Name: Rittal Custom Engineered Panel
Brand: Rittal

Question 1

What rated currents and short-circuit ratings can Rittal Ri4Power achieve in custom engineered IEC 61439 panels?

Accepted Answer

Ri4Power is a type-tested Rittal busbar and distribution system designed for high-current LV applications. In factory-validated Ri4Power configurations the main bus can be specified up to 5,500 A (In) per manufacturer data, while short-circuit withstand capability depends on busbar cross-section, joint design and breaker selection. Typical project short-circuit ratings for Ri4Power-based custom panels range from 25 kA to 150 kA (symmetrical) when verified by calculation and type-test per IEC 61439‑1/-2. Final values are project-specific and must be confirmed by the panel builder through IEC 61439 verification methods (temperature-rise, dielectric, mechanical and short-circuit assessments).

Question 2

How do you demonstrate IEC 61439 compliance for a Rittal-based custom engineered panel?

Accepted Answer

Compliance is achieved by applying the verification methods in IEC 61439‑1 and IEC 61439‑2: using type-tested components (e.g., Ri4Power busbars, TS 8/VX25 enclosures), performing design verification calculations (temperature-rise, short‑circuit withstand, clearances/creepage), and executing routine factory tests (continuity, insulation, functional). Where applicable, include type-test reports for enclosures and busbar systems, and document conformity with IEC 60947 series for installed switching devices. The assembly certificate should include rated current (In), rated voltage, short-circuit rating (Icw/Ipk), form of separation and IP rating. Patrion can provide full documentation packages and test reports on request.

Question 3

Can Rittal Custom Engineered Panels be built for ATEX or marine service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For hazardous areas the panel design must meet IEC 60079 series requirements for Ex zones (or regional ATEX/NAMUR equivalents) in addition to IEC 61439. This includes selecting Ex-certified instruments, intrinsic safety barriers or purge systems, and appropriate enclosure sealing and ventilation strategies (TopTherm purge/pressurization or purged cooling). For marine or offshore, materials, surface treatments, and cable glands are specified to IMO/ISO or classification society rules; ingress protection is commonly IP65–IP66. All such environmental ratings are project-specific and verified during design review and factory testing.

Question 4

Which forms of separation are achievable in Rittal custom panels and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Rittal custom panels can be engineered to Forms of Separation from Form 1 up to Form 4b per IEC 61439‑1/-2. Form 1 provides no separation, Form 2 separates busbars from functional units, Form 3b separates busbars and incoming feeders from outgoing compartments, and Form 4b provides separation between every functional unit and the busbar with separate cable compartments. The selected form affects safety during operation and maintenance, fault propagation, and cable routing. Higher forms (3b/4b) improve personnel safety and reduce the risk of cascading failures, which is critical in data centers, utilities and process plants.

Question 5

How are climate control and thermal management integrated into Rittal custom panels?

Accepted Answer

Thermal management uses Rittal TopTherm cooling units, Blue e fan systems, filtered ventilation and heat exchangers sized to the panel’s internal heat load and ambient conditions. For sealed enclosures (IP54–IP66) cooled TopTherm units or liquid-cooled solutions are applied; for particulate or coastal environments HEPA filtration and high-corrosion coatings are used. Thermal calculations follow IEC 61439 temperature-rise provisions and manufacturer guidance for continuous currents (IEC 60947 device derating may also apply). Proper cable entry, segregation and airflow channels in VX25/TS 8 frames ensure even heat distribution and maintain device ambient limits.

Question 6

Can I integrate custom HMIs, PLCs and control interfaces in a Rittal engineered switchboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes. VX25 and TS 8 enclosures provide panel-mount and rack-mount options for HMIs, industrial PCs, operator panels and local control stations. Enclosures support cutouts, mounting brackets, and modular door frames for ergonomic operator interfaces. Integration follows EMC practices and separation requirements (IEC 61439, IEC 61000 series for EMC) to avoid control signal interference. For safety-critical applications, segregated control compartments and isolated power supplies are implemented per Form 4b or by using segregated cable ducts and screened cabling.

Question 7

How do Rittal custom engineered panels compare to Siemens SIVACON, MNS or Schneider PrismaSet?

Accepted Answer

All platforms (Rittal Ri4Power/VX25/TS 8, Siemens SIVACON/MNS, Schneider PrismaSet) are used for heavy-duty LV distribution and can be engineered to IEC 61439 requirements. Rittal’s strengths are enclosure modularity, integrated climate control and the Ri4Power type-tested busbar family which simplifies factory verification and speeds up custom configurations. Siemens MNS/SIVACON and Schneider PrismaSet have their own type-tested busbar and breaker ecosystems; selection often depends on regional service networks, preferred switching devices, and project-specific integration needs. Technical comparisons should include rated current, achievable short-circuit rating, compartmentation, accessory ecosystem and test documentation.

Question 8

What documentation and testing will I receive with a Rittal custom engineered IEC 61439 panel?

Accepted Answer

Deliverables typically include a panel schedule, single-line diagrams, mechanical assembly drawings, bill of materials (with component type certificates), factory test reports (routine tests: continuity, insulation, functional), design verification calculations per IEC 61439‑1/-2 (temperature-rise, short‑circuit check, clearances/creepage), and FAT reports where applicable. For Ex, marine or special environments, certification dossiers and classification society approvals are also provided. Patrion can supply full traceability and test records to support client QA and commissioning.

Rated Current (InA)	Project-specific
Short-Circuit Rating	Project-specific
Rated Voltage	Up to 1000V AC
Form of Separation	Form 1–4b
IP Protection	IP20–IP66
IEC Standard	IEC 61439-1/2
Component Brand	Rittal

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