IEC 62271-1:2007

IEC 62271-1
Edition 1.0 2007-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 1: Common specifications
Appareillage à haute tension –
Partie 1: Spécifications communes

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IEC 62271-1
Edition 1.0 2007-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 1: Common specifications
Appareillage à haute tension –
Partie 1: Spécifications communes

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
XF
CODE PRIX
ICS 29.130.10; 29.130.99 ISBN 2-8318-9323-2

– 2 – 62271-1 © IEC:2007
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.6

1 General .8

1.1 Scope.8

1.2 Normative references .8

2 Normal and special service conditions .12

2.1 Normal service conditions .13

2.2 Special service conditions .14
3 Terms and definitions .16
3.1 General terms .16
3.2 Assemblies of switchgear and controlgear .19
3.3 Parts of assemblies .19
3.4 Switching devices.20
3.5 Parts of switchgear and controlgear .20
3.6 Operation .26
3.7 Characteristic quantities .29
3.8 Index of definitions .30
4 Ratings.32
4.1 Rated voltage (U ).33
r
4.2 Rated insulation level .33
4.3 Rated frequency (f ) .37
r
4.4 Rated normal current and temperature rise.37
4.5 Rated short-time withstand current (I ).40
k
4.6 Rated peak withstand current (I ).40
p
4.7 Rated duration of short circuit (t ) .41
k
4.8 Rated supply voltage of closing and opening devices and of auxiliary and
control circuits (U ) .41
a
4.9 Rated supply frequency of closing and opening devices and of auxiliary
circuits .43
4.10 Rated pressure of compressed gas supply for controlled pressure systems.43
4.11 Rated filling levels for insulation and/or operation.43
5 Design and construction .43
5.1 Requirements for liquids in switchgear and controlgear .43

5.2 Requirements for gases in switchgear and controlgear .43
5.3 Earthing of switchgear and controlgear.44
5.4 Auxiliary and control equipment.44
5.5 Dependent power operation.50
5.6 Stored energy operation .50
5.7 Independent manual or power operation (independent unlatched operation).51
5.8 Operation of releases .51
5.9 Low- and high-pressure interlocking and monitoring devices .52
5.10 Nameplates .52
5.11 Interlocking devices.53
5.12 Position indication .53
5.13 Degrees of protection provided by enclosures .54
5.14 Creepage distances for outdoor insulators.55
5.15 Gas and vacuum tightness .56

62271-1 © IEC:2007 – 3 –
5.16 Liquid tightness .56

5.17 Fire hazard (flammability).57

5.18 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) .57

5.19 X-ray emission .57

5.20 Corrosion .58

6 Type tests .58

6.1 General .58

6.2 Dielectric tests .60

6.3 Radio interference voltage (r.i.v.) test.67

6.4 Measurement of the resistance of circuits.67
6.5 Temperature-rise tests .68
6.6 Short-time withstand current and peak withstand current tests .71
6.7 Verification of the protection.73
6.8 Tightness tests .74
6.9 Electromagnetic compatibility tests (EMC).76
6.10 Additional tests on auxiliary and control circuits .82
6.11 X-radiation test procedure for vacuum interrupters .86
7 Routine tests .88
7.1 Dielectric test on the main circuit.88
7.2 Tests on auxiliary and control circuits.88
7.3 Measurement of the resistance of the main circuit .89
7.4 Tightness test.89
7.5 Design and visual checks .90
8 Guide to the selection of switchgear and controlgear.90
8.1 Selection of rated values .91
8.2 Continuous or temporary overload due to changed service conditions .91
9 Information to be given with enquiries, tenders and orders .92
9.1 Information with enquiries and orders .93
9.2 Information with tenders .93
10 Transport, storage, installation, operation and maintenance .94
10.1 Conditions during transport, storage and installation .94
10.2 Installation .94
10.3 Operation .96
10.4 Maintenance.96

11 Safety.99
11.1 Precautions by manufacturers .100
11.2 Precautions by users.100
11.3 Electrical aspects .100
11.4 Mechanical aspects.101
11.5 Thermal aspects.101
11.6 Operation aspects .101
12 Influence of the product on the environment . 101

Annex A (normative) Identification of test specimens . 102
Annex B (normative) Determination of the equivalent r.m.s. value of a short-time
current during a short circuit of a given duration .104
Annex C (normative) Method for the weatherproofing test for outdoor switchgear and
controlgear .105

