IEC TS 63042-201-2018 PDF

Full title and description

IEC TS 63042-201:2018 — UHV AC transmission systems - Part 201: UHV AC substation design. This Technical Specification provides common rules and recommended practices for the design of substations used in AC transmission systems with nominal voltages exceeding 800 kV, aimed at ensuring safety and correct functioning of UHV AC substations.

Abstract

IEC TS 63042-201:2018 (edition 1.0) sets out principles and technical guidance for layout, equipment selection, clearances/insulation coordination, earthing, protection and operational considerations specifically for ultra‑high‑voltage (UHV) AC substations (systems >800 kV). It is published as a Technical Specification by IEC TC 122 to harmonize substation design practices for the highest AC transmission voltages.

General information

• Status: Published / Valid (Technical Specification).
• Publication date: 13 December 2018 (IEC publication).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Technical Committee TC 122 (UHV AC transmission systems).
• ICS / categories: 29.240.01 (Power transmission and distribution networks in general); 29.240.10 (Substations, surge arresters).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2018).
• Number of pages: 60 pages.

Scope

The specification provides common rules for the design of substations associated with UHV AC transmission (nominal voltages exceeding 800 kV). Topics include high‑voltage equipment arrangement and layout, insulation coordination and clearances, earthing and lightning/surge considerations, safety and operational access, and other measures required to ensure reliable and safe service at UHV AC voltage levels. It is intended to be used by designers and utilities when addressing substation design issues unique to voltages above 800 kV.

Key topics and requirements

• Design principles for substations operating at AC voltages exceeding 800 kV (UHV‑AC substation layout and arrangement).
• Insulation coordination, required clearances and creepage distances appropriate for UHV levels.
• Earthing/grounding design and electromagnetic considerations for large UHV substations.
• Lightning protection, surge arresters and overvoltage mitigation specific to UHV systems.
• Equipment selection, support structures and mechanical design considerations for UHV voltages.
• Access, safety clearances, maintenance and operational requirements for safe operation and personnel protection.
• Commissioning, testing and verification considerations tailored for UHV substations (coordination with other UHV TS/TR parts).

Typical use and users

This Technical Specification is used by transmission system operators, electrical substation designers and consulting engineers, equipment manufacturers (for UHV switchgear and surge protection equipment), grid planners, and regulatory/standards bodies involved in UHV AC projects. It supports design decisions where conventional substation practice must be adapted for the unique electrical, mechanical and safety challenges of voltages above 800 kV.

Related standards

IEC TS 63042-201 is part of the IEC 63042 series covering UHV AC transmission systems. Related parts and documents include (non‑exhaustive): IEC TS 63042-101 (voltage regulation and insulation design), IEC TS 63042-202 (transmission line design), parts addressing commissioning and on‑site tests (e.g., -301, -302) and TRs for measurement and performance. A revision project (ED2) for part 201 has been recorded in the IEC project system (work progressing after 2024).

Keywords

UHV AC, ultra‑high voltage, substation design, insulation coordination, earthing, surge protection, clearances, IEC TC 122, 800 kV+, transmission substations.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TS 63042-201:2018 is a Technical Specification titled "UHV AC transmission systems - Part 201: UHV AC substation design" that gives recommended rules and guidance for designing substations for AC transmission at voltages exceeding 800 kV.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers layout and arrangement of UHV substations, insulation coordination and required clearances for UHV voltages, earthing and lightning protection considerations, equipment and mechanical design aspects, and operational/maintenance access considerations necessary for safe and reliable UHV substation operation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Transmission utilities, substation design engineers, consulting firms, manufacturers of high‑voltage equipment, system planners and national standards bodies involved in UHV projects use this Technical Specification as a practical design reference.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2018 edition (Edition 1.0) is published and listed as valid; the IEC entry shows a stability date of 2027 for this publication. Additionally, a revision project (ED2) for IEC TS 63042-201 was initiated and reached project stages in 2025 (work document/registration and planned committee draft stages), so a revised edition is in development. Users should check the IEC project status and publication updates if they need the latest revision after April 2026.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one part of the IEC 63042 series on UHV AC transmission systems (other parts address voltage regulation/insulation, line design, commissioning, on‑site tests, measurement guidance and maintenance).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: UHV AC, substation design, 800 kV, insulation coordination, earthing, surge protection, IEC TC 122.