IEC 62561-4:2023

Lightning protection system components (LPSC) - Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners

IEC 62561-4:2023 deals with the requirements and tests for metallic and non-metallic conductor fasteners that are used to retain and support the air-termination, down-conductor and earth-termination systems. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) alignment with the latest edition of ISO IEC 60068-2-52:2017 relating to salt mist atmosphere treatment;
b) alignment with the new edition of ISO 22479:2019 relating to humid sulphurous atmosphere treatment;
c) new normative annex for the applicability of previous tests.

Composants des systèmes de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) - Partie 4: Exigences pour les fixations de conducteurs

L'IEC 62561-4:2023 traite des exigences et des essais pour les fixations métalliques et non métalliques de conducteurs utilisées pour maintenir et supporter les dispositifs de capture, les conducteurs de descente et les prises de terre. Cette troisième édition annule et remplace la deuxième édition parue en 2017. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
a) alignement sur la dernière édition de l'ISO IEC 60068-2-52:2017 concernant le traitement en atmosphère au brouillard salin;
b) alignement sur la nouvelle édition de l'ISO 22479:2019 concernant le traitement en atmosphère sulfureuse humide;
c) nouvelle annexe normative concernant l'applicabilité d'essais précédents.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 12-Oct-2023
• ICS: 29.020 - Electrical engineering in general
• ICS: 91.120.40 - Lightning protection
• Technical Committee: TC 81 - Lightning protection
• Drafting Committee: MT 14 - TC 81/MT 14
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 13-Oct-2023
• Completion Date: 10-Nov-2023

Relations

• Revises: IEC 62561-4:2017 - Lightning protection system components (LPSC) - Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 62561-4:2023 - "Lightning protection system components (LPSC) - Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners" specifies requirements and test methods for metallic and non‑metallic conductor fasteners used to retain and support the air‑termination, down‑conductor and earth‑termination systems of a lightning protection system (LPS). The third edition (2023) replaces the 2017 edition and introduces technical revisions including alignment with updated environmental test standards and a new normative annex on applicability of previous tests.

Keywords: IEC 62561-4, conductor fasteners, lightning protection, LPSC, LPS, IEC 62561

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and classification
  • Applies to metallic, non‑metallic and composite conductor fasteners used within LPS; does not cover fixing fasteners to building fabric.
• Environmental requirements
  • Corrosion resistance testing (salt mist, humid sulphurous and ammonia atmosphere considerations).
  • Ultraviolet (UV) resistance tests for non‑metallic and composite materials.
  • Alignment with ISO/IEC environmental treatment standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 60068‑2‑52 and ISO 22479).
• Mechanical strength
  • Tests for perpendicular (lateral) and axial loads, and impact resistance to verify retention and support under mechanical stresses.
• Installation and marking
  • Requirements for installation instructions, durable marking (content, durability and legibility) and acceptance criteria after testing.
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
  • Considerations for EMC where relevant to conductor fastener design and testing.
• Test methods and reporting
  • Detailed specimen preparation, test procedures, acceptance criteria and structure/content of the test report (including test conditions, equipment and recorded results).
• Normative annex
  • New annex explaining applicability of previous tests for products compliant with earlier editions.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

IEC 62561-4 is essential for:

• Manufacturers of conductor fasteners seeking product design, testing and compliance guidance.
• Testing laboratories and certification bodies performing environmental and mechanical qualification.
• Specifiers, consultants and lightning protection designers selecting suitable fasteners for installations (air‑termination, down‑conductor, earth‑termination).
• Installers and maintenance teams requiring installation instructions and product marking guidance.
• Engineers working in corrosive or UV‑exposed environments (marine, industrial, sulphurous atmospheres) who must select fasteners with proven resistance.

Related standards

• IEC 62561 series (other LPSC parts)
• IEC 62305 (design and implementation of LPS)
• ISO/IEC 60068‑2‑52 (salt mist atmosphere treatment)
• ISO 22479 (humid sulphurous atmosphere treatment)

This standard helps ensure conductor fasteners are durable, mechanically reliable and suitably tested for diverse environmental conditions - supporting safer, code‑compliant lightning protection installations.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62561-4 ®
Edition 3.0 2023-10
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –
Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners

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IEC 62561-4 ®
Edition 3.0 2023-10
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –
Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.020, 91.120.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-7690-7

