The correct IEC 62271 part is selected by the function and supply boundary—not simply by voltage or by calling everything “switchgear.” A complete MV panel, its circuit breaker, disconnector, earthing switch and voltage-detection system can each require a different part, normally used with IEC 62271-1.
This 2026-oriented selection guide maps the principal IEC 62271 parts used in medium-voltage projects, explains overlaps between component and assembly standards, and provides a decision process for specifications, type-test evidence and compliance matrices.
Executive conclusions
- Start with the object: switching device, assembly, prefabricated substation, voltage-detection accessory or special application.
- IEC 62271-1 is the common specification; a product-specific part normally adds, modifies or replaces its clauses.
- Use IEC 62271-100 for AC circuit breakers, -102 for disconnectors/earthing switches, -103 for AC switches/switch-disconnectors, -105 for switch-fuse combinations and -106 for contactors/controllers/motor starters.
- Use IEC 62271-200 for metal-enclosed assemblies above 1 kV and up to 52 kV; use -201 for solid-insulation enclosed assemblies in its scope.
- A complete assembly standard does not erase component standards, and a component certificate does not qualify the assembly.
- IEC 62271-202 addresses AC prefabricated substations; it is not a substitute for the internal MV assembly and component evidence.
- Use IEC 62271-213 for a VDIS and -215 for a phase comparator used with VDIS; the old IEC 62271-206/IEC 61243-5 route has been replaced.
- Generator circuit breakers and other special switching devices require dedicated parts even if their voltage resembles distribution switchgear.
- Freeze exact editions and amendments; the official IEC 62271:2026 series inventory is a useful current index, not the project’s automatic contract baseline.
- When scope is uncertain, write an applicability note and seek the manufacturer/owner’s formal resolution before testing.
1. The two-layer model: common plus specific
Most IEC 62271 product documents use this structure:
Applicable requirements = IEC 62271-1 common clauses + specific product-part modifications/additions
The specific part can state that a common clause applies unchanged, does not apply, is replaced or receives additional subclauses. Therefore the compliance statement should name both documents and editions. Avoid “IEC 62271 compliant,” which is too broad to audit.
2. Fast selection table for common MV equipment
| Supplied object/function | Principal IEC 62271 part | Key scope boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Common AC switchgear/controlgear requirements | 62271-1 | Used with the relevant specific part |
| AC circuit breaker | 62271-100 | Above 1 kV; making/breaking and assigned duties |
| Disconnector or earthing switch | 62271-102 | Isolation/earthing switching functions |
| AC switch or switch-disconnector | 62271-103 | Above 1 kV through 52 kV; defined making/breaking ratings |
| Switch-fuse combination | 62271-105 | Functional combination above 1 kV through 52 kV |
| AC contactor/controller/motor starter | 62271-106 | Above 1 kV through 24 kV in current edition scope |
| Metal-enclosed MV assembly | 62271-200 | Above 1 kV through 52 kV |
| Solid-insulation enclosed assembly | 62271-201 | Above 1 kV through 52 kV, indoor, authorized personnel |
| AC prefabricated substation | 62271-202 | Cable-connected, above 1 kV through 52 kV |
| Voltage detecting and indicating system | 62271-213 | VDIS installed on indoor/outdoor HV equipment |
| Phase comparator used with VDIS | 62271-215 | Plugs into IEC 62271-213 test points |
| Generator circuit breaker | IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 | Special generator-source duty; not ordinary feeder assumptions |
3. Decision process
- Draw the supply boundary and list every separately identifiable product.
- State rated voltage, frequency, indoor/outdoor location and intended function.
- Decide whether the deliverable is a device, an assembly or an installation.
- Match the title and scope of the candidate specific part.
- Read exclusions and conditional clauses.
- Add IEC 62271-1 and all normative references required by the specific part.
- Add standards outside IEC 62271 for CT/VT, relay, cable, LV assembly and installation.
- Record exact editions/amendments and national adoption.
- Build separate design/test evidence rows for component and assembly.
- Resolve overlaps or deviations before order placement.
4. IEC 62271-100: circuit breakers
Use IEC 62271-100 for three-phase AC circuit breakers above 1 kV within its frequency/scope conditions. Its evidence addresses the breaker’s dielectric, continuous-current, short-time/peak withstand, short-circuit making/breaking, operating sequence and assigned switching/endurance duties.
- Do not use -100 alone to claim panel LSC, partition or internal-arc classification.
- Confirm special duties such as capacitive current switching, out-of-phase switching or short-line fault when applicable.
- Apply IEC 62271-101 when synthetic making-breaking test methods are used.
- Use IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 rather than ordinary distribution assumptions for generator circuit breakers within its scope.
5. IEC 62271-102: disconnectors and earthing switches
A disconnector provides an isolating function; it is not automatically a load-breaking device. An earthing switch connects a circuit to earth and may be assigned short-circuit making capability. IEC 62271-102 covers these device functions and their ratings/tests.
