EN 50483-3:2009

Test requirements for low voltage aerial bundled cable accessories - Part 3: Tension and suspension clamps for neutral messenger system

EN 50483 series applies to overhead line fittings for tensioning, supporting and connecting aerial bundled cables (ABC) of rated voltage U0/U (Um): 0,6/1 (1,2) kV. This Part 3 applies to tensioning devices consisting of tension and suspension clamps, and tension and suspension assemblies used for the installation of ABC with either insulated or bare neutral messenger. The tension and suspension clamps are designed to be installed on neutral conductors of ABC defined in HD 626. Tests described in this document are type tests. NOTE This European standard does not invalidate existing approvals of products achieved on the basis of national standards and specifications and/or the demonstration of satisfactory service performance. However, products approved according to such national standards or specifications cannot directly claim approval to this European Standard. It may be possible, subject to agreement between supplier and purchaser, and/or the relevant conformity assessment body, to demonstrate that conformity to the earlier standard can be used to claim conformity to this standard, provided an assessment is made of any additional type testing that may need to be carried out. Any such additional testing that is part of a sequence of testing cannot be done separately.

Prüfanforderungen für Bauteile für isolierte Niederspannungsfreileitungen - Teil 3: Abspann- und Tragklemmen für Systeme mit Nullleiter-Tragseil

Prescriptions relatives aux essais des accessoires pour réseaux aériens basse tension torsadés - Partie 3: Matériels d'ancrage et de suspension pour réseaux aériens en conducteurs isolés torsadés avec neutre porteur

Zahteve za preskušanje pribora za nizkonapetostne izolirane nadzemne kable - 3. del: Zatezne in nosilne sponke za sisteme z nosilnim nevtralnim vodnikom

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 29-Jan-2009
• ICS: 29.240.20 - Power transmission and distribution lines
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 20 - Electric cables
• Drafting Committee: CLC/TC 20 - Electric cables
• Parallel Committee: IEC/TC 20 - IEC_TC_20
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 28-Sep-2022
• Completion Date: 23-Sep-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 50483-3:2009 - Test requirements for low voltage aerial bundled cable accessories -- Part 3: Tension and suspension clamps for neutral messenger system

Relations

• Revised: FprEN 50483-3:2025 - Test requirements for low voltage aerial bundled cable accessories - Part 3: Tension and suspension clamps, fittings and brackets for neutral messenger system
• Effective Date: 16-Apr-2024
• Revised: EN 62232:2017 - Determination of RF field strength, power density and SAR in the vicinity of radiocommunication base stations for the purpose of evaluating human exposure
• Effective Date: 20-Dec-2016

Overview

EN 50483-3:2009 (CLC / CENELEC) is Part 3 of the EN 50483 series specifying type test requirements for tension and suspension clamps used in neutral messenger systems for low-voltage aerial bundled cable (ABC) installations. The standard covers accessories for overhead ABC systems of rated voltage U0/U (Um): 0.6/1 (1.2) kV, and defines mechanical, environmental and electrical tests to verify that clamps perform reliably on insulated or bare neutral messengers defined in HD 626.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability
  • Applies to tension and suspension clamps and assemblies designed to attach to the neutral messenger of ABC.
  • Tests are type tests (performed before commercial supply) and are required when design, materials or manufacturing change.
• Mechanical tensile testing
  • Ambient-temperature tensile test: load cycles include 80% then 90% of the messenger’s minimum breaking load (MBL); 90% load held for 60 s. Slip must not exceed 10 mm and no functional damage is permitted.
  • High-temperature test: combined thermal/mechanical cycling. Example: 500 cycles of 90 minutes combining heat and mechanical load (standard defines detailed cycle/temperature profiles).
  • Low-temperature tensile tests to verify clamp performance in cold conditions.
• Environmental and durability tests
  • Corrosion, electrical ageing, dielectric voltage tests (in air and water), swing and slip tests at temperature extremes.
  • Clamp bolt tightening and assembly integrity checks.
• Inspection and marking
  • Marking requirements and general test conditions reference EN 50483-1 (Part 1: Generalities).
• Test arrangements & figures
  • Standard provides detailed test arrangements, fixtures and measurement criteria (illustrated in figures and tables).

