This standard applies to a.c. semiconductor motor controllers and starters, which may include
a series mechanical switching device, intended to be connected to circuits, the rated voltage
of which does not exceed 1 000 V a.c.
This standard characterizes a.c. semiconductor motor controllers and starters with and
without bypass means.
AC semiconductor motor controllers and starters dealt with in this standard are not normally
designed to interrupt short-circuit currents. Therefore, suitable short-circuit protection (see
8.2.5) should form part of the installation, but not necessarily of the a.c. semiconductor motor
controller or starter.
In this context, this standard gives requirements for a.c. semiconductor motor controllers and
starters associated with separate short-circuit protective devices.
This standard does not apply to
– continuous operation of a.c. motors at motor speeds other than the normal speed;
– semiconductor equipment, including semiconductor contactors (see 2.2.13 of
IEC 60947-1:2007) controlling non-motor loads;
– electronic a.c. power controllers covered by IEC 60146 series.
Contactors, overload relays and control circuit devices used in a.c. semiconductor motor
controllers and starters should comply with the requirements of their relevant product
standard. Where mechanical switching devices are used, they should meet the requirements
of their own IEC product standard, and the additional requirements of this standard.
The object of this standard is to state as follows:
– the characteristics of a.c. semiconductor motor controllers and starters and associated
equipment;
– the conditions with which a.c. semiconductor motor controllers and starters comply with
reference to
a) their operation and behaviour;
b) their dielectric properties;
c) the degrees of protection provided by their enclosures where applicable;
d) their construction;
– the tests intended for confirming that these conditions have been met, and the methods to
be adopted for these tests;
– the information to be given with the equipment, or in the manufacturer's literature.