2025.08.13 – LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL DESIGN UNDER NEN 1010 STANDARD

CENTRAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE

1. The main goal is to provide complete technical knowledge of the NEN 1010 standard for low voltage electrical systems.
2. This includes its structure, link to IEC 60364, safety measures, component selection, calculation rules, special conditions, documentation, and verified technical equivalences.
3. The information integrates all thematic elements treated since the beginning of the conversation. 📚

STANDARD SCOPE

4. NEN 1010 is the Dutch technical standard for design, installation, and verification of low voltage electrical installations.
5. IEC 60364 is the international standard forming the technical base of NEN 1010 with local adaptations.
6. The scope covers residential, commercial, light industrial, and special environments. ⚡

SAFETY MEASURES

7. Direct contact protection is ensured by insulation, barriers, and suitable enclosures.
8. Indirect contact protection is ensured by earthing and RCD (Residual Current Device / Interruptor diferencial) with quick disconnection.
9. Overcurrent protection is ensured by fuses and MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker / Interruptor magnetotérmico). 🔌

COMPONENT SELECTION

10. Cu (Cobre) conductors have high conductivity and flexibility.
11. Al (Aluminio) conductors are lighter and less conductive.
12. Voltage drop must remain within 3% for lighting and 5% for other uses. 📏

CALCULATION RULES

13. Current-carrying capacity (Iz) is selected from tables with correction factors for temperature and grouping.
14. Short-circuit current (Isc) must be within the breaking capacity of the protection device.
15. Voltage drop is calculated using length, current, and conductor resistance.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

16. Humid areas require high IP-rated equipment and RCD protection ≤ 30 mA.
17. High temperature areas require heat-resistant cables and derating application.
18. ATEX zones (Atmosphères Explosibles) require certified explosion-proof devices. 🛡️

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

19. Single-line and multi-line diagrams must be delivered with equipment specifications.
20. Test records must include continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, and RCD operation.
21. Labelling must follow standard colours: brown/black/grey for phase, blue for neutral, green/yellow for earth. 🗂️

COURSE FORMAT

22. The course duration is a half-day in the morning.
23. The target group includes engineers, designers, and supervisors of low voltage systems.
24. The prerequisites include basic electrical knowledge and experience with standards.

VERIFIED TECHNICAL EQUIVALENCES

25. NEN 1010 is the Dutch low voltage installation standard.
26. IEC 60364 is the International Electrotechnical Commission standard for electrical installations of buildings.
27. ATEX means Atmosphères Explosibles, European directives for explosive atmospheres.
28. RCD stands for Residual Current Device, translated as Interruptor diferencial.
29. MCB stands for Miniature Circuit Breaker. The term miniature refers to a compact circuit breaker designed for low voltage systems. The physical size is smaller than other types of breakers. The current rating is lower than that of moulded case circuit breakers. The typical range is up to 125 amperes. The voltage level is usually below 1000 volts AC. The design allows installation on DIN rails in distribution boards. The trip unit combines thermal protection for overload and magnetic protection for short circuit. The miniature form enables use in residential, commercial, and light industrial installations. The device provides fast disconnection in case of fault. The translation in Spanish is Interruptor magnetotérmico.
30. Cu is copper.
31. Al is aluminium. 🔍