Overview
IEC 60626-1:2023, Combined Flexible Materials for Electrical Insulation - Part 1: Definitions and General Requirements, is a key international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This document establishes the essential definitions and outlines the general requirements for combined flexible materials used in electrical insulation applications. These combined materials are typically laminates made of two or more different insulating components-such as plastic films, papers, woven or non-woven fabrics-bonded together to achieve suitable electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties.
The fourth edition, published in 2023, incorporates important updates including:
- An expanded range of materials recognized for use under this standard
- A new framework that allows for test methods beyond traditional quality control, supporting qualification testing
Materials conforming to IEC 60626-1 demonstrate established performance levels. However, end users are encouraged to assess actual application requirements when selecting insulation materials.
Key Topics
- Definitions and Terminology: The standard provides clear definitions for types of combined flexible insulation materials, including duplex (two layers), triplex (three layers), and quadruplex (four layers) laminates.
- Material Designation: Systematic naming and coding system for combined flexible materials based on the nature and order of layers, in line with ISO standards. Detailed nomenclature ensures clarity in material specification.
- General Requirements: Criteria covering supply form (roll or sheet), consistency and appearance, contamination avoidance, packaging, labeling, and agreement of dimensional tolerances between supplier and purchaser.
- Testing Framework: Establishes a structure for quality control testing (mechanical, electrical, and thermal/chemical), and allows for supplementary qualification testing as needed.
- Conditions of Supply: Guidelines for roll or sheet supply formats, packaging requirements to protect materials during storage and shipment, and mandatory labeling with standard and material information.
Applications
Combined flexible materials defined under IEC 60626-1 are essential in the electrical engineering sector, particularly for insulation systems where flexibility, durability, and performance reliability are crucial. Typical applications include:
- Electrical motors and transformers: Used as slot liners, phase barriers, and layer insulation due to their adaptability and dielectric strength.
- Cables and wires: Serve as insulation or wrapping materials, conforming to complex shapes and providing protective barriers.
- Electronic devices and assemblies: Provide interlayer insulation in coils, capacitors, and electronic modules, ensuring product safety and longevity.
By adhering to IEC 60626-1, manufacturers and users benefit from a harmonized approach to identifying, specifying, and verifying the performance of combined flexible insulation materials, supporting both product quality and regulatory compliance.
Related Standards
IEC 60626-1 is the foundational document in a family of standards on flexible electrical insulation materials. Related and referenced standards include:
- IEC 60626-2: Methods of test for combined flexible materials for electrical insulation
- IEC 60626-3: Specifications for individual combined flexible materials
- IEC 60371 series: Specifications for insulating materials based on mica
- IEC 60554 series: Specifications for cellulosic papers for electrical purposes
- IEC 60641 series: Specifications for pressboard and presspaper for electrical purposes
- IEC 60674 series: Specifications for plastic films used as electrical insulation
- IEC 60819 series: Specifications for non-cellulosic papers for electrical purposes
- ISO 1043-1: Symbols and abbreviated terms for plastics and polymers
Adhering to IEC 60626-1:2023 helps ensure that combined flexible electrical insulation materials meet rigorous performance standards demanded by modern electrical and electronic systems.
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