IEC 62631-2-3:2024

Overview

IEC 62631-2-3:2024 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines the measurement techniques for assessing the relative permittivity and dielectric dissipation factor (tan δ) of thin, single-layer solid insulating polymer films. This standard focuses on the contact electrode method using AC testing, specifically suited for films without any metallization or additional surface layers. It addresses dielectric and resistive properties essential for materials used in electrical insulation applications.

The standard covers film thicknesses ranging from approximately 10 μm to 100 μm and recommends using power frequency measurements (50 Hz or 60 Hz) while also accommodating a broader technical frequency range from 1 Hz to 1 MHz. The inclusion of Corrigendum 1 (2025-04) ensures up-to-date corrections and clarifications.

Key Topics

• Measurement Principles: The standard outlines the fundamental principle of using a three-electrode system to measure the dielectric properties of thin polymer films with AC voltage, ensuring accuracy without metallized electrodes.
• Electrode Design: Detailed guidelines on electrode manufacture, shape, flatness, and edge effects are provided to reduce measurement errors, ensuring consistent contact and minimal signal distortion.
• Environmental Conditions: Specifies the necessary environment controls, such as temperature and humidity, during testing to guarantee reliable and repeatable measurement data.
• Sample Preparation: Guidelines for preparing samples, including measuring film thickness accurately and addressing surface roughness corrections to compensate for scabrous or uneven film surfaces.
• Measurement Procedures: Step-by-step testing procedures including voltage application, frequency selection, and data acquisition are articulated to standardize test executions.
• Data Reporting and Quality: Requirements for reporting relative permittivity and dissipation factor values along with repeatability, reproducibility, and replicability criteria ensure transparent and comparable results.
• Correction Methods: Normative annexes describe physical models and mathematical corrections for samples with surface irregularities, enhancing the accuracy of permittivity and dissipation factor determinations.
• Technical Frequency Suitability: While emphasizing power frequencies (50 Hz/60 Hz), the standard also validates measurements over a wide frequency range (1 Hz - 1 MHz) for broad application relevance.

Applications

IEC 62631-2-3:2024 serves as a critical reference for industries and research sectors involving:

• Electrical Insulation Material Testing: Accurate characterization of thin polymer insulating films used in cables, capacitors, and electronic devices.
• Quality Control: Ensures raw materials or finished products meet dielectric performance criteria for safe and efficient electrical applications.
• Research and Development: Facilitates development of novel insulating materials by precisely measuring their dielectric properties without metallization interference.
• Electrical Equipment Manufacturing: Supports design and verification processes of components requiring precise dielectric measurements, reducing failures and enhancing product reliability.
• Standardization Efforts: Provides a technical basis for national and international regulations related to electrical insulation materials.

Related Standards

• IEC 62631 Series: The parent series covers dielectric and resistive properties of solid insulating materials, providing complementary methods for different types of materials and testing conditions.
• IEC 60250: Pertains to dielectric loss measurements on insulating liquids, relevant for combined material testing regimes.
• ISO/IEC Directives: Governs the development of international standards ensuring rigorous methodology and consistency.
• Other Polymer Film Standards: Specifications overlapping with polymer film testing techniques for electrical and non-electrical properties may reference IEC 62631-2-3 for dielectric characteristics.

IEC 62631-2-3:2024 is essential for professionals involved in electrical insulation testing, providing a robust, internationally harmonized method for accurately measuring the dielectric behavior of thin polymer films. This ensures reliable material characterization for safer and more efficient electrical equipment worldwide.