Standard Specification for Insulation Monitors for Shipboard Electrical Systems [Metric]

ABSTRACT
This specification covers insulation monitoring devices for stripboard electrical systems. Materials covered by this specification include Type I (ac device) and Type II (dc device) electrical system insulation monitoring devices used in the detection of ohmic insulation faults to ground in either active ac ungrounded electrical systems with dc components (Type I) or dc ungrounded electrical systems (Type II). However, devices used in ac ungrounded systems without dc components are not included. The devices shall undergo conformance and routine tests to ensure that the device meets the requirements specified. Conformance tests shall included testing of response time, peak voltage, input impedance or resistance, built-in meters, and impulse voltage withstand capabilities, whereas routine tests shall include testing of response value, self-test function, built-in meters, and voltage.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers two (2) types of electrical system insulation monitoring devices.  
1.1.1 Type I is an AC device intended as a permanently installed unit for use in the detection of ohmic insulation faults to ground in active AC ungrounded electrical systems up to 1000 VAC, having DC components up to 1500 VDC.  
1.1.2 Type II is a DC device intended as a permanently installed unit for use in the detection of ohmic insulation faults to ground in DC ungrounded electrical systems up to 1500 VDC.  
1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover devices that are intended for operation in AC ungrounded systems without DC components.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are included for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 7 of this specification:  This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Mar-2018
Drafting Committee
F25.10 - Electrical

Relations

Effective Date
01-Apr-2018

Overview

ASTM F1669M-12(2018): Standard Specification for Insulation Monitors for Shipboard Electrical Systems (Metric) provides guidelines and requirements for insulation monitoring devices designed for shipboard electrical systems. Developed by ASTM International, this specification ensures the effective detection of ohmic insulation faults to ground in ungrounded AC electrical systems with DC components (Type I) and in ungrounded DC electrical systems (Type II). The standard covers performance requirements, test methods, and marking for insulation monitors to enhance shipboard electrical safety and reliability.

Scope

  • Type I Devices: Permanently installed AC insulation monitors for ungrounded systems up to 1000 VAC with DC components up to 1500 VDC.
  • Type II Devices: Permanently installed DC insulation monitors for ungrounded systems up to 1500 VDC.
  • Exclusions: Devices used exclusively for AC ungrounded systems without DC components are not covered.
  • All requirements and tolerances are stated in metric (SI) units.

Key Topics

  • Insulation Fault Detection: Devices continuously monitor the insulation resistance to ground, signaling alarms when resistance falls below preset values.
  • System Compatibility: The standard addresses ungrounded shipboard AC and DC electrical systems susceptible to insulation degradation and electrical faults.
  • Testing and Conformance:
    • Response Time: Assurance that devices react quickly to changes in insulation resistance.
    • Peak Voltage Limitations: Safety limits on measuring signal voltages (below touch voltage thresholds).
    • Input Impedance/Resistance: Minimum impedance requirements ensure device compatibility and precision.
    • Self-Test Functions: Either built-in or auxiliary, these verify ongoing operability.
    • Routine and Conformance Tests: Checks on meters, voltage withstand capabilities, and alarm relay functions.
  • Marking and Documentation:
    • Mandatory product labeling includes manufacturer, type, connection diagrams, operating parameters, and serial numbers.
    • Equipment manuals provide detailed operating instructions and safe installation guidance.

Applications

Insulation monitoring devices conforming to ASTM F1669M-12(2018) are essential for:

  • Shipboard Electrical Systems: Enhancing electrical safety on vessels by enabling early fault detection and reducing risk of electrical hazards in ungrounded AC/DC systems.
  • Maritime Operations: Supporting the operational integrity of navigation, propulsion, and auxiliary power systems-critical in both commercial and military vessels.
  • Compliance and Safety Assurance: Meeting industry standards for marine electrical installations helps ensure compliance with regulatory and classification society requirements.
  • Maintenance Optimization: Early identification of insulation degradation permits predictive maintenance, reducing unscheduled downtime.

Related Standards

Organizations working with insulation monitoring devices for shipboard electrical safety should also consider:

  • UL STD 840: Insulation Coordination Including Clearances and Creepage Distances for Electrical Equipment
  • IEC 255-5: Insulation Tests for Electrical Relays
  • IEC 364-4-41: Electrical Installations of Buildings - Protection for Safety, Protection Against Electrical Shock
  • MIL-STD-1399 (NAVY) Section 300A: Interface Standards for Shipboard Systems; Electrical Power, Alternating Current

Practical Value

Implementing insulation monitors as specified by ASTM F1669M-12(2018) results in:

  • Enhanced Safety: Immediate alarm on insulation failures helps prevent electrical shock and equipment damage.
  • Reliability: Continuous self-testing and system monitoring ensure reliable performance in harsh marine environments.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to recognized international standards for shipboard electrical systems supports inspections and audits.
  • Maintenance Efficiency: Facilitates targeted maintenance efforts, reducing long-term operational costs and downtime.