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Utility companies and network operators specifying reliable ABC installations and procurement criteria for fittings.
• Manufacturers of ABC accessories (tension/suspension clamps) for design validation and type approval.
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies performing standardized type tests and issuing reports.
• Specifiers, consultants and engineers drafting installation, procurement and acceptance documentation for overhead distribution lines.

Related standards

• EN 50483 series (Parts 1–6) - generalities, self-supporting systems, connectors, electrical ageing, environmental testing.
• HD 626 - overhead distribution cables (ABC) conductor and MBL definitions.
• IEC 60050-461 - terminology for electric cables.

EN 50483-3:2009 helps ensure mechanical safety, electrical separation and long-term reliability of neutral-messenger ABC fittings, reducing failure risk in low-voltage overhead networks.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2009
Zahteve za preskušanje pribora za nizkonapetostne izolirane nadzemne kable - 3.
del: Zatezne in nosilne sponke za sisteme z nosilnim nevtralnim vodnikom
Test requirements for low voltage aerial bundled cable accessories -- Part 3: Tension
and suspension clamps for neutral messenger system
Prüfanforderungen für Bauteile für isolierte Niederspannungsfreileitungen – Teil 3:
Abspann- und Tragklemmen für Systeme mit Nullleiter-Tragseil
Prescriptions relatives aux essais des accessoires pour réseaux aériens basse tension
torsadés -- Partie 3: Matériels d'ancrage et de suspension pour réseaux aériens en
conducteurs isolés torsadés avec neutre porteur
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50483-3:2009
ICS:
29.240.20 Daljnovodi Power transmission and
distribution lines
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 50483-3
NORME EUROPÉENNE
January 2009
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 29.240.20
English version
Test requirements for low voltage aerial bundled cable accessories -
Part 3: Tension and suspension clamps for neutral messenger system

Prescriptions relatives aux essais  Prüfanforderungen für Bauteile für
des accessoires pour réseaux aériens isolierte Niederspannungsfreileitungen -
basse tension torsadés - Teil 3: Abspann- und Tragklemmen
Partie 3: Matériels d'ancrage für Systeme mit Nullleiter-Tragseil
et de suspension pour réseaux aériens
en conducteurs isolés torsadés
avec neutre porteur
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2008-12-01. CENELEC members are bound to comply
with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard
the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified
to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Central Secretariat: avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

© 2009 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 50483-3:2009 E
Foreword
This European Standard was prepared by a sub-group of WG 11 of the Technical Committee
CENELEC TC 20, Electric cables.
The text of the draft was submitted to the formal vote and was approved by CENELEC as
EN 50483-3 on 2008-12-01.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2009-12-01
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2011-12-01
This is Part 3 of CENELEC standard EN 50483 “Test requirements for low voltage aerial
bundled cable accessories”, which has six parts:
– Part 1: Generalities;
– Part 2: Tension and suspension clamps for self supporting system;
– Part 3: Tension and suspension clamps for neutral messenger system;
– Part 4: Connectors;
– Part 5: Electrical ageing test;
– Part 6: Environmental testing.
__________
– 3 – EN 50483-3:2009
Contents
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definit ions . 4
4 Symbols . 6
5 Charact erist i cs . 6
6 Marking . 6
7 General test conditions . 7
7.1 Mechanical tes t s . 7
7.2 T e m per atur e . 7
8 Type tests . 7
8.1 Type tests for tension clamps . 7
8.2 Type tests for suspension clamps . 21
Bibliography . 41
Figures
Figure 1 – Test arrangement . 8
Figure 2 – Cycle and temperature profile . 11
Figure 3 – Arrangement of the fitting for mechanical test at low temperature . 12
Figure 4 – Voltage test arrangement on tension clamp only . 17
Figure 5 – Dielectrical voltage test arrangement on tension clamp and conductor in air . 18
Figure 6 – Dielectrical voltage test arrangement on tension clamp in water . 20
Figure 7 – Mechanical test arrangement . 22
Figure 8 – Mechanical test arrangement . 23
Figure 9 – Slip test on the suspension clamps . 24
Figure 10 – Slip test on the suspension clamps . 25
Figure 11 – Corrosion test . 27
Figure 12 – Dielectrical voltage test arrangement in air . 30
Figure 13 – Dielectrical voltage test arrangement for metallic body . 31
Figure 14 – Dielectrical voltage test arrangement in water . 33
Figure 15 – Swing test arrangement . 35
Figure 16 – Swing test temperature measurement . 36
Figure 17 – Test arrangement for slip test at high temperature . 37
Figure 18 – Cycle and temperature profile . 39
Table
Table 1 – Tensile loads . 23

