IEC 60587:2007

Overview

IEC 60587:2007 specifies standardized test methods for evaluating the resistance of electrical insulating materials to tracking and erosion under severe ambient conditions. Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard is essential for ensuring the reliability and safety of insulating materials used in demanding environments, particularly those exposed to liquid contaminants and high humidity. It covers power frequency ranges from 45 Hz to 65 Hz and uses inclined plane test specimens to simulate challenging operational conditions.

The document establishes two core test methods to assess the material's resistance:

• Method 1: Constant tracking voltage
• Method 2: Stepwise tracking voltage

Compliance with IEC 60587:2007 is particularly relevant for manufacturers, testing laboratories, and engineers working with high-voltage equipment where the durability and performance of insulating materials are critical.

Key Topics

IEC 60587:2007 focuses on the systematic evaluation of electrical insulating materials using robust testing approaches:

• Test Specimens: Specifies size, preparation, and cleaning requirements for flat, inclined plane specimens to ensure consistent test conditions.
• Test Methods:
  • Constant Tracking Voltage: Maintains a specified voltage to evaluate endurance.
  • Stepwise Tracking Voltage: Increases voltage incrementally to determine breakdown thresholds.
• Testing Environment:
  • Details on ambient temperature control, contamination, and ventilation.
  • Recommendations for abrasion and mounting support, especially for soft elastomeric materials.
• Apparatus and Setup:
  • Design and material of electrodes, contaminant composition and application method, timing, and measurement equipment.
• End Point Criteria:
  • Definitions for test failure based on current thresholds, visible track progression, ignition, or material erosion.
• Reporting:
  • Specifies information to include in test reports such as specimen details, procedures, and results, including maximum erosion depth.

Applications

IEC 60587:2007 is widely applied in sectors where electrical equipment must perform reliably in adverse or polluted environments:

• Power Transmission and Distribution:
  • Selection and qualification of insulating materials for outdoor insulators, bushings, cables, and switchgear exposed to moisture, pollution, or salt.
• Industrial Equipment:
  • Ensuring that insulators in industrial facilities withstand chemical contamination and high humidity.
• Polymeric and Composite Materials Development:
  • Guiding research and quality control for new formulations intended for electrical insulation in severe service conditions.
• Product Certification and Compliance:
  • Used by certification agencies and test laboratories to validate materials against international requirements.

By following IEC 60587, organizations can minimize the risk of insulation breakdowns, ensure continuous electrical service, and meet stringent international safety standards.

Related Standards

For comprehensive evaluation and compatibility, IEC 60587:2007 is often referenced alongside other standards, including:

• IEC 60243-1: Electric strength of insulating materials
• IEC 60112: Determination of the comparative and proof tracking indices of solid insulating materials
• IEC 60343: Recommended test methods for determining the relative resistance of elastomers to tracking and erosion
• IEC 61109: Composite insulators for AC overhead lines with a nominal voltage greater than 1,000 V

These standards provide additional test methods and criteria for insulating materials, complementing the scope and application of IEC 60587.

For the latest information and documentation, refer to the official IEC website at www.iec.ch. Compliance with IEC 60587:2007 helps ensure electrical safety, material reliability, and operational longevity in challenging environments.