- identify disconnector, earthing switch or combined device;
- specify mechanical endurance, short-time/peak withstand and making class/duty where needed;
- verify visible/assured position indication and drive mechanism;
- coordinate interlocks with breaker, cable access and racking;
- distinguish permitted commutation/current-transfer duty from ordinary load switching;
- apply assembly requirements to the integrated mechanism, partitions and access.
6. IEC 62271-103: switches and switch-disconnectors
IEC 62271-103:2021 applies to AC switches and switch-disconnectors for rated voltages above 1 kV up to and including 52 kV with defined making and breaking ratings. A switch-disconnector combines switching with the isolating function, but its interrupting capability remains the assigned switch duty—not a circuit breaker’s universal fault-interruption duty.
- define active-load, closed-loop, transformer off-load, cable/line charging or earth-fault duties as applicable;
- verify short-circuit making rating where required;
- confirm capacitive switching class/restrike requirements;
- confirm isolation performance when the device is called switch-disconnector;
- do not specify circuit-breaker protection duty unless the device/product combination is explicitly qualified.
7. IEC 62271-105: switch-fuse combinations
A switch-fuse combination is a coordinated functional assembly of a switch/switch-disconnector and current-limiting fuses. IEC 62271-105:2021 covers the combination’s ability to make and break the assigned range through the interaction of switch and fuse.
- select fuse type/rating and striker characteristics approved for the combination;
- coordinate transfer current between switch and fuse interruption;
- verify three-pole tripping after a fuse operates;
- check transformer inrush, overload and minimum-fusing coordination;
- verify short-circuit making and breaking rating of the complete combination;
- do not substitute another fuse family without manufacturer evidence;
- apply IEC 62271-200/-201 where installed in an enclosed assembly.
8. IEC 62271-106: contactors and motor starters
IEC 62271-106:2021 applies to AC contactors, contactor-based controllers and motor starters above 1 kV up to and including 24 kV within its scope. These devices are optimized for frequent operational switching; short-circuit protection is commonly coordinated with fuses or another protective device.
- motor starting/current and utilization duty;
- mechanical/electrical endurance and operating frequency;
- coordination with fuses/relays and short-circuit device;
- contactor dropout/hold-in behaviour during voltage dips;
- latched versus electrically held design;
- overload/locked-rotor protection and process restart philosophy;
- assembly type tests and ventilation.
9. IEC 62271-200: metal-enclosed MV assemblies
Use IEC 62271-200:2021 including Amendment 1:2024 for factory-assembled AC metal-enclosed switchgear/controlgear above 1 kV through 52 kV in its scope. This is the principal panel-level document for common indoor MV lineups.
- rated values and complete assembly type/routine tests;
- compartments, accessibility and interlocking;
- loss-of-service-continuity category;
- partition class;
- internal arc classification when assigned;
- temperature rise of the installed current path;
- short-time/peak withstand of main and earthing circuits;
- dielectric performance and routine verification;
- documentation, installation and operation information.
The breaker, disconnector and relay standards still matter. The assembly report demonstrates their integration only within the tested/covered configuration.
10. IEC 62271-201: solid-insulation enclosed assemblies
IEC 62271-201:2026 applies to prefabricated AC solid-insulation enclosed switchgear/controlgear above 1 kV through 52 kV, indoor, in areas limited to authorized personnel. The assembly may also contain air-insulated or fluid-filled compartments. The 2026 third edition aligns important classifications and test approaches with IEC 62271-200:2021+AMD1:2024.
- do not label conventional metal-enclosed air-insulated switchgear as -201 merely because it uses epoxy parts;
- match the complete solid-insulation enclosure/protection category and accessible interfaces;
- review internal-arc, LSC, partition/protection and earthing requirements under the 2026 edition;
- perform edition-transition assessment if evidence was created under IEC 62271-201:2014;
- confirm indoor/authorized-personnel scope and any special compartments.
11. IEC 62271-202: prefabricated substations
IEC 62271-202:2022 addresses cable-connected AC prefabricated substations above 1 kV through 52 kV, commonly outdoor and publicly accessible, with walk-in or non-walk-in operation. It coordinates the substation enclosure and internal HV/LV/transformer arrangement.
- enclosure/mechanical/public safety and access;
- thermal interaction of transformer, HV and LV equipment;
- internal arc and pressure relief as assigned;
- solar radiation and outdoor service conditions;
- earthing and internal connections;
- HV switchgear, transformer and LV assembly component standards;
- site foundation, cable interfaces and installation safety.
A -202 substation report does not remove the need to verify the MV switchgear under -200/-201, transformer standards and LV assembly under IEC 61439 as applicable.
12. IEC 62271-213 and -215: voltage detection and phase comparison
IEC 62271-213:2021 covers voltage detecting and indicating systems (VDIS) installed on HV equipment, including a coupling system per phase. IEC 62271-215:2021 covers phase comparators connected to VDIS test points to establish phase relationship before coupling networks.
