IEC 60684-3-284:2014

Overview

IEC 60684-3-284:2014 specifies requirements for heat-shrinkable sleevings for oil barrier used in medium voltage (MV) cable jointing and termination applications. It covers sleevings with nominal shrink ratios up to 3:1, typically supplied translucent, and suitable for service temperatures up to 80 °C. Two material types are defined: Type A (polyolefin‑based) and Type B (fluoropolymer‑based, enhanced oil resistance). Annex A provides a guide to typical sizes and wall thicknesses; final dimensions are to be agreed between purchaser and supplier.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Material types and scope
  • Type A: polyolefin - general use
  • Type B: fluoropolymer - enhanced oil resistance
• Shrink and test conditions
  • Pre-test shrink: forced‑air oven, 10 ± 1 min at 175 °C ± 3 K (Type A) or 200 °C ± 3 K (Type B)
• Mechanical and dimensional properties
  • Internal/external diameters, wall thickness, concentricity, longitudinal change, low‑temperature bending
  • Tensile strength, elongation at break, secant modulus requirements specified per type
• Thermal and ageing tests
  • Heat shock and heat‑ageing tests at specified temperatures (Type A and B have different test temperatures and long‑term ageing conditions)
• Electrical properties
  • Breakdown voltage measured on expanded sleeving per IEC 60684‑2:2011; minimum electric strength (expressed as kV/mm of expanded wall thickness)
  • Volume resistivity at room temperature
• Chemical resistance
  • Resistance to selected fluids (insulating oils, solvents, water) is defined in the standard’s fluid table; Type B is suitable for oil immersion at elevated temperatures, whereas Type A may not be suitable for certain oil exposures
• Conformance and labelling
  • Designation format (IEC 60684-3-284 - Type - Size) and guidance that conformance testing may be based on typical size samples

Applications and users

• Practical uses:
  • Oil‑barrier layers in MV cable jointing and termination accessories
  • Insulation/encapsulation in cable repair and accessory manufacturing
• Typical users:
  • Cable accessory manufacturers, MV cable OEMs
  • Utilities and contractors specifying cable joints and terminations
  • Procurement and QA teams selecting materials for oil‑filled or oil‑exposed cable systems
  • Testing and certification laboratories

Selection notes

Materials conforming to this standard meet established performance levels, but users must select sleeving based on actual application requirements (service temperature, oil exposure, electrical stress, mechanical demands), not on the standard alone. Sizes and wall thicknesses are to be agreed with suppliers.

Related standards

• IEC 60684‑1 (definitions & general requirements)
• IEC 60684‑2 (methods of test)
• HD 629 and IEC 60502 series (MV cable accessory and system performance)
• IEC 60296, IEC 60055‑2 (related fluid and cable construction references)

Keywords: heat-shrinkable sleevings, oil barrier, medium voltage cable jointing, termination applications, Type A polyolefin, Type B fluoropolymer.