IEC 62231-2006 PDF

Full title and description

Composite station post insulators for substations with a.c. voltages greater than 1 000 V up to 245 kV — Definitions, test methods and acceptance criteria. This International Standard specifies terminology, required tests and acceptance criteria for composite (polymeric) station post insulators consisting of a resin‑impregnated fibre solid core, an elastomer housing (e.g. silicone or EPDM) and metal end fittings, intended for use in substation applications subjected to cantilever, torsion, tension and compression loads.

Abstract

This standard defines the constructional description, prescribes type/design, sample and routine test methods and gives acceptance or failure criteria for composite station post insulators intended for substations with AC system voltages >1 000 V up to 245 kV. It does not prescribe selection rules for insulators for particular service conditions but provides the test and verification framework for manufacturers, test laboratories and users.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (international standard; adopted nationally in several regions).
• Publication date: 7 February 2006 (edition 1.0, 2006).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Technical Committee TC 36 (Insulators).
• ICS / categories: 29.080.10 (Insulators).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2006).
• Number of pages: 71 pages (base IEC publication information).

Key bibliographic and status details are taken from the IEC publication record and major national/adoption catalogues.

Scope

The standard applies to composite station post insulators that comprise a load‑bearing cylindrical solid core made of resin‑impregnated fibres, an external elastomer housing (for example silicone rubber or ethylene‑propylene elastomer) and attached end fittings. It covers mechanical (cantilever, torsion, tension, compression) and electrical test methods and acceptance criteria for design, type, sample and routine verification of these insulators for substations with AC voltages above 1 000 V up to 245 kV. It excludes detailed selection rules for specific operating conditions and leaves some pollution/service‑selection matters to user agreement.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for composite station post insulators (construction, materials, components).
• Classification of tests: design/type tests, sample tests and routine tests with specified sequences and purposes.
• Mechanical performance tests: cantilever (bending), torsion, tension and compression procedures and acceptance criteria.
• Electrical tests and high‑voltage test techniques appropriate to the rated voltages and intended service (impulse, power‑frequency, partial discharge as applicable).
• Materials and interface assessment: verification of core, housing and end‑fitting interfaces including mechanical retention and sealing tests.
• Ageing, weathering and tracking/erosion considerations for polymeric housings with relevant test methods and pass/fail criteria.
• Dimensional, mechanical and marking requirements for end fittings and basic quality assurance / acceptance rules.

Typical use and users

Primary users are insulator manufacturers, electrical test laboratories, utility substation designers, procurement/specification engineers and standards bodies responsible for HV substation equipment. The standard is used to verify product design, support type‑approval, ensure production quality and provide contractual acceptance tests between suppliers and purchasers.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and used together with this standard are IEC 62217 (polymeric insulators — general definitions, test methods and acceptance criteria) and other IEC test and high‑voltage technique standards (for example IEC 60060‑1 and related insulator test standards). EN/UNE/BS national adoptions (EN 62231 / UNE‑EN 62231 / BS EN 62231) represent regional equivalents/adoptions of IEC 62231.

Keywords

composite station post insulator, polymeric insulator, post insulator, substation insulator, test methods, acceptance criteria, cantilever test, torsion test, high‑voltage test, IEC 62231, TC 36.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 62231:2006 is an International Electrotechnical Commission standard titled "Composite station post insulators for substations with a.c. voltages greater than 1 000 V up to 245 kV — Definitions, test methods and acceptance criteria" that sets out definitions, test procedures and acceptance criteria for composite (polymeric) station post insulators.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the constructional description, mechanical and electrical test methods (design/type/sample/routine), material/interface verifications, ageing and weathering considerations and the pass/fail criteria required to verify composite station post insulators for substations in the specified voltage range. It does not prescribe selection for specific service conditions — that remains a user/manufacturer decision.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of composite post insulators, independent test laboratories, transmission and distribution utilities, procurement/specification engineers and national standards bodies adopting IEC texts use the standard for type approval, production testing and contractual acceptance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published, IEC 62231:2006 (Ed. 1.0) is the base international publication (status shown as published/current in IEC records and widely adopted regionally). Users should verify the current status or any later amendments/adoptions with the IEC webstore or their national standards body for the latest confirmation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 62231 is part of the TC 36 family of insulator standards and is commonly used alongside IEC 62217 (polymeric insulators general requirements) and other IEC high‑voltage test standards. Regional adoptions (EN/UNE/BS versions) exist for use within Europe and national markets.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Composite (polymeric) post insulator, station post insulator, substation insulator, test methods, acceptance criteria, IEC 62231, TC 36, polymeric housing, resin‑impregnated core, end fittings.