IEC 62271-206:2011

IEC 62271-206 ®
Edition 1.0 2011-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 206: Voltage presence indicating systems for rated voltages above 1 kV and
up to and including 52 kV
Appareillage à haute tension –
Partie 206: Systèmes indicateurs de présence de tension assignées supérieures
à 1 kV et inférieures ou égales à 52 kV

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either IEC or
IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite
ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie
et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de la CEI ou du Comité national de la CEI du pays du demandeur.
Si vous avez des questions sur le copyright de la CEI ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette
publication, utilisez les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de la CEI de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office
3, rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Email: inmail@iec.ch
Web: www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
 Catalogue of IEC publications: www.iec.ch/searchpub
The IEC on-line Catalogue enables you to search by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical committee,…).
It also gives information on projects, withdrawn and replaced publications.
 IEC Just Published: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published details twice a month all new publications released. Available
on-line and also by email.
 Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and electrical terms containing more than 20 000 terms and definitions
in English and French, with equivalent terms in additional languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary online.
 Customer Service Centre: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need further assistance, please visit the Customer Service
Centre FAQ or contact us:
Email: csc@iec.ch
Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
A propos de la CEI
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (CEI) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des
normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

A propos des publications CEI
Le contenu technique des publications de la CEI est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez
l’édition la plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.
 Catalogue des publications de la CEI: www.iec.ch/searchpub/cur_fut-f.htm
Le Catalogue en-ligne de la CEI vous permet d’effectuer des recherches en utilisant différents critères (numéro de référence,
texte, comité d’études,…). Il donne aussi des informations sur les projets et les publications retirées ou remplacées.
 Just Published CEI: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications de la CEI. Just Published détaille deux fois par mois les nouvelles
publications parues. Disponible en-ligne et aussi par email.
 Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
Le premier dictionnaire en ligne au monde de termes électroniques et électriques. Il contient plus de 20 000 termes et
définitions en anglais et en français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans les langues additionnelles. Egalement appelé
Vocabulaire Electrotechnique International en ligne.
 Service Clients: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv/custserv_entry-f.htm
Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette publication ou si vous avez des questions, visitez le FAQ du
Service clients ou contactez-nous:
Email: csc@iec.ch
Tél.: +41 22 919 02 11
Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
IEC 62271-206 ®
Edition 1.0 2011-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 206: Voltage presence indicating systems for rated voltages above 1 kV
and up to and including 52 kV
Appareillage à haute tension –
Partie 206: Systèmes indicateurs de présence de tension assignées supérieures
à 1 kV et inférieures ou égales à 52 kV

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX T
ICS 29.130.10 ISBN 978-2-88912-314-8
– 2 – 62271-206  IEC:2011
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
1 General . 7
1.1 Scope . 7
1.2 Normative references . 7
2 Service conditions. 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Ratings . 8
4.1 Rated voltage . 9
4.2 Rated insulation level . 9
4.3 Rated frequency . 9
5 Design and construction . 9
5.1 General . 9
5.1.1 Parts of VPIS . 9
5.1.2 Phase comparison . 9
5.1.3 Degree of protection (IP code) . 9
5.1.4 Impact resistance . 9
5.1.5 Testing element . 9
5.2 Threshold values for voltage presence indication . 9
5.3 Indication and perceptibility . 10
5.3.1 General . 10
5.3.2 Frequency of repetition . 10
5.3.3 Response time . 10
5.3.4 Indication until power source is exhausted. 10
5.4 Coupling element and voltage limiting device . 10
5.4.1 Insulation of coupling element . 10
5.4.2 Voltage limiting device . 10
5.4.3 Threshold voltage of voltage limiting device. 11
5.4.4 Earth fault conditions . 11
5.4.5 Maximum current delivered by the connecting point . 11
5.5 Marking . 11
5.6 Phase comparator and connecting point . 11
5.6.1 General . 11
5.6.2 Clear indication of phase comparators . 12
5.6.3 Perceptibility of indication . 12
5.6.4 Indication in case of absence of voltage on one side . 12
5.6.5 Indication in case of absence of voltage on both sides . 12
5.7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 12
6 Type tests . 13
6.1 General . 13
6.1.1 Sequence of tests . 13
6.1.2 Test specimens . 13
6.1.3 Conditioning procedure . 13
6.1.4 Test voltages . 13
6.1.5 Test conditions . 13
6.1.6 Values of currents and voltages . 14
6.1.7 Tolerances. 14

