IEC TS 60815-3-2008 PDF

Full title and description

IEC/TS 60815-3:2008 — Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage insulators intended for use in polluted conditions - Part 3: Polymer insulators for a.c. systems. This Technical Specification provides guidance for selecting polymer (non-ceramic) insulators for AC high-voltage systems exposed to pollution and for determining the relevant dimensional requirements to achieve acceptable performance in polluted environments.

Abstract

This document gives specific guidelines and principles to help users estimate the probable behaviour of a polymer insulator in a given pollution environment and to determine appropriate creepage distances and insulator profiles for AC systems. It complements Parts 1 and 2 of IEC 60815 by addressing polymer‑insulator specific matters and references related technical reports for material and surface‑wettability considerations.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / replaced — the 2008 edition has been superseded by a later edition (IEC TS 60815-3:2025).
• Publication date: 29 October 2008 (first edition).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). National/adoption publications (e.g., BSI DD) were published subsequently.
• ICS / categories: 29.080.10 (Insulators).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2008).
• Number of pages: 20 pages (IEC publication). National adoption documents may show slight page‑count differences.

Scope

IEC/TS 60815-3:2008 is applicable to the selection of polymer insulators for a.c. systems and to the determination of their relevant dimensions when used in high-voltage systems affected by pollution. The Technical Specification provides principles and guidance to arrive at an informed judgement on the expected performance of a given polymer insulator profile and material under specified pollution severity and environmental conditions. It also cross‑references material guidance and wettability measurement reports relevant to polymeric outdoor insulators.

Key topics and requirements

• Guidance on selection of polymer insulators (material and profile) for polluted outdoor service.
• Determination of required creepage distance and dimensional aspects for polymer insulators used on AC systems.
• Principles to judge insulator behaviour under different pollution severities and environmental conditions.
• Normative and informative references to related documents such as IEC/TS 60815-1, IEC/TR 62039 (polymeric materials guidance) and IEC/TS 62073 (wettability measurement).
• Relationship to subsequent technical developments and later editions (users should consult the 2025 edition for updated correction factors and hydrophobicity considerations).

Typical use and users

Typical users include power‑system design engineers, transmission and distribution utilities, insulator manufacturers, test laboratories, and consultants involved in the selection and specification of outdoor polymer insulators for polluted environments. National standards bodies and purchasers may use the document as the basis for procurement and conformity guidance.

Related standards

IEC/TS 60815-1 (definitions, general principles), IEC/TS 60815-2 (ceramic insulators), IEC/TR 62039 (selection guide for polymeric materials for outdoor use), IEC/TS 62073 (wettability measurement guidance), and relevant CIGRE technical brochures addressing pollution and insulator behaviour. Users should consult the later editions of the 60815 series (including IEC TS 60815-3:2025) for updated methodology and correction factors.

Keywords

polymer insulators; non‑ceramic insulators; polluted conditions; creepage distance; insulator profile; selection and dimensioning; high‑voltage; wettability; hydrophobicity transfer (see later editions).

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC/TS 60815-3:2008 is a Technical Specification that provides guidance for selecting and dimensioning polymer (non‑ceramic) insulators for AC high‑voltage systems exposed to pollution.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers principles and guidelines for choosing polymer insulator materials and profiles, and for determining relevant dimensions (notably creepage distance) in polluted environments, together with references to measurement and material guidance documents.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Power engineers, utilities, insulator manufacturers, test houses and specifiers use the document when designing, selecting or procuring polymer insulators for outdoor service in polluted areas. National standards adopters (for example BSI) have also published adoption editions.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2008 edition has been superseded — IEC TS 60815-3:2008 has been replaced by a later edition published in 2025. Users should consult the 2025 edition for the most recent guidance, updated correction factors and additional technical changes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 3 of the IEC 60815 series on selection and dimensioning of high‑voltage insulators for polluted conditions (Parts 1–3 cover general principles, ceramic insulators and polymer insulators respectively).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Polymer (non‑ceramic) insulators; polluted conditions; creepage distance; insulator profiles; selection and dimensioning; wettability; high‑voltage outdoor insulation.