IEC 60364 is not a single document but a series of standards divided into several parts, allowing for detailed coverage of specific aspects of electrical installations. The main parts include: Part 1: Fundamental Principles
If you work in low-voltage installations, this PDF series is the foundation that countries use to write their own rules.
Applies specialized rules to unique environments that carry higher risks: : Locations containing a bath or shower. Part 7-702 : Swimming pools and fountains.
: T (Direct connection to Earth); I (Isolated from Earth or connected via high impedance).
Whether you are designing a hospital backup system in Singapore or a residential complex in Berlin, the principles of keep the world’s low-voltage installations safe. Access it responsibly, study it diligently, and apply it rigorously.
CENELEC harmonizes IEC 60364 into the HD 60364 series across member states.
The IEC 60364 series is divided into multiple parts and subparts, each addressing a specific aspect of electrical installations. The structure has evolved over the years, with the latest editions reflecting modern technologies such as energy storage, local generation (prosuming), and energy efficiency.
CENELEC members include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom.
What of IEC 60364 you are working with (e.g., cable sizing, earthing, EV charging)? The country or region where the project is located?
As the world moves toward more complex energy systems, including prosumer grids and low-voltage DC networks, IEC 60364 will remain at the forefront, providing the fundamental principles that protect lives, property, and the environment. For electrical safety professionals, mastery of this standard is not just a professional obligation—it is a cornerstone of best practice in the modern electrified world.
: The IEC regularly revises parts and publishes new editions. Subscribe to notifications from your national standards body or the IEC to stay informed.
The IEC 60364 series has evolved over five decades. The first edition of Part 1 dates back to , with editions published in 1972, 1992, 2001, 2005, and most recently 2025 . Using an outdated edition—such as the 2001 or 2005 edition—could result in an installation that does not comply with current safety requirements, particularly for modern technologies like photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle charging, and energy storage.
: Ensuring that in the event of a fault, the prospective current is high enough to trip the circuit breaker within the time frames mandated in Part 4. Summary for Professionals
IEC 60364 is the foundational international standard for low-voltage electrical installations, designed to ensure safety against electric shocks and fires. Structured across multiple parts, it governs the design, selection, installation, and verification of systems, with specialized rules for high-risk areas and modern efficiency standards. For more details, visit IEC Webstore Universidade de Lisboa Electrical Installation Guide 2018
When purchasing, users should verify that they are acquiring the latest edition (e.g., IEC 60364-1:2025). The files are typically delivered as secured PDFs with digital rights management (DRM) to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution.