GOST 20459-87 PDF

Full title and description

GOST 20459-87 — Rotating electrical machines. Means of cooling. Symbols (Russian: ГОСТ 20459-87 «Машины электрические вращающиеся. Методы охлаждения. Обозначения»). The standard defines conventional alphanumeric designations (symbols) for methods and circuits of cooling used in rotating electrical machines.

Abstract

This standard establishes a system of symbols and rules for designating cooling methods and cooling circuits in rotating electrical machines (motors, generators, alternators). It specifies notation for types of primary and secondary coolants, the configuration of cooling circuits, and the means of circulating the coolant (self-ventilation, shaft-mounted fans, external blowers, pumps, etc.), and provides full and simplified designation formats with examples and explanatory definitions.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / not in force in the Russian Federation (standard introduced 1989; withdrawn/ended service 01 June 2014 as recorded in national catalogs).
• Publication date: Approved 17 December 1987; effective (date of introduction) 01 January 1989; originally published 1988.
• Publisher: State Committee for Standards of the USSR (Gosstandart of the USSR) / publishing house of standards (original Soviet publication).
• ICS / categories: Electrical engineering — rotating electrical machines; graphical designations and technical documentation conventions. (Related to IEC 34‑6).
• Edition / version: Original edition (1987) — GOST 20459-87 (replaced earlier GOST 20459-75).
• Number of pages: 16 (document length in available electronic copies).

Scope

The standard applies to rotating electrical machines and sets out conventional alphanumeric designations for their cooling methods. It covers identification of primary and secondary coolants, characterization digits for circuit devices and driving means for coolant circulation, rules for full and simplified designation systems, and examples and explanatory notes in informative annexes. It is intended for use in technical documentation, nameplates, and specification sheets for electric machines.

Key topics and requirements

• System of notation beginning with the letters "1C" followed by groups consisting of one letter (coolant type) and two characteristic digits describing the circuit and driving method.
• Definitions for primary and secondary coolants, coolers, closed and open cooling systems, and types of ventilation devices (built-in, machine-mounted, separately installed).
• Rules for ordering characteristics when multiple cooling circuits are present (start with the chain having the secondary coolant of lower temperature).
• Full designation format (detailed) and a simplified designation for common air-cooled machines, with examples in annexes.
• Compatibility/alignment with international practice (based on IEC 34‑6‑69 and intergovernmental standard ST SEV 1953‑79).

Typical use and users

Engineers, designers and manufacturers of electric motors and generators; technical writers preparing nameplates and datasheets; testing and certification laboratories; standards bodies and regulatory authorities; procurement and maintenance teams who need unambiguous identification of cooling arrangements in rotating electrical machines. The simplified form is commonly used on small air‑cooled machines, while the full form is used for larger or multi‑circuit cooled equipment.

Related standards

IEC 34‑6 (electrotechnical international recommendations for cooling of rotating machines) — the GOST was developed in alignment with IEC 34‑6‑69; predecessor: GOST 20459-75; related national standards on testing, protection degrees and noise (for example, standards for noise measurement, degrees of protection, and general test methods for rotating machines).

Keywords

rotating electrical machines, cooling methods, cooling symbols, coolant, air‑cooled, water‑cooled, cooling circuits, GOST 20459-87, IEC 34‑6.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: GOST 20459-87 is a Soviet/Russian standard that defines conventional symbols and designation rules for methods of cooling used in rotating electrical machines (motors, generators). It standardizes how cooling types and circuits are indicated in technical documentation.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the format of designations (letters and two characteristic digits following "1C"), classification of primary and secondary coolants, description of circuit devices and driving methods for coolant circulation, full and simplified designation systems, examples and explanatory terms.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Motor and generator manufacturers, design offices, technical documentation specialists, testing laboratories, and maintenance/procurement personnel who need a standardized, compact way to record and communicate cooling methods.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard is recorded as withdrawn/ended in national catalogs (date of withdrawal recorded as 01 June 2014). It was aligned with IEC 34‑6 and replaced an earlier national edition (GOST 20459‑75). Users in jurisdictions that maintain active national or technical regulations should verify whether a newer national standard or Technical Regulation/EAC requirement applies.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to the body of standards addressing rotating electrical machines and their documentation (other related GOSTs cover testing, noise, degrees of protection, and mechanical vibration). It is also directly associated with the IEC/ST SEV conventions referenced in its normative basis.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Cooling, coolant, cooling circuits, cooling symbols, rotating electrical machines, 1C designation, primary coolant, secondary coolant, air‑cooled, water‑cooled, GOST 20459-87.