IEC 61462-2023 PDF

Full title and description

Composite hollow insulators - Pressurized and unpressurized insulators for use in electrical equipment with AC rated voltage greater than 1 000 V AC and D.C. voltage greater than 1500 V - Definitions, test methods, acceptance criteria and design recommendations. This International Standard defines terms, specifies test methods and acceptance criteria, and gives design recommendations for composite hollow insulators (load‑bearing resin‑impregnated fibre tube with an elastomeric housing and metal end fittings), for both pressurized and unpressurized types used in AC and DC equipment above the stated voltage limits.

Abstract

IEC 61462:2023 (Edition 2) consolidates definitions, type and design test procedures, and acceptance criteria for composite hollow insulators intended for electrical equipment with rated voltages >1 000 V AC or >1 500 V DC. The 2023 edition updates terminology, harmonizes test sequences and acceptance tables, adds informative annexes (including sketches of assembly), and introduces type‑test guidance for tapered (conical) insulators while aligning several test procedures with related documents (for example IEC TR 62039 and IEC 62217).

General information

• Status: Published / current (International Standard, stable document in force).
• Publication date: 2023-09-06.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.080.10 (Insulators).
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (IEC 61462:2023).
• Number of pages: 102.

Scope

Applies to composite hollow insulators comprising a load‑bearing insulating tube made of resin‑impregnated fibres, an elastomeric housing (e.g., silicone or EPDM) surrounding the tube, and metal fixing devices at the tube ends. The standard covers both unpressurized insulators for general use and pressurized insulators intended to operate with a permanent gas pressure. It specifies terms, design and type test methods, acceptance criteria and recommendations for design and testing sequences; it is intended to be used when hollow insulators are integrated into electrical equipment that is subject to equipment‑level type testing.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology specific to composite hollow insulators (clarified and updated for Edition 2).
• Design tests and type tests, including mechanical, electrical and tightness tests with recommended sequencing (tightness test positioned as the last stage of certain mechanical sequences).
• Acceptance criteria for electrical, mechanical and environmental performance (including hydrophobicity and water diffusion considerations).
• Specific provisions for pressurized versus unpressurized designs and for tapered (conical) insulators (new informative Annex E).
• Harmonization and cross‑reference to related test procedures (for example modifications aligned with IEC TR 62039 and IEC 62217).
• Informative annexes with principle sketches of hollow insulator assemblies and guidance on type testing after design changes.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of composite hollow insulators, design engineers of electrical equipment (switchgear, transformers, gas‑insulated equipment), test laboratories performing type and design qualification tests, utility procurement and specification teams, certification bodies and standards committees. It is referenced when integrating hollow insulators into equipment type tests or when establishing factory and type test schedules and acceptance procedures.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced together with IEC 61462 include IEC 62217 (polymeric insulators — general test methods and requirements), IEC TR 62039 (guidance on specific test procedures related to polymeric insulating materials), and equipment‑level standards for switchgear and transformers where hollow insulators are mounted. National and regional adoptions (for example EN/BS adoptions) may exist as harmonized or identical texts.

Keywords

composite hollow insulators; pressurized insulators; unpressurized insulators; test methods; acceptance criteria; hydrophobicity; design tests; type tests; IEC 61462:2023; insulating housings; resin‑impregnated fibre tube.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61462:2023 is an international standard that specifies definitions, test methods, acceptance criteria and design recommendations for composite hollow insulators used in electrical equipment above 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the constructional definition of composite hollow insulators (load‑bearing resin‑impregnated fibre tube, elastomeric housing, metal end fittings), distinguishes pressurized and unpressurized types, prescribes type and design tests (electrical, mechanical, tightness, environmental), and sets acceptance criteria and guidance for design changes and tapered insulators.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test laboratories, equipment designers and utilities use it to design, qualify and specify composite hollow insulators and to ensure consistent test procedures and acceptance criteria across equipment and installations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61462:2023 (Edition 2.0) is the current edition published on 6 September 2023; it cancels and replaces IEC 61462:2007 (Edition 1).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within the family of IEC standards addressing polymeric and composite insulators and related test methods (for example IEC 62217 and IEC TR 62039) and is used alongside equipment‑specific standards that reference insulator test requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Composite hollow insulator, pressurized insulator, unpressurized insulator, test methods, acceptance criteria, hydrophobicity transfer, tightness test, IEC 61462:2023.