A significant technical update in the 2009 edition was the . The standard sets recommended voltages and expects suppliers to migrate to these values to achieve international uniformity.
The standard applies broadly to alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) systems, serving as a "horizontal standard" that guides other technical committees. AC Systems:
Single-phase voltage (measured between phase and neutral). 400V: Three-phase voltage (measured between two phases).
* 60038 © IEC:2009. 3.1. * nominal system voltage. a suitable approximate value of voltage used to designate or identify a system. iTeh Standards IEC 60038 Standard Voltage Overview | PDF | Volt - Scribd
A key aspect of IEC 60038 (found on iTeh Standards) is defining the acceptable voltage range at the consumer terminals. Voltage at the supply terminals. iec 60038 standard voltages pdf 103
: It provides a specific list of values that should be used for electrical supply systems, helping to unify grids worldwide.
| Source | Description | Price (approx. 2024) | Direct Link (Search Term) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | The official source for all IEC standards. Offers the latest consolidated version and individual amendments. | CHF 170 | IEC 60038:2009+AMD1:2021 CSV | | ANSI Webstore | Authorized reseller of IEC standards in the US. Offers various formats. | $198.00 | IEC 60038 Ed. 7.0 b:2009 | | SAI Global | A major global distributor of standards. Often provides free samples (e.g., first 7 pages). | Varies | IEC 60038:2009 | | National Standards Bodies | Many countries' national bodies (e.g., DIN in Germany, BSI in the UK, EVS in Estonia) also sell the standard, sometimes in a nationalized version. | Varies | EVS-IEC 60038:2010 |
The standard also includes tables for DC voltages, particularly for industrial, traction, and electrochemical applications: Low-voltage DC systems. 110 V, 220 V, 440 V: Industrial DC. 750 V, 1500 V, 3000 V: Traction systems (railways). 10 kV to 19 kV: High-voltage DC systems. 4. Voltage Tolerances (Supply vs. Utilization)
The standard has a long history, with its first edition dating back to 1927. The most significant and widely used edition is the seventh, , which was a major technical revision. A significant technical update in the 2009 edition was the
The IEC 60038 standard offers several benefits, including:
: Common values include 120/208 V and 120/240 V .
The standard has evolved over time, with the most recent consolidated version being , published in December 2021. This 64-page document incorporates all amendments into the base 2009 text, ensuring users have the latest requirements. The standard is published by IEC Technical Committee 8 and has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108. It remains stable until 2026.
The is a copyrighted document. To get the official version (including any page or clause numbered 103): AC Systems: Single-phase voltage (measured between phase and
Industrial applications often use higher LV levels like . Medium-Voltage (MV) Systems (1 kV to 35 kV) :
Utilities use these values to ensure new grid infrastructure is stable and interoperable. Manufacturing:
Covers transmission, distribution, and utilization systems above 100V at frequencies of 50 Hz and 60 Hz. DC and AC Traction:
When a client from a different country orders an MV switchgear panel, they will reference IEC 60038 to confirm the rated insulation voltage (e.g., 12kV, 24kV, 36kV).