1 Scope
EN 50483 series applies to overhead line fittings for tensioning, supporting and connecting
aerial bundled cables (ABC) of rated voltage U /U (U ): 0,6/1 (1,2) kV.
0 m
This Part 3 applies to tensioning devices consisting of tension and suspension clamps, and
tension and suspension assemblies used for the installation of ABC with either insulated or
bare neutral messenger.
The tension and suspension clamps are designed to be installed on neutral conductors of ABC
defined in HD 626.
Tests described in this document are type tests.
NOTE  This European standard does not invalidate existing approvals of products achieved on the basis of national
standards and specifications and/or the demonstration of satisfactory service performance. However, products
approved according to such national standards or specifications cannot directly claim approval to this European
Standard. It may be possible, subject to agreement between supplier and purchaser, and/or the relevant conformity
assessment body, to demonstrate that conformity to the earlier standard can be used to claim conformity to this
standard, provided an assessment is made of any additional type testing that may need to be carried out. Any such
additional testing that is part of a sequence of testing cannot be done separately.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of
the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 50483 series, Test requirements for low voltage aerial bundled cable accessories
HD 626 S1:1996, Overhead distribution cables of rated voltage U /U(U ): 0,6/1 (1,2) kV
o m
IEC 60050-461, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 461: Electric cables
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-461 and the
following apply.
3.1
aerial bundled cable (ABC)
aerial cable consisting of a group of insulated conductors which are twisted together including,
or not, a non insulated conductor
[IEV 461-08-02, modified]
NOTE  The terms bundled conductors, bundled cables, bundled cores, conductor bundles and bundle could be
used as equivalent to the term aerial bundled cable (ABC).
3.2
aerial-insulated-cable
insulated cable designed to be suspended overhead and outdoors
[IEV 461-08-01]
– 5 – EN 50483-3:2009
3.3
angle of deviation
complementary angle to the angle defined by the two parts of the cable on both sides of the
suspension clamp
3.4
clamp bolt
bolt which tightens two parts of a clamp together
3.5
conductor insulation
insulation applied on a conductor
[IEV 461-02-02, modified]
3.6
conductor (of a cable)
part of a cable which has the specific function of carrying current
[IEV 461-01-01]
3.7
core
assembly comprising conductor and its own insulation
[IEV 461-04-04, modified]
3.8
fixture (or fitting)
device for attaching ABC tension or/and suspension clamps to a pole or to a wall
3.9
insulation (of a cable)
insulating materials incorporated in a cable with the specific function of withstanding voltage
[IEV 461-02-01]
3.10
messenger
wire or rope, the primary function of which is to support the cable in aerial installations, which
may be separate from or integral with the cable it supports
[IEV 461-08-03]
3.11
minimum breaking load (MBL)
minimum breaking load of the conductor given by HD 626 or the cable manufacturer if not
defined in the standard or minimum breaking load of the clamp given by the clamp
manufacturer
3.12
mobile link
device linking the suspension clamp to the fixture
3.13
neutral messenger system
aerial insulated system where only the neutral messenger supports the ABC
3.14
sheath
uniform and continuous tubular covering of metallic or non metallic material, generally extruded
[IEV 461-05-03]
3.15
suspension clamp
device which attaches an aerial insulated cable to a fixture in order to carry its weight and any
