IEC 60851-1:1996

Overview

IEC 60851-1:1996 titled Methods of test for winding wires - Part 1: General is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This second edition provides general principles and definitions for testing winding wires used in electrical equipment. It is part of a comprehensive series (IEC 851), which covers test methods, specifications, and packaging of insulated wires used for electrical windings. The standard primarily addresses methods for calculating the cyclic rating factor in cables where internal thermal capacitance can be ignored.

By standardizing testing procedures and terminology, IEC 60851-1 ensures consistent quality and performance measurement for winding wires, supporting manufacturers, engineers, and quality control professionals worldwide.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose
  Defines the general notes, terminology, and fundamental procedures for testing winding wires. Establishes a baseline for subsequent parts of IEC 851 which cover specific tests such as dimensional, mechanical, chemical, electrical, and thermal properties.

• Terminology and Definitions
  Clarifies essential terms related to winding wires, including:

  • Bonding layer - material bonding enamelled wires together
  • Bunched wire - assembly of insulated wires without predetermined geometry
  • Class - thermal performance expressed via temperature index and heat shock temperature
  • Coating - deposited insulating material on the conductor
  • Conductor - bare metal core after insulation removal
  • Enamelled wire - wire insulated with cured resin
  • Nominal conductor dimension - conductor size according to IEC 317

• General Testing Conditions
  Standardizes environmental conditions for tests:

  • Temperature range: 15 °C to 35 °C
  • Relative humidity: 45% to 75%
  • Specimens must be preconditioned to achieve stability before testing
  • Handling of wire samples to avoid damage or undue stress before testing

• Normative References
  References key related IEC standards such as:

  • IEC 851-2 to IEC 851-6 for various test methods (dimension, mechanical, chemical, electrical, thermal)
  • IEC 317 for wire specifications
  • IEC 264 for packaging guidelines

• Purpose within Series
  IEC 60851-1 functions as an introductory document to the winding wire test standards family, providing context, unified nomenclature, and fundamental test procedures to ensure compatibility and coherence throughout the series.

Applications

• Manufacturing Quality Control
  Ensures winding wires meet international quality benchmarks by following uniform test methods, supporting reliable electrical device production such as motors, transformers, inductors, and other electromagnetic components.

• Design and Engineering
  Provides engineers clear definitions and performance criteria essential for selecting suitable winding wires based on thermal class and physical properties, facilitating reliable coil design with predictable lifetime and thermal performance.

• Certification and Compliance
  Assists certification bodies and regulatory agencies in verifying conformance of winding wires to global standards, enabling global trade and market acceptance.

• Research and Development
  Acts as a reference framework for new insulation systems and wire constructions, ensuring new products are tested consistently for mechanical, chemical, electrical, and thermal features.

Related Standards

• IEC 851 Series

  • IEC 851-2: Determination of Dimensions
  • IEC 851-3: Mechanical Properties
  • IEC 851-4: Chemical Properties
  • IEC 851-5: Electrical Properties
  • IEC 851-6: Thermal Properties

• IEC 317 - Specifications for Different Types of Winding Wires

• IEC 264 - Guidelines for Packaging of Winding Wires

• IEC 50 - International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) for Terminology Consistency

• IEC 27, 417, 617, 878 - Graphical and Letter Symbols for Electrical Engineering

Keywords: IEC 60851-1, winding wires, winding wire test methods, cyclic rating factor, insulation, enamelled wire, thermal performance, electrical standards, IEC 851 series, electrical insulation testing, conductor dimension, bonding layer, winding wire specifications, international electrotechnical standard.