IEC 62561-3:2012

IEC 62561-3
®

Edition 1.0 2012-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE


Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –
Part 3: Requirements for isolating spark gaps (ISG)

Composants des systèmes de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –
Partie 3: Exigences pour les éclateurs d'isolement

IEC 62561-3:2012-02(en-fr)

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IEC 62561-3

®


Edition 1.0 2012-02




INTERNATIONAL



STANDARD




NORME



INTERNATIONALE











Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –

Part 3: Requirements for isolating spark gaps (ISG)




Composants des systèmes de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –

Partie 3: Exigences pour les éclateurs d'isolement

















INTERNATIONAL

ELECTROTECHNICAL

COMMISSION


COMMISSION

ELECTROTECHNIQUE


INTERNATIONALE




ICS 29.020 ; 91.120.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-2979-8



Warning! Make sure that you obtained this publication from an authorized distributor.

Attention! Veuillez vous assurer que vous avez obtenu cette publication via un distributeur agréé.

® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission
Marque déposée de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale

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– 2 – IEC 62561-3:2012 © IEC 2012
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Classification . 9
5 Requirements . 9
5.1 General . 9
5.2 Environmental requirements . 9
5.3 Installation instructions . 9
5.4 Lightning current carrying capability . 10
5.5 Rated impulse sparkover voltage . 10
5.6 Rated withstand voltage . 10
5.6.1 Rated DC withstand voltage . 10
5.6.2 Rated AC withstand voltage . 10
5.7 Isolation resistance . 10
5.8 Marking . 10
5.9 UV resistance . 10
6 Tests . 11
6.1 General conditions for tests . 11
6.2 Electrical test . 11
6.2.1 Isolation resistance . 11
6.2.2 Withstand voltage . 11
6.2.3 Rated impulse sparkover voltage . 12
6.2.4 Lightning current . 12
6.2.5 Isolation resistance . 13
6.2.6 Withstand voltage . 13
6.2.7 Rated impulse sparkover voltage . 13
6.3 Marking test . 13
6.3.1 General conditions for tests . 13
6.3.2 Acceptance criteria . 13
7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 14
8 Structure and content of the test report. 14
8.1 General . 14
8.2 Report identification . 14
8.3 Specimen description . 14
8.4 Standards and references . 14
8.5 Test procedure. 15
8.6 Testing equipment description . 15
8.7 Measuring instruments description . 15
8.8 Results and parameters recorded . 15
8.9 Statement of pass/fail . 15

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IEC 62561-3:2012  IEC 2012 – 3 –
Annex A (normative) Environmental test for isolating spark gaps . 16
Annex B (normative) Flow chart of tests . 17
Bibliography . 18

a
Table 1 – Lightning impulse current (I ) parameters . 13
imp

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– 4 – IEC 62561-3:2012 © IEC 2012
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________

LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 3: Requirements for isolating spark gaps (ISG)

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
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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
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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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 62561-3 has been prepared by IEC technical committee: Lightning
protection.
This bilingual version (2015-10) corresponds to the English version published in 2012-02.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
81/418/FDIS 81/424A/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.
The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.

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IEC 62561-3:2012  IEC 2012 – 5 –
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The content of this part of IEC 62561 is taken from the European Standard EN 50164-3.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 62561 series, published under the general title Lightning
protection system components (LPSC), can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability 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.

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– 6 – IEC 62561-3:2012 © IEC 2012
INTRODUCTION
This part of IEC 62561 deals with the requirements and tests for isolating spark gaps (ISG)
used for the installation of a lightning protection system (LPS) designed and implemented
according to IEC 62305 series of standards.

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IEC 62561-3:2012  IEC 2012 – 7 –
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 3: Requirements for isolating spark gaps (ISG)



1 Scope
This part of IEC 62561 specifies the requirements and tests for isolating spark gaps (ISG) for
lightning protection systems.
ISGs can be used to indirectly bond a lightning protection system to other nearby metalwork
where a direct bond is not permissible for functional reasons.
Typical applications include the connection to:
• earth termination systems of power installations;
• earth termination systems of telecommunication systems;
• auxiliary earth electrodes of voltage-operated, earth fault circuit breakers;
• rail earth electrode of AC and DC railways;
• measuring earth electrodes for laboratories;
• installations with cathodic protection and stray current systems;
• service entry masts for low-voltage overhead cables;
• bypassing insulated flanges and insulated couplings of pipelines.
This standard does not cover applications where follow currents occur.
NOTE Lightning protection system components (LPSC) can also be suitable for use in hazardous conditions such
as fire and explosive atmosphere. Due regard will be taken of the extra requirements necessary for the
components to be installed in such conditions.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-2-52:1996, Environmental testing – Part 2-52: Tests – Test Kb: Salt mist, cyclic
(sodium chloride solution)
IEC 61643-11, Low-voltage surge protective devices – Part 11: Surge protective devices
connected to low-voltage power systems – Requirements and test methods
IEC 62561-1, Lightning protection system components (LPSC) – Part 1: Requirements for
connection components
IEC 62305-1, Protection against lightning – Part 1: General principles
ISO 6957:1988, Copper alloys – Ammonia test for stress corrosion resistance
ISO 6988:1985, Metallic and other non-organic coatings – Sulphur dioxide test with general
condensation of moisture

