IEC TR 62392:2006 PDF

Overview

IEC TR 62392:2006 - "Suitability of typical electrical insulating material (EIM) for polymer recycling" - is a Technical Report from the IEC that provides guidance for assessing factors affecting the recycling and reuse of insulating polymers used in electrotechnical equipment. It helps developers and design engineers evaluate polymer selection and combinations with the aim of preserving resources, reducing end-of-life (EOL) disposal costs, and improving material recovery. The report treats material recycling as a recovery option within the wider environmental lifecycle of electrical products.

Key topics

The report addresses technical and practical aspects relevant to polymer recycling, recyclability of EIM, and design-for-dismantling. Main topics include:

• Environmental aspects at EOL - lifecycle perspective for polymeric insulating materials, options for recycling, incineration, or landfilling.
• Processing and separation - general considerations, separation methods for mixed waste streams, and recycling of polymers from WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
• Material factors - assessment attributes that affect recyclability and reuse:
  • Mechanical properties (tensile strength, toughness)
  • Thermal endurance and ageing
  • Flammability and ignitability
  • Arc resistance and Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
  • Insulating performance (volume resistivity, dielectric strength)
  • Weatherability and UV resistance
• Design factors - measures to improve recovery value, including ease of dismantlement, part labelling, finishes/paints, and handling of metallized parts.
• Ageing evaluation / life estimation - considerations for assessing long-term performance of recycled EIMs.

Practical applications and users

IEC TR 62392 is useful for:

• Design engineers and product developers selecting polymers and polymer combinations for electrotechnical equipment.
• Materials specialists and R&D teams assessing mechanical, thermal, electrical and ageing characteristics relevant to recycling.
• Environment, health & safety and sustainability managers seeking guidance on improving end-of-life recovery and compliance with circular-economy goals.
• Recyclers and WEEE processors needing an overview of separation and processing considerations for electrical insulating polymers.
• Policy-makers and procurement professionals evaluating environmental compatibility and recyclability criteria for electrical products.

Practical outcomes include choosing materials that facilitate dismantling, improving recycled material quality, and reducing disposal costs while maintaining required electrical and safety performance.

Related standards

Key normative references cited in the report include:

• IEC 60093 (volume/surface resistivity)
• IEC 60112 (proof and Comparative Tracking Index)
• IEC 60216 series (thermal endurance)
• IEC 60505 (evaluation of insulation systems)
• ISO 179 / ISO 527 (impact and tensile tests)
• ISO 1043 / ISO 11469 (plastic identification and symbols)

Keywords: IEC TR 62392, electrical insulating material, EIM, polymer recycling, recyclability, design for dismantling, WEEE, thermal endurance, comparative tracking index.