– 2 – IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023

CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 2
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Classification . 8
4.1 According to the material of the conductor fastener . 8
4.2 According to the fixing arrangement of the conductor within the conductor
fastener . 8
4.3 According to the conductor clamping arrangement . 8
5 Requirements . 9
5.1 General . 9
5.2 Environmental requirements . 9
5.2.1 Corrosion resistance . 9
5.2.2 Ultraviolet (UV) light resistance . 9
5.3 Mechanical strength . 9
5.3.1 Perpendicular and axial loads . 9
5.3.2 Impact tests . 9
5.4 Installation instructions . 9
5.5 Marking . 10
5.5.1 Content of marking . 10
5.5.2 Durability and legibility . 10
6 Tests . 10
6.1 General test conditions . 10
6.2 Preparation of the specimen . 11
6.3 Environmental influence test . 11
6.3.1 General . 11
6.3.2 Metallic . 12
6.3.3 Non-metallic . 12
6.3.4 Composite . 13
6.4 Resistance to mechanical effects . 13
6.4.1 Lateral load test . 13
6.4.2 Axial load test . 14
6.4.3 Impact test . 15
6.5 Installation instructions . 16
6.5.1 General conditions . 17
6.5.2 Acceptance criteria . 17
6.6 Marking test . 17
6.6.1 General test conditions for tests . 17
6.6.2 Acceptance criteria . 17
6.7 Construction . 17
7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 18
8 Structure and content of the test report . 18
8.1 General . 18
8.2 Report identification . 18
8.3 Specimen description . 19

IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023 – 3 –

8.4 Conductor . 19
8.5 Standards and references . 19
8.6 Test procedure . 19
8.7 Testing equipment, description . 19
8.8 Measuring instruments description . 19
8.9 Results and parameters recorded . 19
8.10 Statement of pass/ and fail. 20
Annex A (normative) Environmental test Resistance to corrosion for metallic and
composite conductor fasteners . 21
A.1 General . 21
A.2 Salt mist treatment . 21
A.3 Humid sulphurous atmosphere treatment . 21
A.4 Ammonia atmosphere treatment. 21
Annex B (normative) Environmental test for non-metallic and composite conductor
fasteners – Resistance to ultraviolet light . 22
B.1 General . 22
B.2 Test . 22
B.3 First alternative test to Clause B.2 . 22
B.4 Second alternative test to Clause B.2 . 22
Annex C (normative) Applicability of previous tests . 23
Annex D (normative) Flow chart of tests for conductor fastener . 24
Bibliography . 27

Figure 1 – Basic arrangement of specimens . 12
Figure 2 – Basic arrangement of lateral load test . 14
Figure 3 – Typical arrangement for axial movement test . 15
Figure 4 – Impact test apparatus .
Figure D.1 – Flowchart of tests for conductor fastener . 26

Table C.1 – Differences in the requirements for conductor fasteners complying with
IEC 62561‑4:2010 or 62561‑4:2017 . 23

– 4 – IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners

FOREWORD
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This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes
made to the previous edition IEC 62561-4:2017. A vertical bar appears in the margin
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IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023 – 5 –

IEC 62561-4 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 81: Lightning protection. It is an
International Standard.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2017. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) alignment with the latest edition of ISO IEC 60068-2-52:2017 relating to salt mist
atmosphere treatment;
b) alignment with the new edition of ISO 22479:2019 relating to humid sulphurous atmosphere
treatment;
c) new normative annex for the applicability of previous tests.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
81/734/FDIS 81/740/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 62561 series, published under the general title Lightning
protection system components (LPSC), can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

– 6 – IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023

INTRODUCTION
This part of IEC 62561 deals with the requirements and tests for lightning protection system
components (LPSC), specifically conductor fasteners used for the installation of a lightning
protection system (LPS) designed and implemented in accordance with the IEC 62305 series.

IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023 – 7 –

LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners

1 Scope
This part of IEC 62561 deals with the requirements and tests for metallic and non-metallic
conductor fasteners that are used to retain and support the air-termination, down-conductor and
earth-termination systems.
This document does not cover the fixing of conductor fasteners to the fabric of structures due
to the vast number and types used in modern day construction.
LPSC can also be suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres. There are therefore additional
requirements when installing the components in such conditions.
Testing of components for an explosive atmosphere is not covered by this document. Extra
requirements for the components can be necessary for LSCs intended for use in hazardous
atmospheres.
NOTE In CENELEC member countries, testing requirements of components for explosive atmospheres are specified
in CLC/TS 50703-2.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements 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.
IEC 60068-2-52:19962017, Environmental testing – Part 2-52: Tests – Test Kb: Salt mist, cyclic
(sodium chloride solution)
IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 62305-3:2010, Protection against lightning – Part 3: Physical damage to structures and life
hazard
IEC 62561-1:2017, Lightning protection system components (LPSC) – Part 1: Requirements for
connection components
ISO 4892-2:2013, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon –
arc lamps
ISO 4892-3:2016, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3:
Fluorescent UV lamps
ISO 4892-4, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 4: Open-flame
carbon-arc lamps
ISO 6988:1985, Metallic and other non-organic coatings – Sulphur dioxide test with general
condensation of moisture
– 8 – IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023

