Overview
IEC 61057:2017 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies requirements for insulating aerial devices mounted on a chassis. These devices are designed for live working on electrical installations operating at nominal voltages above 1,000 V AC (r.m.s.) within a frequency range of 45 Hz to 65 Hz, and up to 1,500 V DC. This second edition replaces the original 1991 edition and incorporates a technical revision to enhance safety, functionality, and maintenance guidelines.
The standard is essential for ensuring the safe use, design, testing, and maintenance of aerial devices used by utility and maintenance workers when working live on high-voltage electrical systems. It supports ongoing efforts to reduce electrical hazards and enhance operational safety in electrical live working environments.
Key Topics
Safety and Electrical Requirements
- Insulating Systems: Specifications for insulating booms, fixed handling tools, insulating hydraulic hoses, and optical fiber cables to minimize electric shock risk.
- Lower Test Electrode System: Mandatory installation for devices used in bare hand live working, enabling reliable electrical testing.
- High Electrical Resistance Controls: Guidelines for electrical resistance monitoring in upper control systems to ensure operational safety.
- Corona and Gradient Control Devices: Measures to mitigate corona discharge and voltage gradients around aerial devices.
- Chassis Insulation and Earthing: Requirements related to the insulating system of the chassis and earthing to avoid leakage currents.
Mechanical and Functional Features
- Structural Design and Stability: Criteria to ensure integrity and wind resistance of insulating aerial devices.
- Boom Travel and Load Sensing: Protection against unauthorized boom motion and overload detection.
- Hydraulic System Safety: Including vacuum protection, pressure rise control, system depressurization, and bursting strength for hydraulic hoses.
- Platform Safety: Specifications for platform security, leveling, guardrails, baskets, and attachments for fall protection.
- Control Systems: Requirements for activation, duplicate controls, emergency stops, and remote monitoring through radio or optical fibre.
Testing and Compliance
- Electrical Tests: Dielectric and leakage current tests for insulating components and complete devices.
- Mechanical Tests: Functional and durability assessments including tests for hollow and foam-filled booms.
- Conformance Testing: Procedures for verifying compliance post-production to maintain safety standards.
- Care and Maintenance: Guidelines for handling, storing, cleaning, inspecting, and repairing insulating components to ensure long-term reliability.
Applications
IEC 61057:2017 applies primarily to manufacturers, users, and maintenance personnel involved with:
- Utility Companies: For safe live working on power distribution and transmission systems.
- Electrical Maintenance Services: Ensuring safe access during electrical system troubleshooting and repairs.
- Safety Inspectors and Regulators: Verifying compliance with international safety standards for aerial devices used in energized environments.
- Equipment Designers and Manufacturers: Developing insulated aerial platforms that meet rigorous safety and performance requirements for live electrical work.
By following IEC 61057, organizations mitigate risks associated with electrical contact, reduce downtime caused by equipment failures, and comply with international safety legislation.
Related Standards
- IEC 61318:2007 – Evaluation of defects in electrical insulating materials, referenced for defect assessment in aerial devices.
- IEC TS 61813:2000 – Guidelines for care, maintenance, and in-service testing of aerial devices with insulating booms.
- ISO 16368 – Mechanical testing of aerial devices, referenced for specific mechanical test criteria.
- SAE Standards – Specifications for insulating hydraulic hoses utilized in aerial devices.
- IEC 60417-5216 – Symbol for live working suitability, used for marking compliant devices.
Together, these standards provide comprehensive frameworks for the design, manufacturing, testing, use, and upkeep of insulating aerial devices used in live working applications.
By adhering to IEC 61057:2017, professionals ensure compliant, safe, and efficient live working practices on high-voltage electrical installations through standardized criteria covering electrical insulation, mechanical stability, and operation controls. This fosters safer work environments and improved reliability in aerial lifting devices for energized electrical systems.