EN 60204:2018 is a complex standard and there are a multitude of changes between the old and new standards, of which I have highlighted a few key ones below.
While the content of Clause 4.4.2 (EMC) has been reduced, a detailed informative Annex H has been added, which should help machine builders. However, detailed guidance is also contained in the specific EMC standards e.g. IEC 61000.
Clause 5.2 now requires that the terminal for the external protective conductor shall be in the same compartment as the incoming supply instead of “in the vicinity”. Also, for the breaking capacity of the supply disconnecting device, the calculation should now consider motors supplied by converters or similar devices. The new standard also allows for the operating means for a supply disconnecting device, that is not intended for emergency operations, to have a supplementary cover or door for protection against environmental conditions.
Read the full article in the September issue of DPA.