IEC 60811-604:2012

Overview

IEC 60811-604:2012 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies test methods for non-metallic materials used in electric and optical fibre cables. This part-Part 604-focuses on physical tests to measure the absence of corrosive components in filling compounds. Filling compounds are utilized inside cables to provide protection and stability, and their chemical composition may have an impact on metallic parts of the cables. The IEC 60811-604 standard is essential for assessing whether filling compounds contain corrosive substances that could damage the metallic components such as copper or aluminum strips within the cable structure.

This standard cancels and replaces Clause 8 of the earlier IEC 60811-5-1:1990, ensuring updated methodology without significant technical changes. It is designed to be used alongside IEC 60811-100:2012, which provides general provisions and definitions related to testing non-metallic cable materials.

Key Topics

• Purpose: The standard aims to evaluate the chemical interaction between filling compounds and metallic materials, ensuring that these compounds do not contain corrosive agents which could deteriorate the metallic parts inside cables.

• Scope: Applies to the physical testing of filling compounds used in electric and optical fibre cables, particularly their effect on copper and aluminum metallic strips.

• Test Methodology:

  • Use of polished and cleaned aluminum and copper strips as test specimens.
  • Immersion of these metal strips into preheated filling compound at (80 ± 2) °C.
  • Exposure of strips for 14 days at the same temperature in an oven.
  • Post-exposure cleaning and visual inspection of the metal strips for any signs of corrosion such as etching, pitting, or discoloration.

• Apparatus Requirements:

  • Aluminum strips: minimum 0.5 mm thickness, ≥99.5% purity, dimensions 50 mm x 20 mm.
  • Copper strips: commercial cold-rolled copper, similar thickness and dimensions.
  • Use of diethyl ether and petroleum spirit for cleaning strips before and after testing.

• Result Interpretation: The absence of corrosion on metal strips confirms the filling compound does not include corrosive components, meeting the standard's requirements.

• References and Normative Documents: Testing procedures must be conducted in conjunction with IEC 60811-100:2012. The document also withdraws previous testing clauses from IEC 60811-5-1:1990, consolidating updated methodologies.

Applications

• Cable Manufacturing Quality Control: Ensures that filling compounds used inside electric and optical fibre cables do not deteriorate the metallic parts, thereby extending cable lifespan and maintaining mechanical integrity.

• Material Certification: Facilitates material suppliers and manufacturers in certifying filling compounds as non-corrosive, supporting compliance with industry standards.

• Cable Design & Engineering: Aids cable designers in selecting suitable filling compounds to prevent corrosion-related failures in cable assemblies, especially in harsh or long-term operational environments.

• Testing Laboratories: Provides a standardized test procedure that laboratories can follow for consistent and reproducible assessment of filling compounds used worldwide.

Related Standards

• IEC 60811-100:2012 – General provisions and definitions for test methods of non-metallic cable materials, critical for correctly applying Part 604 test methods.

• IEC 60811 Series – Comprehensive set of test methods for non-metallic materials of electric and optical fibre cables, covering insulation, sheathing, bedding, and more.

• IEC 60811-5-1:1990 – Previously included methods specific to filling compounds; Clause 8 is now withdrawn and replaced by IEC 60811-604.

Keywords: IEC 60811-604, test methods, non-metallic materials, electric cables, optical fibre cables, filling compounds, corrosive components, physical tests, cable quality, IEC standard, non-corrosive filling compound testing, cable manufacturing, cable materials testing.