IEC 60060-2:2010

Overview

IEC 60060-2:2010, titled "High-voltage test techniques – Part 2: Measuring systems," is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It specifies requirements, test methods, and procedures for measuring systems used in high-voltage testing under laboratory and factory conditions. The standard covers direct voltage, alternating voltage, lightning, and switching impulse voltages as defined in IEC 60060-1. It ensures that the measuring systems comply with strict uncertainty limits and performance criteria, aligning with IEC 60071-1:2006 for test level classifications.

This third edition (2010) updates previous versions by clarifying the layout and aligning more closely with IEC 60060-1, while significantly expanding protocols for estimating measurement uncertainties. IEC 60060-2:2010 applies to calibrating, testing, and approving complete high-voltage measuring systems and their components, providing essential guidance for manufacturers, test laboratories, and quality assurance professionals involved in high-voltage testing.

Key Topics

• Scope & Application: Addresses measurement techniques for high voltages during laboratory and factory tests with direct, alternating, lightning impulse, and switching impulse voltages. On-site measurement procedures follow IEC 60060-3.

• Measurement Uncertainty: Defines methodologies to estimate and limit uncertainties, ensuring reliable and accurate voltage readings during testing.

• System Components: Details definitions of measuring systems and their components, including scale factors, rated values, and dynamic behavior parameters.

• Qualification Procedures: Outlines required tests for calibrating and approving measuring systems - calibration methods, linearity, dynamic behavior, stability, ambient influences, and interference effects.

• Performance Checks: Specifies routine performance verification, including scale factor verification, comparison with reference systems, and stability tests.

• Dynamic Behavior Evaluation: Includes methods such as amplitude/frequency response tests and step response measurements to assess system response to transient voltage conditions.

• Voltage Type Specific Tests: Requirements and test procedures are detailed separately for:

  • Direct voltage measurement
  • Alternating voltage measurement
  • Lightning impulse voltage measurement
  • Switching impulse voltage measurement

• Reference Measuring Systems: Sets criteria for reference systems used as calibration standards, including calibration intervals and traceability.

• Annexes: Provide informative guidance on uncertainty calculations, examples of uncertainty estimations, step response measurement techniques, and convolution methods to analyze dynamic system behavior.

Practical Applications

IEC 60060-2:2010 is critical for organizations involved in high-voltage testing such as:

• Test Laboratories: Ensuring measuring instruments and systems meet international accuracy and reliability standards during product type tests and routine testing.
• Manufacturers: Producing high-voltage test equipment that complies with global standards for reliable performance and calibration.
• Quality Assurance Teams: Verifying measurement systems regularly to maintain compliance with uncertainty limits and calibration requirements.
• Research and Development: Designing improved high-voltage measuring devices, benefiting from standardized uncertainty and dynamic behavior analysis.
• Electrotechnical Consultants: Advising on measurement system setup, calibration, and performance checks in line with international norms.

By adhering to IEC 60060-2, stakeholders can achieve consistent, precise, and internationally accepted high-voltage measurement results, enhancing safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance.

Related Standards

• IEC 60060-1: High-voltage test techniques – Part 1: General definitions and test requirements. Provides foundational test specifications referenced by IEC 60060-2.
• IEC 60060-3: High-voltage test techniques – Part 3: Testing at test sites, covering measurements during field or on-site high-voltage testing.
• IEC 60071-1: Insulation coordination – Part 1: Definitions, principles, and rules for applying test voltages, important for setting test voltage levels and uncertainty requirements.
• IEC Electropedia: The IEC’s international online electrotechnical vocabulary, providing authoritative definitions for terms used in IEC 60060-2 and related standards.

By implementing IEC 60060-2:2010, engineers and professionals can ensure high-voltage measuring systems deliver accurate and traceable results, meeting stringent uncertainty limits and dynamic performance criteria essential for modern electrical testing environments. This enhances safety, standardization, and reliability across international power systems testing and certification.