Iec 60038 Standard Voltages Pdf 103 May 2026
standard defines the standard voltage values used for electrical supply systems and equipment design globally. It serves as the primary reference for ensuring compatibility between the power grid and electrical devices. IEC Webstore Core Voltage Classifications
The standard specifies "preferential values" for various systems: Low-Voltage (LV) Systems (100 V to 1,000 V): iec 60038 standard voltages pdf 103
That’s why the standard is called “Standard Voltages” – not “All Possible Voltages.” standard defines the standard voltage values used for
One Last Interesting Quirk
The standard explicitly refuses to harmonize traction voltages (railways) and shipboard voltages. So the 103 table is for buildings and general power distribution only. A train in Germany runs on 15kV 16.7 Hz – a voltage that doesn’t exist in IEC 60038. Highest voltage for equipment (Um) values for medium
- Highest voltage for equipment (Um) values for medium or high voltage networks, or
- Annex material on voltage selection and tolerances.
Table C: AC Voltages above 1kV (Medium, High, and Extra-High Voltage)
| System Voltage (kV) | Highest Voltage for Equipment (kV) | Typical Application | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 3.3 | 3.6 | Distribution (mining, old industrial) | | 6.6 | 7.2 | Distribution (many Asian countries) | | 11 | 12 | Urban distribution (UK, Commonwealth) | | 20 | 24 | Modern European distribution | | 33 | 36 | Sub-transmission | | 66 | 72.5 | Primary transmission | | 110 | 123 | Transmission | | 132 | 145 | Transmission | | 220 | 245 | High-voltage transmission | | 400 | 420 | Extra-high voltage transmission | | 735 | 765 | Long-distance bulk transmission |
- Voltage levels: The document defines the standard voltage levels, including the nominal voltage, maximum voltage, and minimum voltage.
- Voltage tolerances: The document specifies the allowed tolerances for voltage variations, including the +10% to -6% tolerance for low voltage systems.
- Voltage selection: The document provides guidance on the selection of standard voltages for new power systems.