- specify VDIS rather than relying on obsolete VPIS terminology without scope review;
- verify interface compatibility and coupling system;
- define whether indication is used for information, voltage detection and/or phase comparison;
- follow the operating procedure for proving dead—an indicator alone may not replace mandated safe-isolation practice;
- control comparator type, sequential/simultaneous method and self-test;
- note that IEC 62271-206 and IEC 61243-5 were replaced by -213/-215.
13. Special parts that can change the selection
- IEC 62271-4: handling procedures for insulating gases and end-of-life considerations within its scope.
- IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013: generator circuit breakers, whose source duty differs from ordinary distribution feeders.
- IEC 62271-101: synthetic testing of AC circuit breakers.
- IEC 62271-203: gas-insulated metal-enclosed switchgear above 52 kV—not ordinary MV equipment up to 52 kV.
- IEC 62271-207: seismic qualification where its equipment scope and project requirement apply.
- IEC 62271-208: methods concerning steady-state power-frequency electromagnetic fields around HV switchgear/substations.
The official IEC 62271:2026 series inventory contains many additional application-specific standards and technical reports. Select them by scope; never paste the entire list into a specification as if every part applied.
14. Standards outside IEC 62271 still required
| Subsystem | Typical other family |
|---|---|
| CT, VT, LPIT and merging unit | IEC 61869 |
| Protection relay/IED | IEC 60255 |
| Substation communication | IEC 61850; IEC 62351 security |
| Low-voltage control/power assembly | IEC 61439 where within scope |
| Installed HV substation | IEC 61936-1 plus local law |
| Short-circuit calculation | IEC 60909 |
| Insulation coordination | IEC 60071 family |
| Enclosure IP/IK | IEC 60529; IEC 62262 |
15. Common overlap examples
- Breaker in a panel: -100 breaker evidence plus -200 assembly integration/evidence.
- Earthing switch in a panel: -102 device making/endurance evidence plus -200 interlock/access/earthing-circuit evidence.
- Switch-fuse ring-main unit: -105 combination plus -200 or -201 assembly, plus fuse selection documentation.
- Motor feeder: -106 contactor/starter plus assembly standard, fuses/relay/motor coordination.
- Packaged substation: -202 complete substation plus internal MV, transformer and LV product standards.
- VDIS in switchgear: -213 device/interface plus assembly integration and safe operating procedure.
16. Evidence matrix by part
| Part | Key evidence focus | Typical mistake |
|---|---|---|
| -100 | Making/breaking/TRV/sequence/classes | Using kA certificate as complete panel proof |
| -102 | Isolation, making, endurance, indication | Assuming disconnector breaks load/fault |
| -103 | Assigned switch making/breaking duties | Calling switch a circuit breaker |
| -105 | Exact switch–fuse coordination | Changing fuse without revalidation |
| -106 | Frequent operation and protective coordination | Ignoring dropout/short-circuit device |
| -200/-201 | Complete assembly/classifications/tests | Extrapolating report to different construction |
| -202 | Substation enclosure/thermal/public safety | Treating as proof of all internal products |
| -213/-215 | Detection/interface/phase comparison | Using indication as sole safe-isolation proof |
17. Specification wording that can be audited
Instead of “switchgear shall comply with IEC 62271,” use a structured schedule:
- complete assembly: IEC 62271-200:2021+AMD1:2024 with IEC 62271-1:2017+AMD1:2021;
- circuit breaker: IEC 62271-100:2021+AMD1:2024;
- earthing switch: IEC 62271-102:2018+AMD1:2022;
- VDIS: IEC 62271-213:2021 where supplied;
- exact ratings, assigned classes and service conditions in data sheet;
- full type-test reports and configuration-applicability assessment;
- serial routine tests, FAT/SAT and as-built evidence;
- approved deviation process for any conflict or edition difference.
18. Common mistakes
- selecting a part from voltage alone without reading scope;
- confusing a switch, disconnector and circuit breaker;
- using -1 as a standalone product certificate;
- using -100 to claim IAC/LSC/partition class;
- using -200 to claim every special breaker duty;
- ignoring the exact fuse in a -105 combination;
- applying old -206 VPIS evidence without -213/-215 transition review;
- forgetting IEC 61869/60255/61850/61439/61936 interfaces;
- claiming every IEC 62271 series part applies;
- mixing current common/product editions without assessment;
- accepting a report for a similar rather than covered configuration.
Primary references
- IEC 62271:2026 series inventory—official current index.
- IEC 62271-1:2017+AMD1:2021 CSV.
- IEC 62271-100:2021+AMD1:2024 CSV.
- IEC 62271-102:2018+AMD1:2022 CSV.
- IEC 62271-103:2021.
- IEC 62271-105:2021.
- IEC 62271-106:2021.
- IEC 62271-200:2021+AMD1:2024 CSV.
- IEC 62271-201:2026.
- IEC 62271-202:2022.
- IEC 62271-213:2021—VDIS.
- IEC 62271-215:2021—phase comparator used with VDIS.
Engineering note: Titles and current inventory were checked against the official IEC Webstore in August 2026. Always confirm the licensed standard, project baseline and national adoption before procurement or acceptance.