IEC 60255-26:2023

Overview

IEC 60255-26:2023 is the latest international standard issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for measuring relays and protection equipment. This standard is fundamental for ensuring the reliable operation of protection systems in power networks by addressing electromagnetic emissions and immunity.

The standard applies specifically to measuring relays, protection equipment, and their combinations, including associated control, monitoring, communication, and process interface devices used in power system protection. It establishes limits, test methods, and acceptance criteria that help prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) that could disrupt the operation of electrical protection devices.

Key Topics

• Electromagnetic Emissions Requirements
  IEC 60255-26:2023 specifies limits on radiated and conducted electromagnetic emissions to ensure that measuring relays and protection devices do not cause harmful interference to other equipment in the electrical environment.

• Immunity Test Requirements
  The standard outlines rigorous immunity tests against various continuous and transient disturbances, including:

  • Electrostatic discharges (ESD)
  • Radiated electromagnetic fields
  • Electrical fast transients and bursts
  • Damped oscillatory waves
  • Surge immunity
  • Conducted radio frequency (RF) interference
  • Power frequency magnetic fields
  • Voltage dips, short interruptions, and ripple on the DC power supply

  These tests guarantee the protection equipment can withstand typical and severe electromagnetic environments without malfunction.

• Environmental Zones
  The standard classifies electromagnetic environments into Zone A (severe) and Zone B (typical) to guide testing rigor based on the expected field conditions.

• Port-Specific Requirements
  Distinct testing and immunity requirements are provided for:

  • Enclosure
  • Auxiliary power supply
  • Signal, control, and communication ports
  • Input/output ports
  • Earth terminals

• Test Procedures and Setup
  IEC 60255-26 provides detailed instructions for test setups and measurement techniques aimed at harmonizing assessment practices globally.

Applications

• Power System Protection
  Compliance with IEC 60255-26 is critical for manufacturers and users of protective relays in power generation, transmission, and distribution systems to ensure device performance is unaffected by electromagnetic disturbances.

• Control and Monitoring Equipment
  The standard’s scope extends to the auxiliary control, monitoring, and communication equipment used alongside protection devices, ensuring integrated system robustness.

• Regulatory Compliance and Product Certification
  Meeting these electromagnetic compatibility requirements supports conformity to international regulations, facilitating market access worldwide and promoting safety and reliability in electrical infrastructure.

• Risk Management in EMC Design
  The standard guides risk assessments related to hardware designs and product platforms, helping manufacturers embed EMC considerations into product development from the outset.

Related Standards

• IEC 60255 Series
  IEC 60255-26:2023 is part of the broader IEC 60255 series that addresses measuring relays and protection equipment, including functionality, testing, and performance.

• IEC 61000 Series
  This standard aligns with EMC concepts in the IEC 61000 series, which deals with electromagnetic compatibility in electrical and electronic equipment more generally.

• International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV)
  Terminology and definitions used in IEC 60255-26 are harmonized with the IEV provided by Electropedia, ensuring consistent technical language.

Keywords: IEC 60255-26, electromagnetic compatibility, measuring relays, protection equipment, EMC requirements, electromagnetic interference, immunity testing, power system protection, EMC standards, electromagnetic emissions, relay testing, IEC standards, power system reliability, electrical equipment EMC.