IEC 60455-3-8:2021

Overview

IEC 60455-3-8:2021 - "Resin based reactive compounds used for electrical insulation – Part 3-8: Specifications for individual materials – Resins for cable accessories" specifies requirements for resins for power cable accessories intended for low and medium voltage assemblies. This second edition (2021) replaces the 2013 edition and is a technical revision that refines designation categories, updates type tests based on chemical class, introduces additional materials and an examination grid (Annex A), and links to assemblies covered by IEC 60502-4 and EN 50393.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and application: Defines performance requirements for resins used in cable accessories (insulation, outer protection) for low and medium voltage; selection for a specific application must consider actual field requirements beyond the standard alone.
• Designation and categories: Resins are classified by voltage class (L / M), function (Insulation I, Outer Protection OP), mechanical behaviour (Rigid R, Soft S, Gel-like G) and suitability for curing in presence of water (W). Example identifiers: L-OP, L-I-W, L-OP-I.
• Type testing and test methods: Comprehensive type tests with updated methods organized by resin chemistry (polyurethane, polybutadiene, epoxy, silicone). Tests cover electrical, mechanical and chemical properties; sampling, preparation/conditioning, sequence of tests and test reporting are specified.
• Preparation and conditioning: Rules for testing individual components, freshly mixed resin (curing stage), cured resin (original), and thermally aged specimens (dry and wet).
• Supply, packaging and marking: Requirements for packaging, labelling of components and accessory kits to ensure traceability and correct field use.
• Annex A - Examination grid: A normative examination grid is provided to standardize specimen examination and reporting.

Practical applications and users

Who uses IEC 60455-3-8:2021:

• Cable accessory manufacturers developing resins for cable joints, terminations and outer protection.
• Test laboratories performing type tests and material qualification for low/medium voltage cable systems.
• Utilities and specifiers evaluating resin materials for field use and procurement.
• Designers and OEMs integrating resin materials into assemblies tested per EN 50393 and IEC 60502-4.

Practical benefits:

• Ensures consistent material classification and test evidence for electrical and mechanical performance.
• Provides clear guidance on testing protocols, packaging and labelling to support reliable cable accessory assemblies.

Related standards (key references)

• IEC 60455-2 (Methods of test)
• IEC 60502-4 (Cable accessory assemblies)
• EN 50393 (Cable accessory assembly examples)
• IEC 60093, IEC 60243-1, IEC 60250 and other dielectric and resistivity test standards

Keywords: IEC 60455-3-8:2021, resins for cable accessories, power cable accessories, low and medium voltage, type tests, resin classification, cable accessory materials.