IEC TS 60815-1-2008 PDF

Full title and description

Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage insulators intended for use in polluted conditions — Part 1: Definitions, information and general principles (IEC/TS 60815-1:2008). This technical specification provides definitions, principles and methods used to characterise pollution at outdoor high-voltage sites and to select and size insulators (creepage and related dimensions) for polluted environments.

Abstract

IEC/TS 60815-1:2008 establishes the general framework for assessing site pollution severity (SPS) and for deriving the reference unified specific creepage distance (USCD) used to select insulators for polluted outdoor electrical systems. The document defines terms, describes inputs (system, environment, insulator characteristics), outlines practical selection approaches, and gives guidance on evaluating candidate insulator performance and appropriate test/acceptance methods. This first-edition technical specification replaced IEC/TR 60815 (1986).

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / Replaced (superseded by IEC TS 60815-1:2025).
• Publication date: 29 October 2008 (Edition 1.0).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.080.10 (Insulators).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2008).
• Number of pages: 53 pages.

Scope

Applies to selection and dimensioning of external high-voltage insulators for use in polluted conditions. The document sets out general definitions and methods to: characterise the type and severity of pollution at a site (SPS), determine a reference unified specific creepage distance for a reference insulator, apply corrections for candidate insulator geometry and material, and choose appropriate selection approaches and tests. The specification is primarily targeted at outdoor systems and covers both insulator components and insulation forming part of apparatus; it does not address in detail effects of snow, ice or altitude.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for pollution, creepage, hydrophobicity and related concepts.
• Methods to evaluate Site Pollution Severity (SPS) including measurement parameters and classification.
• Derivation of reference unified specific creepage distance (USCD / RUSCD) from SPS class.
• Corrections to reference creepage for candidate insulator properties (profile, material, average diameter, creepage factor).
• Three practical selection/dimensioning approaches to suit different data availability and risk tolerance.
• Guidance on inputs required: system voltages, environmental conditions, orientation/proximity effects, maintenance and mitigation.
• Recommendations on test methods and acceptance criteria (artificial pollution testing, measurement of deposit densities and leakage currents) to verify performance.
• Notes on limitations (limited guidance for snow/ice/altitude and for DC in the 2008 edition; later revisions expand DC applicability).

Typical use and users

The specification is used by transmission and distribution utilities, system planners, line and substation design engineers, insulator manufacturers, test laboratories and certification bodies, consultants evaluating mitigation and maintenance strategies, and procurement/specification teams who must define creepage and insulator requirements for polluted environments.

Related standards

Associated documents and complementary standards include other parts of the IEC 60815 series (detailed guidance for ceramic/glass and polymer insulators), IEC/TS 60815-2 and IEC/TS 60815-3 (part-specific guidance), test and measurement publications such as IEC TR 61245 (artificial pollution tests for DC systems) and various IEC test methods and electrotechnical vocabulary entries referenced by the series. The 2008 parts were later updated and reissued in the 2025 revision of the series.

Keywords

insulators, pollution, site pollution severity (SPS), unified specific creepage distance (USCD / RUSCD), creepage, hydrophobicity, artificial pollution tests, selection, dimensioning, high-voltage, outdoor insulation, IEC 60815.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC/TS 60815-1:2008 is a technical specification that defines general principles, terms and methods for selecting and dimensioning high-voltage insulators for polluted outdoor environments.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions, methods to determine site pollution severity (SPS), how to derive a reference unified specific creepage distance, corrections for candidate insulator geometry and material, practical selection approaches, and guidance on relevant tests and acceptance criteria.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Transmission/distribution utilities, power-system and substation designers, insulator manufacturers, test laboratories, certification bodies and consultants working on polluted-environment insulation selection and testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2008 edition (Edition 1.0) has been superseded; it was withdrawn and replaced by a revised edition (IEC TS 60815-1:2025). Users should consult the 2025 edition for the most recent requirements and terminology updates.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. IEC/TS 60815-1 is Part 1 of the IEC 60815 series. Complementary parts provide specific guidance for different insulator types and systems (for example parts addressing ceramic/glass and polymer insulators and other parts covering DC applications).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Site pollution severity (SPS), unified specific creepage distance (USCD / RUSCD), creepage, hydrophobicity, artificial pollution tests, insulator selection, polluted environments, high-voltage insulators.