ISO 6957:1988, Copper alloys – Ammonia test for stress corrosion resistance
ISO 22479:2019, Corrosion of metals and alloys – Sulfur dioxide test in a humid atmosphere
(fixed gas method)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
conductor fastener
metallic, non-metallic or composite component designed to retain and support the air-
termination, down-conductor and earth-termination systems, installed at intervals along the
length of the conductors
3.2
composite fastener
mixture of metallic and non-metallic materials, for example plastic
3.3
type test
test made before supplying a type of material covered by IEC 62561-4 on a general commercial
basis, in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics to meet the intended
application
4 Classification
4.1 According to the material of the conductor fastener
a) metallic (e.g. hot dip galvanized steel, copper, aluminium, stainless steel);
b) non-metallic (e.g. PVC, plastics);
c) composite (combination of metal and plastic non-metallic).
If a metallic conductor fastener is used for bonding of two metallic parts of the external LPS it
becomes a connection component and shall comply with testing requirements in accordance
with IEC 62561-1.
4.2 According to the fixing arrangement of the conductor within the conductor
fastener
a) with screws;
b) without screws (e.g. clips, springs).
4.3 According to the conductor clamping arrangement
a) conductor fasteners that are designed to clamp the conductor;
b) conductor fasteners that are designed to clamp but allow axial movement of the conductor.

IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023 – 9 –

5 Requirements
5.1 General
The conductor fastener shall carry out its function of clamping the conductor in an acceptable
and safe manner when subjected to mechanical influences, lightning discharge stress and
environmental influences.
Conductor fasteners shall comply with the tests given in Clause 6. The material of the conductor
fastener shall be compatible with the conductor it is fastening and the surface material onto
which it is mounted.
NOTE 1 Certain extreme environmental conditions make the choice of non-metallic conductor fasteners unsuitable.
Specific recommendations are provided by manufacturers as to their suitability in varying environments.
NOTE 2 Conductor fasteners are so designed and constructed that safe handling is ensured, that retention and
support for the conductor is provided, and that in normal use their performance is reliable and without danger to
persons and the surroundings.
5.2 Environmental requirements
5.2.1 Corrosion resistance
Metallic or composite conductor fasteners shall withstand corrosion effects.
Compliance is checked for metallic fasteners by the test specified in 6.3.2 or for composite
fasteners by the tests described in 6.3.4.
5.2.2 Ultraviolet (UV) light resistance
Non-metallic and composite conductor fasteners shall withstand UV light effects.
Compliance is checked for non-metallic fasteners by the tests specified in 6.3.3 or for composite
fasteners by the tests specified in 6.3.4.
5.3 Mechanical strength
5.3.1 Perpendicular and axial loads
The design of the conductor fastener shall be such that it carries the perpendicular loads caused
by the weight of the conductor, snow, ice and wind and axial loads caused by the thermal
expansion–contraction of the conductor and its weight.
Compliance is checked following the manufacturer’s declaration for the classification of the
conductor fastener in accordance with Clause 4 and by the tests specified in 6.4.1 and 6.4.2.
5.3.2 Impact tests
Conductor fasteners shall be so designed and constructed to withstand impact stresses caused
accidentally.
Compliance is checked by the tests specified in 6.4.3.
5.4 Installation instructions
The manufacturer or supplier of the conductor fastener shall provide adequate information in
its literature to ensure that the installer can shall select and install the component in a suitable
and safe manner, in accordance with IEC 62305-3 accordance with 62305-3:2010, 5.5.2 and
manufacturer’s instructions, containing at least the following information:
a) classifications according to Clause 4;

– 10 – IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023

b) maximum and minimum conductor diameter;
c) materials of conductors to be used;
d) type of mounting surface to be used;
e) recommended method of assembly, installation and fixing to the mounting surface;
f) lateral load;
g) axial movement load.
Compliance is checked by inspection in accordance with 6.5.
5.5 Marking
5.5.1 Content of marking
Each conductor fastener shall be marked with:
a) the manufacturer’s or responsible vendor’s name, logo or trademark,
b) product identification or type.
Where it is not possible to make these marks directly onto the product, they shall be made on
the smallest supplied packaging.
Compliance is checked in accordance with 6.6.
Where this proves to be impractical, the marking in accordance with a) and b) may be given on
the smallest packing unit label or on the accompanying documentation.
NOTE 1 Marking can be applied for example by moulding, pressing, engraving, printing and environmental stress
adhesive labels or water slide transfers.
NOTE 2 Marking can be applied by water slide transfers for components installed indoors only.
5.5.2 Durability and legibility
The marking shall be durable and legible.
Compliance is checked in accordance with 6.6.
6 Tests
6.1 General test conditions
Tests specified in this document are type tests. The tests in accordance with this document are
type tests (see 3.3), performed in a sequence according to Annex D. These tests are of such a
nature that, after they have been performed, they need not be repeated unless changes are
made to the accessory materials, design or type of manufacturing process, which might can
change the performance characteristics of the product, repeated testing is not required.
The present document cannot cover all possible types of conductor fasteners and the way of
fixing them on various surfaces of different materials. When required for these applications,
agreement should be obtained between the test engineer and manufacturer on the specific
testing regime.
Unless otherwise specified, tests are carried out with the specimens assembled and installed
as in normal use as specified in the manufacturer's or supplier's instructions, with the
recommended conductor materials, sizes and the tightening torque.

IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023 – 11 –

The tests shall be carried out in the sequence given after environmental tests of the specimen
in accordance with 6.3.
Unless otherwise specified, 12 metallic or 18 composite/non-metallic specimens are subjected
to the tests and the requirements are satisfied if all the tests criteria are met.
If only one of the specimens fails to satisfy a test due to a manufacturing fault, that test and
any preceding one which may can have influenced the results of the test shall be repeated. The
tests which follow shall be made in the same required sequence on another full set of samples,
all of which shall comply with the requirements.
The applicant, when submitting the first set of samples, may also submit an additional set of
samples that may can be necessary should one sample fail. The testing laboratory shall then,
without further request, test the additional set of samples, and shall only reject if a further failure
occurs. If the additional set of samples is not submitted at the same time, a failure of one sample
shall entail rejection.
Tests for non-metallic conductor fasteners shall not commence earlier than 168 h from the time
of their manufacturing.
A torque meter shall be used for all tightening operations. It shall have a resolution of at least
0,5 Nm with an accuracy of ±4 % or less. The applicable tolerance for any applied mechanical
load shall be within ±5 %.
For products already successfully tested in accordance with IEC 62561-4:2010 or
IEC 62561-4:2017 the applicability of previous tests according to Annex C, Table C.1, may be
applied.
For new products, complete type tests and samples according to Clause 6 are required.
6.2 Preparation of the specimen
If not otherwise specified by the manufacturer, the conductors and specimens shall be cleaned
by using a suitable degreasing agent followed by cleaning in demineralized water and drying.
They shall then be assembled in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions,
for example with the recommended conductors and the tightening torques.
The tightening torque should be applied in a steady and uniform manner.
Any conductor fastener accommodating conductors with differences in size (diameter, thickness
and width) equal to or less than 2 mm shall be tested using the minimum conductor size
recommended. If the range is greater than 2 mm, the conductor fastener shall be tested using
the minimum and maximum of conductor sizes.
6.3 Environmental influence test
6.3.1 General
In order for a conductor fastener to meet the requirements of this document, environmental
tests shall be carried out in accordance with to Annex A and/or Annex B Annex A for metallic
and composite conductor fasteners or Annex B for non-metallic and composite conductor
fasteners.
The selection of the tests to be performed depends upon the conductor fastener material.
Annex D provides a flow chart relating the tests identified in 6.3.2, 6.3.3 and 6.3.4 to the
conductor fastener material.
– 12 – IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023

NOTE The sequence of performing the UV test prior to the salt mist test for composite fasteners is due to the fact
that during the salt mist test the specimen is covered by a salt layer. This would inhibit the UV exposure test.
6.3.2 Metallic
Two sets, each one consisting of three arrangements, shall be assembled and mounted rigidly
on an insulating plate (e.g. brick, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) as shown in Figure 1 in
accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, for example with the recommended
conductors and the tightening torques for screwed fastening conductor fasteners.
The arrangements of specimens shall be subjected to environmental influence tests consisting
of a salt mist test as specified in Clause A.2 followed by a humid sulphurous atmosphere test
as specified in Clause A.3. An additional test by an ammonia atmosphere as specified in
Clause A.4, shall be carried out for conductor fasteners made of copper alloys with copper
content of less than 80 %. This is also valid for conductor fasteners having parts made of copper
alloys with a copper content of less than 80 %.
The specimens are deemed to have passed the tests if there are no signs of corrosive
deterioration of the conductor or conductor fastener visible to normal or corrected vision.
NOTE White rust, patina and surface oxidation are not considered to be corrosive deterioration.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 mounting plate
2 fastener
3 conductor
Figure 1 – Basic arrangement of specimens
6.3.3 Non-metallic
Three sets, each one consisting of three arrangements, shall be assembled and mounted rigidly
on an insulating plate (e.g. brick, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) as shown in Figure 1 in
accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, for example with the recommended
conductors and the tightening torques for screwed fastening conductor fasteners.
The arrangements of specimens shall be subjected to an environmental test consisting of an
ultraviolet light test as specified in Annex B.

IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023 – 13 –

The specimens are deemed to have passed this part of the test if there are no signs of
disintegration and no cracks visible to normal or corrected vision.
Ensure that the surface of the mounting plate is suitable to resist UV radiation.
6.3.4 Composite
Three sets, each one consisting of three arrangements, shall be assembled and mounted on a
rigid surface (e.g., brick, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) as shown in Figure 1 in accordance
with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, for example with the recommended conductors
and the tightening torques for screwed fastening conductor fasteners.
The arrangement of specimens shall be subjected to the environmental tests in the following
sequence:
– test in accordance with 6.3.3, and
– test in accordance with 6.3.2.
The specimens are deemed to have passed this part of the test if the base metal of their metal
parts does not exhibit any corrosive deterioration and if their plastic non-metallic parts show no
sign of disintegration and no cracks visible to normal or corrected vision.
Ensure that the surface of the mounting plate is suitable to resist UV radiation.
NOTE White rust, patina and surface oxidation are not considered to be corrosive deterioration.
6.4 Resistance to mechanical effects
6.4.1 Lateral load test
After the test of 6.3 a first set of three arrangements of specimens is subjected to a load test of
200 N applied in the mid-distance between the conductor fasteners as illustrated in Figure 2.
The test shall be performed using a stainless steel conductor with the appropriate dimensions.
For metallic conductor fasteners, the full test load is applied for minimum of 5 min and for
composite and non-metallic conductor fasteners, the full test load is applied for a minimum
period of 60 min.
All tests are carried out at a temperature of –10 °C (± 1 °C) ± 1 K and repeated at a temperature
of +40 °C (± 4 °C) ± 4 K.
The specimens are deemed to have passed the tests provided that the conductor fasteners
remain intact and the conductor is still located within the conductor fasteners.

