EN 50340:2010

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN 50340:2010
01-december-2010
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SIST EN 50340:2002
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Hydraulic cable cutting devices - Devices to be used on electrical installations with
nominal voltage up to AC 30 kV
Hydraulische Kabelschneidgeräte - Geräte zur Verwendung an elektrischen Anlagen mit
Nennwechselspannungen bis 30 kV
Dispositifs coupe câbles hydrauliques - Dispositifs à utiliser sur des installations
électriques de tension nominale jusqu'à 30 kV en courant alternatif
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50340:2010
ICS:
13.260 9DUVWYRSUHGHOHNWULþQLP Protection against electric
XGDURP'HORSRGQDSHWRVWMR shock. Live working
SIST EN 50340:2010 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST EN 50340:2010

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SIST EN 50340:2010

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 50340

NORME EUROPÉENNE
May 2010
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

ICS 13.260; 29.240.20; 29.260.99 Supersedes EN 50340:2001 + corr. Feb.2002


English version


Hydraulic cable cutting devices -
Devices to be used on electrical installations
with nominal voltage up to AC 30 kV



Dispositifs coupe câbles hydrauliques -  Hydraulische Kabelschneidgeräte -
Dispositifs à utiliser sur des installations Geräte zur Verwendung an elektrischen
électriques de tension nominale jusqu'à Anlagen mit Nennwechselspannungen
30 kV en courant alternatif bis 30 kV





This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2010-04-01. CENELEC members are bound to
comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and
notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels


© 2010 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 50340:2010 E

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SIST EN 50340:2010
EN 50340:2010 – 2 –
Foreword
This European Standard EN 50340 was prepared by the Technical Committee CENELEC TC 78, Equipment
and tools for live working. It was submitted to the formal vote as an amendment and was approved by
CENELEC as a new edition of EN 50340 on 2010-04-01.
This EN 50340:2010 supersedes EN 50340:2001.
The principal changes compared to EN 50340:2001 are as follows (minor changes are not listed):
- In the scope were defined limits for the pressure inside the cable cutting devices, to ensure that the
products are outside the Pressure Equipment Directive.
- The definitions were corrected and defined more clearly.
- According to the operating method and the local regulation, two possible insulating hose assemblies can
be applicable:
o Method A: The insulating hose assembly has a length of 10 m. Detailed references to EN 62237 with
some amendments have been added for checking the insulation hose line. In Annex A is
recommended a distance of minimum 10 m as safety zone.
o Method B: The insulating hose assembly consists of 3 m non insulating hose plus 320 mm hose
according to EN 62237 which gives a sufficient insulation for the worker.
- A note was inserted in 5.6 and 5.12 to consider the kind of working of the safety valve.
- The parameters of the metal wire were inserted in 5.7.
- Subclause 5.10 was renamed into “Stability” and the conditions of the test were amended.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN and CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the amendment has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2011-04-01
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the amendment have to be withdrawn (dow) 2013-04-01
The cable cutting devices specified here are designed to protect the user while he is verifying whether the
cable is dead.
In some countries, it is necessary where the cable to be cut is live that the first action of the cutting device is
to make, on a multi-phases cable, only a single-phase fault to earth so that the protective devices of the
network can operate on a single-phase fault.
This European Standard specifies requirements and tests for these cable cutting devices.
__________