specified loading
[IEV 461-18-02, modified]
3.16
suspension or tension assembly
clamp with mobile link, or not, and associated fixture
3.17
tension clamp
device which firmly attaches an aerial insulated cable to a fixture and is designed to transmit
the specified mechanical tension in the cable or messenger to the supporting structure
[IEV 461-18-01, modified]
3.18
type test
test required to be made before supplying a type of material covered by this standard on a
general commercial basis, in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics to
meet the intended application
NOTE  These tests are of such a nature that, after they have been made, they need not be repeated unless
changes are made to the accessory materials, design or type of manufacturing process which might change the
performance characteristics.
4 Symbols
g slippage after 2 cycles
g slippage after 15 cycles
g slippage after 250 cycles
g slippage after 500 cycles
d diameter of core
α maximum angle (°) of deviation of a suspension clamp as recommended by the
manufacturer or specified by the customer
5 Characteristics
These fittings shall be capable of supporting the tensile loads applied to the ABC for which they
are designed, referring to the neutral messenger specified MBL, in accordance with the
following tests.
Tension and suspension equipment shall be designed to avoid any direct or accidental contact
between any phase conductor and metallic parts of the clamp.
6 Marking
See Clause 6 of EN 50483-1.
– 7 – EN 50483-3:2009
7 General test conditions
See Clause 9 of EN 50483-1.
7.1 Mechanical tests
See Clause 9 of EN 50483-1.
NOTE  Where an assembly is to be tested, each bracket should be secured in accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
7.2 Temperature
See Clause 9 of EN 50483-1.
8 Type tests
Each clamp shall be tested for the smallest and largest messenger size except for
environmental tests where only the largest size is used.
8.1 Type tests for tension clamps
The following type tests shall be carried out.
Test Applicability Subclause
Tensile test at ambient insulated and bare neutral 8.1.1
temperature messenger
Tensile test at high insulated neutral messenger 8.1.2
temperature only
Tensile test at low temperature insulated neutral messenger 8.1.3
only
Environmental tests insulated and bare neutral 8.1.4
messenger
Clamp bolt tightening test common for both suspension 8.2.1
and tension clamps
If a cable breaks beyond any part of the tension clamp, the test result shall be declared void
without discrediting the tension clamp. Tests shall be repeated using a new tension clamp and
a new cable.
In order to find the possible cause of the failure, the test shall be repeated with a reference
tension clamp as specified in HD 626 S1:1996, Part 2, 2.3.1.
NOTE  When agreed between the manufacturer and the customer, the mechanical test loads may be defined by
the smallest cable for the clamp but in this case the clamp may only be considered to conform to this standard for
the smaller cable size.
8.1.1 Tensile test at ambient temperature (and breaking load test)
8.1.1.1 Principle
The tension clamps shall be subjected to high mechanical loads at ambient temperature in
order to ensure that they are capable of sustaining loads likely to be encountered in service
without being damaged or damaging the conductor.
The test shall be carried out for the maximum and minimum insulated neutral messenger
cross-section, for which the clamp is designed.
8.1.1.2 Test arrangement
Figure 1 shows a typical test arrangement. The test configuration can differ from this
arrangement as long as it complies with the neutral messenger lengths.
Dimensions in metres
Key
1 neutral messenger tension clamp

