The 10 most common mistakes with EN-IEC 60204-1 (electrical equipment of machines)
Utilities
EN-IEC 60204-1 provides clear basic rules for the electrical safety of machines, yet the same mistakes keep recurring in audits and FAT/SAT. The overview below clarifies what goes wrong and why that is problematic—without going straight into solutions.
1. The panel lighting is combined with the socket outlet supplying programmable devices.
2. Marking of parts that remain live after the main switch has been opened is missing.
3. No short-circuit-proof or double insulation of the conductors.
4. Not all live conductors are disconnected (neutral conductor).
5. The power and control circuits are not separated.
6. The reliability of the control system or the required performance level PLr is not achieved.
7. The EMC requirements are not respected.
8. Use of safety isolating switches without an integrated auxiliary contact.
9. Equipotential bonding of metal parts has not been provided.
10. The components in the panels do not achieve degree of protection IPXX-B.
