IEC TR 61328-2024 PDF

Full title and description

IEC TR 61328:2024 — Live working - Guidelines for the installation of transmission and distribution line conductors and earth wires - Stringing equipment and accessory items. This technical report provides guidance on the selection and use of conductor stringing, earthing and bonding equipment for installing bare and insulated overhead distribution conductors, transmission conductors and earth wires, including discussion of electric hazards and recommended earthing/bonding techniques.

Abstract

This Technical Report gives recommendations and practical information for selection, installation and maintenance of stringing equipment and accessory items used on overhead transmission and distribution lines. It covers equipment selection, testing where necessary, earthing and bonding measures, and procedures to reduce electrical hazards during stringing operations. The publication updates previous editions to reflect current practice for live working and line installation.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (base publication).
• Publication date: 5 November 2024.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Technical Committee TC 78 (Live working).
• ICS / categories: 13.260 (Protection against electric shock. Live working), 29.240.20 (Power transmission and distribution lines), 29.260.99 (Other electrical equipment for working in special conditions).
• Edition / version: 4.0 (Edition 4, 2024).
• Number of pages: 59.

Scope

IEC TR 61328:2024 provides information for the selection and use of conductor stringing, earthing and bonding equipment for the installation of bare and insulated overhead distribution conductors, overhead transmission conductors and overhead earth wires. It includes recommended procedures for installation and maintenance, techniques to control electric hazards, and relevant earthing and bonding practices to protect personnel and equipment during stringing operations. The report addresses both distribution and transmission applications and consolidates guidance from earlier editions.

Key topics and requirements

• Selection criteria for stringing equipment and accessory items for overhead conductor installation.
• Recommended earthing and bonding techniques to control induced and fault currents during stringing operations.
• Procedures for safe installation and maintenance of distribution and transmission conductors and earth wires.
• Discussion of electrical hazards associated with stringing and mitigation measures.
• Guidance on testing where necessary and on compatibility of equipment for live working and insulated conductor operations.
• Updates and consolidation of practices from previous editions to reflect current industry methods.

Typical use and users

Primary users include transmission and distribution utilities, line construction and stringing contractors, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, safety and maintenance engineers, technical trainers, and standards committees involved in live-line working and overhead line installation. The report is used to inform procurement, safe work procedures, training materials and equipment selection for stringing operations.

Related standards

IEC TR 61328:2024 revises and replaces earlier editions (notably IEC TR 61328:2017, IEC TR 61328:2003 and the original 1995 edition) and incorporates related guidance previously published in IEC TR 61911:2003. It is closely related to other IEC publications and national adoptions covering live working, earthing and safety procedures for overhead lines and should be consulted alongside applicable regional/utility standards and safety regulations.

Keywords

live working, stringing equipment, conductor stringing, overhead lines, transmission lines, distribution lines, earth wires, earthing, bonding, electrical hazards, line installation, TC 78.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TR 61328:2024 is an IEC Technical Report providing guidelines for the selection and use of stringing equipment and accessory items for installing transmission and distribution conductors and earth wires. It is a non‑normative report offering practical guidance rather than mandatory requirements.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers selection and (where applicable) testing of stringing equipment, earthing and bonding techniques, procedures for installation and maintenance of bare and insulated conductors and earth wires, and measures to address electrical hazards encountered during stringing operations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Utilities, line construction and stringing contractors, manufacturers of stringing gear, safety and maintenance engineers, and trainers use the report to inform equipment selection, safe working procedures and training for live-line and stringing activities.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC TR 61328:2024 is the current edition published on 5 November 2024 and supersedes IEC TR 61328:2017 (and earlier editions). The 2017 edition was withdrawn when the 2024 edition was published.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is published as IEC TR 61328 within the IEC TR framework and is maintained by TC 78 (Live working). The report forms part of a body of IEC guidance on live working and overhead line installation and is associated with related IEC technical reports and standards addressing earthing, safety and line equipment.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Live working, stringing equipment, conductor installation, overhead lines, earthing, bonding, transmission, distribution, electrical hazards, TC 78.