IEC 60255-26:2013

Overview

IEC 60255-26:2013 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for measuring relays and protection equipment. This standard applies to devices used in power system protection schemes, including control, monitoring, communication, and process interface equipment. The third edition introduces significant technical updates to ensure enhanced performance and reliability of protection apparatus in electromagnetic environments.

The primary focus of IEC 60255-26:2013 is to define test specifications, procedures, and acceptance criteria for emissions and immunity of measuring relays and protection equipment. It addresses both new installations and type tests, with a detailed emphasis on various electromagnetic phenomena and ports under test. This ensures that protection devices function correctly without electromagnetic interference affecting their performance or causing system disruptions.

Key Topics

• EMC Requirements: Detailed specifications targeting the electromagnetic emission limits and immunity levels required for measuring relays and protection equipment to operate reliably within electrical power environments.

• Test Methods: Comprehensive test procedures for:

  • Radiated and conducted emissions, including measurements extended above 1 GHz.
  • Immunity to electrostatic discharge, radiated interference, electrical fast transients, surge, power frequency magnetic fields, voltage dips, voltage ripple, and gradual shutdown/start-up.

• Ports Under Test: Specific requirements for emission and immunity testing on multiple equipment ports including:

  • Enclosure port
  • Auxiliary power supply port
  • Communication port
  • Input/output ports
  • Functional earth port

• Environmental Zones: Definition of test levels for Zone A (severe electrical environment) and Zone B (typical electrical environment), particularly in surge testing, to simulate real-world operating conditions.

• Harmonization: Unified acceptance criteria for immunity tests ensuring consistent evaluation across testing scenarios.

• Control of Emission: Measures and limits aligned with modern standards to restrict electromagnetic emissions beyond 3 meters in distance for small equipment, minimizing interference risks.

Applications

IEC 60255-26:2013 is essential for manufacturers, testing laboratories, utilities, and engineers involved in the design, verification, and deployment of measuring relays and protection equipment in electrical power systems. Applications include:

• Power System Protection: Ensuring reliable and interference-free operation of protection relays, crucial for fault detection and isolation in power grids.

• Equipment Certification: Serves as a benchmark for conformity testing and certification related to electromagnetic compatibility, aiding regulatory compliance and market access.

• System Reliability: Helps utilities maintain power system integrity by guaranteeing that protection devices are resilient to typical and severe electromagnetic disturbances.

• Product Development: Assists manufacturers in designing robust protection devices that meet enhanced EMC requirements, reducing field failures due to electromagnetic interference.

• Installation Guidelines: Provides engineers with standardized criteria and test methods to select and install compliant protection equipment for both new projects and upgrades.

Related Standards

The IEC 60255-26:2013 edition replaces and consolidates several previous standards to streamline EMC requirements into a single comprehensive publication. Related documents include:

• IEC 60255 Series: A multipart standard covering various aspects of measuring relays and protection equipment, including their performance, testing, and safety.

• IEC 60255-22 Tests: Earlier standards addressing specific EMC immunity and emission tests that have now been integrated into the 60255-26 standard.

• ISO/IEC Directives: Guidelines governing the drafting and publication procedures of international standards, ensuring uniformity and technical accuracy.

• National EMC Standards: Countries may have complementary standards aligned with IEC 60255-26 for certification and compliance purposes.

By adhering to IEC 60255-26:2013, stakeholders can ensure better electromagnetic compatibility and operational integrity of measuring relays and protection equipment, thus supporting the reliable functioning of modern electrical power systems worldwide.