62271-206  IEC:2011 – 3 –
6.2 Arrangement, assembly, marking, and instructions for use . 14
6.3 Clear indication of VPIS . 14
6.4 Response time of VPIS . 14
6.5 Dielectric strength of the coupling element of VPIS . 15
6.6 Maximum current delivered by the connecting point . 15
6.7 Voltage limiting device . 15
6.7.1 General . 15
6.7.2 Threshold voltage . 15
6.7.3 Current-carrying capacity . 15
6.8 Clear perceptibility of visual indication . 16
6.8.1 Test voltages . 16
6.8.2 Test set-up . 16
6.8.3 Test procedure . 16
6.8.4 Test assessment . 16
6.8.5 Perceptibility of indication at maximum applied voltage . 16
6.8.6 Perceptibility of indication at low light level . 17
6.9 Impact resistance . 17
6.10 Clear indication of phase comparators . 17
6.10.1 Test set-up . 17
6.10.2 Incorrect phase relationship . 17
6.10.3 Correct phase relationship . 17
6.10.4 Absence of voltage on one side . 17
6.10.5 Absence of voltage on both sides . 18
6.11 Electromagnetic compatibility tests (EMC) . 18
6.12 Indication until power source is exhausted . 18
6.12.1 Test set-up . 18
6.12.2 Determination of test voltage . 18
6.12.3 Test procedure . 18
6.12.4 Repetition of test. 18
6.12.5 Multiple power sources . 18
6.12.6 Test assessment . 19
7 Routine tests . 19
7.1 General . 19
7.2 Clear indication . 19
8 Guide to the selection of VPIS . 19
9 Information to be given with enquiries, tenders and orders . 19
10 Instructions for use . 19
10.1 General . 19
10.2 Instructions for use of VPIS . 19
10.3 Instructions for use of phase comparators . 20
11 Safety . 20
Bibliography . 24

Figure 1 – Voltage presence indicating system . 21
Figure 2 – Examples for measuring the response time . 22
Figure 3 – Test set-up for perceptibility of visual indication . 23

– 4 – 62271-206  IEC:2011
Table 1 – Indication corresponding to "voltage present" . 10
Table 2 – Sequence of type tests for VPIS and phase comparators (PC) . 21

62271-206  IEC:2011 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
HIGH-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 206: Voltage presence indicating systems for rated voltages
above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV

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 itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
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 62271-206 has been prepared by subcommittee 17C: High-voltage
switchgear and controlgear assemblies, of IEC technical committee 17: Switchgear and
controlgear.
This first edition of IEC 62271-206 cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61958. This
edition constitutes a minor revision.
The main changes with respect of the first edition of IEC 61958 are an actualization of
references and the degree of protection which has been changed from IPXXB to IP2X.

– 6 – 62271-206  IEC:2011
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
17C/491/FDIS 17C/500/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.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 62271 series under 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
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.
62271-206  IEC:2011 – 7 –
HIGH-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 206: Voltage presence indicating systems for rated voltages
above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV

1 General
1.1 Scope
This part of IEC 62271 is applicable to voltage presence indicating systems (VPIS) incor-
porated in a.c. switchgear and controlgear covered by IEC 62271-200 or IEC 62271-201.
Voltage presence indicating systems are devices used to provide information to operators
about the voltage condition of the main circuit of the switchgear in which they are installed.
The indication of VPIS alone is not sufficient to prove that the system is dead: if operating
procedures make it mandatory, relevant voltage detectors according to IEC 61243-1,
IEC 61243-2 and IEC 61243-5 should be used.
This standard is also applicable to phase comparators specifically designed for use with VPIS.
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 60060-1, High-voltage test techniques – Part 1: General definitions and test requirements
IEC 60068-2-14, Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of temperature
IEC 60068-2-75, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
IEC 62271-1:2007, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: Common specifications
IEC 62271-200, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 200: AC metal-enclosed
switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV
IEC 62271-201, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 201: AC insulation-enclosed
switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV
IEC 61243-1, Live working – Voltage detectors – Part 1: Capacitive type to be used for
voltages exceeding 1 kV a.c.
IEC 61243-2, Live working – Voltage detectors – Part 2: Resistive type to be used for voltages
of 1 kV to 36 kV a.c.
IEC 61243-5, Live working – Voltage detectors – Part 5: Voltage detecting systems (VDS)
2 Service conditions
VPIS are designed to be used under the same service conditions as the switchgear in which
they are installed, as defined in Clause 2 of IEC 62271-1.

