November 2025 Electrical Engineering Standards: Key Updates in Insulators, Gas Detection, LVDC, and EV Charging

November 2025 marks a landmark moment for the electrical engineering sector, with the publication of five major international standards spanning high-voltage insulators, explosive atmosphere gas detection, low-voltage DC systems, and electric vehicle charging accessories. These updates bring new technical requirements, improved testing methodologies, and refined acceptance criteria that will impact a wide range of applications—from utility grids and industrial plants to smart infrastructure and e-mobility. In this article, we dissect these standards, highlight their practical implications, and offer guidance for effective compliance.

Overview / Introduction

The electrical engineering landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by new materials, advanced testing protocols, and the growing demands of digitalized and electrified systems. Standards serve as the backbone for ensuring safety, interoperability, efficiency, and innovation in this field. November 2025 introduces five significant international standards and reports, setting fresh benchmarks for polymeric HV insulators, gas detection in hazardous environments, low-voltage DC (LVDC) island systems, and conductive charging interfaces for electric vehicles (EVs).

This article delivers an in-depth analysis of these new standards. Readers will gain insights into:

• New technical and testing requirements
• Compliance challenges and timelines
• Practical considerations for each covered area
• Expected industry impact and strategic takeaways

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN IEC 62217:2025 – Polymeric HV Insulators for Indoor and Outdoor Use

Polymeric HV insulators for indoor and outdoor use – General definitions, test methods and acceptance criteria

This updated standard provides essential definitions, standardized test methods, and robust acceptance criteria for polymeric insulators used in AC systems over 1,000 V and DC systems over 1,500 V. It covers insulators made from single or multiple organic materials, including composite, solid core, hollow core, and resin types. Hybrid insulators with ceramic cores and polymeric housings also fall under its scope, while coated insulators (such as those with RTV silicone) are excluded.

Key requirements include detailed design, type, sample, and routine tests covering electrical, mechanical, and environmental performance. The standard introduces specific tests for hydrophobicity transfer materials (HTM), separates water diffusion tests for core materials with and without housing, and adds a new stress corrosion test for core integrity. Annexes detail the evaluation of interfaces, control of electrical fields, and best practices for both AC and DC applications.

Manufacturers, utilities, and industrial operators involved with HV overhead lines and substation equipment must adopt these criteria to ensure long-term reliability and performance under diverse environmental conditions.

Key highlights:

• Inclusion of composite and hybrid insulators for both AC and DC, indoor and outdoor use
• Refined test procedures for HTM housing and core water diffusion
• Introduction of stress corrosion resistance and updated evaluation of interfaces

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 62217:2025 on iTeh Standards

IEC 60079-29-0:2025 – Gas Detection Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres

Explosive atmospheres – Part 29-0: Gas detection equipment – General requirements and test methods

This newly revised standard provides comprehensive requirements for flammable, oxygen, and toxic gas detection equipment used in industrial and commercial applications to safeguard personnel and property. Gas detection systems covered include:

• "FL" types for flammable gases (for both mines and other locations, including open path detectors)
• "O2" types for oxygen deficiency/enrichment and inertization
• "TX" types for toxic gases (including safety monitoring and occupational exposure)

The standard sets rigorous requirements for detection accuracy, alarm signaling, sensor immunity, calibration, and environmental performance. It also outlines test procedures for vibration, drop, gas exposures, electromagnetic immunity, and misalignment—covering both fixed and open-path detector architectures. Notably, the document consolidates and replaces several prior standards, streamlining compliance for manufacturers and operators alike.

Applicable to industries with hazardous locations (e.g., chemical plants, refineries, mining, and large infrastructure), this standard is critical for ensuring workplace safety and operational reliability.

Key highlights:

• Unified requirements replacing previous editions for wider equipment applicability
• Comprehensive performance, environmental, and robustness testing
• Extended coverage for open-path and occupational exposure gas detection

Access the full standard:View IEC 60079-29-0:2025 on iTeh Standards

IEC TR 63282-102:2025 – LVDC Electric Island Power Supply Systems

LVDC systems – Part 102: Low-voltage DC electric island power supply systems

As electrification expands into rural, remote, and maritime environments, this Technical Report provides guidance for the design, deployment, and operation of low-voltage DC (LVDC) island systems up to 1,500 V. Addressing both standalone microgrids for communities and auxiliary power for ships, the document examines technical requirements, system topologies, voltage selection, power quality, and protection strategies.

