Overview
IEC 62677-2:2017 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It specifies methods of test for heat shrinkable low and medium voltage moulded shapes, which are essential components used in electrical cable accessories. These moulded shapes serve key functions such as insulation, environmental sealing, mechanical protection, and strain relief, particularly for connector and cable terminations as well as multi-way transitions. The standard focuses on ensuring the quality and reliability of these moulded products by defining rigorous testing procedures. While electrical performance validation is generally part of complete assembly testing (referencing standards like EN 50393, HD 629.1, and IEC 60502-4), IEC 62677-2:2017 concentrates on physical and material property tests.
Key Topics
This standard covers a wide range of critical test methods to assess the durability, performance, and suitability of heat shrinkable moulded shapes for their intended applications. Key testing topics include:
- Dimensional measurements - to verify manufacturing consistency and stability
- Heat shock resistance - testing the ability to withstand sudden temperature increases without damage
- Low temperature bending - ensuring flexibility and mechanical resilience under cold conditions
- Tensile strength and elongation at break - measuring mechanical strength and elasticity
- Secant modulus at 2% elongation - determining stiffness and material response under stress
- Electrical tests including electric strength, volume resistivity, and dielectric properties (permittivity and dissipation factor)
- Resistance assessments - such as to tracking, selected fluids, mould growth, and water absorption to verify environmental durability
- Flammability testing - evaluating safety and compliance under fire exposure scenarios
- Long-term heat ageing - simulating prolonged thermal stress to predict lifespan and stability
- Carbon black content - which affects electrical and UV protection properties
- Peel adhesion testing - measuring bonding strength between materials
These tests use standardized specimens, conditioning methods, and detailed procedures to ensure reproducibility and reliable quality control.
Applications
The IEC 62677-2:2017 standard is highly relevant for manufacturers, quality control engineers, and testing laboratories involved in the production and certification of heat shrinkable moulded shapes for:
- Low and medium voltage cable accessories
- Electrical connector terminations and splices
- Multi-way cable transitions
- Environmental sealing and mechanical protection solutions for power cables
- Components requiring assured electrical insulation and mechanical reliability
By following the specified test methods, stakeholders can ensure products meet stringent international quality and safety requirements, minimizing failure risks and improving performance in field conditions.
Related Standards
IEC 62677-2:2017 is part of a broader framework of IEC and European standards related to electrical cable accessories and testing, including:
- EN 50393 - Test methods for electrical and mechanical properties of cable accessories
- HD 629.1 - European standard for heat shrinkable cable accessories
- IEC 60502-4 - Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages
- ISO 846 - Testing materials for resistance to mould growth (referenced within for mould resistance tests)
These related standards complement IEC 62677-2 by providing specifications on assembly-level performance, installation practices, and additional material tests, forming a cohesive quality assurance system for cable accessory products.
Keywords: IEC 62677-2:2017, heat shrinkable moulded shapes, low voltage cable accessories, medium voltage cable accessories, methods of test, electrical insulation, mechanical protection, environmental sealing, quality control, tensile strength test, electric strength test, resistance to tracking, flammability test, cable termination standards, IEC electrical standards.