems
  • Safety controls for machine construction: working with SIL (EN-IEC 62061)
  • Safety controls for machine construction: working with PL (EN-ISO 13849-1&2) and Sistema
Back to top