The report includes illustrative application cases from Africa, Asia, and maritime settings, informing best practices for voltage configuration, load management, PV integration, battery storage, and safe operation. Special attention is given to coordination among IEC technical committees to ensure harmonized standards across different deployment scenarios.

Utilities, rural electrification agencies, marine operators, and solution integrators will find actionable insights for creating resilient, cost-effective, and safe LVDC island power solutions.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive system-level guidance for rural and marine LVDC islands
• Example-based design covering topology, voltage, protection, and quality
• Emphasis on coordination with various IEC technical committees

Access the full standard:View IEC TR 63282-102:2025 on iTeh Standards

IEC 62196-2:2025 – Conductive Charging of Electric Vehicles: AC Pin and Contact-Tube Accessories

Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets – Conductive charging of electric vehicles – Part 2: Dimensional compatibility requirements for AC pin and contact-tube accessories

This fourth edition standardizes the dimensional and compatibility requirements for conductive EV charging accessories with standardized AC pins and contact-tubes. With a nominal voltage up to 480 V AC and current ratings up to 63 A (three-phase) or 70 A (single-phase), it enables safe, interoperable charging infrastructure across global e-mobility markets.

Significant technical updates include new tests for latching devices, ensuring secure connections during use, and corrections to standard sheets supporting manufacturing consistency. The standard focuses on interface compatibility, marking, insulation resistance, mechanical durability, and user safety within public and private EV charging installations.

Targeted at charging equipment manufacturers, automotive OEMs, charging network operators, and regulatory authorities, it supports the global scale-up of electric mobility.

Key highlights:

• Rigorous dimensional and compatibility rules for AC charging accessories
• Enhanced latching device tests to boost user safety and reliability
• Refined standard sheets for improved manufacturing consistency

Access the full standard:View IEC 62196-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The new November 2025 standards signal a strengthened commitment to safety, reliability, and innovation. Organizations operating in power utilities, heavy industry, mining, shipbuilding, e-mobility, and energy infrastructure are directly impacted. Compliance brings:

• Enhanced interoperability across global supply chains
• Reduced risk of failures and accidents
• Alignment with evolving regulations and market expectations
• Improved stakeholder confidence and market access

Compliance timelines will depend on regional adoption. Early stakeholder engagement—especially for industries with critical safety or reliability responsibilities—is strongly recommended.

Risks of non-compliance include regulatory penalties, reputational damage, equipment failures, and workplace hazards. Companies are encouraged to conduct gap analyses, update procurement specifications, and retrain personnel accordingly.

Technical Insights

Several technical trends unite these standards:

• Focus on robust test methods: From the new steep-front impulse tests for insulators to comprehensive vibration and drop tests for gas detectors, the incoming standards set clear minimum thresholds for performance and durability.
• Material-specific differentiation: Recognizing material advances, standards now address hydrophobicity, stress corrosion, and interface quality.
• Cohesive system-level approach: LVDC guidelines and EV charging compatibility highlight requirements for end-to-end system safety, from wiring and connectors to protection and interoperability.
• Up-to-date digital requirements: Enhanced test scenarios for software-controlled equipment, communication functions, and energy management reflect the industry's digital transformation.

Implementation best practices:

• Conduct clause-by-clause analysis against current assets
• Engage accredited labs for third-party type and routine testing
• Prioritize staff training on new acceptance criteria and verification procedures
• Leverage standard sheets and sample test sequences as checklists for product and system development
• Plan for periodic re-certification as standards evolve further

Testing and certification:

• Use reference samples and test environments outlined in the standards
• Validate devices with new environmental and operational test scripts
• Retain documentation for audit trails and market surveillance

Conclusion / Next Steps

These five new international standards redefine expectations for electrical engineering compliance in 2025 and beyond. As markets, applications, and regulatory climates change, professionals must proactively adapt—leveraging the detailed requirements and test strategies now in place.

Key takeaways:

• Safety, reliability, and interoperability are elevated in every domain—from insulators to EV charging
• Comprehensive testing methodologies now reflect the latest technical understanding
• Early compliance and stakeholder engagement unlock market advantages

Recommendations:

1. Download and review the full texts of the relevant standards from iTeh Standards.
2. Conduct organizational gap analyses and initiate compliance roadmaps.
3. Train engineering, quality, and procurement teams on the most relevant technical changes.
4. Monitor Part 2 and onward for ongoing coverage and detailed analysis of additional electrical engineering standards.

Stay informed and compliant—explore all electrical engineering standards on iTeh Standards.

This article is Part 1 of 4 in the November 2025 Electrical Engineering Standards update series. Follow iTeh Standards for upcoming insights into further standards released this month.