– 14 – IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023

Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 mounting plate
2 fastener
3 conductor
4 load
Figure 2 – Basic arrangement of lateral load test
6.4.2 Axial load test
This test is only applicable to conductor fasteners classified according to 4.3 a).
After the test of 6.3 the second set of three arrangements is subjected to a load test of 50 N
applied as shown in Figure 3.
The test shall be performed using the conductors designated by the manufacturer for the
conductor fastener.
For metallic conductor fasteners, the full test load is applied for minimum of 5 min, and for
composite and non-metallic conductor fasteners, the full test load is applied for a minimum
period of 60 min.
All tests are carried out at a temperature of –10 °C (± 1 °C) ± 1 K and repeated at a temperature
of +40 °C (± 4 °C) ± 4 K.
The specimens are deemed to have passed the tests provided the conductor fasteners remain
intact and the displacement of the conductor with respect to the conductor fasteners is not more
than 3 mm.
IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023 – 15 –

Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 mounting plate
2 fastener
3 conductor
4 load
Figure 3 – Typical arrangement for axial movement test
6.4.3 Impact test
This test is carried out on non-metallic and composite conductor fasteners.
After the test of 6.3 the third set of three arrangements is subjected to an impact test.
Each arrangement of specimens shall be mounted on an impact test apparatus as described in
IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Clause 4, and shown in IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Figure D.1. The impact
test apparatus shall be mounted on a solid wall or structure providing sufficient support for the
test apparatus.
The arrangement of specimens is placed in a cabinet at a temperature of –5 °C ± 1 K. After 2 h,
the arrangement is removed from the cabinet and immediately placed in position in the impact
test apparatus.
After removal of the arrangement from the cabinet, and after a period of 12 s ± 2 s, the hammer
is allowed to fall (2 J, 0,5 kg, 400 mm as specified in IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Table 2) so that
three impacts are applied as far as possible perpendicularly to the length of the arrangement.
The first impact should be to the left conductor fastener, the second to the other conductor
fastener and the third to the middle length of the arrangement.

– 16 – IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023

Instead of placing the arrangements in a cabinet and applying the impact at 12 s ± 2 s after the
removal of the sample from the cabinet, it is allowed to apply the impact may be applied in a
climatic chamber at a temperature of −5 °C (± 1 °C) ± 1 K on samples placed at this temperature
for at least 2 h prior to testing. Compliance in the climatic chamber is sufficient.
After the test, the specimens shall show no cracks or similar damage visible to normal or
corrected vision without magnification and the conductor shall remain located within the
conductor fasteners.
Dimensions in millimetres
IEC
Key
1 pendulum
2 frame
3 height of fall
4 specimen
5 mounting fixture
Figure 4 – Impact test apparatus

IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023 – 17 –

6.5 Installation instructions
The manufacturer or responsible vendor shall provide in his literature:
– the classifications according to Clause 4;
– the maximum and minimum conductor diameter;
– the materials of conductors to be used;
– the type of mounting surface to be used;
– the recommended method of assembly, installation and fixing to the mounting surface;
– the lateral load;
– the axial movement load.
Compliance is checked by inspection.
6.5.1 General conditions
The content of the installation instructions is checked as per its completeness by review.
6.5.2 Acceptance criteria
Documentation and installation instructions are deemed to be acceptable if they contain the
information given in 5.4.
6.6 Marking test
6.6.1 General test conditions for tests
Marking on the conductor fastener shall be durable and easily legible.
Compliance is checked by inspection and by rubbing the marking by hand for 15 s with a piece
of cloth soaked with water and again for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with white spirit.
The marking is checked:
a) according to its completeness by review;
b) according to its durability or legibility by rubbing it by hand for 15 s with a piece of cloth
soaked with water and again for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with white spirit or mineral
spirit.
Marking made by moulding, pressing or engraving is not subjected to this test.
6.6.2 Acceptance criteria
The specimen is deemed to have passed the test if the marking remains legible.
NOTE Marking can be applied, for example, by moulding, pressing, engraving, printing, adhesive labels.
The specimen is deemed to have passed the test if:
a) the marking contains all the information of 5.5.1;
b) after the test in 6.6.1 the marking remains durable and legible to normal or correction vision
without magnification.
6.7 Construction
The surface of the conductor fastener shall be free from burrs from any cutting process, flash,
moulding joint deformation and similar inconsistencies which are likely to damage the
conductors or inflict injury to the installer or user.

