EN IEC 62271-213:2021
(Main)High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 213: Voltage detecting and indicating system
General Information
- Abstract
IEC 62271-213:2021 is applicable to the voltage detecting and indicating system (VDIS) to be installed on indoor and outdoor high-voltage equipment. The VDIS as defined by this document includes a coupling system per phase (capacitive, resistive coupling or other technology) to connect to live parts (main circuit). This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61243-5 published in1997 and the first edition of IEC 62271-206 published in 2011. This edition constitutes a merging of the content of IEC 61243-5 and IEC 62271-206. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous editions of IEC 61243-5 and IEC 62271-206: a) an optional output signal is defined to be used for multipurpose use cases; b) only one interface is defined for voltage detecting and indicating system (VDIS); c) the measurement of the current carrying capacity of the voltage limiting element is considered as inaccurate and is not considered in this document. The experience shows that a probability of the failure of the coupling element is negligible.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 12-Aug-2021
- Technical Committee
- CLC/TC 17AC - High-voltage switchgear and controlgear
- Drafting Committee
- IEC/SC 17C - IEC_SC_17C
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 05-Jan-2026
- Completion Date
- 25-Aug-2026
Overview
EN IEC 62271-213:2021 defines requirements for Voltage Detecting and Indicating Systems (VDIS) installed on indoor and outdoor high-voltage switchgear and controlgear. This consolidated first edition merges and replaces IEC 61243-5:1997 and IEC 62271-206:2011. The standard covers VDIS architecture (integrated or separable), per‑phase coupling systems (capacitive, resistive or other technologies), voltage limiting elements, indicators, testing and connecting points, and environmental/mechanical requirements. Key technical updates include an optional output signal for multipurpose use, a single defined VDIS interface, and the removal of current‑carrying capacity measurement for voltage limiting elements.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and application: VDIS for indoor/outdoor high‑voltage equipment to detect presence/absence of AC voltage on live parts.
- System components: coupling systems per phase, voltage limiting element, connecting leads, indicator(s), testing points and connecting points.
- Design & construction: requirements for dielectric strength, IP/IK protection, EMC immunity, climatic and mechanical durability suitable for switchgear environments.
- Testing: comprehensive type tests and routine tests such as dielectric tests, response time, phase shift, non‑response to DC, visual perceptibility, damp heat, vibration, electrostatic discharge and radiated RF immunity.
- Interface and outputs: one standardized VDIS interface and an optional multipurpose output signal for remote indication, interlocking or monitoring systems.
- Safety and marking: clear marking, instructions for installation/maintenance, and safety guidance to ensure safe live‑part detection and use.
- Excluded measurement: the standard does not require measurement of the current carrying capacity of the voltage limiting element (considered unreliable/inaccurate).
Practical applications and users
EN IEC 62271-213:2021 is practical for:
- High‑voltage switchgear manufacturers specifying and integrating VDIS into indoor/outdoor assemblies.
- Substation designers and OEMs selecting compliant voltage detection solutions for safety and interlocking.
- Utilities and asset owners defining procurement and acceptance criteria for VDIS on distribution and transmission equipment.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies performing type and routine tests against the standard.
- Installation, maintenance and safety teams using the standard’s guidance for proper installation, testing and safe operation.
Keywords: EN IEC 62271-213:2021, VDIS, voltage detecting and indicating system, high‑voltage switchgear, voltage detection, type tests, EMC, IP rating, safety.
Related standards
- IEC 62271-1 (high‑voltage switchgear common specs)
- IEC 61243-1 / IEC 61243-5 (voltage detection standards merged)
- IEC 61010-031, IEC 60060-1, IEC 60068 series (safety, HV test techniques, environmental tests)
Relations
- Replaces
EN 61243-5:2001 - Live working - Voltage detectors - Part 5: Voltage detecting systems (VDS) - Effective Date
- 23-Jan-2023
- Effective Date
- 05-Oct-2021
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN IEC 62271-213:2021 is a standard published by CLC. Its full title is "High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 213: Voltage detecting and indicating system". This standard covers: IEC 62271-213:2021 is applicable to the voltage detecting and indicating system (VDIS) to be installed on indoor and outdoor high-voltage equipment. The VDIS as defined by this document includes a coupling system per phase (capacitive, resistive coupling or other technology) to connect to live parts (main circuit). This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61243-5 published in1997 and the first edition of IEC 62271-206 published in 2011. This edition constitutes a merging of the content of IEC 61243-5 and IEC 62271-206. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous editions of IEC 61243-5 and IEC 62271-206: a) an optional output signal is defined to be used for multipurpose use cases; b) only one interface is defined for voltage detecting and indicating system (VDIS); c) the measurement of the current carrying capacity of the voltage limiting element is considered as inaccurate and is not considered in this document. The experience shows that a probability of the failure of the coupling element is negligible.
IEC 62271-213:2021 is applicable to the voltage detecting and indicating system (VDIS) to be installed on indoor and outdoor high-voltage equipment. The VDIS as defined by this document includes a coupling system per phase (capacitive, resistive coupling or other technology) to connect to live parts (main circuit). This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61243-5 published in1997 and the first edition of IEC 62271-206 published in 2011. This edition constitutes a merging of the content of IEC 61243-5 and IEC 62271-206. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous editions of IEC 61243-5 and IEC 62271-206: a) an optional output signal is defined to be used for multipurpose use cases; b) only one interface is defined for voltage detecting and indicating system (VDIS); c) the measurement of the current carrying capacity of the voltage limiting element is considered as inaccurate and is not considered in this document. The experience shows that a probability of the failure of the coupling element is negligible.
EN IEC 62271-213:2021 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.260 - Protection against electric shock. Live working; 29.130.10 - High voltage switchgear and controlgear; 29.240.20 - Power transmission and distribution lines. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN IEC 62271-213:2021 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 61243-5:2001, EN 62271-206:2011, EN 62271-1:2017, EN IEC 60352-5:2020, EN IEC 60352-2:2024, EN IEC 60068-2-78:2025, EN 60352-1:1997, EN 61010-031:2015, EN 61010-031:2015/A1:2021, EN IEC 60060-1:2025, EN IEC 60068-2-38:2021, EN IEC 61000-4-3:2020, EN 60068-2-6:2008, EN 61210:2010, EN 60068-2-2:2007. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN IEC 62271-213:2021 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.