IEC 60447:2004 outlines general principles for manually operated actuators that are part of the man-machine interface related to electrical equipment. Its objectives are to:
- Enhance safety (for individuals, property, and the environment) through the safe operation of the equipment.
- Support the proper and timely functioning of the actuators.
These principles are applicable not only during normal operation of electrical equipment, machines, or entire plants, but also in fault or emergency situations.
The standard is intended for broad application, covering scenarios from simple instances involving single actuators (such as push-buttons) to multiple actuators that are part of a larger assembly of electrical and non-electrical equipment or a central process control station.
Additionally, this standard establishes relationships between an actuator’s function and its actuation direction or its position in relation to other actuators.
In cases where specific rules are not provided, this standard may also be applied to actuators that are operated by parts of the human body other than the hand, such as foot-operated devices.