– 18 – IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023

Compliance is checked by visual and manual inspection.
7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Products covered by this document are, in normal use, passive with respect to electromagnetic
influences (emission and immunity).
8 Structure and content of the test report
8.1 General
The purpose of Clause 8 is to provide general requirements for laboratory test reports. It is
intended to promote clear, complete reporting procedures for laboratories submitting test
reports.
The results of each test carried out by the testing laboratory shall be reported accurately,
clearly, unambiguously and objectively, in accordance with any instructions in the test methods.
The results shall be reported in a test report and shall include all the information necessary for
the interpretation of the test results and all information required by the method used.
Particular care and attention shall be paid to the arrangement of the report, especially with
regard to presentation of the test data and ease of assimilation by the reader. The report shall
be arranged and presented in such a way that it is easily assimilated by the reader, especially
with regards to presentation of the test data. The format shall be carefully and specifically
designed for each type of test carried out, but the headings shall be standardized as indicated
below.
The structure of each report shall include at least the information specified in 8.2 to 8.10.
8.2 Report identification
The following information shall be included in the report:
a) a title or subject of the report;
b) name and e-mail address or telephone number of the testing laboratory;
c) name, address and telephone number of the sub-testing laboratory where the test was
carried out if different from the company which has been assigned to perform the test;
d) unique identification number (or serial number) of the test report;
e) name and address of the vendor;
f) Report shall be paginated pagination and the total number of pages indicated on each page,
including appendices or annexes;
g) date of issue of the report;
h) date(s) test(s) was (were) performed;
i) signature and title, or an equivalent identification of the person(s) authorized by the testing
laboratory to attest the content of the report;
j) signature and title of person(s) conducting the test(s);
k) the following declaration in order to avoid misuse. “This type test report shall not be
reproduced other than in full, except with the prior written approval of the issuing testing

It is suggested to insert in the test report a specific declaration to avoid its misuse. A declaration example is: “This
type test report may not be reproduced other than in full, except with the prior written approval of the issuing
testing laboratory. This type test report only covers the samples submitted for test and does not produce evidence
of the quality for series production.”

IEC 62561-4:2013 RLV © IEC 2023 – 19 –

laboratory. This type test report only covers the samples submitted for test and does not
produce evidence of the quality for series production”.
8.3 Specimen description
a) sample description;
b) detailed description and unambiguous identification of the test sample and/or test assembly,
or both, for example part number, type, classification, material, dimensions;
c) functional parts and accessories description (e.g. screws,
...

IEC 62561-4 ®
Edition 3.0 2023-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –
Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners

Composants des systèmes de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –
Partie 4: Exigences pour les fixations de conducteurs
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IEC 62561-4 ®
Edition 3.0 2023-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –

Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners

Composants des systèmes de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –

Partie 4: Exigences pour les fixations de conducteurs

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.020, 91.120.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-7614-3

– 2 – IEC 62561-4:2013 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Classification . 8
4.1 According to the material of the conductor fastener . 8
4.2 According to the fixing arrangement of the conductor within the conductor
fastener . 8
4.3 According to the conductor clamping arrangement . 8
5 Requirements . 8
5.1 General . 8
5.2 Environmental requirements . 9
5.2.1 Corrosion resistance . 9
5.2.2 Ultraviolet (UV) light resistance . 9
5.3 Mechanical strength . 9
5.3.1 Perpendicular and axial loads . 9
5.3.2 Impact tests . 9
5.4 Installation instructions . 9
5.5 Marking . 10
5.5.1 Content of marking . 10
5.5.2 Durability and legibility . 10
6 Tests . 10
6.1 General test conditions . 10
6.2 Preparation of the specimen . 11
6.3 Environmental influence test . 11
6.3.1 General . 11
6.3.2 Metallic . 11
6.3.3 Non-metallic . 12
6.3.4 Composite . 12
6.4 Resistance to mechanical effects . 13
6.4.1 Lateral load test . 13
6.4.2 Axial load test . 14
6.4.3 Impact test . 15
6.5 Installation instructions . 15
6.5.1 General conditions . 15
6.5.2 Acceptance criteria . 15
6.6 Marking test . 15
6.6.1 General test conditions . 15
6.6.2 Acceptance criteria . 15
6.7 Construction . 16
7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 16
8 Structure and content of the test report . 16
8.1 General . 16
8.2 Report identification . 16
8.3 Specimen description . 17