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Contents
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Definitions . 6
4 Requirements . 7
4.1 General . 7
4.2 Cutting head . 7
4.3 Insulating hose assembly . 8
4.4 Insulating hydraulic fluid . 9
4.5 Pump. 9
4.6 Safety valve . 9
4.7 Reverse flow valve . 9
4.8 Pressure gauge . 9
4.9 Hydraulic coupler . 9
4.10 Bonding and earthing system . 9
4.11 Marking . 10
4.12 Instructions for use . 11
5 Tests . 11
5.1 General . 11
5.2 Inspection, instructions for use and marking . 11
5.3 Test of the insulating hose assembly . 11
5.4 Dielectric strength of the hydraulic fluid . 12
5.5 Hardness of the blade(s) . 12
5.6 Test under stress . 12
5.7 Self-acting opening test . 13
5.8 Accuracy of cutting . 13
5.9 Working force of the pump. 14
5.10 Stability . 14
5.11 Operation of the safety valve . 14
5.12 Pressure strength of the cable cutting device . 15
5.13 Functional test . 15
5.14 Test on earthing system . 15
6 Conformity assessment of cable cutting devices having completed the production phase . 16
Annex A (normative) Instructions for use . 23
A.1 Explanation of marking . 23
A.2 Description of cable cutting device . 23
A.3 Information about use according to the rules and procedures . 23
A.4 Guidance in case of faults of the cable cutting device . 24
A.5 Guidance after short circuiting . 24
Annex B (normative) List of type tests . 25
Annex C (normative) Classification of defects and tests to be allocated . 26
Annex D (informative) Background . 27

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EN 50340:2010 – 4 –
Figures
Figure 1 – Example of cable cutting device . 17
Figure 2 – “Double triangle” symbol . 18
Figure 3 – Self-acting opening test – Tackle-points to strain the blade(s) . 19
Figure 4 – Pump force – Test arrangement. 20
Figure 5 – Stability – Test arrangement . 21
Figure 6 – Earthing system – Test arrangement . 22

Tables
Table 1 – Forces to be applied to the blade(s) to oppose the opening action . 13
Table B.1 – List of type tests . 25
Table C.1 – Classification of defects and associated requirements and tests . 26

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SIST EN 50340:2010
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1 Scope
This European Standard is applicable to cable cutting devices to be used to verify that a cable is dead in
accordance with the rules given in EN 50110-1.
The following limits apply to the cable cutting devices:
- pressure less than 1 000 bar or pressure (bar) x volume (l) less than 10 000;
- fluid outside the categories listed in Article 9 Group 1 (explosive, extremely flammable, highly flammable,
flammable (where the maximum allowable temperature is above flashpoint), very toxic, toxic, oxidizing) of
the Pressure Equipment Directive.
Cable cutting devices specified in this standard are for use on systems with nominal voltage up to 30 kV AC
and nominal frequencies up to 60 Hz and shall only be suitable for operation by foot or by hand. This
European Standard does not deal with motorised cable cutting devices.
For devices to be used on systems with nominal voltages above 30 kV AC this standard should be used as a
guide but additional requirements and tests shall be agreed between manufacturer and customer to provide
for an equivalent level of safety.
These devices are not designed to be used on cables with special armour, or with steel wires or steel tapes
more than 1 mm in diameter or thickness.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 10016-2:1994, Non-alloy steel rod for drawing and/or cold rolling – Part 2: Specific requirements for
general purposes rod
EN 12164:1998 + A1:2000, Copper and copper alloys – Rod for free machining purposes
EN 50110-1:2004, Operation of electrical installations
EN 60156:1995, Insulating liquids – Determination of the breakdown voltage at power frequency – Test
method (IEC 60156:1995)
EN 61111:2009, Live working – Electrical insulating matting (IEC 61111:2009)
1)
EN 61230:1995 , Live working – Portable equipment for earthing or earthing and short-circuiting
(IEC 61230:1993, mod.)
EN 61318:2008, Live working – Conformity assessment applicable to tools, devices and equipment
(IEC 61318:2007)
EN 62237:2005, Live working – Insulating hoses with fittings for use with hydraulic tools and equipment
(IEC 62237:2003, mod.)
———————
1)
Superseded by EN 61230:2008, Live working – Portable equipment for earthing or earthing and short-circuiting (IEC 61230:2008).

