WG 16 - TC 20/WG 16

IEC 60840:2020 is available as IEC 60840:2020 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 60840:2020 specifies test methods and requirements for power cable systems, cables alone and accessories alone, for fixed installations and for rated voltages above 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) up to and including 150 kV (Um = 170 kV). The requirements apply to single-core cables and to individually screened three-core cables and to their accessories for usual conditions of installation and operation, but not to special cables, such as submarine cables and their accessories, for which modifications to the standard tests or the setup of special test conditions can be necessary. This document does not cover transition joints between cables with extruded insulation and paper insulated cables. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition, published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- Gas immersed cable terminations for use at rated voltages above 52 kV are required to be designed, type and routine tested in accordance with IEC 62271-209 in addition to the routine and type tests specified in this document.
- Requirements are introduced for composite outdoor termination insulators.
- The test cylinder diameters specified for the bending test (type and prequalification tests) have been modified in line with IEC TR 61901:2016.
- A low smoke halogen free oversheath material, designated ST12 is introduced.
- Additional tests under fire conditions are introduced: vertical flame spread, smoke density, acidity and conductivity, which shall be applied according to the fire performance declared for the cable.
- A test for water penetration in the conductor is added.
- In addition to tests on the outer protection of joints, type tests on the screen sectionalizing insulation of all accessories have been introduced.
The contents of the corrigendum of February 2021 have been included in this copy.

IEC 62067:2022 is available as IEC 62067:2022 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 62067:2022 specifies test methods and requirements for power cable systems, cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for fixed installations, for rated voltages above 150 kV (Um = 170 kV) up to and including 500 kV (Um = 550 kV). The requirements apply to single-core cables and to their accessories for usual conditions of installation and operation, but not to special cables and their accessories, such as submarine cables, for which modifications to the standard tests can be necessary or special test conditions that may need to be devised. This document does not cover transition joints between cables with extruded insulation and paper insulated cables.

IEC 60502-1:2021 is available as IEC 60502-1:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60502-1:2021 specifies the construction, dimensions and test requirements of power cables with extruded solid insulation for rated AC voltages of 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) and 3 kV (Um = 3,6 kV) for fixed installations such as distribution networks or industrial installations. Cables of rated AC voltage 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) designed and tested in accordance with this document can also be used, if declared by the manufacturer, in DC distribution systems having their nominal voltage ≤ 750 V DC (with a maximum of 900 V DC) between a live conductor and neutral/earth, or ≤ 1 500 V DC (with a maximum 1 800 V DC) between two live conductors. Applicable core identification for DC systems are considered in accordance with local installation regulations.

IEC 63026:2019 specifies test methods and requirements for power cable systems, cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for fixed submarine installations, for rated voltages from 6 kV (Um = 7,2 kV) up to 60 kV (Um = 72,5 kV).
This document includes the electrical tests and the physical tests on materials and components as well as the specific mechanical tests that are applicable to submarine cable systems.
The requirements apply to armoured single-core cables and three-core cables in combination with their accessories, terminations and joints for usual conditions of installation and operation, but not to special cables and their accessories, such as submarine cables for dynamic applications (i.e. for direct connection to a floating structure), for which modifications to the standard tests can be necessary or special test conditions be devised.
This document is applicable to submarine cables installed in permanently submerged conditions with water depths up to 250 m.
This document does not include accessories having a mechanical function only, such as hang-offs or armour clamps.

IEC 61238-1-2:2018 applies to insulation piercing connectors for power cables for rated voltages up to 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV), for example according to IEC 60502-1 or other buried cables and cables installed in buildings, having
a) conductors complying with IEC 60228 having nominal cross-sectional areas between 2,5 mm2 and 300 mm2 for copper and between 16 mm2 and 500 mm2 for aluminium,
b) a maximum continuous cable temperature not exceeding the insulation material properties.
This document is not applicable to connectors for overhead line conductors nor to connectors with a sliding contact.
The object of this document is to define the type test methods and requirements, which apply to insulation piercing connectors for power cables with copper or aluminium conductors. The reference method is to perform the tests on unused insulated conductors.
This first edition, together with IEC 61238-1-1 and IEC 61238-1-3, cancels and replaces IEC 61238-1:2003.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 61238­-1:2003:
a) The scope has been widened to cover connectors for conductors from 10 mm2 down to 2,5 mm2 and has been limited to 300 mm2 for copper conductors and 500 mm2 for aluminium conductors because test experience and applications for IPC are rare for conductors of larger cross-sectional areas.
b) A new mechanical class has been introduced to satisfy the demand for connectors subjected to no mechanical force.
c) The electrical test method has been updated in order to take into consideration the temperature of the insulated reference conductors.
d) For the short-circuit test, the method of calculation and requirements have been updated.
e) For the mechanical test, the methods and requirements have been updated.
f) Different test proposals for multicore connector testing have been introduced.
g) A test proposal for pre-conditioning using live load pickup for insulation piercing connectors has been introduced.

