IEC 61071:2017

Overview

IEC 61071:2017 - Capacitors for power electronics is the International Electrotechnical Commission standard that defines requirements, tests and guidance for capacitors used in power electronics applications. It applies to a wide range of capacitor technologies (both AC and DC capacitors) intended for systems with operating frequencies normally up to 15 kHz and pulse frequencies up to about 5–10 times the operating frequency. The 2017 edition is a technical revision of the 2007 edition, introducing new terms and clarifications across key test procedures.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and service conditions: Normal and unusual environmental and altitude conditions, operating temperatures and forced cooling considerations.
• Quality requirements and tests: Classification into routine tests and type tests, including:
  • Capacitance and tan δ (loss) measurements
  • Voltage withstand tests (between terminals and between terminals and case)
  • Surge discharge and thermal stability tests
  • Self-healing, endurance and destruction tests
  • Resonance frequency measurement
  • Environmental and mechanical testing (temperature cycling, damp heat, vibration, shock)
• Safety and protection: Requirements for internal discharge devices, internal fuses/disconnectors, case connections and environmental protection.
• Marking and documentation: Rating plate and installation/operation guidance for selection, connection and protection.
• Significant technical changes in this edition: new terms and definitions; clarifications to surge discharge, thermal stability (measurement procedures), self-healing, endurance and destruction tests; updated normative references.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

IEC 61071:2017 is essential for:

• Capacitor manufacturers - to design, test and certify capacitors intended for power-electronic converters.
• Testing and certification laboratories - to perform standardized type and routine tests (endurance, destruction, thermal stability, resonance, etc.).
• Power-electronics OEMs and system integrators - for selection and safe application of capacitors in inverters, converters, motor drives, renewable-energy systems, EV traction inverters, auxiliary inverters and energy storage circuits.
• Design engineers and safety assessors - to define protective measures (fuses, discharge devices), determine permissible voltages and thermal limits, and ensure electromagnetic compatibility and mechanical robustness.

Related standards

IEC 61071 interacts with other international and IEC standards covering capacitor safety, high-voltage testing, electromagnetic compatibility and environmental testing. Users should consult normative references listed in IEC 61071 for complete test methods and complementary requirements.

Keywords: IEC 61071:2017, capacitors for power electronics, power electronics capacitors standard, capacitor testing, thermal stability test, surge discharge test, self-healing test, endurance test, resonance frequency.