IEC TR 61328:2017 PDF

Overview

IEC TR 61328:2017 - Live working: Guidelines for the installation of transmission and distribution line conductors and earth wires - stringing equipment and accessory items is a Technical Report from the IEC (3rd edition, 2017). It provides recommendations for selection and, where necessary, testing of conductor stringing equipment and accessories used to install bare and insulated overhead distribution conductors, bare transmission conductors and overhead earth wires. This edition cancels IEC TR 61911:2003 and updates equipment, methods and procedures to reflect the state of the art for live working and conductor stringing.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Hazard fundamentals: electric field induction, magnetic induction, induced voltages and currents, electrostatic charging, re‑energization risks and mechanical hazards associated with live working.
• Stringing methods: guidance on slack stringing and tension stringing techniques and decision factors for method selection.
• Stringing equipment: recommendations for specifying and using tensioners, pullers, bullwheel units, reel winders and reel stands, pilot/pulling ropes, woven wire grips, stringing blocks and rollers, conductor cars and hold‑down blocks.
• Earthing and bonding: special earthing requirements for work sites, running earths, stringing block earths, earth mats and earthing procedures for mid‑span splices, clipping in and dead‑ending.
• Testing: type‑test setup and acceptance criteria for earthing devices and accessory items used during live working and conductor installation.
• Communications and procedures: operational controls and safe work practices for live working stringing operations.

Practical applications and users

IEC TR 61328 is intended for professionals involved in overhead line installation and maintenance who need guidance on safe, modern stringing practice:

• Electric utilities and transmission/distribution line owners
• Live‑working crews and linemen performing conductor stringing near energized circuits
• Design and construction engineers specifying stringing equipment and procedures
• Equipment manufacturers and testers developing or type‑testing tensioners, blocks, running earths and related accessories
• Safety managers, inspectors and consultants assessing compliance and risk mitigation for live working operations

The report is practical for planning conductor installation near energized circuits, selecting appropriate stringing equipment, and establishing earthing and testing protocols to control induced voltages and mechanical risks.

Related standards and access

This Technical Report complements other IEC publications on live working and overhead line safety and replaces IEC TR 61911:2003. For implementation, obtain the latest edition and any corrigenda from the IEC webstore to ensure alignment with current practice and national regulations.