IEC 60317-27-4:2020

Overview

IEC 60317-27-4:2020 (with Amendment 1:2024) specifies requirements for paper tape covered rectangular aluminium winding wire. The standard covers conductors wrapped with two or more layers of cellulosic paper tape, primarily intended for winding coils in oil-immersed transformers. Nominal aluminium conductor sizes addressed are:

• Width: 2.00 mm to 16.0 mm
• Thickness: 0.80 mm to 5.60 mm

The paper tapes are limited to those defined in IEC 60554-1 and IEC 60554-3-5. IEC 60317-27-4 is intended to be used together with IEC 60317-0-9 (general requirements for enamelled rectangular aluminium wire).

Key topics

The standard defines technical requirements, inspection and testing relevant to paper-taped rectangular aluminium winding wires. Main topics include:

• Dimensions and tolerances – nominal conductor dimensions, rounding of corners, and allowable increases due to paper covering (with agreed tolerances and maximum overall dimensions).
• Mechanical properties – elongation, springiness and flexibility (tests specified; certain flexibility/adherence criteria depend on paper layers).
• Electrical characteristics – electrical resistance, breakdown voltage and continuity of insulation.
• Durability and reliability tests – heat shock, cut-through, resistance to abrasion, solvents, refrigerants and transformer oil, and resistance to hydrolysis.
• Insulation quality – pin hole testing, dielectric dissipation factor and temperature index requirements.
• Manufacturing and finish – appearance, anchoring of tape ends (no adhesives except for anchorage), and solderability/heat/solvent bonding.
• Packaging – requirements for spool/reel presentation and protection for transport and storage.

Refer to the standard’s clause indexing (e.g., Clauses 4–21, 30) for specific test procedures and acceptance criteria.

Applications

IEC 60317-27-4 is specifically targeted at:

• Transformer manufacturers specifying insulated aluminium rectangular conductors for oil-immersed transformer windings.
• Winding wire producers and converters applying paper tape coverings to aluminium conductors.
• Quality, test and inspection labs performing acceptance and type testing of covered aluminium winding wire.
• Procurement and specification engineers who need standardized references for materials used in power transformers and similar apparatus.

Using this standard ensures compatibility of conductor dimensions, insulation performance, and long-term reliability in oil-immersed electrical equipment.

Related standards

• IEC 60317-0-9 – General requirements for enamelled rectangular aluminium wire (to be used in conjunction).
• IEC 60554-1 and IEC 60554-3-5 – Specifications for cellulosic papers for electrical purposes (paper tape materials referenced).

Keywords: IEC 60317-27-4, paper tape covered rectangular aluminium wire, winding wire standard, oil-immersed transformer coils, aluminium winding wire, insulation tests, IEC winding wires.