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EN 50340:2010 – 6 –
HD 437 S1:1984, Standard conditions for use prior to and during the testing of solid electrical insulating
materials (IEC 60212:1971)
EN ISO 6507-1:2005, Metallic materials – Vickers hardness test – Part 1: Test method (ISO 6507-1:2005)
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
cable cutting device
a portable device which is used to cut cables in a safe manner. This device is used to verify that a cable is
dead at the work site.
It consists of the following components (see Figure 1):
- a cutting head, this contains the cutting blade(s);
- a hydraulic pump;
- a length of insulating hose with fittings (insulating hose assembly) to connect the cutting head and the
pump;
- insulating hydraulic fluid;
- an earthing system
3.2
cutting head
that part (component) of the device which contains the cutting blade(s) and which is applied to the cable to
be cut. The blade(s) is(are) operated by means of hydraulic pressure
3.3
pump
that part of the device which generates pressure in the insulating hydraulic fluid within the hose to operate
the cutting head
3.4
insulating hose
an insulating and pressure resistant hose used as part of an insulating hose assembly
3.5
insulating hose assembly
an insulating and pressure resistant component consisting of an insulating hose with fittings at each end for
the connection of parts of hydraulic equipment at different electric potentials
3.6
insulating hydraulic fluid
fluid with suitable electrical insulating properties used to equalize the pressure between the pump and the
cutting head
3.7
reverse flow valve
a valve for manual operation which is designed and installed for the backflow of fluid from the pressure
compartment to the storage compartment after having cut through the cable completely

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3.8
safety valve
a valve designed and installed to release the pressure of fluid in the pressure compartment when the
maximum operating pressure of the hydraulic system is reached, so that it protects the system against
overpressure
3.9
hydraulic coupler
a pair of fittings to permit a connection of hydraulic components
NOTE Some couplers can be separated by hand, others may require the use of a tool.
3.10
maximum operating pressure
the operating pressure specified by the manufacturer which shall not be exceeded during the functioning of
the cable cutting device
3.11
blade(s)
metallic part(s) with a sharp edge or edges which is designed to penetrate the cable in such a way that the
cable will be cut into two separate parts
3.12
earthing system
all those necessary connections, conductors and fittings used to ensure that the electrical potential of an
equipment is as close as practicable to the earth potential (i.e. at or about 0 V to earth)
[IEV 604-04-02, mod.]
3.13
type test
a test performed of one or more devices made to a certain design to show that the design meets certain
specifications
[IEV 151-04-15]
4 Requirements
4.1 General
4.1.1 The device shall operate correctly and safely indoor, outdoor, under rain and with a range of ambient
temperature between -20 °C to +40 °C.
4.1.2 The complete cable cutting device shall safely withstand the maximum operating pressure.
4.1.3 For cable cutting devices which can be dismantled, suitable means for the storage and transportation
of the separate components shall be provided. These means shall be designed to prevent damage to the
component parts in transit and pollution/contamination of all the insulating parts(i.e. hydraulic fluid, insulating
hose assemblies).
4.2 Cutting head
4.2.1 The design of the cutting head shall be such that it can be transported in a safe manner and is safe
and easy to locate on a cable.
4.2.2 The mass of the cutting head shall not exceed 20 kg so that it can be safely and readily operated by
one person.
4.2.3 The cutting head shall be designed so that when properly applied, it shall not be displaced during a
cutting operation except when a short circuit fault occurs.