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– 8 – IEC 62561-3:2012 © IEC 2012
3 Terms and definitions
For the purpose of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
isolating spark gap
ISG
component with discharge distance for isolating electrically conductive installation sections
Note 1 to entry In the event of a lightning strike, the installation sections are temporarily connected conductively
as the result of the response of the discharge.
3.2
sparkover voltage
maximum voltage value before disruptive discharge between the electrodes of the ISG
3.3
withstand voltage
value of the test voltage to be applied under specified conditions in a withstand test, during
which a specified number of disruptive discharges is tolerated
3.4
power frequency withstand voltage
r.m.s value of a sinusoidal power frequency voltage that the ISG can withstand during tests
made under specified conditions and for a specified time
3.5
DC withstand voltage
value of a DC voltage that the ISG can withstand during tests made under specified

conditions and for a specified time
3.6
rated withstand voltage
value of a withstand voltage declared by the manufacturer to characterize the isolating
behaviour of an ISG
3.7
rated power frequency withstand voltage
U
W AC
value of a power frequency withstand voltage declared by the manufacturer to characterize
the isolating behaviour of an ISG
3.8
rated DC withstand voltage
U
W DC
value of a DC withstand voltage declared by the manufacturer to characterise the isolating
behaviour of an ISG
3.9
impulse sparkover voltage
impulse voltage of the waveshape 1,2/50 to classify the sparkover behaviour of the ISG
3.10
rated impulse sparkover voltage
U
r imp
manufacturer’s declaration of the ISG sparkover voltage

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IEC 62561-3:2012  IEC 2012 – 9 –
3.11
isolation resistance
ohmic resistance of the ISG between the active parts
3.12
lightning impulse current
I
imp
impulse current that classifies an ISG
Note 1 to entry Five parameters are to be considered; the peak value, the charge, the duration, the specific
energy and the rate of rise of the impulse current.
4 Classification
According to the ISG's capability to withstand lightning current, as per Table 1, the following
classes apply:
a) class H for heavy duty;
b) class N for normal duty;
c) class 1L for light duty;
d) class 2L for light duty;
e) class 3L for light duty.
5 Requirements
5.1 General
ISGs shall be designed in such a manner that when they are installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, their performance shall be reliable, stable and safe for persons
and surrounding equipment.
5.2 Environmental requirements
ISGs shall be designed in such way that they operate satisfactorily under the environmental
conditions given by the normal service conditions. Outdoors ISG shall be contained in a
weather shield of glass-glazed ceramic, or other acceptable material, that is resistant to UV
radiation, corrosion and erosion.
5.3 Installation instructions
The manufacturer of the ISG shall provide adequate instructions in their literature to ensure
that the installer of the ISG can select and install them in a suitable and safe manner.
These instructions shall contain at least the following information:
– classification and lightning current capability (I );
imp
– rated withstand voltage;
– rated impulse sparkover voltage (U );
r imp
– rated power frequency withstand voltage (U );
W AC
– rated DC withstand voltage (U );
W DC
– assembly instructions with installation location (if crucial to the function);
– appropriate connection components for the installation if not part of the ISG.
Compliance is checked by inspection.