– 4 – 62271-1 © IEC:2007
Annex D (normative) Requirements for auxiliary and control circuit components .108

Annex E (informative) Tightness (information, example and guidance).110

Annex F (normative) Tolerances on test quantities during tests .112

Annex G (informative) Information and technical requirements to be given with

enquiries, tenders and orders .115

Annex H (informative) Corrosion: Information regarding service conditions and

recommended test requirements .118

Annex I (informative) List of symbols and abbreviations used in IEC 62271-1 .119

Annex J (informative) Electromagnetic compatibility on site .121

Annex K (informative) List of notes concerning certain countries.122

Bibliography.123

Figure 1 – Altitude correction factor .15
Figure 2 – Examples of classes of contacts .49
Figure 3 – Diagram of connections of a three-pole switching device.63
Figure 4 – Diagram of a test circuit for the radio interference voltage test .77
Figure 5 – Test location of radiation meter .87
Figure B.1 – Determination of short-time current.104
Figure C.1 – Arrangement for weatherproofing test.106
Figure C.2 – Nozzle for weatherproofing test .107
Figure E.1 – Example of a tightness coordination chart, TC, for closed pressure
systems .110
Figure E.2 – Sensitivity and applicability of different leak-detection methods for
tightness tests .111

Table 1a – Rated insulation levels for rated voltages of range I, series I .34
Table 1b – Rated insulation levels for rated voltages of range I, series II (based on
a
current practice in some areas, including North America) .35
Table 2a – Rated insulation levels for rated voltages of range II .36
Table 2b – Additional rated insulation levels, based on current practice in some areas,
including North America for range II.37
Table 3 – Limits of temperature and temperature rise for various parts, materials and

dielectrics of high-voltage switchgear and controlgear .38
Table 4 – Direct current voltage .41
Table 5 – Alternating current voltage .42
Table 6 – Auxiliary contact classes .48
Table 7 – Degrees of protection .55
Table 8 – Example of grouping .58
Table 9 – Test conditions in general case .62
Table 10 – Power-frequency test conditions.63
Table 11 – Impulse test conditions.64
Table 12 – Test conditions for the alternative method .65
Table 13 – Permissible temporary leakage rates for gas systems .75
Table 14 – Application of voltages at the fast transient/burst test.80

62271-1 © IEC:2007 – 5 –
Table 15 – Application of voltage at the damped oscillatory wave test .81

Table 16 – Assessment criteria for transient disturbance immunity .81

Table D.1 – List of reference documents for auxiliary and control circuit components . 108

Table F.1 – Tolerances on test quantities for type test .113

– 6 – 62271-1 © IEC:2007
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
HIGH-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 1: Common specifications
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62271-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 17A: High-voltage
switchgear and controlgear, of IEC technical committee 17: Switchgear and controlgear.

This standard cancels and replaces IEC 60694 published in 1996. This first edition of IEC
62271-1 constitutes a technical revision.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
17A/799/FDIS 17A/804/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The reader’s attention is drawn to the fact that Annex K lists all of the “in-some-country”

62271-1 © IEC:2007 – 7 –
clauses on differing practices of a less permanent nature relating to the subject of this

standard.
The list of all parts of the IEC 62271 series under the general title, High-voltage switchgear

and controlgear, can be found on the IEC website.

The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until

the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in

the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be

• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 8 – 62271-1 © IEC:2007
HIGH-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 1: Common specifications
1 General
1.1 Scope
This part of IEC 62271 applies to a.c. switchgear and controlgear designed for indoor and
outdoor installation and for operation at service frequencies up to and including 60 Hz on
systems having voltages above 1 000 V.
This standard applies to all high-voltage switchgear and controlgear except as otherwise
specified in the relevant IEC standards for the particular type of switchgear and controlgear.
NOTE For the use of this standard, high voltage (see IEV 601-01-27) is the rated voltage above 1 000 V.
However, the term medium voltage (see IEV 601-01-28) is commonly used for distribution systems with voltages
above 1 kV and generally applied up to and including 52 kV.
1.2 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.
IEC 60034-1, Rotating electrical machines – Part 1: Rating and performance
IEC 60038:1983, IEC standard voltages
IEC 60050-131, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 131: Circuit theory
IEC 60050-151, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) − Part 151: Electrical and
magnetic devices
IEC 60050-191, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) − Chapter 191: Dependability
and quality of service
IEC 60050-351, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 351: Control
technology
IEC 60050-441, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) − Chapter 441: Switchgear,
controlgear and fuses
IEC 60050-446, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Chapter 446: Electrical relays
IEC 60050-551, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Power electronics
IEC 60050-581, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Chapter 581: Electro-
mechanical components for electronic equipment
IEC 60050-601, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Chapter 601:Generation,
transmission and distribution of electricity – General
IEC 60050-604, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) − Chapter 604: Generation,
transmission and distribution of electricity − Operation

