IEC TS 61934-2024 PDF

Full title and description

Electrical insulating materials and systems - Electrical measurement of partial discharges (PD) under short rise time and repetitive voltage impulses. IEC TS 61934-2024 (Edition 3.0) provides guidance for off-line electrical measurement of partial discharge activity that occurs in electrical insulation systems when stressed by repetitive, short‑rise-time voltage impulses typically produced by power‑electronic converters and related equipment.

Abstract

This Technical Specification defines measurement approaches, quantities and test arrangements for detecting and characterizing partial discharges (PD) induced by short rise‑time, repetitive impulse voltages. It addresses measurement frequency ranges and detection techniques suitable for impulse‑type stress (including UHF/ultra‑high‑frequency methods), specifies considerations for impulse generators and waveform parameters, and clarifies exclusions such as optical/ultrasonic detection and non‑repetitive lightning or switching impulse testing. The 2024 edition updates waveform parameter values and measurement method guidance to reflect advances in power electronics (including wide‑bandgap semiconductor devices) and removes some charge‑based measurement descriptions present in earlier editions.

General information

• Status: Published / active (Technical Specification)
• Publication date: 26 January 2024
• Publisher: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
• ICS / categories: 17.220.99; 29.035.01; 29.080.30
• Edition / version: Edition 3.0 (2024)
• Number of pages: 27

Scope

Applies to off‑line electrical measurement of partial discharges occurring in electrical insulation systems (EISs) when subjected to repetitive, short rise‑time voltage impulses generated by power‑electronic devices. Typical applications include insulation systems in motors, inductive reactors, wind turbine generators and power‑electronics modules. The specification excludes optical or ultrasonic PD detection methods and PD testing under non‑repetitive impulse stress such as lightning or conventional switching impulses used in switchgear.

Key topics and requirements

• Recommended measurement approaches for PD under repetitive, short rise‑time impulse voltages (emphasis on electrical detection methods appropriate for impulse environments).
• Definition and use of measurement quantities relevant to impulse testing (e.g., peak PD magnitude, pulse repetition metrics, and normalization considerations).
• Guidance on measurement frequency ranges and the use of UHF/ultra‑wideband and high‑frequency techniques to separate PD signals from impulse transients.
• Specifications and recommended parameter ranges for impulse waveform generators adapted to power‑electronics applications (updated for wide‑bandgap device effects).
• Requirements for sensitivity evaluation, noise assessment and normalization to enable reproducible PD comparisons between test setups.
• Notes on permitted and excluded detection methods (excludes optical/ultrasonic methods and certain charge‑based descriptions removed from this edition).
• Informative material and practical considerations drawn from recent technical developments and inter‑laboratory experience (round‑robin testing and measurement practice updates).

Typical use and users

Used by high‑voltage test laboratories, motor and generator manufacturers, wind‑turbine OEMs, power‑electronics module designers, insulation materials researchers, quality and type‑test engineers, and certification or conformity assessment bodies. It is referenced when developing PD test programs for apparatus exposed to converter‑generated impulses and when interpreting PD signatures in devices driven by modern power electronics.

Related standards

Closely related to and used alongside other PD and high‑voltage test standards, for example IEC 60270 (partial discharge measurements) and IEC TS 62478 (UHF PD measurements), as well as equipment‑specific and machine standards (for example the IEC 60034 family for rotating machines) and earlier editions of IEC TS 61934 (2006, 2011). Practitioners typically consult these documents together to select measurement methods, calibration approaches and test procedures appropriate to the object under test.

Keywords

partial discharge, PD measurement, short rise time, repetitive impulse voltage, power electronics, wide band gap, UHF, impulse generator, RPDIV/RPDEV, peak PD magnitude, insulation system testing, IEC TS 61934

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TS 61934-2024 is an IEC Technical Specification that gives guidance on electrical measurement of partial discharges occurring under short rise‑time, repetitive voltage impulses typical of power‑electronics-driven equipment.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers recommended measurement approaches, measurement quantities and frequency ranges for PD detection under repetitive impulse stress, recommended impulse waveform parameter considerations, and practical guidance on sensitivity, noise handling and normalization. It explicitly excludes optical/ultrasonic PD detection and non‑repetitive impulse testing such as lightning impulses.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Test laboratories, manufacturers of motors/generators and power‑electronics modules, insulation researchers, regulatory and certification bodies, and engineers responsible for type and routine PD testing on equipment exposed to converter‑generated impulses.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Edition 3.0 (published 26 January 2024) is the current edition and supersedes the previous edition (2011). The document lists a stability date into 2026 as the planned stability period for this edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone IEC Technical Specification within the family of PD and high‑voltage testing guidance. It is typically used in conjunction with related IEC publications such as IEC 60270 (PD measurements) and IEC TS 62478 (UHF PD methods), and it follows the IEC program for standards addressing insulation testing and evaluation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Partial discharge, PD, short rise time, repetitive impulse, power electronics, wide band gap semiconductors, UHF, impulse generator, insulation system testing.