IEC 62631-2-1:2018

Overview

IEC 62631-2-1:2018 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies test methods for determining the dielectric and resistive properties-specifically, relative permittivity and dissipation factor-of solid insulating materials. The standard focuses on AC methods for technical frequencies ranging from 0.1 Hz to 10 MHz, ensuring precise measurement procedures for the quality assessment of electrical insulation.

This first edition supersedes IEC 60250:1969, offering a significant technical update by confining test frequencies to AC methods and revising measurement approaches for solid dielectrics. It delivers a robust framework to achieve accurate, repeatable, and comparable results essential for the evaluation and qualification of electrical insulating materials and systems.

Key Topics

• Relative permittivity (dielectric constant): Ratio of the absolute permittivity of a material to that of a vacuum; indicates how much the material can store electrical energy.
• Dielectric dissipation factor (tan δ, loss tangent): Ratio that quantifies energy lost as heat in an insulating material when subjected to an alternating electric field; a critical parameter in assessing insulation efficiency.
• Measurement frequency range: Focused on technical frequencies from 0.1 Hz up to 10 MHz using alternating current methods.
• Testing methods: Includes null method (e.g., bridge networks), impedance analyzer method, and digital phase shift method.
• Measurement setups: Guidance on the use of guard electrodes, measurement electrodes, and appropriate electrode materials (e.g., conductive paints, metal foil).
• Test specimen preparation: Recommendations for specimen dimensions, conditioning, and preparation to ensure accuracy and repeatability of results.
• Calibration and accuracy requirements: Emphasizes the calibration of testing apparatus and documentation of measurement system precision.

Applications

IEC 62631-2-1:2018 is widely applicable in industries where electrical insulation performance is critical. Practical areas include:

• Quality control of electrical insulating materials: Manufacturers use these tests to ensure materials meet regulatory and performance standards in capacitors, cables, motors, and transformers.
• Material development and selection: R&D teams utilize these methods to evaluate new or alternative insulating materials for improved performance or cost-effectiveness.
• Product safety and reliability testing: Helps ensure that insulating materials maintain their properties under operational stress, environmental factors, and throughout the device lifecycle.
• Standards compliance: Laboratories and organizations reference these protocols to demonstrate conformity with international benchmarks for dielectric properties.

The standard enables comparability between products and suppliers, supporting procurement and certification processes in the power electronics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics sectors.

Related Standards

For comprehensive evaluation of insulating materials and continued adherence to best practices, reference to the following related standards is recommended:

• IEC 60212: Standard conditions for use before and during testing of solid electrical insulating materials.
• IEC 60247: Measurement of dielectric properties of insulating liquids.
• ISO 4593: Determination of the thickness of plastic films and sheeting.
• Other parts of IEC 62631: For additional test methods and property determinations within the dielectric and resistive properties series.

By aligning with IEC 62631-2-1:2018, organizations can ensure consistency, safety, and performance for solid insulating materials in a broad range of electrical and electronic applications.

Keywords: IEC 62631-2-1, dielectric properties, relative permittivity, dissipation factor, AC methods, insulating materials, test methods, electrical insulation, international standard, quality control, material testing.