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– 10 – IEC 62561-3:2012 © IEC 2012
5.4 Lightning current carrying capability
ISGs shall have sufficient lightning current carrying capability.
Compliance is checked in accordance with Clause 6 following the manufacturer’s declaration
for the class of the ISG in accordance with Clause 4.
5.5 Rated impulse sparkover voltage
The ISG shall always spark over at this value during the tests.
The ISG may experience some variation of sparkover characteristics before and after the
lightning current test. This shall be included in the rated impulse sparkover voltage defined by
the manufacturer.
5.6 Rated withstand voltage
5.6.1 Rated DC withstand voltage
The ISG shall never spark over at this value during the tests even after performing the
lightning current test.
5.6.2 Rated AC withstand voltage
The ISG shall never spark over at this value during the tests even after performing the
lightning current test.
5.7 Isolation resistance
Before the lightning current test, the isolation resistance shall be higher than 100 MΩ and
after the lightning current test, isolation resistance shall not be lower than 500 kΩ.
Compliance is checked in accordance with 6.2.1.
5.8 Marking
The ISG shall be marked at least with the following:
a) manufacturer’s or responsible vendor’s name or trade mark;
b) part number;
c) the classification in accordance with Clause 4.
If the marking in accordance with b) is not practical, it may be given on the smallest
packaging unit. The marking shall be durable and legible.
Compliance is checked in accordance with 6.3.
NOTE Marking can be applied for example by moulding, pressing, engraving, printing adhesive labels or water
slide transfers.
5.9 UV resistance
ISG housings shall be made of UV resistant material specified by the material’s supplier.
Compliance is checked by inspection of the documentation.

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IEC 62561-3:2012  IEC 2012 – 11 –
6 Tests
6.1 General conditions for tests
The tests in accordance with this standard are type tests and performed in a sequence
according to Annex B.
• Unless otherwise specified, tests are carried out with the specimens assembled and
installed as in normal use according to the manufacturer's or supplier's instructions.
• Unless otherwise specified, three specimens are subjected to the tests and the
requirements are satisfied if all the tests are met.
• If only one of the specimens does not satisfy a test due to an assembly or manufacturing
fault, that test and any preceding one which may have influenced the results of the test
shall be repeated. The tests which follow shall also be carried out in the required
sequence on another full set of specimens, all of which shall comply with the
requirements.
• If the ISG has an integral connection component part with its design, it shall be subjected
to the testing regime of IEC 62561-1 using the appropriate lightning current given in
Table 1 of this standard.
The applicant, when submitting a set of specimens, may also submit an additional set of
specimens which may be necessary should one specimen fail. The testing station will then,
without further request, test the additional set of specimens and will reject only if a further
failure occurs. If the additional set of specimens is not submitted at the same time, the failure
of one specimen will entail rejection.
Prior to the testing of the ISG and clamp assembly, suitable protection measures should be
employed to ensure that the housing is not exposed to the conditioning treatment.
6.2 Electrical test
6.2.1 Isolation resistance
The test is conducted with a d.c. voltage of 0,5 times the rated withstand voltage up to a
maximum of 500 V.
The resistance shall be measured after 30 s of applying the test voltage.
The specimen is deemed to have passed the test if the resistance is equal or greater than
100 MΩ.
6.2.2 Withstand voltage
6.2.2.1 General
The rated withstand voltage shall be tested according to the value declared by the
manufacturer in accordance with 3.6.
6.2.2.2 Power frequency withstand voltage
6.2.2.2.1 General conditions for tests
The rated power frequency withstand voltage is tested by applying an a.c. voltage at the
terminals of the ISG. The voltage is increased continuously at a rate of 100 V/s with a nominal
frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz until the r.m.s. value as declared by the manufacturer is reached
and this is maintained for a time of 60 s ± 1 s.

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– 12 – IEC 62561-3:2012 © IEC 2012
The prospective short-circuit current of the source may be limited to a minimum value of
5 mA. During the application of the test voltage the ISG shall not spark over, or conduct a
leakage current exceeding 1 mA.
6.2.2.2.2 Acceptance criteria
The specimens are deemed to have passed the test if no signs of cracks or punctures appear
on the enclosures.
6.2.2.3 DC withstand voltage
6.2.2.3.1 General conditions for tests
The rated d.c. withstand voltage shall be tested by applying a d.c. voltage at the terminals of
the ISG. The voltage shall be increased continuously at a rate of 100 V/s until the value as
declared by the manufacturer is reached and this is maintained for a time of 60 s ± 1 s.
The prospective short circuit current of the source may be limited to a minimum value of
5 mA. During the application of the test voltage the ISG shall not spark over, or conduct a
leakage current exceeding 1 mA.
6.2.2.3.2 Acceptance criteria
The specimens are deemed to have passed the test if no signs of cracks or punctures appear
on the enclosures.
6.2.3 Rated impulse sparkover voltage
6.2.3.1 General conditions for tests
An impulse voltage 1,2/50 μs with a peak value of the declared impulse sparkover voltage
shall be applied at the terminals of the ISG. The test is performed with five surges of positive
and negative polarity and the ISG has to spark over at each test impulse.
6.2.3.2 Acceptance criteri
...