IEC 61621-1997 PDF

Full title and description

Dry, solid insulating materials - Resistance test to high-voltage, low-current arc discharges. This International Standard specifies a short, convenient test method for assessing the resistance of dry, solid insulating materials to damage from high‑voltage, low‑current arc discharges occurring close to material surfaces; it is intended primarily for preliminary screening, formulation changes and quality‑control checks.

Abstract

IEC 61621:1997 defines a laboratory procedure to expose dry solid insulating materials (for example plastics, varnishes, films and similar materials used in electrical equipment) to controlled high‑voltage, low‑current arc discharges and to evaluate their resistance to surface damage. The method is designed for fast comparative testing rather than as a definitive lifetime prediction.

General information

• Status: International Standard (published).
• Publication date: 17 September 1997.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Technical Committee TC 112.
• ICS / categories: 17.220.99; 29.035.01.
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (1997).
• Number of pages: 25 pages.

Scope

The standard covers a resistance test to high‑voltage, low‑current arc discharges for dry, solid insulating materials. It is applicable as a quick screening test to differentiate materials of similar type, to detect effects of formulation changes and for routine quality control. The procedure is not intended to provide a comprehensive assessment of long‑term service behaviour in all field conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of specimen preparation and conditioning for dry, solid insulating materials.
• Description of the test apparatus and arrangement for generating controlled high‑voltage, low‑current arc discharges.
• Specifying test conditions (voltage/current range and discharge positioning) suitable for comparative screening.
• Criteria for visual and dimensional evaluation of damage and for interpreting comparative resistance to arc‑induced degradation.
• Requirements for repeatability and reporting to support formulation control and quality assurance.

Typical use and users

Typical users are materials and component manufacturers, independent test laboratories, R&D groups and quality‑control teams in industries that use electrical insulating plastics, varnishes, films and similar solid insulating products (for example electrical apparatus, motors, transformers and consumer appliances). The test is used mainly for preliminary screening, formulation development and batch QC.

Related standards

National and industry standards covering similar arc‑resistance or low‑current discharge tests are commonly referenced alongside IEC 61621; examples include the Chinese adoption GB/T 1411-2002 (solid insulating materials — resistance to high‑voltage, low‑current arc discharges), and comparable test methods such as ASTM D495 used for arc‑resistance evaluation. Users should consult each referenced standard for specific procedural differences and equivalence.

Keywords

dry solid insulating materials; arc discharge; low‑current; high‑voltage; resistance test; screening test; quality control; IEC 61621.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61621:1997 is an International Standard that specifies a resistance test for dry, solid insulating materials subject to high‑voltage, low‑current arc discharges, intended for comparative and quality‑control use.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, test apparatus and arrangement, test conditions for producing controlled low‑current arc discharges near material surfaces, and evaluation/reporting criteria for assessing surface damage and comparative resistance. It is aimed at preliminary screening rather than comprehensive lifetime assessment.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Material manufacturers, component OEMs, independent test laboratories, R&D teams and quality assurance groups working with insulating plastics, varnishes, films and similar dry solid insulating materials.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61621 was published on 17 September 1997 (Edition 1.0). The IEC webstore records a stability/review date indicating stability to 2027, so users should check IEC review status for any updates or replacements beyond that date.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: IEC 61621 was prepared by TC 112 (Evaluation and qualification of electrical insulating materials and systems). It is a standalone test method but relates to other materials and insulating‑performance standards; national adoptions or equivalents (for example GB/T 1411-2002) and other arc‑resistance methods (such as ASTM D495) are commonly used as complementary references.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Dry solid insulating materials, arc resistance, low‑current arc, high voltage, screening test, quality control, surface damage.