– 8 – 62271-206  IEC:2011
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
voltage presence indicating system (VPIS)
device used to indicate the presence of operating voltage
NOTE 1 VPIS may also be used in conjunction with phase comparators.
NOTE 2 VPIS are not designed to detect reliably the absence of voltage: for this purpose, only voltage detectors
or voltage detecting systems (VDS according to IEC 61243-5) should be used.
3.2
coupling element
part of the VPIS connected to the main circuit which transmits to the indicating element a
signal related to the voltage condition of this circuit. Different physical principles can be used
for the coupling element, for example, capacitive, resistive, optical, etc.
3.3
indicating element
part of the VPIS which gives a visual indication depending on the input signal received from the
coupling element
3.4
connecting point
point of the indicating element where a suitable phase comparator may be connected
3.5
phase comparator
apparatus which indicates the phase relationship between the connecting points of two VPIS
3.6
)
nominal voltage (U
n
suitable approximate value of voltage used to identify a system or device
[IEC 60050-601:1985, 601-01-21, modified]
NOTE 1 The nominal voltage of the VPIS is the parameter associated with its clear indication. VPIS may have one
nominal voltage U , or a nominal voltage range. Limit values of the nominal voltage range are named U and
n nmin
U .
nmax
NOTE 2 In this standard, the nominal voltage of a three-phase system is the normal phase-to-phase voltage. The
nominal voltage of a single-phase system is the normal voltage between lines.
3.7
voltage limiting device
protective device that limits the voltage at the output terminal of the coupling element in the
case of insulation failure
4 Ratings
The following ratings of the switchgear shall also be applicable to the VPIS incorporated in it:
– rated voltage;
– rated insulation level;
– rated frequency(ies).
In addition, the nominal voltage, or nominal voltage range, of the systems on which the VPIS
can be used, shall be defined.

62271-206  IEC:2011 – 9 –
4.1 Rated voltage
Refer to 4.1 of IEC 62271-1.
4.2 Rated insulation level
Refer to 4.2 of IEC 62271-1.
4.3 Rated frequency
Refer to 4.3 of IEC 62271-1.
5 Design and construction
5.1 General
5.1.1 Parts of VPIS
A VPIS includes
– a coupling element;
– an indicating element;
– a connecting point (optional).
Both the coupling and indicating elements are fixed and incorporated in switchgear (see
Figure 1).
5.1.2 Phase comparison
VPIS should allow checking of phase relationship by means of a suitable phase comparator.
The characteristics of the phase comparator shall be defined by the manufacturer of the VPIS.
5.1.3 Degree of protection (IP code)
Parts of the VPIS which contribute to the switchgear enclosure shall meet the degree of
protection defined for the switchgear.
If the VPIS includes hazardous parts when in service, it shall provide at least an IP2X degree of
protection according to IEC 60529, even when replaceable parts are removed.
5.1.4 Impact resistance
Accessible parts of VPIS shall be resistant to mechanical impact.
5.1.5 Testing element
VPIS with a built-in power source shall be equipped with a testing element to check the
condition of the battery.
5.2 Threshold values for voltage presence indication
The threshold values for voltage presence indication are shown in the following Table 1.

