Overview
IEC TR 62039:2007 - Selection Guide for Polymeric Materials for Outdoor Use under HV Stress is a technical report published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This guidance document focuses on the selection and assessment of polymeric materials intended for outdoor high voltage (HV) electrical insulation, specifically for systems operating above 1000 V AC. The core value of IEC TR 62039:2007 lies in helping manufacturers, utilities, and system designers identify material properties and corresponding test methods that are important for long-term, reliable service in challenging outdoor environments.
Key Topics
IEC TR 62039:2007 covers the following essential topics regarding polymeric materials for outdoor insulation under HV stress:
- Material Properties: Defines critical physical, mechanical, and chemical properties such as resistance to tracking and erosion, corona and ozone, chemical and physical degradation by water, tear strength, volume resistivity, breakdown field strength, weathering and UV resistance, flammability, arc resistance, glass transition temperature, and hydrophobicity.
- Test Methods: Where available, standardized test methods are referenced, including the relevant IEC and ISO standards, along with minimum requirements where applicable.
- Property Relevance: Outlines property applicability for primary material functions (housing, core, and structural applications) in insulating devices like surge arrestors and cable terminations.
- Limitations: Notes that selection based on these properties is necessary but not solely sufficient to guarantee performance, emphasizing the importance of design and installation in insulator reliability.
Applications
IEC TR 62039:2007 has practical applications for professionals involved in the specification, design, and maintenance of HV electrical systems, especially:
- Insulator Manufacturing: Guides the selection of suitable polymeric materials based on proven properties for outdoor HV insulators, composite insulators, surge arrestors, and terminations.
- Utility Procurement: Supports utility engineers in drafting material specifications for procurement, ensuring compliance with internationally recognized benchmarks for HV polymeric insulation performance.
- Product Development: Informs R&D teams by detailing desirable material behaviors and pointing to test methods that can aid in material formulation, evaluation, and development.
- Testing Laboratories: Directs laboratories to standard test procedures (such as IEC 60587 for tracking and erosion resistance, IEC 60243-1 for breakdown strength, and ISO 4892 series for weathering/UV resistance), supporting quality assurance and material qualification.
These applications contribute to the increased safety, reliability, and longevity of outdoor high voltage equipment operated in diverse climatic conditions.
Related Standards
Professionals utilizing IEC TR 62039:2007 for the selection and testing of polymeric materials for HV insulation should also consider the following related IEC and ISO standards:
- IEC 60093: Methods of test for volume resistivity and surface resistivity of solid electrical insulating materials
- IEC 60243-1: Electrical strength of insulating materials – Test methods
- IEC 60587: Test method for evaluating resistance to tracking and erosion
- IEC 61006: Determination of glass transition temperature
- IEC 61109: Composite insulators for a.c. overhead lines with a nominal voltage greater than 1000 V
- IEC 61621: Resistance test to high-voltage, low-current arc discharges
- IEC 62217: Polymeric insulators for indoor and outdoor use
- ISO 62: Plastics – Determination of water absorption
- ISO 4892 (Parts 2, 3, 4): Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources
Integrating these standards helps to ensure comprehensive assessment and performance verification of polymeric insulation materials in high voltage applications.
Conclusion
IEC TR 62039:2007 is an essential selection guide for those involved with polymeric insulation in outdoor HV environments, providing a robust framework for identifying critical material properties and standardized testing. Utilizing this technical report streamlines the process of material evaluation, enhances procurement reliability, and supports the safe, efficient operation of high voltage electrical networks.