62271-1 © IEC:2007 – 9 –
IEC 60050-605, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Chapter 605: Generation,

transmission and distribution of electricity – Substations

IEC 60050-811, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Chapter 811: Electric

traction
IEC 60050-826, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) − Part 826: Electrical

installations
IEC 60051-1, Direct acting indicating analogue electrical measuring instruments and their

accessories – Part 1: Definitions and general requirements common to all parts

IEC 60051-2, Direct acting indicating analogue electrical measuring instruments and their
accessories – Part 2: Special requirements for ammeters and voltmeters
IEC 60051-4, Direct acting indicating analogue electrical measuring instruments and their
accessories – Part 4: Special requirements for frequency meters
IEC 60051-5, Direct acting indicating analogue electrical measuring instruments and their
accessories – Part 5: Special requirements for phase meters, power factor meters and
synchroscopes
IEC 60059, IEC standard current ratings
IEC 60060-1:1989, High-voltage test techniques − Part 1: General definitions and test
requirements
IEC 60064, Tungsten filament lamps for domestic and similar general lighting purposes –
Performance requirements
IEC 60068-2 (all parts), Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests
IEC 60071-1:2006, Insulation co-ordination − Part 1: Definitions, principles and rules
IEC 60071-2:1996, Insulation co-ordination − Part 2: Application guide
IEC 60073, Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification
– Coding principles for indicators and actuators
IEC 60081, Double-capped fluorescent lamps – Performance specifications

IEC/TR 60083, Plugs and socket-outlets for domestic and similar general use standardized in
member countries of IEC
IEC 60085, Electrical insulation – Thermal classification
IEC 60115-4 (all parts), Fixed resistors for use in electronic equipment – Part 4: Sectional
specification: Fixed power resistors
IEC 60130 (all parts), Connectors for frequencies below 3 MHz
IEC 60227 (all parts), Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and
including 450/750 V
IEC 60228, Conductors of insulated cables
IEC 60245 (all parts), Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V

– 10 – 62271-1 © IEC:2007
IEC 60255-8, Electrical relays – Part 8: Thermal electrical relays

IEC 60255-21-1, Electrical relays – Part 21: Vibration, shock, bump and seismic tests on

measuring relays and protection equipment – Section One: Vibration tests (sinusoidal)

IEC 60255-21-3, Electrical relays – Part 21: Vibration, shock, bump and seismic tests on

measuring relays and protection equipment – Section 3: Seismic tests

IEC 60269-2, Low-voltage fuses – Part 2: Supplementary requirements for fuses for use by
authorized persons (fuses mainly for industrial application) – Examples of standardized
systems of fuses A to I
IEC 60270, High-voltage test techniques – Partial discharge measurements
IEC 60296: Fluids for electrotechnical applications – Unused mineral insulating oils for
transformers and switchgear
IEC 60309-1, Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes – Part 1: General
requirements
IEC 60309-2, Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes – Part 2: Dimensional
interchangeability requirements for pin and contact-tube accessories
IEC 60376, Specification of technical grade sulfur hexafluoride (SF ) for use in electrical equipment
IEC 60393-1, Potentiometers for use in electronic equipment – Part 1: Generic specification
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment
IEC 60445, Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification
– Identification of equipment terminals and conductors terminations
IEC 60480, Guidelines for the checking and treatment of sulfur hexafluoride (SF ) taken from
electrical equipment and specification for its re-use
IEC 60502-1, Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages
from 1 kV (U = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (U = 36 kV) – Part 1: Cables for rated voltages of 1 kV
m m
(U = 1,2 kV) and 3 kV (U = 3,6 kV)
m m
IEC 60507, Artificial pollution tests on high-voltage insulators to be used on a.c. systems

IEC 60512-2 (all parts), Connectors for electronic equipment – Tests and measurements –
Part 2: Electrical continuity and contact resistance tests
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60617, Graphical symbols for diagrams
IEC 60669-1, Switches for household and similar fixed-electrical installations – Part 1:
General requirements
IEC 60695-1 (all parts), Fire hazard testing – Part 1: Guidance for assessing the fire hazard of
electrotechnical products
IEC 60695-7 (all parts), Fire hazard testing – Part 7:Toxicity of fire effluent
IEC 60721-1, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 1: Environmental parameters

