Specifies requirements for factory-assembled metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for alternating current of rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV for indoor and outdoor installation, and for service frequencies up to and including 60 Hz. Enclosures may include fixed and removable components and may be filled with fluid (liquid or gas) to provide insulation.

This standard defines several types of metal enclosed switchgear and controlgear which differ due to

- the consequences on network service continuity in case of maintenance on the switchgear and controlgear;

- the need and convenience of maintenance of the equipment.

For metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear containing gas-filled compartments, the design pressure is limited to a maximum of 300 kPa (relative pressure).

Metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for special use, for example, in flammable atmospheres, in mines or on board ships, may be subject to additional requirements.

Components contained in metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear are to be designed and tested in accordance with their various relevant standards. This standard supplements the standards for the individual components regarding their installation in switchgear and controlgear assemblies.

This standard does not preclude that other equipment may be included in the same enclosure. In such a case, any possible influence of that equipment on the switchgear and controlgear is to be taken into account.

This first edition of IEC 62271-200 cancels and replaces the third edition of IEC 60298, published in 1990, and constitutes a technical revision.

Significant technical changes from the third edition of IEC 60298 are as follows:

This revised document has been basically changed to be updated to today's use of high- voltage switchgear and controlgear up to 52 kV. The main changes are: new definitions and classification of equipment, introduction of internal arc classes (IAC) and its testing.

This standard is to be read in conjunction with IEC 60694 published in 1996. Clause numbering follows the clause numbering of that standard. Additional subclauses, as they relate to a particular clause or subclause from IEC 60694, are numbered 101, 102, etc.