Keywords: insulation monitors, shipboard electrical systems, ASTM F1669M, maritime electrical safety, insulation fault detection, ungrounded AC systems, DC electrical systems, marine standards, electrical testing, compliance.

Buy Documents

Technical specification

ASTM F1669M-12(2018) - Standard Specification for Insulation Monitors for Shipboard Electrical Systems [Metric]

English language (4 pages)
sale 15% off
sale 15% off

Get Certified

Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard

DNV

DNV is an independent assurance and risk management provider.

NA Norway Verified

Lloyd's Register

Lloyd's Register is a global professional services organisation specialising in engineering and technology.

UKAS United Kingdom Verified

ABS Quality Evaluations Inc.

American Bureau of Shipping quality certification.

ANAB United States Verified

Sponsored listings

Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM F1669M-12(2018) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Insulation Monitors for Shipboard Electrical Systems [Metric]". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers insulation monitoring devices for stripboard electrical systems. Materials covered by this specification include Type I (ac device) and Type II (dc device) electrical system insulation monitoring devices used in the detection of ohmic insulation faults to ground in either active ac ungrounded electrical systems with dc components (Type I) or dc ungrounded electrical systems (Type II). However, devices used in ac ungrounded systems without dc components are not included. The devices shall undergo conformance and routine tests to ensure that the device meets the requirements specified. Conformance tests shall included testing of response time, peak voltage, input impedance or resistance, built-in meters, and impulse voltage withstand capabilities, whereas routine tests shall include testing of response value, self-test function, built-in meters, and voltage. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers two (2) types of electrical system insulation monitoring devices. 1.1.1 Type I is an AC device intended as a permanently installed unit for use in the detection of ohmic insulation faults to ground in active AC ungrounded electrical systems up to 1000 VAC, having DC components up to 1500 VDC. 1.1.2 Type II is a DC device intended as a permanently installed unit for use in the detection of ohmic insulation faults to ground in DC ungrounded electrical systems up to 1500 VDC. 1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover devices that are intended for operation in AC ungrounded systems without DC components. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are included for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 7 of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT This specification covers insulation monitoring devices for stripboard electrical systems. Materials covered by this specification include Type I (ac device) and Type II (dc device) electrical system insulation monitoring devices used in the detection of ohmic insulation faults to ground in either active ac ungrounded electrical systems with dc components (Type I) or dc ungrounded electrical systems (Type II). However, devices used in ac ungrounded systems without dc components are not included. The devices shall undergo conformance and routine tests to ensure that the device meets the requirements specified. Conformance tests shall included testing of response time, peak voltage, input impedance or resistance, built-in meters, and impulse voltage withstand capabilities, whereas routine tests shall include testing of response value, self-test function, built-in meters, and voltage. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers two (2) types of electrical system insulation monitoring devices. 1.1.1 Type I is an AC device intended as a permanently installed unit for use in the detection of ohmic insulation faults to ground in active AC ungrounded electrical systems up to 1000 VAC, having DC components up to 1500 VDC. 1.1.2 Type II is a DC device intended as a permanently installed unit for use in the detection of ohmic insulation faults to ground in DC ungrounded electrical systems up to 1500 VDC. 1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover devices that are intended for operation in AC ungrounded systems without DC components. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are included for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 7 of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM F1669M-12(2018) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 47.020.60 - Electrical equipment of ships and of marine structures. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM F1669M-12(2018) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F1669M-12. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM F1669M-12(2018) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1669M −12 (Reapproved 2018) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Insulation Monitors for Shipboard Electrical Systems
(Metric)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1669M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification covers two (2) types of electrical
2.1 UL Standard:
system insulation monitoring devices.
UL STD840Insulation Coordination Including Clearances
1.1.1 Type I is an AC device intended as a permanently
and Creepage Distances for Electrical Equipment
installed unit for use in the detection of ohmic insulation faults
2.2 IEC Standards:
to ground in active AC ungrounded electrical systems up to
IEC255-5Insulation Tests for Electrical Relays
1000 VAC, having DC components up to 1500 VDC.
IEC 364-4-41 Electrical Installations of Buildings/
1.1.2 Type II is a DC device intended as a permanently
Protection for Safety/Protection Against Electrical Shock
installed unit for use in the detection of ohmic insulation faults 4
2.3 Military Standard:
to ground in DC ungrounded electrical systems up to 1500
MIL-STD-1399(NAVY) Section 300A Interface Standards
VDC.
for Shipboard Systems; Electrical Power, Alternating