IEC 61238-1-3:2018 applies to compression and mechanical connectors for power cables for rated voltages above 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV), for example buried cables or cables installed in buildings, having
a) conductors complying with IEC 60228 having nominal cross-sectional areas between 2,5 mm2 and 1 200 mm2 for copper and between 16 mm2 and 1 200 mm2 for aluminium, excluding Milliken conductors;
b) a maximum continuous conductor temperature not exceeding 90 °C.
This document is not applicable to connectors for overhead line conductors nor to connectors with a sliding contact.
The object of this document is to define the type test methods and requirements which apply to compression and mechanical connectors for power cables with copper or aluminium conductors. The reference method is to perform the tests on unused conductors.
This first edition, together with IEC 61238-1-1 and IEC 61238-1-2, cancels and replaces IEC 61238-1:2003.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 61238­-1:2003:
a) The scope has been widened to cover connectors for conductors from 10 mm2 down to 2,5 mm2 and has been limited to 1 200 mm2 for connectors for copper and aluminium conductors because test experience and applications are rare for conductors of larger cross-sectional areas.
b) A new mechanical class has been introduced to satisfy the demand for connectors subjected to higher mechanical forces than those specified in Class 1 for conductors of larger cross-sectional areas.
c) For the electrical test, a maximum elevated heating current has been set in order to avoid unrealistic current densities during the test which may change the properties of tested connectors.
d) For the short-circuit test, the method of calculation and requirements have been updated.
e) For the mechanical test, the methods and requirements have been updated.
f) A proposal for an electrical test on cable terminal lugs for application in separable connectors has been introduced.

IEC 61238-1-1:2018 applies to compression and mechanical connectors for power cables for rated voltages up to 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV), for example buried cables or cables installed in buildings, having
a) conductors complying with IEC 60228 having nominal cross-sectional areas between 2,5 mm2 and 1 200 mm2 for copper and between 16 mm2 and 1 200 mm2 for aluminium;
b) a maximum continuous conductor temperature not exceeding 90 °C.
This document is not applicable to connectors for overhead line conductors nor to connectors with a sliding contact.
The object of this document is to define the type test methods and requirements which apply to compression and mechanical connectors for power cables with copper or aluminium conductors. The reference method is to perform the tests on unused conductors.
This first edition, together with IEC 61238-1-2 and IEC 61238-1-3, cancels and replaces IEC 61238-1:2003.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 61238-­1:2003:
a) The scope has been widened to cover connectors for copper conductors from 10 mm2 down to 2,5 mm2 and has been limited to 1 200 mm2 for connectors for copper and aluminium conductors because test experience and applications are rare for conductors of larger cross-sectional areas.
b) Two new mechanical classes have been introduced to satisfy the demand for connectors subjected to no mechanical force and for connectors subjected to higher mechanical forces than those specified in Class 1 for conductors of larger cross-sectional areas.
c) For the electrical test, a maximum elevated heating current has been set in order to avoid unrealistic current densities during testing which may change properties of tested connectors.
d) For the short-circuit test, the method of calculation and requirements have been updated.
e) For the mechanical test, the methods and requirements have been updated.

IEC 60230:2018 defines the procedure for carrying out withstand lightning and switching impulse tests and withstand superimposed impulse test on cables and their accessories.
This document applies solely to the methods of carrying out the tests as such, independently of the problem of selecting the test levels to be specified. The voltages pertaining to the system on which cables and accessories are to be used are given in IEC 60183 or in the relevant product standard.
This document specifies the following requirements:
- the characteristics and state of the test installation and those parts of the procedure which are common to withstand tests and tests above the withstand level;
- the procedure for carrying out withstand lightning, switching impulse tests and superimposed impulse test;
- the procedure for carrying out tests above the withstand level which is intended for research purposes.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1966. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) the structure of the standard takes into account the current style of IEC standards;
b) this document is no longer a “Recommendation” but an “International Standard”;
c) the test installation is no longer related to gas-pressure and oil-filled cables only;
d) switching-impulse voltage and superimposed impulse voltage tests have been included;
e) for the measuring system the reference to IEC 60060-2 has been added. The reference to the sphere gap method has been moved to Annex B.