– 10 – 62271-206  IEC:2011
Table 1 – Indication corresponding to "voltage present"
The indication corresponding to "voltage present"
shall appear shall not appear
in three-phase systems when the actual line-to-earth voltage when the actual line-to-earth voltage
is between 45 % of the nominal is less than 10 % of the nominal
voltage and the rated voltage voltage
in single-pole earthed single-phase when the actual line-to-earth voltage when the actual line-to-earth voltage
systems is between 78 % of the nominal is less than 17 % of the nominal
voltage and the rated voltage voltage
in mid-point earthed single-phase when the actual line-to-earth voltage when the actual line-to-earth voltage
systems is between 39 % of the nominal is less than 9 % of the nominal
voltage and 50 % of the rated voltage voltage
5.3 Indication and perceptibility
5.3.1 General
The indicating element of a VPIS shall provide a clear visual indication of the voltage state.
The indication shall be clearly perceptible to the user when in the recommended operating
position and under practical lighting conditions.
Some types of VPIS are restricted to indoor use, and others are suitable for indoor and outdoor
use.
5.3.2 Frequency of repetition
In the case of a repetitive visual indication, the frequency of repetition shall be at least 1 Hz.
This requirement shall be met for an actual line-to-earth voltage equal to, or greater than, 45 %
of the nominal voltage. For a line-to-earth voltage lower than 10 % of the nominal voltage, the
indication corresponding to "voltage not present" shall appear with no active signal allowed for
a VPIS having no built-in power source.
For single-phase systems, the applicable threshold values according to Table 1 shall be used.
5.3.3 Response time
The indicating element of a VPIS shall indicate the change of state of voltage within 1 s.
5.3.4 Indication until power source is exhausted
VPIS with a built-in power source shall give a clear indication of voltage presence until the
power source is exhausted, unless their usage is limited by an indication of non-readiness or
automatic shut-off.
5.4 Coupling element and voltage limiting device
5.4.1 Insulation of coupling element
The coupling element shall provide adequate insulation between its output terminal and the
main circuit.
5.4.2 Voltage limiting device
To provide protection for operators against the presence of operating voltage on the connecting
point, it shall be ensured that any insulation failure of the coupling element will necessarily
cause a permanent earth fault.

62271-206  IEC:2011 – 11 –
This shall be achieved by connecting the coupling element output terminal to earth via a
voltage limiting device.
The voltage limiting device can be a specific component (for example, spark gap) or be one of
the components permanently connected to the coupling element (for example, an indicating
element component).
The effects caused by the response of the voltage limiting device shall be taken into account
when determining the protection concept of the installation.
5.4.3 Threshold voltage of voltage limiting device
The threshold voltage of the voltage limiting device shall comply with the following
requirements:
– it shall be lower than 30 % of the nominal voltage of the power system;
– it shall be less than the lowest limiting value of the dielectric strength in the remaining
components of the VPIS.
5.4.4 Earth fault conditions
For systems with insulated or resonant earthed neutral, earth fault currents are limited to low
values and the equipment can be maintained in operation for a long period of time under these
conditions.
In such cases, additional precautions shall be taken to ensure that either the earth fault
condition can easily be observed by operators, or no dangerous voltage can occur on the
connecting point for the earth fault duration.
5.4.5 Maximum current delivered by the connecting point
The current delivered by the connecting point when it is short-circuited to earth and with rated
frequency and rated voltage between conductor and earth shall not exceed 2 mA. If the degree
of protection of the connecting point is lower than IP2X, the current value shall be limited
to 0,5 mA.
5.5 Marking
Marking shall be legible and permanent. It may be printed, engraved or moulded on the VPIS
casing or switchgear front panel in the vicinity of the indicating element and connecting point.
The following markings, at least, shall be assigned to the indicating element and connecting
point in a perceptible manner with characters of at least 3 mm high:
– IEC 62271-206;
– nominal voltage(s) (or range of nominal voltages) of VPIS;
– phase designation (L1, L2, L3).
As an alternative, the first two items may be added to the nameplate of the switchgear.
5.6 Phase comparator and connecting point
5.6.1 General
The manufacturer of VPIS shall state which types of phase comparators are suitable for use
with the VPIS.
– 12 – 62271-206  IEC:2011
5.6.2 Clear indication of phase comparators
Phase comparators shall indicate "incorrect phase relationship" if the phase shift between line-
to-earth voltages exceeds 30° and shall indicate "correct phase relationship" if the phase shift
is less than 10°.
Phase comparators used on VPIS shall comply with these requirements for line-to-earth
operating voltages in the range of U / 3 ± 8 %.
n
The clear indication of a phase comparator shall not be affected by the difference between
signals delivered on connecting points which can result from
– a difference of up to 5 % between operating voltages,
– construction tolerances of identical VPIS.
NOTE Other threshold values for phase angles may be agreed between the manufacturer and the user according
to the intended application, for example:
– if the purpose of phase comparison is to check that there are no interchanged connections before closing a
circuit, then the upper threshold value can be increased from 30° to, for example, 60° because the resulting
phase shift would be 120°;
– in some specific situations, two different systems can be out of phase by exactly 30°; in that case, the upper
threshold value should be reduced from 30° to, for example, 25°.
5.6.3 Perceptibility of indication
Phase comparators shall indicate "incorrect phase relationship" by means of an active signal.
Phase comparators with a built-in power source shall indicate both "correct phase relationship"
and "incorrect phase relationship" by means of active signals. The two active signals shall not
rely solely on light of different colours for perceptibility. Additional characteristics, such as
spatial separation of the light sources, distinctive form of the light signals, flashing light or
audible signals with full sound pressure level, shall be used.
5.6.4 Indication in case of absence of voltage on one side
For phase comparators providing only one active signal, a voltage less than 10 % of U on one
n
side and more than 45 % of U on the other shall lead to the indication "incorrect phase
n
relationship". For phase comparators providing two or more active signals, absence of voltage
on one side shall result in either no indication or a specific active signal.
5.6.5 Indication in case of absence of voltage on both sides
Voltages of less than 10 % of U on both sides shall lead to no indication.
n
5.7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
A VPIS is a part of the secondary system of switchgear as defined in 5.18 of IEC 62271-1.
Therefore, 5.18 and 6.9 of IEC 62271-1 shall be applicable to VPIS.

