IEC 61472-2013 PDF

Full title and description

IEC 61472:2013 — Live working — Minimum approach distances for a.c. systems in the voltage range 72,5 kV to 800 kV — A method of calculation. This international standard specifies a calculation method to determine minimum safe approach distances, taking into account system overvoltages, tool insulation and environmental factors for live working on high-voltage AC systems.

Abstract

This third edition provides a technical revision of the previous edition and clarifies scope and definitions, updates the methodology for assessing permissibility of live working, modifies the basic calculation equation and introduces an altitude correction factor table. It addresses assumptions such as trained personnel, transient overvoltages as the determining factor, absence of nearby lightning and dry/clean tool insulation.

General information

• Status: Published / Active (third edition).
• Publication date: 11 April 2013 (IEC publication date; EN adoption July–August 2013 in many territories).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 13.260; 29.240.20; 29.260.99 (protection against electric shock; power transmission and distribution lines; working in special conditions).
• Edition / version: Edition 3.0 (2013). Corrigendum 1 issued 2015 has been incorporated in available copies.
• Number of pages: IEC publication: 90 pages (PDF); national/adopted versions may differ in pagination.

Scope

This International Standard describes a method for calculating minimum approach distances for live working on AC systems with maximum voltages from 72.5 kV up to 800 kV. It covers calculation of required withstand voltages and air/tool insulation distances between energized parts and personnel or tools, accounting for system overvoltages, transient conditions, tool conducting components, altitude effects and the assumed condition of tool insulation and local lightning activity. For situations outside the stated assumptions, further specific calculations or laboratory data are required.

Key topics and requirements

• Methodology for calculating minimum approach distances (basic equation and parameters).
• Consideration of transient and system overvoltages when determining safe distances.
• Altitude correction factor for electric strength and simplified Table 1 (ka).
• Assumptions and conditions for applicability: trained personnel, dry/clean insulation, absence of lightning within 10 km, allowance for conducting tool parts.
• Guidance on when additional laboratory testing or special analysis is required (conditions outside assumptions).

Typical use and users

Primarily used by power utilities, transmission system operators, live‑working teams, safety engineers, consultants and regulators involved in high‑voltage live‑working procedures and risk assessment. It is referenced in work procedures, training materials and national/adopted technical regulations for overhead-line live maintenance in the 72.5 kV–800 kV range.

Related standards

Related documents include the previous edition IEC 61472:2004 (ED2), national/adopted variants EN/EVS/BS/ÖVE versions (EN 61472:2013) and the IEC 61472:2013/COR1:2015 corrigendum. This standard is part of the live‑working suite maintained by IEC TC 78 and is often used alongside other live‑working and electrical safety standards.

Keywords

live working, minimum approach distance, high voltage, overvoltage, insulation, altitude correction, electrical safety, IEC 61472, transmission line maintenance

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61472:2013 is an international standard that provides a method to calculate minimum safe approach distances for live working on AC systems in the 72.5 kV to 800 kV voltage range.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the calculation of required withstand voltages and minimum air or tool insulation distances, taking into account transient/system overvoltages, altitude effects, tool conduction and specified application assumptions (trained workers, dry tool insulation, no nearby lightning). For conditions outside those assumptions, additional analysis or testing is recommended.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Power utilities, transmission and distribution engineers, safety and risk assessors, live‑working crews, equipment designers and standards bodies adopt and use this standard to set safe working distances and to inform procedures and training.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61472:2013 is the third edition (published 2013) and is the current edition; a corrigendum was issued in 2015 and its text has been incorporated into many published copies. The IEC webstore indicates the edition’s stability date toward 2028. Users should check national adoption status for their country.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to the suite of live‑working standards developed by IEC TC 78; while IEC 61472 is focused on minimum approach distances for 72.5–800 kV AC systems, other live‑working standards address different voltage ranges, procedures, equipment and safety practices.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Minimum approach distance, live working, high voltage, overvoltage, tool insulation, altitude correction, IEC 61472.