62271-1 © IEC:2007 – 11 –
and their severities
IEC 60721-2 (all parts), Classification of environmental conditions – Part 2: Environmental

conditions appearing in nature – Temperature and humidity

IEC 60721-3 (all parts), Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3: Classification of

groups of environmental parameters and their severities

IEC 60730-2-9, Automatic electrical controls for household and similar use – Part 2-9:

Particular requirements for temperature sensing controls

IEC 60730-2-13, Automatic electrical controls for household and similar use – Part 2-13:
Particular requirements for humidity sensing controls
IEC 60815:1986, Guide for the selection of insulators in respect of polluted conditions
IEC 60909-0, Short-circuit currents in three-phase a.c. systems – Part 0: Calculation of
currents
IEC 60909-1, Short-circuit currents in three-phase a.c. systems – Part 1: Factors for the
calculations of short-circuit currents according to IEC 60909-0
IEC 60932, Additional requirements for enclosed switchgear and controlgear from 1 kV to
72,5 kV to be used in severe climatic conditions
IEC 60947-2, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 2: Circuit-breakers
IEC 60947-3, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 3: Switches, disconnectors,
switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
IEC 60947-4-1, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 4-1: Contactors and motor-
starters – Electromechanical contactors and motor-starters
IEC 60947-4-2, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 4-2: Contactors and motor-
starters – AC semiconductor motor controllers and starters
IEC 60947-5-1, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 5-1: Control circuit devices
and switching elements – Electromechanical control circuit devices
IEC 60947-7-1, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 7-1: Ancillary equipment –
Terminal blocks for copper conductors

IEC 60947-7-2, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 7-2: Ancillary equipment –
Protective conductor terminal blocks for copper conductors
IEC 61000-4-1, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-1: Testing and measurement
techniques – Overview of IEC 61000-4 series
IEC 61000-4-4, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-4: Testing and measurement
techniques Electrical fast transient/burst immunity test
IEC 61000-4-11, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-11: Testing and measurement
techniques – Voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage variations immunity tests
IEC 61000-4-18, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-18: Testing and measurement
techniques – Damped oscillatory wave immunity test

– 12 – 62271-1 © IEC:2007
IEC 61000-4-17, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-17: Testing and measurement

techniques – Ripple on d.c. input power port immunity test

IEC 61000-4-29, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-29: Testing and measurement

techniques – Voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage variations on d.c. input power port

immunity tests
IEC 61000-5 (all parts), Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 5: Installation and

mitigation guidelines
IEC 61000-6-2, Eletromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-2: Generic standards – Immunity for

industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-5, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-5: Generic standards – Immunity for
power station and substation environments
IEC 61020-4: Electromechanical switches for use in electronic equipment – Part 4: Sectional
specification for lever (toggle) switches
IEC 61180-1, High-voltage test techniques for low-voltage equipment – Part 1: Definitions,
test and procedure requirements
IEC 61634, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Use and handling of sulphur
hexafluoride (SF ) in high-voltage switchgear and controlgear
IEC 61810 (all parts), Electromechanical elementary relays
IEC 62063, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – The use of electronic and associated
technologies in auxiliary equipment of switchgear and controlgear
IEC 62262, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against
external mechanical impacts (IK code)
IEC 62271-2, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 2: Seismic qualification for rated
voltages of 72,5 kV and above
IEC/TR 62271-300, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 300: Seismic qualification
of alternating current circuit-breakers
IEC 62326-1, Printed boards – Part 1:Generic specification

CISPR 11, Industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio-frequency equipment –
Electromagnetic disturbance characteristics – Limits and methods of measurement
CISPR 16-1 (all parts), Specification for radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus
and methods − Part 1: Radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus
CISPR 18-2, Radio interference characteristics of overhead power lines and high-voltage
equipment – Part 2: Methods of measurement and procedure for determining limits
2 Normal and special service conditions
Unless otherwise specified, high-voltage switchgear and controlgear, including the operating
devices and the auxiliary equipment which form an integral part of them, are intended to be
used in accordance with their rated characteristics and the normal service conditions listed
in 2.1.
62271-1 © IEC:2007 – 13 –
If the actual service conditions differ from these normal service conditions, high-voltage

switchgear and controlgear and associated operating devices and auxiliary equipment shall

be designed to comply with any special service conditions required by the user, or appropriate

arrangements shall be made (refer to 2.2).