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4.2.4 The cutting head shall be capable of accepting all cables up to the maximum diameter indicated by
the manufacturer.
4.2.5 The blade(s) of the cutting head shall be made of a durable metallic material with a surface hardness
ranging between 558 HV5 and 715 HV5 (50 HRC up to 60 HRC) (see EN ISO 6507-1).
4.2.6 The cutting head shall be designed to ensure that cutting is done continuously until the cable is cut
through completely.
4.2.7 If the hydraulic pressure disappears for any reason the blade(s) shall return to the starting position.
4.2.8 The cutting head shall be connected to the insulating hose assembly by a coupler which requires the
use of a tool to separate it.
4.2.9 The cutting head(s) shall be compatible with the pump as specified by the manufacturer of the pump.
4.3 Insulating hose assembly
According to the operating method and the local regulation, two possibilities can be applicable:
4.3.1 Method A
The insulating hose assembly shall fulfil the following requirements of EN 62237:2005:
- 5.3.1.2 “Electric tests on insulating hoses before exposure to humidity” with a test voltage of 36 kV;
- 5.3.1.3 “Electric tests on insulating hoses after exposure to humidity” with a test voltage of 36 kV;
- 5.3.1.4 “Electric tests on insulating after the infliction of a cut on hoses” with a test voltage of 36 kV;
- 5.4.1 “Hydrostatic test”;
- 5.4.2 “Fatigue test”;
- 5.4.3 “Mechanical impulse test” with a test piece according to group II (min. 600 mm) instead test
piece according to group I;
- 5.4.4 “Leakage test”;
- 5.4.5 “Change in length test”;
- 5.4.6 “Burst test” with a test piece according to group II (min. 600 mm) instead test piece
according to group I;
- 5.4.7 “Cold bend test“.
The following additions must be considered:
4.3.1.1 The part of the insulating hose of the hose assembly hoses shall provide the required electric
insulation between the operator and the cable even when the cutting head blade(s) reach(es) the highest
nominal voltage at power frequency and also under condition of pollution of the outer surface.
4.3.1.2 The complete length of the insulating hose of the hose assembly shall be made of insulating
material. It shall be flexible.
4.3.1.3 The insulating hose assembly shall be a single piece and be not less than 10 m long. Moreover, the
effective length shall be in accordance with the recommendations for use as mentioned in Annex A.
4.3.2 Method B
The insulating hose of the hose assembly shall fulfil all the requirements of EN 62237.
The length of the insulating hose shall be a minimum of 320 mm, according to the maximum voltage of 36 kV
of the installation. This insulating hose assembly shall be extended by a non insulating hose of a length
required by the operating method with a minimum of 3 m. Moreover, the effective length shall be in
accordance with the recommendations for use as mentioned in Annex A.

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The insulating hose of the insulating hose assembly shall be connected nearby the cutting head.
4.4 Insulating hydraulic fluid
The insulating hydraulic fluid shall withstand a test voltage of at least 10 kV.
4.5 Pump
4.5.1 The pump shall be fitted with a safety valve, a reverse flow valve and a pressure gauge to indicate the
operating pressure.
4.5.2 To ensure that the pump does not move or tip during pumping, the part of the pump in contact with the
ground shall be designed to provide sufficient stability during operation.
4.5.3 The pump shall be suitable for operation by foot or by hand.
4.5.4 Any means provided to adjust the maximum operating pressure shall only be accessible via a
cover/plate, or enclosure which needs a special tool for removal.
4.5.5 The pressure level at which the safety valve shall function shall be reached with no more than
100 strokes of the pump operating mechanism.
4.6 Safety valve
4.6.1 The safety valve shall release pressure in excess of the operating pressure by diverting the flow of the
insulating fluid back into the storage compartment.
4.6.2 The safety valve shall close automatically when the pressure in the system decreases below the
maximum operating pressure.
4.7 Reverse flow valve
The reverse flow valve shall be readily operated from the operating position.
4.8 Pressure gauge
4.8.1 The pressure indicated by the pressure gauge shall be clear and unambiguous when viewed from the
operating position.
4.8.2 The pressure gauge shall either be protected against mechanical damage or be sufficiently robust in
construction.
4.8.3 The range of pressure shown by the pressure gauge shall extend from « No pressure » to a value not
less than 1,2 times the maximum operating pressure. The « maximum operating pressure » shall be clearly
indicated by a marking in red. The indication shall be clear and unambiguous when viewed from the
operating position.
4.9 Hydraulic coupler
4.9.1 The mating parts of the coupler shall be capable of being easily connected by hand on the pump and
by a tool on the head.
4.9.2 The mating parts of the coupler, once properly connected, shall neither separate itself under pressure
nor leak.
4.9.3 To protect against the ingress of foreign bodies and pollutants, each part of any coupler shall be
provided with a readily removable cover or cap.
NOTE These covers and caps should be made captive to their individual parts of the couplers, so they are not lost.
4.10 Bonding and earthing system
The cable cutting device shall be equipped with termination fittings on identified earthing terminals on the
cutting head and on the pump where suitable earthing links can be connected.

