Drives & Controls Magazine March 2026

41 www.drivesncontrols.com March 2026 SAFETY AND SECURITY n The BS EN IEV 61439 series of standards define good practice for low-voltage switchboards and ensure conformity with basic safety requirements. If an LV switchboard assembly does not conform, all of the parties involved, from concept to use of the assembly, will, in the event of an issue, have to demonstrate that they have complied with all applicable laws and regulations – a difficult and costly task. Beama’s Low Voltage Switchboard and Busbar Systems (LSBS) Group has therefore launched a campaign to educate professionals on the critical importance of product conformity to BS EN IEC 61439-2 throughout the lifecycle of LV switchboards. (Beama is the trade body for the UK’s electrotechnical sector.) The campaign – called Consequence of Non-Compliance – comes at a critical time, as heightened regulatory scrutiny, increasingly complex system requirements, and rising safety expectations, emphasise the need for conformance with relevant standards. The group wants to ensure that all LV switchboard designers, manufacturers and installers understand and implement the necessary BS EN IEC 61439-2 conformity assessment protocols at all stages, from concept to commissioning. The campaign aims to provide clear guidance and access to technical resources. A poster is available to help to implement best practices. The LSBS product group has developed technical resources including a Guide to Verification for Low-voltage Power Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies (PSC) in accordance with BS EN IEC 61439-2:2021. “Conformity is not just a regulatory requirement, it’s fundamental to safety, reliability and trust across the supply chain,” says Beama’s head of building electrical systems, Nick Hayler. “With regulatory scrutiny intensifying, systems becoming more complex and safety expectations rising, it has never been more critical to ensure that every stage of the switchboard lifecycle – from design and specification, through to installation and commissioning – is in full conformance with the relevant standards. “Through our Consequence of NonCompliance campaign,” he adds, “we are equipping industry professionals with the clarity and BS EN IEC 61439-2 resources that they need to implement conformity protocols effectively and consistently. “We aim to raise awareness across the industry, while also providing practical access to guidance through our eyecatching poster and technical documents, which support professionals in embedding best practice. “By promoting a culture of conformity, we are strengthening the long-term resilience, safety and quality of LV switchboard systems – outcomes that benefit businesses, their customers, and ultimately, society as a whole,” Hayler concludes. n To find out more about Beama’s safety campaign, to download a PDF of the poster, or to request a printed copy visit: https://beama.org.uk/switchingonsafety A new campaign is highlighting the need to comply with standards to ensure the safety of low-voltage switchboards throughout their lifetime. are accelerating the adoption of safety systems. In North America and Europe, the industrial safety market is attractive due to the regulatory maturity and technological readiness in those regions, while Asia-Pacific offers volume-driven growth opportunities. Entry barriers remain moderate to high, driven by compliance requirements, certification costs, and established vendor relationships. Pricing strategies increasingly emphasise value-based models and bundled solutions, while partnerships with automation and IIoT providers are emerging as critical success factors. For investors and enterprises, positioning around compliance-led innovation and scalable safety platforms offers sustainable returns. n www.verifiedmarketresearch.com These are the main factors driving the safety market, according to the VMR report The potential consequences of a failed LV switchboard can be explosive Campaign offers help on LV switchboard safety

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