Utilisation categories of electrical systems

When designing a system that is switching an electrical load it is vitally important to choose the correct type of switchgear that will switch the load on or turn the load.
Electrical systems often involve loads being switched on and off for operation of equipment. In order to select the correct switchgear for the intended application, it is first necessary to determine the operating characteristics of the load to be controlled or switched. 

Aleš Semolič Technical support

IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)

In order to assist with selection of switchgear devices, IEC defined several utilisation categories. Utilization categories are defined in the standards for low-voltage switchgear low-voltage switchgear (IEC 60947-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6), they take into account the intended application and hence the associated loading of the various low-voltage switchgear types, such as contactors, disconnectors, circuit breakers and load switches (Tab. 1.1-1).

They serve as an indication, on any electrical device, of the type of electrical load it carries, and what the duty cycle is of the load. This makes the selection of appropriate contactors and relays much simpler, and ensures the maximum safety of electrical equipment so it doesn't overload.

Example:

The utilisation category that governs low-voltage switchgear lays out the operating conditions characteristic of switchgear; contactors, contactor relays, circuit-breakers and their associated fuse units, etc. Such devices are all set up for different operating conditions and electrical loads, which need to be separated into sub-categories for accurate definition.

Utilisation categories defined by the IEC standards:
 

How To Select The Appropriate Rating For Your Device

The rated operational powers or currents are usually listed in the technical data provided with the device. They are generally given for various rated operational voltages. To make these standards universally applicable, each piece of switchgear will usually specify the data for several utilisation categories.
That makes device selection much simpler for project engineers; they just have to compare the ratings of the load with the performance data of the switchgear in the respective utilisation category, and select a device that meets, or even exceeds the load ratings.

The rated operational current Ie and the rated operational voltage Ue are stipulated for a particular utilisation category, defines the necessary making and breaking capacity of a given switchgear item. No further agreements are generally required between users and manufacturers, with device selection and comparison having been facilitated.

There is also IEC/EN 61095 that defines categories governing "household and similar applications". Contact load in amperes is typically stated directly on the contactor, e.g. AC1 for inductive loads such as heaters, and AC3 for motor usage.

For other devices the operational currents or rated operational power can be found in the products technical data. Often manufacturers of electrical switchgear will list data for several utilisation categories for a particular product. Correct switchgear selection can be achieved by ensuring that the electrical load characteristics meet or exceed the ratings laid out in the manufacturer's data.

Test Conditions

Test regulations set out in the IEC standards lay down the parameters within which tests must be carried out by manufacturers, in each individual utilisation category. These standards ensure that all tested devices are suitable for the respective application, and means the user doesn't have to get drowned in technical details. In some circumstances, conditions for the application may differ considerably in practice from the conditions set out in the standards. Such conditions include high frequency of operation, heavy-duty starting, and particularly long lifespan of equipment. In such circumstances, both manufacturers and users must agree what loads are permitted.

Commonly Used Utilisation Categories

he table below gives an overview of the various different abbreviations used for low voltage switchgear and control gear, together with the devices to which each utilisation category applies, and the IEC standard that governs them. 
 

The table may be used to select the most suitable size of component for the respective device type, depending on the rated voltage, the rated current, and the electrical load that requires switching.