2 mechanical load measurement device mechanical junction allowing rotation

3 tensioning device current source connection

4 minimum 1 m mechanical tension adjustment

Figure 1 – Test arrangement
8.1.1.3 Procedure
For the maximum and minimum neutral messenger cross-sections, for which the clamp is
designed, a tension clamp shall be installed at a minimum of 1 m from the end of the cable
sample. The tension clamp shall be secured to a device similar to the one used for its
attachment to the support. At the other end, which is not stripped for insulated messenger, an
appropriate tension device shall be attached to the neutral messenger by means of a tension
clamp or other appropriate device.

– 9 – EN 50483-3:2009
NOTE  A different distance between the clamps (from 2 m to 10 m), may be agreed between the manufacturer and
the customer.
A load shall be applied and increased until it reaches 80 % of MBL of the messenger. The load
shall then be reduced to 20 % of MBL of the messenger.
The neutral messenger shall then be marked where it leaves the clamp so that any slippage
can be seen with respect to the clamp.
The load shall then be increased to 90 % of MBL of the messenger for both insulated and bare
neutral messenger. This load shall be maintained for 60 s.
The speed of load application is defined in EN 50483-1, 9.1.4.
8.1.1.4 Requirements
The clamp shall not slip by more than 10 mm with respect to the mark on the neutral
messenger.
No damage shall occur which could affect the correct function of the tension clamp.
NOTE  When agreed between the customer and the manufacturer, an additional test may be carried out as follows.
The previous test arrangement should be used again with a new tension clamp and the messenger should be
replaced with a steel wire of cross section equivalent to the neutral messenger. The assembly should be subjected
to an increasing load until the clamp breaks or the load reaches 110 % of the MBL of the messenger. When a
breaking occurs, the load at which the breaking occurs should be recorded. For practical reason, to avoid any
slippage between steel wire and clamp, fixed stops may be used.
8.1.2 Tensile test at high temperature
8.1.2.1 Principle
The purpose of this test is to ensure that the tension clamp does not slip excessively on the
insulated neutral messenger during service and that any movement does not damage the
insulation. It combines heat cycles with mechanical load.
8.1.2.2 Test arrangement
Figure 1 shows a typical test arrangement. The test configuration may differ from this
arrangement as long as it complies with the neutral messenger lengths.
The test shall be carried out for the maximum and minimum insulated neutral messenger
cross-section, for which the clamp is designed.
8.1.2.3 Procedure
Tension clamps and the neutral messenger shall be subjected to this test, which comprises of
500 cycles, of 90 min each in which a heat cycle is combined with mechanical loads.
A tension clamp shall be fitted 1 m from both ends of the section of neutral messenger. The
distance between the clamps shall be at least 2 m.
NOTE 1  A different distance between the clamps (from 2 m to 10 m) may be agreed between the manufacturer
and the customer.
Before starting the first cycle the neutral messenger shall be subjected to 10 % of its MBL and
the sheath shall be marked so that any slippage can be measured with respect to the clamp.

An alternating current shall be passed through the neutral messenger until its temperature
rises to (60 ± 3) °C. The temperature rise shall be achieved within 15 min and then maintained
at this temperature for the next 30 min or until the total time is 45 min if the temperature is
achieved more quickly.
The temperature of the neutral messenger shall be measured underneath the insulation with a
thermocouple.
NOTE 2  For further information on thermocouple application, see EN 50483-5, 5.4.1.
The temperature can be measured at a position that is not under mechanical tension. The
measuring position shall be at least 1 m from the clamp and the end of the neutral messenger.
It shall also be at the same horizontal level as the clamp in order to avoid any difference in air
temperature.
The neutral messenger shall be allowed to cool to (25 ± 3) °C during the next 30 min. This
temperature shall be maintained for the next 15 min until the end of the cycle.
A mechanical load of 25 % of the MBL of the neutral messenger shall be applied, and
maintained, for the first 75 min of the cycle. During the last 15 min once the neutral messenger
has cooled to 25 °C, the load shall be increased to 45 % of the MBL of the neutral messenger.
This increase in load shall be gradually applied in not less than 5 s and not more than 60 s.
If accelerated cooling is used, it shall act on the whole of the loop, and use air within ambient
temperature limits.
The cycle and the theoretical temperature profile are shown diagrammatically in Figure 2.

