IEC TR 62730-2024 PDF

Full title and description

IEC TR 62730:2012/AMD1:2024 — Amendment 1 to IEC TR 62730 (HV polymeric insulators for indoor and outdoor use): tracking and erosion testing by wheel test and the 5 000 h multiple‑stress test. This amendment updates the 2012 technical report by adding test descriptions, background and possible acceptance/failure criteria for wheel‑based tracking tests and the 5 000 h multiple‑stress test; a consolidated CSV (2012+AMD1:2024) edition is also available.

Abstract

This publication is an amendment to IEC TR 62730:2012 that documents the rationale, test procedures and acceptance criteria for two accelerated degradation tests used on high‑voltage polymeric insulators: the tracking wheel test and the 5 000 h multiple‑stress test. It is intended to harmonize terminology, describe test setups and procedures, and provide guidance on interpreting results for polymeric insulators (solid core and hollow types) used on overhead lines and in indoor/outdoor equipment above 1 000 V. A consolidated version combining the 2012 technical report and the 2024 amendment is published as a CSV.

General information

• Status: Published (Amendment 1 to IEC TR 62730:2012).
• Publication date: 18 June 2024 (amendment published as IEC TR 62730:2012/AMD1:2024).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.080.10 — Insulators (quality assurance / safety).
• Edition / version: Amendment 1 — Ed. 1.0 (2024). Consolidated CSV edition available (Ed. 1.1 combining 2012 report + 2024 amendment).
• Number of pages: Amendment document: 4 pages; Consolidated CSV: 38 pages.

Scope

Applies to polymeric high‑voltage insulators (single‑material or multi‑material insulating bodies, including solid‑core and hollow designs) intended for overhead lines and indoor/outdoor equipment with rated voltage >1 000 V. The amendment: (1) defines common terms used for the two test methods, (2) explains background and development of the 5 000 h multiple‑stress test and the tracking wheel test, (3) describes test apparatus, procedures and measurement/monitoring requirements, and (4) suggests possible acceptance and failure criteria where applicable. The consolidated version places the amendment text into the full TR for easier reference.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and common terminology for tracking, erosion and multiple‑stress testing of polymeric insulators.
• Description and rationale for the 5 000 h multiple‑stress test (combined environmental and electrical stresses).
• Methodology and apparatus for the tracking wheel test (wheel‑based erosion/tracking acceleration).
• Monitoring, measurement and data recording requirements during test runs.
• Suggested acceptance/failure criteria and guidance on interpreting test outcomes for product assessment and R&D.

Typical use and users

Used by standards committees, insulator and polymeric materials manufacturers, test laboratories, utilities and R&D teams assessing the long‑term surface performance of HV polymeric insulators. It supports product development, type testing, comparative evaluation of formulations and verification of resistance to tracking/erosion under accelerated conditions. Test houses use the described procedures to validate product claims and to support type approval processes.

Related standards

Related IEC publications and technical documents on insulators and polymeric materials (not exhaustive): the parent IEC TR 62730:2012, other IEC/TC 36 deliverables on insulator testing and terminology, and national/adopted versions or sales copies (consolidated CSV edition available). Users should consult the full IEC TR and national adoptions for normative references and cross‑referenced test methods.

Keywords

polymeric insulators; tracking; erosion; wheel test; 5 000 h multiple‑stress test; HV insulators; IEC TR 62730; TC 36; insulator testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is Amendment 1 (2024) to IEC TR 62730:2012, a technical report that covers tracking and erosion testing methods for high‑voltage polymeric insulators, specifically adding guidance on the wheel test and the 5 000 h multiple‑stress test.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It defines terms, explains the background and purpose of the two accelerated tests, describes test apparatus and procedures, and offers guidance on acceptance/failure criteria for polymeric insulators used above 1 000 V. The consolidated CSV includes the full TR combined with the amendment text.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Test laboratories, insulator manufacturers, utilities, materials developers, conformity assessment bodies and standards committees involved in insulator performance evaluation and product qualification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2024 amendment (IEC TR 62730:2012/AMD1:2024) is a current published amendment to the 2012 TR; a consolidated (CSV) edition combining the 2012 TR and the 2024 amendment was also published in 2024. Check national standards bodies or the IEC webstore for the latest availability and any further amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is a Technical Report under IEC numbering 62730 and falls under the work of IEC/TC 36 (Insulators). It complements other IEC documents addressing insulator testing, materials and performance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Polymeric insulators; tracking; erosion; wheel test; 5000 h test; multiple‑stress; HV insulators; IEC TR 62730; TC 36.