Low voltage installation standard
The low-voltage installation standard (NIN), also known as SN 411000 or SEV 1000, is a Swiss technical standard . It is considered the most important technical standard for the electrical installation industry in Switzerland. The aim of the standard is to ensure the safety of people, farm animals and property as well as the correct function of the system when used properly.
Content of the standard
The NIN contains rules for planning, setting up and testing electrical systems. These are essentially systems that are operated with a low voltage of ≤1000 V AC and a frequency of 50 Hz or 1500 V DC. Excluded are low voltage systems with operating voltages of ≤50 V AC and operating currents of ≤2 A.
In general, the NIN requires " protection against electric shock " for people and livestock. This means that the fault voltage , the touch current and the switch-off time in the event of a fault should be minimal.
Basics of the standard
The NIN is based on the European harmonization documents of the HD 60364 series, which in turn are based on the corresponding IEC standards. Furthermore, it is based on:
- Federal law on low and high-voltage electrical systems (Electricity Act, SR 734.0)
- Ordinance on the construction, operation and maintenance of electrical power systems (Heavy Current Ordinance, SR 734.2)
- Ordinance on electrical low-voltage installations (NIV, SR 734.27)
- Ordinance on electrical low-voltage products (NEV, SR 734.26)
- DETEC ordinance of 15 May 2002 on electrical low-voltage installations (SR 734.272.3)
The NIN 2020 came into force on January 1, 2020, with a transition period until June 30, 2020. The date of the notification of installation to the network operator is decisive for the validity of the NIN for an electrical system.
Other provisions (e.g. factory regulations) must not reduce the safety requirements defined in the NIN. The responsible authorities (e.g. VKF , Suva , ESTI ) can issue instructions for electrical systems with special requirements . In any case, the manufacturer's information must also be observed.
The ESTI can permit provisions that differ from the NIN for individual systems. Deviations from the equipment specified by the manufacturer are also permissible in compliance with the relevant equipment standard. Installation owners can issue any regulations which, however, may not reduce the protection goals in any way. The system owner can, for example, request larger conductor cross-sections or only sockets with protective collars.