– 11 – EN 50483-3:2009
Key
1 selected value of mechanical load X time in minutes
2 selected value of temperature Y temperature in °C
3 temperature profile Y mechanical load in % of MBL of the neutral
messenger
4 one cycle
Figure 2 – Cycle and temperature profile
8.1.2.4 Requirements
8.1.2.4.1 Slippage checking
The neutral messenger sheath slippage with regard to the clamp shall comply with the following
conditions:
• slippage after 2 cycles: g ≤ 4 mm;
• slippage after 500 cycles: g ≤ 5 mm.
8.1.2.4.2 Dielectrical voltage test
The clamp and conductors shall meet the requirements of the dielectrical voltage test as
detailed in 8.1.5.3.
8.1.3 Tensile test at low temperature
8.1.3.1 Principle
The purpose of this test is to ensure that the tension clamp is suitable for use at -10 °C.
NOTE  See EN 50483-1, 9.1, for information on the use of a lower temperature.
8.1.3.2 Test arrangement
Figure 3 shows a typical test arrangement.
The test shall be carried out for the maximum and minimum insulated neutral messenger
cross-section, for which the clamp is designed.

Key
1 neutral messenger tension clamp tested

2 cold enclosure mechanical junction allowing rotation

3 mechanical load measurement device mechanical tension adjustment

4 tensioning device
Figure 3 – Arrangement of the fitting for mechanical test at low temperature
8.1.3.3 Procedure
The tension clamp shall be installed at a distance of a minimum 1 m from the end of a
minimum 4 m long neutral messenger sample. The tension clamp shall be secured to a device
similar to the one used for its fixing on the support. At the other end, which is not stripped, an
appropriate tensioning device shall be set up.
During the tensile test, the clamp shall be located in an enclosure with a temperature of
(-10 ± 3) °C.
– 13 – EN 50483-3:2009
A time period of 12 h is suggested which will allow the clamp to cool to -10 °C. However if the
temperature of the clamp can be measured the time period can be less, but shall not be less
than 2 h as long as the temperature of the clamp reaches -10 °C.
Under these conditions the tension clamp shall be gradually subjected to 25 % of the MBL of
the neutral messenger, within ± 5 % of the applied load, which shall be maintained at this value
for 60 s. The conductor shall then be marked where it leaves the clamp, and the load released.
A load of 45 % of the MBL of the neutral messenger shall be applied in less than 2 s and then
released.
NOTE  See EN 50483-1, 9.1, for information on the use of a lower temperature.
8.1.3.4 Requirements
There shall be
– no damage that could affect the correct function of the tension clamp,
– no slippage by more than 10 mm with respect to the mark on the insulated neutral
messenger.
The clamp and conductor shall meet the requirements of the dielectrical voltage test as
detailed in 8.1.5.3.
8.1.4 Environmental tests
In order to meet the requirements of the type tests at least one of the three corrosion tests
(detailed in 8.1.4.1) and one of the two climatic test methods (detailed in 8.1.4.4) shall be
carried out. When a clamp that consists only of metallic parts is designed for use on a bare
messenger then, there is no requirement to carry out the climatic tests. The choice of the test
shall be agreed between the manufacturer and the customer.
8.1.4.1 Corrosion ageing test
See EN 50483-6, 8.4, modified in accordance with 8.1.4.2 or 8.1.4.3 below.
8.1.4.2 Salt mist test
See EN 50483-6, 8.4.1.
8.1.4.2.1 Test criteria
The following criteria shall be used during this test.
Number of tension clamps shall be 2.
Number of cycles shall be 4 (4 weeks).
The cross section of the neutral messenger shall be the largest for which the clamp is
designed.
8.1.4.2.2 Procedure
A tension clamp shall be installed at both ends of a neutral messenger section. The free length
between tension clamps shall be approximately 0,5 m.
NOTE  The tension clamp and its attached fittings may be tested together if requested by the customer.
A load of 25 % of the MBL of the neutral messenger shall be smoothly applied to the device
and maintained for 10 min.
The samples shall be placed in a horizontal position in a corrosion chamber with the tension
clamps longitudinal opening turned towards the ground.
8.1.4.2.3 Requirements
Visual inspection shall be carried out and there shall be no significant trace of red rust.
NOTE  Significant rusting would constitute more than 10 % of the exposed surface area.
