Iec 60815-2 Pdf

IEC 60815-2: Selection and use of surge arresters - Part 2: Selection and use of surge arresters for HV power systems

IEC 60815-2 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that provides guidelines for the selection and use of surge arresters for high-voltage (HV) power systems. The standard is part of the IEC 60815 series, which deals with the selection and use of surge arresters.

Scope

The scope of IEC 60815-2 is to provide recommendations for the selection and use of surge arresters for HV power systems, including:

Surge arresters for protection of HV power transmission and distribution systems
Surge arresters for protection of HV power substations and switchgear

Key aspects of the standard

The standard covers the following key aspects:

Classification of surge arresters: The standard defines the types of surge arresters, including:
- Gapless surge arresters (e.g., metal-oxide surge arresters)
- Gapped surge arresters (e.g., silicon carbide surge arresters)
Selection criteria: The standard provides guidelines for selecting the right surge arrester for a specific application, including:
- System voltage
- Maximum continuous operating voltage (MCOV)
- Short-circuit current
- Protection level required
Performance requirements: The standard specifies the performance requirements for surge arresters, including:
- Energy handling capability
- Response to steep-fronted waves
- Response to slow-fronted waves
Testing and validation: The standard outlines the testing and validation procedures for surge arresters, including:
- Type tests
- Routine tests
- Special tests

Benefits of using IEC 60815-2

The use of IEC 60815-2 provides several benefits, including:

Improved protection of HV power systems: By selecting and using surge arresters that meet the requirements of the standard, HV power systems can be better protected against overvoltages and surge events.
Increased reliability: The standard helps ensure that surge arresters are designed and tested to perform reliably in various operating conditions.
Enhanced safety: The standard promotes the safe selection and use of surge arresters, reducing the risk of injury or damage to people and equipment.

Who should use IEC 60815-2?

IEC 60815-2 is relevant to a wide range of stakeholders, including:

Power utilities: Transmission and distribution system operators, as well as power generation companies.
Electrical engineers: Design engineers, application engineers, and system planners involved in the design and operation of HV power systems.
Surge arrester manufacturers: Manufacturers of surge arresters for HV power systems.

By following the guidelines and recommendations outlined in IEC 60815-2, users can ensure that surge arresters are selected and used effectively to protect HV power systems against overvoltages and surge events.

IEC/TS 60815-2 is the international technical specification that provides definitive guidelines for selecting and dimensioning ceramic and glass insulators for high-voltage AC systems operating in polluted environments. This standard is a critical companion to IEC TS 60815-1, which establishes the general principles of pollution management for the entire series. Scope and Application of IEC 60815-2

This part of the IEC 60815 series specifically addresses outdoor high-voltage insulators made of ceramic (porcelain) or toughened glass. It provides the technical framework for engineers to:

Determine Reference Unified Specific Creepage Distance (RUSCD): Calculate initial creepage values based on the Site Pollution Severity (SPS) class of the installation area. iec 60815-2 pdf

Evaluate Profile Suitability: Judge the effectiveness of different shed shapes—such as standard, open, anti-fog, or alternating profiles—against specific types of environmental contaminants like salt or industrial dust.

Apply Correction Factors: Adjust the RUSCD for variables such as altitude, insulator diameter, and installation orientation to arrive at the final required Unified Specific Creepage Distance (USCD).

Performance Verification: Identify appropriate laboratory test methods, such as those in IEC 60507, to confirm that a selected insulator will withstand the specified pollution conditions. Key Technical Concepts

Engineers using the IEC 60815-2 PDF typically focus on several core parameters that define an insulator's resilience to surface flashover: IEC TS 60815-2:2025

IEC 60815-2 is a technical standard providing guidelines for the selection and dimensioning of high-voltage ceramic and glass insulators in polluted environments, focusing on Unified Specific Creepage Distance (USCD) to prevent flashovers. The standard helps engineers classify pollution levels and select insulator profiles for specific environmental conditions like salt or industrial dust. Access the official standard at the IEC Webstore IEC/TS 60815-2 - iTeh Standards

IEC 60815-2 standard, titled "Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage insulators intended for use in polluted conditions – Part 2: Glass and porcelain insulators," is a critical international technical document used to ensure the reliability of electrical power networks. It provides specific guidelines for choosing insulators that can withstand environmental contamination, which is one of the leading causes of flashovers and power outages. Core Objectives and Scope

The primary goal of IEC 60815-2 is to provide a systematic approach for the selection of ceramic (porcelain) and glass insulators

based on the specific pollution levels of a site. This part of the standard specifically excludes polymer or composite insulators, which are covered in Part 3 of the 60815 series. Key Technical Concepts Site Pollution Severity (SPS):

The standard relies on a classification system for environmental pollution, ranging from "Very Light" to "Very Heavy." This is typically measured via Equivalent Salt Deposit Density (ESDD) or Non-Soluble Deposit Density (NSDD). Unified Specific Creepage Distance (USCD):

