IEC TS 63042-301-2018 PDF

Full title and description

IEC TS 63042-301:2018 — UHV AC transmission systems — Part 301: On‑site acceptance tests. This Technical Specification gives guidance and requirements for on‑site acceptance testing of electrical equipment used in ultra‑high‑voltage (UHV) AC transmission systems (highest system voltages exceeding 800 kV).

Abstract

This Technical Specification describes principles and procedures for on‑site acceptance tests (visual, mechanical, electrical and insulation tests, functional checks and switching tests) for equipment intended for UHV AC transmission systems with rated voltages above 800 kV. It is intended to ensure that equipment delivered and installed on site meets contractual, safety and performance requirements before being placed into service.

General information

• Status: Originally published; first edition withdrawn/revised (see FAQ for current status).
• Publication date: 6 December 2018.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), TC 122 (UHV AC transmission systems).
• ICS / categories: 29.240.01 — Power transmission and distribution networks in general.
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2018).
• Number of pages: 34 pages (English).

Scope

IEC TS 63042-301:2018 applies to on‑site acceptance tests of electrical equipment for AC transmission systems whose highest system voltages exceed 800 kV. The specification covers requirements and test methods to verify mechanical integrity, electrical insulation and functional performance of equipment as installed and prepared for commissioning. Typical items covered include (but are not limited to) transformers, circuit‑breakers, GIS/GIL components, instrument transformers, surge arresters, reactors and associated switching devices.

Key topics and requirements

• Requirements for planning and conducting on‑site acceptance tests (documentation, safety, environmental conditions and responsibilities).
• Visual and mechanical inspections (installation checks, torque checks, alignment and mechanical operation tests).
• Electrical and insulation tests (power‑frequency and impulse withstand, insulation resistance, partial discharge where applicable).
• Functional and switching tests for circuit‑breakers, disconnectors and protection/control interfaces.
• Checks and procedures related to SF6 handling, gas‑filled equipment and environmental precautions (where applicable).
• Acceptance criteria, test record keeping and reporting requirements for handover to commissioning.

Typical use and users

Used by transmission utilities, project engineers, manufacturer field service teams, test laboratories and commissioning contractors responsible for installation acceptance and pre‑commissioning of UHV AC transmission equipment. It supports contractual acceptance testing, quality assurance and safety verification before energization.

Related standards

Associated IEC and national standards commonly referenced alongside this TS include standards for high‑voltage switchgear and controlgear, power transformers, instrument transformers, testing of electrical equipment (e.g., various parts of IEC 60060, IEC 60076, IEC 62271 series, and related guidance on SF6 handling and condition monitoring). Specific cross‑references and normative citations are provided in the TS.

Keywords

UHV AC, on‑site acceptance tests, acceptance testing, commissioning, 800 kV, TC 122, switchgear, transformers, GIS, GIL, SF6, insulation testing, functional tests.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TS 63042-301:2018 is a Technical Specification from IEC (TC 122) that provides guidance and requirements for on‑site acceptance testing of equipment for UHV AC transmission systems (highest system voltages above 800 kV).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers planning, execution and reporting of on‑site acceptance tests including visual/mechanical inspections, electrical and insulation tests, functional and switching tests, test documentation and acceptance criteria for equipment installed in UHV AC transmission installations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Transmission system owners/operators, manufacturers and their field service/test teams, independent test laboratories, commissioning engineers and project quality assurance staff use the TS to verify that equipment meets contractual and safety requirements prior to energization.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2018 first edition has been revised. A more recent edition (IEC TS 63042-301:2026, 2nd edition) was published and the 2018 edition was withdrawn with an effective withdrawal date in February 2026; users should consult the 2026 edition for the current technical requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 63042 series developed by TC 122 addressing UHV AC transmission systems; individual parts of the series cover different aspects (e.g., planning, testing, protection and control). The TS is Part 301 (on‑site acceptance tests).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: UHV AC, on‑site acceptance, acceptance tests, commissioning, 800 kV, switchgear, transformers, GIS, TC 122.