1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover devices
Current
that are intended for operation in AC ungrounded systems
3. Terminology
without DC components.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1.1 AC or DC ungrounded electrical system, n—a system
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
that has no intentional connection to ground and can continue
included for information only and are not considered standard.
to perform normally if one conductor becomes connected to
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
ground.
test methods portion, Section 7 of this specification: This
3.1.2 measuring signal, n—the output signal from the insu-
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
lation monitor that is superimposed between the AC or DC
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
ungrounded system to be monitored and ground.
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
3.1.3 response value, n—the adjustable or preset set-point
regulatory limitations prior to use.
valueofthesysteminsulationresistanceatwhichaninsulation
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
monitor will provide an alarm indication.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.4 system leakage capacitance, n—the total capacitance
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
to ground of the system including all connected consumers.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.5 touch voltage, n—the voltage appearing during an
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
insulation fault, between simultaneously accessible parts. This
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
termisusedonlyinconnectionwithprotectionagainstindirect
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F25 on Ships Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd.,
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.10 in Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, http://www.ul.com.
Electrical. Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Current edition approved April 1, 2018. Published May 2018. Originally 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as F1669M–12. DOI: Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
10.1520/F1669M-12R18. Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1669M − 12 (2018)
human contacts, that is, no direct human contact with a live 6.5 Working Range of System Voltage and Frequency —The
conductor. The International Electrotechnical Commission insulation monitor shall perform as specified when operating
(IEC)limitsthemaximumprospectivetouchvoltagewhichcan with a system voltage of 0–115% nominal over the frequency
be maintained indefinitely to 50 VAC rms or 120 V ripple-free range 50–400 hz.
DC.
6.6 Self-Test—Theinsulationmonitorshallincludeabuilt-in
test device or be equipped with connection provisions for a
4. Ordering Information
separate device that shall be furnished with the equipment
4.1 Orders for monitoring devices under this specification which can verify the proper functioning for the monitor.
shall state the following information:
6.7 Output Relay—The insulation monitor shall have provi-
4.1.1 Type and quantity.
sionsforanexternal(remote)audibleorvisualalarmtooperate
4.1.2 Nominal system voltage and frequency (for AC sys-
when the insulation resistance value falls below the set-point
tem).
value, or a remote indication of the insulation resistance value
4.1.3 Input supply voltage.
of the ungrounded system, or both. Built-in relay contacts for
4.1.4 Response value/set-point range expressed in K-Ohms.
connection to an external alarm shall have a continuous rating
4.1.5 ASTM designation and year of issue.
of at least 4 amperes at 250 VAC. The break capacity shall be
4.1.6 System leakage capacitance or data from which an
at least 2 amps at 250 VAC (0.7 power factor) and 0.3 amps at
estimate of its magnitude can be determined.
120 VDC.
4.1.7 Special requirements such as Test/Reset buttons,
6.8 Built-In Display of Insulation Resistance—If provisions
ohmmeters, visual indicators, memory fault retention, and so
are made to indicate (display) the current insulation resistance
forth.
level,thenthemanufacturershallprovideinformationastothe
accuracyofthisindicationduringnormaloperatingconditions.
5. Materials and Manufacturing Methods
6.9 Clearance and Creepage Distances—The insulation
5.1 The materials and manufacturing methods used shall be
monitor shall have protective spacings through air (clearance)
such that the resulting products will conform to the properties
and over surface (creepage) as stated in UL STD 840 for the
and characteristics prescribed in this specification.
intended maximum circuit voltage.
6.10 Impulse Voltage Withstand Tests—The insulation
6. Performance Requirements
monitor shall meet the IEC 255-5 Class III Impulse Voltage
6.1 Response of Insulation Monitor to a Step Input —The
Withstand Test Requirements.
insulation monitor measures the combined parallel resistance
to ground from all power or circuit conductors. The time to
7. Operating Environment
respond to a step change in the actual resistance to a value less
7.1 The insulation monitor shall reliably function over an
than or equal to 50% of the desired response value shall be
ambient temperature range of 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F) and at a
governed by the expression:
relativehumidityofupto95%.Storagetemperaturesof−20to
t s # 100140 R 3 C (1)
~ ! ~ !
I s
+60°C (−4 to 140°F) shall not damage the insulation monitor.
where:
8. Test Methods
R = internal resistance of monitor, ohm, and
I
8.1 Conformance Test—Conformance testing of insulation
C = total system capacitance, farad.
s
monitors shall be performed to confirm that the response
For example,
tolerances stipulated are not exceeded and that the require-
t 5 124sifR 5 120000 ohm and C 5 5 310 farad
ments of Section 6 are met.
I s
8.1.1 Response Value Tests—The measuring devices used
6.2 Measuring Signal Voltage Limits—Thepeakvalueofthe
for testing shall enable a slow stepless or step-by-step change
measuringsignalshallund
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.

Loading comments...