1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover an alternate approach to specifying through air and over surface spacings for electrical equipment through the use of the principles of insulation coordination.

1.2 The complete principles of insulation coordination involve the consideration of the combination of clearances, creepage distances, and the properties of solid insulation used to constitute the insulation system. The empirical data gathered thus far has been used to develop the requirements for clearances and creepage distances as presented in this standard. The data needed to develop the evaluation procedure for solid insulation is still being gathered. When available, this evaluation procedure will be added to this standard and is not expected to affect the requirements for clearances and creepage distances.

1.3 These requirements may be used as an alternate to required spacing levels specified in end-product standards. The end product standard spacing requirements may be based on use and systems where overvoltages are not controlled, or if controlled, the level of control is unknown.

1.4 These alternate requirements are intended to be applied to a particular product category if the standard covering the product category specifically references UL 840 or any of the requirements therein.

1.5 Users of these requirements may need to specify the overvoltage levels and the methods of control which will be utilized, and establish the pollution degree to which the product insulation system will be expected to be subjected.

1.6 It is not intended that the test values in this standard be employed for production line testing. However, users of these requirements will need to establish a means to ensure that production controls applied to permit the spacing reduction remain in effect during the manufacture of the product. This could include sample testing or physical measurements or another equivalent means.

1.7 Users of these requirements will additionally need to ensure that influencing factors not addressed in this standard, such as mechanical movement, field placement of conductive material, and product damage, will not affect the system for insulation coordination. Examples are the deformation of the enclosure, movement of the fittings for conduit or armored cable, or the improper installation of field wiring. Clearances and creepage distances at those locations must be verified for compliance by physical measurement in accordance with Section 10, Measurement of Clearance and Creepage Distances.