This is the fundamental design metric provided by the standard. It defines the minimum leakage path (creepage distance) required per kilovolt of system voltage (

) to prevent tracking and flashover under specific pollution classes. Correction Factors:

The paper outlines how to adjust the base USCD based on the insulator's geometry, diameter, and orientation (horizontal vs. vertical). Selection Process Methodology The standard follows a structured engineering workflow: Site Assessment:

Determine the environmental conditions (e.g., coastal salt, industrial dust, or desert sand). Determine SPS Class: IEC 60815-2: Selection and use of surge arresters

Map the site data to one of the five pollution levels (SPS A through SPS E). Base USCD Selection: Select the corresponding value from the standard's reference tables. Profile Optimization:

Evaluate the insulator shape (shed spacing, shed projection, and inclination) to ensure it can "self-clean" via rain or wind. Final Dimensioning:

Calculate the total creepage distance required for the specific operating voltage of the substation or transmission line. Importance in Power Engineering By adhering to IEC 60815-2, utility companies can: Reduce Maintenance Costs:

Properly dimensioned insulators require less frequent manual cleaning. Enhance Grid Reliability:

Minimizes the risk of pollution-induced flashovers that lead to widespread blackouts. Standardize Global Infrastructure:

The storm over the coastal substation wasn't just rain; it was a cocktail of salt spray and industrial dust—the exact nightmare

had spent weeks preparing for. As the lead transmission engineer, Elias knew that the reliability of the entire regional grid rested on the "Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage insulators" He pulled up the IEC TS 60815-2

digital file on his tablet, the blue light reflecting off his safety glasses. This specific technical specification was his bible for choosing the right ceramic and glass insulators for AC systems in such a "polluted environment".

"The Site Pollution Severity (SPS) is hitting 'Very Heavy' levels," his junior engineer, Sarah, shouted over the wind.

Elias nodded, scrolling through the document's tables. He wasn't just looking at the insulators; he was calculating the Reference Unified Specific Creepage Distance (RUSCD)

. According to the standard, he had to apply critical correction factors for the insulators' diameter, altitude, and shed profile to ensure they wouldn't flashover under the salty grime.

"We need the anti-fog profile," Elias decided, pointing to the guidelines in IEC TS 60815-2 PDF

. The standard's latest 2025 revision had simplified the profile suitability checks, confirming that for these exact coastal conditions, alternating sheds with a high creepage-to-clearance ratio were the only way to prevent a total blackout. Surge arresters for protection of HV power transmission

As the first sparks of leakage current began to hiss on the old, undersized units, Elias knew his team was already behind. But with the IEC TS 60815-2

as their roadmap, they began the emergency swap, replacing the standard glass discs with the heavy-duty ceramic strings the specification demanded.

The grid held. In the quiet morning that followed, Elias saved a new note in the PDF:

Always trust the RUSCD—it’s the only thing that stands between us and the dark. site pollution severity (SPS) classes are determined before applying the IEC 60815-2 standards? IEC TS 60815-2:2008

5. Comparison with Part 1 (Polymeric Insulators)

It is crucial to note that IEC 60815-2 applies strictly to ceramic and glass insulators.

IEC 60815-1: Covers Polymeric (composite) insulators.
Key Difference: Polymeric insulators utilize hydrophobicity (water repellency) to combat pollution. Therefore, they generally require less creepage distance than ceramic/glass insulators for the same pollution level. IEC 60815-2 does not account for hydrophobicity transfer; it assumes a hydrophilic (wettable) surface typical of glass and porcelain.

10. Related Standards for Full Context

| Standard | Title | |----------|-------| | IEC 60815-1 | General principles, definitions, and pollution classes | | IEC 60815-3 | DC application for ceramic/glass insulators | | IEC 60815-4 | Polymeric insulators for AC/DC | | IEC 60507 | Artificial pollution tests (salt fog) | | IEC 60513 | Fundamental design considerations for HV insulators |

The "Lost" Graphs: Specific Creepage Distance

The most valuable asset inside the IEC 60815-2 PDF is Table 1 and Figure 1. These correlate the ESDD (Equivalent Salt Deposit Density) and NSDD (Non-Soluble Deposit Density) to a required Specific Creepage Distance (SCD).

For example:

A "Medium" pollution site (Class b) might need 20 mm/kV.
A "Very Heavy" site (Class d) requires 31 mm/kV.
An "Extreme" site (Class e) may require 44 mm/kV or more.

Without this table, you are under-sizing your insulators by 30-40%, guaranteeing a flashover during the first dry fog season.

IEC 60815-2 — Practical, student-friendly guide

Site Pollution Severity (SPS)

The standard defines five pollution levels, characterized by the Reference Unified Specific Creepage Distance ($L_ref$):

Note: These values are reference starting points. The standard provides curves and tables to adjust these based on specific insulator profiles.