IEC 60455-1:1998

Overview

IEC 60455-1:1998 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines resin based reactive compounds used for electrical insulation. This part 1 of the series focuses on definitions and general requirements concerning these compounds. It sets out designations, classifications based on glass transition temperature, and specifies that all compounds are solvent-free, containing reactive diluents and fillers as needed. Notably, the standard excludes reactive compounds used as coating powders, which are treated separately.

This standard ensures global harmonization in the use and specification of resin based reactive compounds, promoting reliable electrical insulation through clear terminology, application codes, and resin classifications.

Key Topics

• Scope: Addresses solvent-free resin based reactive compounds used specifically for electrical insulation. The curing process involves polymerization and/or crosslinking to yield materials that can be rigid, flexible, or elastomeric. Coating powders fall outside this scope.

• Definitions: Provides precise terminology including:

  • Reactive compound: A solvent-free resin mixture with hardeners, accelerators, or reactive diluents, releasing minimal volatiles during curing.
  • Cured compound: The hardened, self-supporting form of the reactive compound.
  • Reactive component: Individual reactive parts within a compound such as resin or hardener.
  • Resin: High-molecular-weight polymeric material, often with a melting range and conchoidal fracture, serving as the base for plastics.

• Designation & Classification:

  • Compounds are designated based on resin type (e.g., Acrylic - A, Epoxy - EP, Polyurethane - PUR, Silicone - SI, Unsaturated Polyester - UP).
  • Applications have specific code letters representing methods of use such as casting (CC), potting (PC), encapsulation (ECC), or impregnation (IC, ICD, ICT, VPI).
  • The cured compound’s properties correlate to the glass transition temperature, informing classification.

• References to Related Standards: Incorporates references to other IEC and ISO documents that provide vocabulary, symbols, and definitions essential for standardized communication in the electrotechnical field.

Applications

IEC 60455-1 covers practical applications of resin based reactive compounds across diverse insulation needs including but not limited to:

• Casting compound (CC): Pouring resin mixtures into molds or cavities for insulation.
• Embedding compound (EBC): Enclosing components to provide electrical safety and mechanical protection.
• Potting compound (PC): Filling enclosures to protect sensitive devices from environmental impacts.
• Encapsulating compound (ECC): Sealing components to guard against moisture and contaminants.
• Impregnating compound (IC): Saturating windings or coils using dipping (ICD), trickling (ICT), or vacuum-pressure (VPI) methods to improve electrical properties.

These clearly defined application types and coding facilitate consistency in selection and communication during manufacturing and quality assurance processes.

Related Standards

• IEC 60455-2: Specifies test methods for resin based reactive compounds, complementing the general requirements by defining how to assess material properties.
• IEC 60455-3: Provides detailed specifications for individual materials within the resin based reactive compound family.
• IEC 60050(212): International Electrotechnical Vocabulary chapter on solid, liquid and gaseous insulators.
• ISO 1043 Series: Defines polymer and filler symbols crucial for consistent material designation.
• ISO 4597-1: Covers designations for hardeners and accelerators for epoxy resins.

Practical Value

By adhering to IEC 60455-1, manufacturers and engineers can achieve:

• Standardized material identification for effective communication across international supply chains.
• Reliable product classification ensuring that cured compounds meet necessary insulation properties related to temperature and performance.
• Clear guidelines for applications facilitating appropriate selection of resin based compounds aligned to method of application and end-use.
• Enhanced compatibility with testing and specification standards, ensuring compound quality and performance adherence.

This comprehensive framework supports innovation and quality assurance in electrical insulation materials critical for safe and efficient electrical and electronic devices worldwide.

Keywords: IEC 60455-1, resin based reactive compounds, electrical insulation, solvent-free compounds, polymerization, crosslinking, resin designation, insulation applications, casting compounds, potting compounds, encapsulating compounds, impregnation methods, electrical insulation standards, international electrotechnical commission.