scope:

This Standard specifies the requirements for the performance of all electronic power convertors and electronic power switches using controllableand/or non-controllable electronic valves. The electronic valves mainly comprise semiconductor devices, i.e. diodes and various types of thyristors and transistors, such as reverse blocking or conducting thyristors, turn off thyristors, triacs and power transistors. The devices may be controlled by means of current, voltage or light. Non-bistable devices are assumed to be operated in the switched mode. This standard is primarily intended to specify the requirements applicable to line commutated convertors for coversion of a.c. power to d.c. power or visa versa. Parts of this standard are applicable also to other types of electronic power convertors and should be regarded as a standard for them in so far as it is not in contradiction to additional IEC Standards for particular types of semiconductor convertors given in existing or future IEC Publications. These specific equipment requirements are applicable to semiconductor power convertors that either implement different types of power conversion or use different types of cummutation (for example semiconductor self-commutated convertors) or involve particular applications (for example semiconductor convertors for d.c. motor drives) or include a combination of said characteristics (for example direct d.c. convertors for electric rolling stock).