IEC 61936-1:2021

Overview

IEC 61936-1:2021, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), sets out the requirements for the design and erection of electrical power installations with nominal voltages exceeding 1 kV AC and frequencies up to 60 Hz. This standard addresses safety considerations and proper functioning for high-voltage AC power installations in industrial, commercial, and public environments.

The standard does not cover specific areas such as overhead and underground lines between installations, railway and mining equipment, certain lighting installations, ships, offshore petroleum units, electrostatic equipment, test sites, medical equipment, and prefabricated, type-tested switchgear or substations-these are subject to separate IEC standards.

Key Topics

IEC 61936-1:2021 outlines both general and specific requirements to ensure high levels of safety and operational reliability. Major topics include:

• Scope and Definitions: Clarifies the types of installations and components covered.
• Fundamental Requirements: Addresses mechanical and electrical criteria, climatic and environmental considerations, noise levels, and effects of animals and micro-organisms.
• Insulation Coordination: Ensures appropriate insulation levels, clearances of live parts, and verification of withstand voltages, in line with the latest coordination standards.
• Selection and Installation of Electrical Equipment: Includes safety requirements and installation practices for switchgear, transformers, fuses, cables, surge arresters, and power generation units.
• Design and Erection of Power Installations: Covers the arrangement of circuits, documentation, transport routes, lighting, access for operation, and labelling.
• Protection and Safety Measures: Protection against electric shock, arc faults, direct contact, direct lightning strokes, fire, and leakage of insulating liquids.
• Earthing Systems: Guidance for the design, construction, and inspection of earthing systems for high-voltage facilities.
• Automation and Auxiliary Systems: Guidelines for protection systems, control automation, and auxiliary supplies, including electromagnetic compatibility.
• Inspection, Testing, and Operation: Procedures for verifying performance, conducting tests during commissioning, and preparing operation and maintenance manuals.

The 2021 edition includes updated definitions, improved requirements on electromagnetic compatibility, updates on transformer installations, enhanced lightning protection, updated labelling (especially with multiple sources), and clearer distinction between erection and subsequent maintenance activities.

Applications

IEC 61936-1:2021 is essential for organizations involved in the planning, design, construction, or operation of high-voltage AC power installations. It is particularly valuable for:

• Power Utilities: Ensuring safe and compliant operation of substations and generating stations.
• Industrial Facilities: Addressing internal electrical systems in factories and plants.
• Commercial and Public Premises: Ensuring the integrity and safety of electrical installations in large commercial sites or public buildings.
• Engineering Consultants and Contractors: Providing a comprehensive framework for tendering, designing, constructing, and verifying high-voltage electrical infrastructures.
• National and Regional Authorities: As a reference for regulations, especially in regions where specific prescriptive standards do not exist.

By adhering to IEC 61936-1:2021, stakeholders can align with internationally recognized best practices, thereby improving safety, reliability, and interoperability across global power systems.

Related Standards

When designing or assessing high-voltage AC installations, consider these related standards:

• IEC 60076: Power transformers
• IEC 60204: Electrical equipment of machines
• IEC 60529: Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
• IEC 60364: Low-voltage electrical installations (for coordination at interface levels)
• IEC 60092 and IEC 61892: For shipboard and offshore electrical installations
• IEC 61936-2: Addresses DC installations (where applicable)

Always refer to provincial, national, or regional regulations for requirements that may take precedence over this international standard in your jurisdiction.

Keywords: high voltage installations, IEC 61936-1:2021, AC power safety, power substation design, electrical standards, insulation coordination, earthing, electrical safety, switchgear installation, transformer safety, power plant engineering.