62271-206  IEC:2011 – 13 –
6 Type tests
6.1 General
6.1.1 Sequence of tests
The tests for VPIS are given in Table 2. The tests shall be carried out in the sequence given in
this table. All tests shall be carried out on the same specimen, except for test of 6.7.3, which
may be performed separately.
Where the following test requirements do not allow tests on individual parts, the respective
tests shall be performed on complete devices.
Single-phase tests are normally sufficient. Three-phase tests are prescribed where needed.
6.1.2 Test specimens
Type tests shall be performed on three test specimens and/or three complete devices. If a test
specimen does not pass one of the type tests, the entire type test programme shall be
repeated on three more specimens. If a specimen again does not pass one type test, the
equipment has failed the test.
NOTE An individual type test need not be repeated for a change of construction detail, if the manufacturer can
demonstrate that this change does not influence the result of that individual type test.
6.1.3 Conditioning procedure
Prior to type tests, all test specimens shall be subjected, as a conditioning procedure, to a
change of temperature test Nb according to IEC 60068-2-14 with the following test parameters:
– the lower temperature T shall be equal to the minimum ambient air temperature specified
A
in the service conditions;
– the higher temperature T shall be 15 K over the maximum ambient air temperature
B
specified in the service conditions;
– the rate of change of temperature shall be 0,5 °C/min;
shall be equal to 3 h;
– the exposure duration t
– two cycles shall be performed.
6.1.4 Test voltages
Voltage tests shall, if not otherwise specified below, be performed with alternating voltages at
rated frequency complying with the requirements of IEC 60060-1.
6.1.5 Test conditions
Unless otherwise specified in the individual test subclauses, the electrical tests shall be
performed under the following standard atmospheric conditions:
– ambient temperature: 15 °C to 35 °C;
– relative humidity: 45 % to 75 %;
– atmospheric pressure: 86 kPa to 106 kPa.
For dielectric tests, atmospheric correction factors according to IEC 60060-1 shall be used
when applicable.
– 14 – 62271-206  IEC:2011
6.1.6 Values of currents and voltages
All a.c. currents and voltages are defined as, and shall be expressed as, r.m.s. values.
6.1.7 Tolerances
For all values required, deviations of ±5 % are permissible, unless otherwise specified in
the individual test subclauses. For dielectric tests, tolerances on test voltages defined by
IEC 60060-1 are applicable.
6.2 Arrangement, assembly, marking, and instructions for use
It shall be verified whether the following requirements are fulfilled if applicable, either by visual
inspection, measuring or other method of checking:
– arrangement according to 5.1.1;
– characteristics of phase comparator according to 5.1.2;
– degree of protection according to 5.1.3;
– testing element according to 5.1.5;
– type of VPIS according to 5.3.1;
– protection concept according to 5.4.2;
– marking according to 5.5;
– indication of phase comparator according to 5.6.4 and 5.6.5;
– instructions for use according to Clause 10.
6.3 Clear indication of VPIS
If VPIS are used in three-phase systems, the following test shall be performed on a three-
phase basis.
A three-phase voltage source shall be connected to the main circuit of the switchgear
containing the coupling element and its neutral point to the earthing connection of the
switchgear. No other equipment, for example, phase comparators or other measuring devices,
shall be connected to the connecting point.
The test voltage shall be increased until the indication "voltage present" appears. The applied
line-to-earth voltage U shall be recorded. The line-to-earth test voltage shall then be
vp
increased up to the rated voltage (U ).
r
The test is considered as passed if the voltage U is between 10 % of U and 45 % of
nmax
vp
U in three-phase systems and if a clear indication "voltage present" is given in the voltage
nmin
range from U to U .
vp r
Additionally, in the case of a repetitive indication, it shall be verified that the frequency of
repetition is equal to, or higher than, 1 Hz in the voltage range from 45 % of the nominal
voltage to U .
r
NOTE For systems other than three-phase, the applicable phase-to-phase or phase-to-earth voltage should be
used to determine the upper limit for U , for example 78 % of the nominal voltage in single-pole earthed single-
vp
phase systems, 39 % of the nominal voltage in mid-point earthed single-phase systems.
6.4 Response time of VPIS
The VPIS shall be connected according to 6.3 to a line-to-earth voltage equal to 45 % of U .
n
62271-206  IEC:2011 – 15 –
The test voltage shall be switched on and off five times. The duration of the on and off periods
shall be varied and be at least 3 s long. The voltage conditions (on/off) of the voltage source
and the indications shall be recorded as a function of time (see Figure 2).
The response time t , as defined in Figure 2, according to the type of indication shall be
r
determined from the records.
The test is considered as passed, if none of the measured response times is longer than 1 s.
6.5 Dielectric strength of the coupling element of VPIS
The lightning impulse voltage withstand test and the power-frequency voltage withstand test
defined in IEC 62271-1 shall be applied to the VPIS or to the switchgear including the VPIS.
The values of test voltage shall be those corresponding to the rated voltage of the VPIS or
switchgear according to IEC 62271-1.
The test voltage shall be applied to the main circuit and the VPIS shall be connected to earth
as in practice.
The tests shall be carried out and assessed in accordance with IEC 62271-1.
During the tests, operation of the voltage limiting device may occur. This shall not cause any
damage to the VPIS.
6.6 Maximum current delivered by the connecting point
A single-phase voltage source shall be connected between all main circuits of the switchgear
containing the VPIS and the earthing connection of the switchgear. The connecting point of
the VPIS shall be connected to earth via a current measuring device. The rated voltage of the
VPIS shall be applied as the test voltage.
The test is considered as passed, if the measured current does not exceed the value specified
in 5.4.5.
6.7 Voltage limiting device
6.7.1 General
The tests shall be performed on the complete VPIS.
6.7.2 Threshold voltage
The a.c. test voltage shall be applied to the output terminal of coupling element and steadily
increased until flashover, breakdown or voltage limitation occurs in the VPIS.
The test is considered as passed, when flashover, breakdown or limitation has occurred at the
voltage limiting device and the test voltage has been not more than 30 % of U .
nmin
6.7.3 Current-carrying capacity
The current-carrying capacity of the voltage limiting device shall be proven by the following
test.
An a.c. voltage source shall be connected between the output terminal of the coupling element
and earth. The voltage shall be adjusted to U / 3, and the prospective current shall be set
n
at 50 A with a power factor less than 0,15 inductive.

