Overview
IEC 62772:2023 defines composite hollow core station post insulators for substations operating at AC voltages > 1 000 V (≤ 100 Hz) and DC voltages > 1 500 V. This second edition (Edition 2.0, 2023‑11) is a technical revision that updates terms and definitions, harmonizes required tests, revises selected test procedures and expands annexes (qualification of fillers; load definitions). The standard covers definitions, required test methods, and acceptance criteria for insulators comprising a resin‑impregnated fiber core, insulating filler (solid/liquid/gaseous), polymeric housing (e.g., silicone, EPDM) and end fittings.
Key topics and requirements
IEC 62772:2023 structures its conformity checks and technical content around clearly defined test classes and component evaluations:
- Classification of tests: design tests, type tests, sample tests and routine tests.
- Design and interface tests: verification of interfaces and end‑fitting connections, reference disruptive‑discharge voltage, thermal‑mechanical and water‑immersion pre‑stress.
- Mechanical tests: maximum design cantilever load (MDCL), torsion (MDToL), specified tension/compression and buckling tests, bending and assembled core load tests.
- Electrical tests: dry lightning impulse, switching impulse (dry/wet), dry and wet power‑frequency withstand voltages, internal pressure tests.
- Material and ageing tests: housing hardness, accelerated weathering, tracking and erosion (including 1 000 h salt‑fog AC test), flammability, hydrophobicity transfer.
- Core and filler integrity: porosity/dye‑penetration, water diffusion tests (core alone and core with housing), qualification procedures for fillers, routine seal leak‑rate tests.
- Documentation and marking: identification, transport, storage and installation information, and test reporting requirements.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
IEC 62772:2023 is intended for anyone involved in the design, manufacture, testing, procurement and operation of station post insulators in substations:
- Manufacturers - design validation, type approval and material qualification.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - reference test procedures and acceptance criteria for certification and type testing.
- Utilities and asset owners - procurement specifications, acceptance testing, and lifecycle assurance.
- Design and installation engineers - guidance on mechanical/electrical load limits, installation, transport and storage conditions.
- Regulatory/compliance teams - harmonized requirements for international projects.
Related standards
- IEC 62217 - general requirements for polymeric insulator materials and interfaces.
- IEC 61462 - composite hollow insulators (pressurized/unpressurized) - definitions and design recommendations.
- IEC 62231 - composite station post insulators for substations.
- IEC TR 62039 - referenced for hydrophobicity transfer and related methods.
Keywords: IEC 62772:2023, composite hollow core station post insulators, test methods, acceptance criteria, substations, AC >1000 V, DC >1500 V, hydrophobicity, water diffusion, end fittings.