The sample’s identification marking shall be legible when examined with normal or corrected
vision, without magnification.
No damage shall occur which could affect the correct function of the tension clamp.
For tension clamps for insulated messenger the requirements of 8.1.1 shall be met except that
the length of the neutral messenger can be reduced to approximately 0,5 m. If the test in 8.1.1.
is carried out before the corrosion test, a reduced value of 75 % of MBL of the neutral
messenger shall be applied when the test is repeated after the corrosion test.
If necessary, for tension clamps for bare messenger, the clamps shall be removed from the
bare messenger and re-installed onto a new bare messenger in accordance with the test
arrangement of 8.1.1.2. The clamps shall meet the requirements of 8.1.1.4. The bare
messenger that has been exposed to the corrosion test shall be examined to ensure that the
conductor has not deteriorated in the area where the clamp has been installed.
8.1.4.3 Gas atmosphere test
8.1.4.3.1 Test criteria – Method 1 – Combined test
See EN 50483-6, 8.4.1 and EN 50483-6, 8.4.2.1.
The following criteria shall be used during this test.
Number of tension clamps shall be 2.
There shall be 4 cycles of 14 days. This 14-day cycle consists of 7 days of salt mist and 7 days
in SO atmosphere as defined in EN 50483-6, 8.4.1 and EN 50483-6, 8.4.2.1.
A tension clamp shall be installed at both ends of a neutral messenger section. The free length
between tension clamps shall be approximately 0,5 m.
NOTE  The tension clamp and its attached fittings may be tested together if requested by the customer.
A load of 25 % of the MBL of the neutral messenger shall be smoothly applied to the device
and maintained for 10 min.
– 15 – EN 50483-3:2009
The samples shall be placed in a horizontal position in a corrosion chamber with the tension
clamps longitudinal opening turned towards the ground.
8.1.4.3.2 Test criteria – Method 2
See EN 50483-6, 8.4.2.2.
The following criteria shall be used during this test.
Number of tension clamps shall be 2.
There shall be 500 cycles of 2 h (approximately 6 weeks).
A tension clamp shall be installed at both ends of a neutral messenger section. The free length
between tension clamps shall be approximately 0,5 m.
NOTE  The tension clamp and its attached fittings may be tested together if requested by the customer.
A load of 25 % of the MBL of the neutral messenger shall be smoothly applied to the device
and maintained for 10 min.
The samples shall be placed in a horizontal position in a corrosion chamber with the tension
clamps longitudinal opening turned towards the ground.
8.1.4.3.3 Requirements (Method 1 and Method 2)
Visual inspection shall be carried out and there shall be no significant trace of red rust.
NOTE  Significant rusting would constitute more than 10 % of the exposed surface area.
The sample’s identification marking shall be legible when examined with normal or corrected
vision, without magnification.
No damage shall occur which would affect the correct function of the tension clamp.
Tension clamps shall meet the requirements of the mechanical test, 8.1.1. If the test in 8.1.1 is
carried out before the corrosion test, a reduced value of 75 % of the MBL shall be applied when
the test is repeated after the corrosion test.
8.1.4.4 Climatic ageing test
See EN 50483-6, 8.5.
NOTE  The climatic test is not necessary on bare messenger when the clamp has only metallic parts.
8.1.4.4.1 Test criteria – Method 1
See EN 50483-6, 8.5.1.
The following criteria shall be used during this test.
Number of tension clamps shall be 2.
There shall be 6 cycles of 1 week.

The temperature during periods A and C shall be 70 °C.
NOTE  The temperature may be varied if agreed between the customer and the manufacturer.
The tension clamps shall be installed on the largest cross section of neutral messenger, for
which the clamp is designed, in such a way that the longitudinal opening of the samples shall
be facing the light source.
8.1.4.4.2 Test criteria – Method 2
See EN 50483-6, 8.5.2.
The following criteria shall be used during this test:
Number of tension clamps shall be 2.
There shall be 56 cycles of 1 day (8 weeks).
The longitudinal opening of the samples shall be installed facing the light source.
8.1.4.4.3 Requirements (Method 1 and Method 2)
This test shall be carr
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