IEC 61235-1993 PDF

Full title and description

Live working — Insulating hollow tubes for electrical purposes. International standard specifying requirements, tests and marking for hollow insulating tubes made of synthetic materials used as tools and components for live-line work on electrical systems operating at voltages above 1 kV.

Abstract

IEC 61235:1993 defines the technical characteristics, type tests, routine and sampling tests, mechanical and electrical requirements, marking and quality control provisions for insulating hollow tubes (commonly used as sections of hot‑sticks, insulating extensions and similar live‑working implements). The edition includes corrigenda issued in 1999 and 2000 that amend and clarify test and reporting requirements.

General information

• Status: Valid (original edition with corrigenda incorporated).
• Publication date: 6 September 1993.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 13.260 (protection against electric shock — live working); 29.240.20 (power transmission and distribution lines); 29.260.99 (other electrical equipment for special conditions).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (1993) — corrigenda COR1:1999 and COR2:2000 have been issued and are routinely included in current copies.
• Number of pages: 51 pages (base publication).

Scope

Applies to insulating hollow tubes made of synthetic materials intended for use in tools and equipment for live working on electrical systems of nominal voltages above 1 kV. The standard covers design and material requirements, dimensional and mechanical properties, electrical (dielectric) performance, type and routine tests, marking and documentation; tests and requirements for end fittings and accessory components are addressed where applicable or referenced to other specific standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and classification of insulating hollow tubes by intended application and voltage range.
• Material specifications for synthetic insulating materials and requirements for manufacturing quality and homogeneity.
• Dimensional limits, tolerances and recommended nominal sizes for tubes and sections used in live‑working tools.
• Type tests: electrical (proof and routine dielectric tests), mechanical strength, impact and aging tests to verify long‑term performance.
• Routine and sampling tests for production control, inspection procedures and acceptance criteria.
• Requirements and tests for end fittings, joints and accessory components when they affect electrical or mechanical performance.
• Marking, labelling and documentation required for safe use, traceability and maintenance records.
• Reporting and conformity assessment guidance including test reports and identification of non‑conforming material.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of insulating tubes and hot‑stick sections, electrical utilities and live‑line maintenance teams, testing and certification laboratories, procurement and safety engineers, and standards/quality personnel who specify, test, procure or maintain live‑working insulating equipment.

Related standards

Standards typically referenced alongside or used as complements to IEC 61235 include IEC 60903 (gloves of insulating material for live working), IEC 61477 (minimum requirements for the utilization of tools, devices and equipment), IEC 60743 (terminology for live‑working tools/equipment), IEC 60060 series (high‑voltage test techniques), IEC 60855 (insulating foam‑filled tubes and solid rods), IEC 60984 (sleeves of insulating material), IEC 61112 (blankets of insulating material) and IEC 61230 (portable equipment for grounding and bonding). Regional/adopted versions (EN/EN IEC national adoptions) exist for many jurisdictions.

Keywords

insulating hollow tube, hot‑stick section, live working, dielectric test, type test, routine test, synthetic insulating material, end fitting, IEC 61235, live‑line equipment

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61235:1993 is an international standard that specifies requirements and test methods for insulating hollow tubes used for live working on electrical systems above 1 kV.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers material and dimensional requirements, electrical and mechanical tests (type, sampling and routine), marking, documentation and requirements affecting the safe use of hollow insulating tubes and their relevant fittings and accessories.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of insulating tubes and hot‑stick equipment, electrical utilities and line crews, test laboratories, safety and procurement departments, and standards committees that adopt or reference live‑working equipment requirements.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The published edition is IEC 61235, edition 1.0 (1993). Corrigenda (COR1:1999 and COR2:2000) were issued and are normally included in current copies; official records list the publication as valid and stable (stability date indicated by the IEC). Users should confirm the latest status or any newer editions/cancellations with the IEC webstore or their national standards body before relying on the text for procurement or compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to the family of live‑working standards developed by IEC TC 78 (Live working). Several related IEC standards address insulating gloves, sleeves, rods, blankets, grounding equipment and utilization guidance; national and regional adoptions (EN, national variants) exist for local regulatory use.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: insulating hollow tube, live working, hot‑stick, dielectric test, type tests, synthetic insulating material, end fittings, IEC 61235.