Date: 21/04/2011

IEEE-SA approved standards for surge-protective devices and insulation

IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) Standards Board has approved a revised standard that will establish insulation coordination. The IEEE-SA has also publishes a revision of a standard covering the use of surge-protective devices.

The approved IEEE C62.82.1 - Standard for Insulation Coordination - Definitions, Principles, and Rules - establishes a procedure for selecting insulation that is capable of withstanding the impulse voltages created by lightning and switching. Basic lightning impulse insulation level (BIL) and basic switching impulse insulation level (BSL) will be determined and specified for equipment phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase insulation systems.

The published IEEE C62.62 - Standard Test Specifications for Surge-Protective Devices (SPDs) for Use on the Load Side of the Service Equipment in Low-Voltage (1000 V and Less) AC Power Circuits - will provide users, independent laboratories and manufacturers with test methods and test specifications applicable to low-voltage SPDs for limiting transient overvoltages.

The tests will provide comparisons among the variety of SPDs available. Installers and end users will benefit because the proposed standard will allow them to interpret data sheets and compare SPDs more easily.