NOTE 1 Appropriate action should also be taken to ensure proper operation under such conditions of other
components, such as relays.
NOTE 2 Detailed information concerning classification of environmental conditions is given in IEC 60721-3-3

(indoor) and IEC 60721-3-4 (outdoor).

2.1 Normal service conditions
2.1.1 Indoor switchgear and controlgear
a) The ambient air temperature does not exceed 40 °C and its average value, measured over
a period of 24 h, does not exceed 35 °C.
The preferred values of minimum ambient air temperature are –5 °C, –15 °C and –25 °C.
b) The influence of solar radiation may be neglected.
c) The altitude does not exceed 1 000 m.
d) The ambient air is not significantly polluted by dust, smoke, corrosive and/or flammable
gases, vapours or salt. The manufacturer will assume that, in the absence of specific
requirements from the user, there are none.
e) The conditions of humidity are as follows:
– the average value of the relative humidity, measured over a period of 24 h, does not
exceed 95 %;
– the average value of the water vapour pressure, over a period of 24 h, does not
exceed 2,2 kPa;
– the average value of the relative humidity, over a period of one month, does not
exceed 90 %;
– the average value of the water vapour pressure, over a period of one month, does not
exceed 1,8 kPa.
For these conditions, condensation may occasionally occur.
NOTE 1 Condensation can be expected where sudden temperature changes occur in periods of high
humidity.
NOTE 2 To withstand the effects of high humidity and condensation, such as breakdown of insulation or
corrosion of metallic parts, switchgear designed for such conditions should be used.
NOTE 3 Condensation may be prevented by special design of the building or housing, by suitable ventilation

and heating of the station or by the use of dehumidifying equipment.
f) Vibrations due to causes external to the switchgear and controlgear or earth tremors are
insignificant relative to the normal operating duties of the equipment. The manufacturer
will assume that, in absence of specific requirements from the user, there are none.
NOTE 4 The interpretation of the term “insignificant” is the responsibility of the user or specifier of the
equipment. Either the user is not concerned with seismic events, or his analysis shows that the risk is
“insignificant”.
2.1.2 Outdoor switchgear and controlgear
a) The ambient air temperature does not exceed 40 °C and its average value, measured over
a period of 24 h, does not exceed 35 °C.
The preferred values of minimum ambient air temperature are −10 °C, −25 °C, −30 °C and
−40 °C.
Rapid temperature changes should be taken into account.

– 14 – 62271-1 © IEC:2007
b) Solar radiation up to a level of 1 000 W/m (on a clear day at noon) should be considered.

NOTE 1 Under certain levels of solar radiation, appropriate measures, for example roofing, forced ventilation,
test simulating solar gain, etc., may be necessary, or derating may be used, in order not to exceed the

specified temperature rises.
NOTE 2 Details of global solar radiation are given in IEC 60721-2-4.

c) The altitude does not exceed 1 000 m.

d) The ambient air may be polluted by dust, smoke, corrosive gas, vapours or salt. The

pollution does not exceed pollution level II (medium) according to Table 1 of IEC 60815.

e) The ice coating shall be considered in the range from 1 mm up to, but not exceeding,
20 mm.
f) The wind speed does not exceed 34 m/s (corresponding to 700 Pa on cylindrical
surfaces).
NOTE 3 Characteristics of wind are described in IEC 60721-2-2.
g) Consideration should be given to condensation or precipitations that may occur.
NOTE 4 Characteristics of precipitation are defined in IEC 60721-2-2.
h) Vibrations due to causes external to the switchgear and controlgear or earth tremors are
insignificant relative to the normal operating duties of the equipment. The manufacturer
will assume that, in the absence of specific requirements from the user, there are none.
NOTE 5 The interpretation of the term “insignificant” is the responsibility of the user or specifier of the
equipment. Either the user is not concerned with seismic events, or his analysis shows that the risk is
“insignificant”.
2.2 Special service conditions
When high-voltage switchgear and controlgear is used under conditions different from the
normal service conditions given in 2.1, the user's requirements should refer to standardized
steps as follows.
2.2.1 Altitude
For installations at an altitude higher than 1 000 m, the insulation withstand level of external
insulation at the service location shall
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