IEC 62677-3-103:2019

Overview

IEC 62677-3-103:2019 sets the international standard for heat-shrinkable, polyolefin, conductive moulded shapes, specifically designed for medium voltage applications. Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard addresses the material specifications for moulded shapes that provide environmental sealing, mechanical protection, and strain relief in power cable terminations, joints, and stop ends. Designed for operational temperatures from -40°C to 100°C, these shapes may be supplied with pre-coated adhesives, with guidance on adhesive compatibility and temperature performance included.

Key Topics

• Heat-shrinkable Polyolefin Materials: Focuses on the properties and performance of polyolefin-based, conductive materials engineered to shrink under heat, ensuring a secure and protective fit around cable assemblies.

• Medium Voltage Applications: Designed for use in medium voltage cable accessories, providing crucial insulation and conductive properties for cable terminations and joints.

• Environmental and Mechanical Protection: Outlines the requirements for environmental sealing and mechanical support, minimizing risks from external factors and mechanical stress.

• Quality and Performance Testing: Describes a range of property requirements such as tensile strength, elongation at break, volume resistivity, resistance to selected fluids, dimensional stability, weathering resistance, and long-term ageing for reliable field performance.

• Adhesive Compatibility: Guidance is provided for selecting suitable adhesives, including temperature ranges and compatibility with various cable sleeving types.

Applications

IEC 62677-3-103:2019 is applicable in a broad variety of electrical and industrial settings, especially where reliable, long-term cable protection and performance are critical. Key practical applications include:

• Power Cable Systems: Used in low and medium voltage cable accessories for terminations, joints, and stop ends, supporting integrity and safety in electrical distribution.
• Environmental Sealing: Prevents ingress of moisture and contaminants, essential for underground, outdoor, and industrial installations.
• Mechanical Protection and Strain Relief: Provides robust protection against physical stresses and mechanical damage at connection points and cable joints.
• Electrical Conductivity: Ensures conductive performance in applications where controlled electrical flow and shielding are required.

Material selection is critical and should be based on the specific performance needs of the application, considering compatibility with existing cable types and anticipated environmental conditions.

Related Standards

For comprehensive implementation and compatibility, the following related standards are referenced:

• IEC 62677-1: General requirements for heat-shrinkable low and medium voltage moulded shapes.
• IEC 62677-2: Methods of test for evaluating these materials.
• IEC 60296: Fluids for electrotechnical applications - specifies unused mineral insulating oils.
• IEC 60757: Colour code designation for components and cables.
• IEC 60502 (all parts): Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for 1 kV to 30 kV.
• EN 50393: Test methods and requirements for cable accessories.
• HD 629: Requirements on accessories for use on power cables with extruded insulation.

Consulting these standards ensures best practices for design, selection, testing, and installation of heat-shrinkable, polyolefin, conductive moulded shapes in medium voltage cable systems.

Keywords: heat-shrinkable, polyolefin, conductive moulded shapes, medium voltage applications, power cable accessories, IEC 62677-3-103, environmental sealing, mechanical protection, cable joints, adhesive compatibility.