– 16 – 62271-206  IEC:2011
The following test sequence shall be performed:
– current duration: 1 s;
– pause 2: min;
– current duration: 1 s.
The test is considered as passed if in the above test sequence the voltage limiting device
functions correctly and carries the current. During or after the test, the voltage limiting device
may be damaged. In such a case, the test according to 6.7.2 shall be repeated in order to
verify that voltage limitation is still effective.
Additionally, in the case of VPIS intended for use on systems with insulated or resonant
earthed neutral, it shall be verified that either earth fault condition is clearly observable, or the
voltage at connecting point does not exceed 50 V r.m.s. for the fault duration.
NOTE Other test conditions, for example a higher current or a different test sequence, may be chosen upon
agreement between the manufacturer and the user.
6.8 Clear perceptibility of visual indication
6.8.1 Test voltages
The VPIS shall be connected according to 6.3 to a line-to-earth voltage of 0,45 × U , U
nmin nmin
being the minimum value of the nominal voltage range.
For a VPIS with a built-in power source, the voltage supply shall be set during indication at
5 % ± 1 % above the voltage at which the VPIS shuts off or gives an indication of non-
readiness. This voltage may be taken from another electrical energy source.
6.8.2 Test set-up
The indicating element shall be placed in front of the centre of an unpolished grey screen of at
least 1 000 mm in diameter with a reflectivity i
...