IEC 60270:2000

Overview

IEC 60270:2000 - High‑voltage test techniques - Partial discharge measurements - is the international standard for electrical measurement of localized partial discharges (PD) in insulating media. It covers PD that occur in part of a dielectric and only partially bridge the insulation between conductors. The third edition (2000, with the October 2001 corrigendum included) defines terminology, measurable PD quantities, recommended test circuits and both analogue and digital measurement methods for PD testing up to 400 Hz (alternating) and for direct voltage tests (see clause 11).

Key Topics

• Definitions and quantities: Standardized PD terminology (clause 3) and the measurable quantities relevant to PD diagnosis (apparent charge, pulse repetition rate, average discharge current, etc.).
• Test circuits and measuring systems: Recommended basic PD test circuits for AC and DC testing, coupling devices, and configurations for typical apparatus (clauses 4 and 11).
• PD instruments and response: Requirements for wide‑band, narrow‑band and ultra‑wide‑band PD instruments, pulse train response, and digital PD instruments (clauses 4.3–4.6).
• Calibration and calibrators: Procedures for calibrating the complete measuring system in the test circuit and performance requirements for calibrators (clauses 5–6 and normative Annex A).
• Maintenance and performance tests: Type, routine and performance tests to maintain characteristics of calibrators and measuring systems, including digital system checks (clause 7).
• Test procedures and interpretation: Guidance on conditioning, selecting test procedures, determining PD inception/extinction voltages, measuring PD magnitude, and discriminating PD from external disturbances (clauses 8–11).
• Supporting guidance: Informative annexes on test circuits, cable/GIS/capacitor measurements, radio disturbance meters, digital acquisition of PD data, non‑electrical PD detection methods, and disturbance sources (Annexes B–G).

Applications and Who Uses It

IEC 60270 is used by:

• High‑voltage test laboratories and calibration laboratories
• Manufacturers of transformers, cables, switchgear, bushings and capacitors
• Utilities and system operators for factory and site acceptance testing
• PD instrument manufacturers and R&D teams developing diagnostic tools

Practical uses include setting up compliant PD test circuits, calibrating PD measuring systems, validating instrument performance, and ensuring consistent PD measurement and interpretation during type tests, routine testing and condition assessment.

Related Standards

• IEC 60060‑1 - High‑voltage test techniques: general definitions and test requirements
• IEC 60060‑2 - High‑voltage test techniques: measuring systems
• CISPR 16‑1 - Radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus and methods

Keywords: IEC 60270, partial discharge measurements, high‑voltage test techniques, PD calibration, PD measuring systems, apparent charge, PD inception voltage.