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EN 50340:2010 – 10 –
4.10.1 The pump shall be equipped with termination fittings to allow the connection of earthling cables with
2
a minimum cross section of at least 16 mm .
4.10.2 The cutting head shall be equipped with termination fittings to allow the connection of earthing cables
which meet the requirements of EN 61230.
NOTE  The earthing terminal shall be placed on the cutting head on such a position that the function of the cutting head will not be
effected by possible damages caused by the occurrence of high fault currents.
4.11 Marking
4.11.1 Marking shall be legible and durable.
4.11.2 The following marking shall appear on the cable cutting device.
4.11.2.1 Cutting head
- mark of origin (name or trademark of the manufacturer),
- year of manufacture,
- type,
- number of production or serial number,
- maximum operating pressure,
- maximum cable diameter,
- double triangle symbol (see Figure 2).
4.11.2.2 Insulating hose
The marking specified shall appear along the length of the hose and the interval between the end of a mark
and the beginning of the next identical mark shall not be greater than 500 mm.
- mark of origin (name or trademark of the manufacturer),
- year of manufacture,
- type,
- nominal diameter.
4.11.2.3 Insulating hose assembly
The marking specified may be placed on the coupler parts or adjacent to the coupler parts. If marking is
placed on the hydraulic hose it shall be clearly distinguished from the marking of 4.11.2.2.
- mark of origin (name or trademark of manufacturer),
- year and month of manufacture,
- maximum operating pressure,
- double triangle symbol (see Figure 2).
4.11.2.4 Pump
- mark of origin (name or trademark of the manufacturer),
- year of manufacture,
- type,
- number of production or serial number,
- maximum operating pressure,
- indication of the types of cutting head(s) to be used with the pump,
- double triangle symbol (see Figure 2).

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4.12 Instructions for use
Each cable cutting device shall be accompanied by «Instructions for use». These instructions shall contain
all the necessary information concerning the assembly, the use and maintenance of the device so that it is
safe in use (see Annex A).
5 Tests
5.1 General
This European Standard provides testing provisions to demonstrate that the cable cutting device comply with
the requirements of Clause 4. These testing provisions are primarily intended to be used for type testing to
validate the design input.
The tests to be carried out are listed in Annex B. The sequence of tests shall follow the sequences as set out
in the text.
A single complete cable cutting device of a particular design shall be subjected to all the tests in the
sequence shown.
The type tests shall be carried out on one device.
Unless otherwise indicated the tests shall be carried out under standard atmospheric conditions according to
HD 437, i.e. an ambient temperature of +15 °C to +35 °C and a relative humidity of 45 % to 75 %.
The tolerance limits for the applied test values shall be 5 %.
5.2 Inspection, instructions for use and marking
5.2.1 Inspection
The requirements of 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9 and 4.10 shall be verified by visual or functional
inspection and measurements.
NOTE Visual inspection means visual inspection by a person with normal or corrected vision without additional magnification.
5.2.2 Instructions for use
The requirements of 4.12 shall be verified by examination of the instructions for use.
5.2.3 Marking
The durability of the marking is verified by rubbing the marking for 15 s with a piece of lint-free cloth soaked
into water and then rubbing it for further 15 s with a lint-free cloth soaked into ethyl alcohol.
The test is considered as passed if the marking is clearly legible and shows no curling or becomes detached
after this rubbing.
Marking made by engraving or moulding need not be subjected to this test.
5
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