IEC TR 61901:2016(E), which is a Technical Report, specifies test methods and requirements for power cable systems, cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for fixed installations, for rated voltages above 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) up to and including 500 kV (Um = 550 kV). The requirements apply to single-core cables and to their accessories for usual conditions of installation and operation, but not to special cables and their accessories, such as submarine cables, for which modifications to the tests may be necessary or special test conditions may need to be devised. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Recommendations on the tests to be performed at the different stages of the cable and cable system qualification (development tests, type tests, sample tests, routine tests, after installation tests) have been provided;
b) The performance level of the tests related to the longitudinally applied metal foil which depends on the cable design has been detailed;
c) Three cable designs that represent the world production of cables with longitudinally applied metal foil have been detailed;
d) A test on the weld design has been included, following the appearance of a new cable design with smooth and longitudinally welded aluminium foil (referred to in this document as combined design);
e) An examination of the cable at the end of the type test has been included;
f) The cable system approach (cable with installed accessories) has been considered and a short circuit test with accessories has been introduced.

IEC 60885-3:2015 is available as IEC 60885-3:2015 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 60885-3:2015 specifies the test methods for partial discharge (PD) measurements on lengths of extruded power cable, but does not include measurements made on installed cable systems. Reference is made to IEC 60270 which gives the techniques and considerations applicable to partial discharge measurements in general. This second edition of IEC 60885-3 cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 1988 and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- The definition of sensitivity as twice the background noise level has been removed and replaced by a practical assessment of sensitivity based on the minimum level of detectable discharge.
- References to measurements of pulse heights in mm on an oscilloscope have been replaced by measurements of partial discharge magnitude in pC.
- The order of the clauses has been revised in line with the general numbering scheme of IEC standards and to provide clarity in order to facilitate its practical use. Section 3 of the first edition (Application guide) has been removed as it is considered that background information is better obtained from the original references as listed in the bibliography.

IEC 60183:2015 gives guidance in the selection of a.c. high-voltage cables and cable systems with extruded insulation and mainly to be used on three-phase alternating systems operating at voltages exceeding U = 1 kV (in this standard the term high voltage is used to cover any cable above 1 kV). Submarine cables are not included in the scope. Guidance is given in the selection of the conductor size, insulation level and constructional requirements of cable to be used. In addition, information necessary to enable the appropriate selection to be made is summarized. Paper insulated power cables are not considered in this standard for their selection into cable systems. However, when selecting cables with extruded insulation to be connected together with existing paper insulated cables, particular consideration for their proper compatibility, accessories and operational characteristics should be made. Environmental aspects are mentioned at the level at which they may influence the selection of high-voltage cables and their application. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 1984, and its Amendment 1 (1990) and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- the scope has been changed to a.c. high-voltage cables and cable systems;
- guidance relates to cables with extruded insulation;
- submarine cables are not covered but cables laid in water are covered;
- operation of systems with special bonding of the screen is covered;
- there is guidance on accessories;
- environmental aspects are addressed.

IEC 60502-2:2014 is available as IEC 60502-2:2014 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 60502-2:2014 specifies the construction, dimensions and test requirements of power cables with extruded solid insulation from 6 kV up to 30 kV for fixed installations such as distribution networks or industrial installations. When determining applications, it is recommended that the possible risk of radial water ingress is considered. Cable designs with barriers claimed to prevent longitudinal water penetration and an associated test are included in this part of IEC 60502. Cables for special installation and service conditions are not included, for example cables for overhead networks, the mining industry, nuclear power plants (in and around the containment area) nor for submarine use or shipboard application. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 2005, and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) a simplified calculation procedure for the thickness of the lead sheath and the oversheath;
b) a new subclause for the determination of the cable conductor temperature;
c) a modified procedure for the routine voltage test;
d) a new subclause for a routine electrical test on oversheath;
e) modified requirements for the non-metal sheaths including semi-conductive layer;
f) modified tolerances for the bending test cylinder;
g) the inclusion of a 0,1 Hz test after installation.
In addition, the modified structure of the IEC 60811 series has been adopted for this third edition.

IEC 62067:2011 is available as IEC 62067:2011 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 62067:2011 specifies test methods and requirements for power cable systems, cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for fixed installations, for rated voltages above 150 kV (Um = 170 kV) up to and including 500 kV (Um = 550 kV). The requirements apply to single-core cables and to their accessories for usual conditions of installation and operation, but not to special cables and their accessories, such as submarine cables, for which modifications to the standard tests may be necessary or special test conditions may need to be devised. This standard does not cover transition joints between cables with extruded insulation and paper insulated cables. The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows:
- addition of the extension of prequalification test, requiring significant less time to be completed compared with the full prequalification test;
- during the routine tests on the main insulation of prefabricated accessories the required sensitivity level for the partial discharge test is reduced from 10 pC to 5 pC.
NOTE: For a more detailed history of events leading up to this second edition, see the introduction.

IEC 60840:2011 is available as IEC 60840:2011 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 60840:2011 specifies test methods and requirements for power cable systems, cables alone and accessories alone, for fixed installations and for rated voltages above 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) up to and including 150 kV (Um = 170 kV). The requirements apply to single-core cables and to individually screened three-core cables and to their accessories for usual conditions of installation and operation, but not to special cables and their accessories, such as submarine cables, for which modifications to the standard tests may be necessary or special test conditions may need to be devised. This standard does not cover transition joints between cables with extruded insulation and paper insulated cables. The significant technical change with respect to the previous edition is as follows:
- introduction of a prequalification test procedure for cables with high electrical stresses and tested as a cable system including accessories.
NOTE: For a more detailed history of events leading up to this fourth edition, see the Introduction.

IEC 60502-4:2010 specifies the test requirements for type testing of accessories for power cables with rated voltages from 3,6/6 (7,2) kV up to 18/30 (36) kV, complying with IEC 60502-2. Accessories for special applications, such as aerial cables, submarine or ship cables or hazardous situations (explosive environments, fire-resistant cables or seismic conditions), are not included. It is not necessary to repeat these tests, once successfully completed, unless changes are made in the materials, design or manufacturing process which might affect the performance characteristics. Test methods are included in IEC 61442. Significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows:
a) the range of approval has been revised;
b) a water immersion test requirement for outdoor terminations has been introduced;
c) examination of accessories at the end of the test sequence is to be recorded in a test report for information only;
d) both the a.c. and d.c. test are to be carried out;
e) the heating cycle test has been added to Table 11.

Provides a range of tests which may be required for electric cables which have an extruded oversheath and where that oversheath performs a special protective function. The standard covers cables for use in insulated systems and in uninsulated systems. The tests are categorized for use as routine tests, type tests and tests after installation. These tests comprise of electrical routine tests on cable oversheath used in insulated or uninsulated systems, abrasion and corrosion spread type tests, electrical test on cable oversheath after installation. Routine tests and tests after installation, as specified in the relevant cable standards, are applicable for all situations. Type tests depend upon the nature of the system and the construction of the cable and do not have to be carried out for normal conditions of use. The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows: - The text has been modified in order to consider the function of the oversheath, irrespective of the way the metallic sheath or screen of the cable is earthed because, in some cases, the oversheath is designed to act not only as a protection against corrosion, but also to reduce the risk of degradation of the cable insulation system. This requirement may be independent of the nature of the insulation and independent of the rated voltage of the cable. - More precise wording has been introduced regarding the application of some tests (if the sheaths or foils are bonded to the oversheath or not). - The test requirements have been revised in order to be in line with the standards published after the second edition. - The pressure test at high temperature has been deleted as the requirement is specified in the relevant cable standards. - A "Guidance on tests after installation" (Annex B) has been included.

Specifies the test methods to be used for type testing accessories for power cables with rated voltage from 3,6/6 (7,2) kV up to 18/30 (36) kV. Test methods are specified for accessories for extruded and paper insulated cables according to IEC 60502-2 and IEC 60055-1 respectively. Significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows: a) a test in water has been added for stop ends; b) the heating cycles voltage test has been revised to clarify testing in air and water; c) the testing conditions for the short-circuit tests have been redefined; d) additional information has been provided for testing separable connectors with a metallic housing; e) tests not required by IEC, i.e. an immersion test for outdoor terminations and an impact test, have been included in order to have a common test method document with CENELEC under the IEC/CLC Dresden agreement.

Specifies the construction, dimensions and test requirements of power cables with extruded solid insulation for rated voltages of 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) and 3 kV (Um = 3,6 kV) for fixed installations such as distribution networks or industrial installations. This standard includes cables which exhibit properties of reduced flame spread, low levels of smoke emission and halogen-free gas emission when exposed to fire. Cables for special installation and service conditions are not included, for example cables for overhead networks, the mining industry, nuclear power plants (in and around the containment area), submarine use or shipboard application. The main changes with respect to the first edition relate to insulation and oversheath thickness requirements, and inclusion of constructions and requirements for halogen free cables with reduced flame propagation and low levels of smoke emission.

Gives conditions, categories and frequency of tests, routine tests, special tests, type tests and tests after installation.