IEC 62561-4:2013 © IEC 2023 – 3 –
8.4 Conductor . 17
8.5 Standards and references . 17
8.6 Test procedure . 17
8.7 Testing equipment, description . 17
8.8 Measuring instruments description . 17
8.9 Results and parameters recorded . 17
8.10 Statement of pass and fail . 18
Annex A (normative) Resistance to corrosion for metallic and composite conductor
fasteners . 19
A.1 General . 19
A.2 Salt mist treatment . 19
A.3 Humid sulphurous atmosphere treatment . 19
A.4 Ammonia atmosphere treatment. 19
Annex B (normative) Environmental test for non-metallic and composite conductor
fasteners – Resistance to ultraviolet light . 20
B.1 General . 20
B.2 Test . 20
B.3 First alternative test to Clause B.2 . 20
B.4 Second alternative test to Clause B.2 . 20
Annex C (normative) Applicability of previous tests . 21
Annex D (normative) Flow chart of tests for conductor fastener . 22
Bibliography . 23

Figure 1 – Basic arrangement of specimens . 12
Figure 2 – Basic arrangement of lateral load test . 13
Figure 3 – Typical arrangement for axial movement test . 14
Figure D.1 – Flowchart of tests for conductor fastener . 22

Table C.1 – Differences in the requirements for conductor fasteners complying with
IEC 62561‑4:2010 or 62561‑4:2017 . 21

– 4 – IEC 62561-4:2013 © IEC 2023
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent
the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 62561-4 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 81: Lightning protection. It is an
International Standard.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2017. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) alignment with the latest edition of ISO IEC 60068-2-52:2017 relating to salt mist
atmosphere treatment;
b) alignment with the new edition of ISO 22479:2019 relating to humid sulphurous atmosphere
treatment;
c) new normative annex for the applicability of previous tests.

IEC 62561-4:2013 © IEC 2023 – 5 –
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
81/734/FDIS 81/740/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 62561 series, published under the general title Lightning
protection system components (LPSC), can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
– 6 – IEC 62561-4:2013 © IEC 2023
INTRODUCTION
This part of IEC 62561 deals with the requirements and tests for lightning protection system
components (LPSC), specifically conductor fasteners used for the installation of a lightning
protection system (LPS) designed and implemented in accordance with the IEC 62305 series.

IEC 62561-4:2013 © IEC 2023 – 7 –
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners

1 Scope
This part of IEC 62561 deals with the requirements and tests for metallic and non-metallic
conductor fasteners that are used to retain and support the air-termination, down-conductor and
earth-termination systems.
This document does not cover the fixing of conductor fasteners to the fabric of structures due
to the vast number and types used in modern day construction.
Testing of components for an explosive atmosphere is not covered by this document. Extra
requirements for the components can be necessary for LSCs intended for use in hazardous
atmospheres.
NOTE In CENELEC member countries, testing requirements of components for explosive atmospheres are specified
in CLC/TS 50703-2.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements 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.
IEC 60068-2-52:2017, Environmental testing – Part 2-52: Tests – Test Kb: Salt mist, cyclic
(sodium chloride solution)
IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 62305-3:2010, Protection against lightning – Part 3: Physical damage to structures and life
hazard
IEC 62561-1, Lightning protection system components (LPSC) – Part 1: Requirements for
connection components
ISO 4892-2, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon – arc
lamps
ISO 4892-3:2016, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3:
Fluorescent UV lamps
ISO 4892-4, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 4: Open-flame
carbon-arc lamps
ISO 6957:1988, Copper alloys – Ammonia test for stress corrosion resistance
ISO 22479:2019, Corrosion of metals and alloys – Sulfur dioxide test in a humid atmosphere
(fixed gas method)
– 8 – IEC 62561-4:2013 © IEC 2023
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
conductor fastener
metallic, non-metallic or composite component designed to retain and support the air-
termination, down-conductor and earth-termination systems, installed at intervals along the
length of the conductors
3.2
composite fastener
mixture of metallic and non-metallic materials, for example plastic
3.3
type test
test made before supplying a type of material covered by IEC 62561-4 on a general commercial
basis, in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics to meet the intended
application
4 Classification
4.1 According to the material of the conductor fastener
a) metallic (e.g. hot dip galvanized steel, copper, aluminium, stainless steel);
b) non-metallic (e.g. PVC, plastics);
c) composite (combination of metal and non-metallic).
If a metallic conductor fastener is used for bonding of two metallic parts of the external LPS it
becomes a connection component and shall comply with testing requirements in accordance
with IEC 62561-1.
4.2 According to the fixing arrangement of the conductor within the conductor
fastener
a) with screws;
b) without screws (e.g. clips, springs).
4.3 According to the conductor clamping arrangement
a) conductor fasteners that are designed to clamp the conductor;
b) conductor fasteners that are designed to clamp but allow axial movement of the conductor.
5 Requirements
5.1 General
The conductor fastener shall carry out its function of clamping the conductor in an acceptable
and safe manner when subjected to mechanical influences, lightning discharge stress and
environmental influences.
IEC 62561-4:2013 © IEC 2023 – 9 –
Conductor fasteners shall comply with the tests given in Clause 6. The material of the conductor
fastener shall be compatible with the conductor it is fastening and the surface material onto
which it is mounted.
NOTE 1 Certain extreme environmental conditions make the choice of non-metallic conductor fasteners unsuitable.
Specific recommendations are provided by manufacturers as to their suitability in varying environments.
NOTE 2 Conductor fasteners are so designed and constructed that safe handling is ensured, that retention and
support for the conductor is provided, and that in normal use their performance is reliable and without danger to
persons and the surroundings.
5.2 Environmental requirements
5.2.1 Corrosion resistance
Metallic or composite conductor fasteners shall withstand corrosion effects.
Compliance is checked for metallic fasteners by the test specified in 6.3.2 or for composite
fasteners by the tests described in 6.3.4.
5.2.2 Ultraviolet (UV) light resistance
Non-metallic and composite conductor fasteners shall withstand UV light effects.
Compliance is checked for non-metallic fasteners by the tests specified in 6.3.3 or for composite
fasteners by the tests specified in 6.3.4.
5.3 Mechanical strength
5.3.1 Perpendicular and axial loads
The design of the conductor fastener shall be such that it carries the perpendicular loads caused
by the weight of the conductor, snow, ice and wind and axial loads caused by the thermal
expansion–contraction of the conductor and its weight.
Compliance is checked following the manufacturer’s declaration for the classification of the
conductor fastener in accordance with Clause 4 and by the tests specified in 6.4.1 and 6.4.2.
5.3.2 Impact tests
Conductor fasteners shall be so designed and constructed to withstand impact stresses caused
accidentally.
Compliance is checked by the tests specified in 6.4.3.
5.4 Installation instructions
The manufacturer or supplier of the conductor fastener shall provide adequate information in
its literature to ensure that the installer shall select and install the component in accordance
with 62305-3:2010, 5.5.2 and manufacturer’s instructions, containing at least the following
information:
a) classifications according to Clause 4;
b) maximum and minimum conductor diameter;
c) materials of conductors to be used;
d) type of mounting surface to be used;
e) recommended method of assembly, installation and fixing to the mounting surface;
f) lateral load;
g) axial movement load.
– 10 – IEC 62561-4:2013 © IEC 2023
Compliance is checked by inspection in accordance with 6.5.
5.5 Marking
5.5.1 Content of marking
Each conductor fastener shall be marked with:
a) the manufacturer’s or responsible vendor’s name, logo or trademark,
b) product identification or type.
Where it is not possible to make these marks directly onto the product, they shall be made on
the smallest supplied packaging.
Compliance is checked in accordance with 6.6.
Where this proves to be impractical, the marking in accordance with a) and b) may be given on
the smallest packing unit label or on the accompanying documentation.
NOTE 1 Marking can be applied for example by moulding, pressing, engraving, printing and environmental stress
adhesive labels.
NOTE 2 Marking can be applied by water slide transfers for components installed indoors only.
5.5.2 Durability and legibility
The marking shall be durable and legible.
Compliance is checked in accordance with 6.6.
6 Tests
6.1 General test conditions
The tests in accordance with this document are type tests (see 3.3), performed in a sequence
according to Annex D. These tests are of such a nature that, after they have been performed,
unless changes are made to the accessory materials, design or type of manufacturing process
which can change the performance characteristics, repeated testing is not required.
The present document cannot cover all possible types of conductor fasteners and the way of
fixing them on various surfaces of different materials. When required for these applications,
agreement should be obtained between the test engineer and manufacturer on the specific
testing regime.
Unless otherwise specified, tests are carried out with the specimens assembled and installed
as in normal use as specified in the manufacturer's or supplier's instructions, with the
recommended conductor materials, sizes and the tightening torque.
The tests shall be carried out in the sequence given after environmental tests of the specimen
in accordance with 6.3.
Unless otherwise specified, 12 metallic or 18 composite/non-metallic specimens are subjected
to the tests and the requirements are satisfied if all the tests criteria are met.
If only one of the specimens fails to satisfy a test due to a manufacturing fault, that test and
any preceding one which can have influenced the results of the test shall be repeated. The tests
which follow shall be made in the same required sequence on another full set of samples, all of
which shall comply with the requirements.

IEC 62561-4:2013 © IEC 2023 – 11 –
The applicant, when submitting the first set of samples, may also submit an additional set of
samples that can be necessary should one sample fail. The testing laboratory shall then, without
further request, test the additional set of samples, and shall only reject if a further failure occurs.
If the additional set of samples is not submitted at the same time, a failure of one sample shall
entail rejection.
Tests for non-metallic conductor fasteners shall not commence earlier than 168 h from the time
of their manufacturing.
A torque meter shall be used for all tightening operations. It shall have a resolution of at least
0,5 Nm with an accuracy of ±4 % or less. The applicable tolerance for any applied mechanical
load shall be within ±5 %.
For products already successfully tested in accordance with IEC 62561-4:2010 or
IEC 62561-4:2017 the applicability of previous tests according to Annex C, Table C.1, may be
applied.
For new products, complete type tests and samples according to Clause 6 are required.
6.2 Preparation of the specimen
If not otherwise specified by the manufacturer, the conductors and specimens shall be cleaned
by using a suitable degreasing agent followed by cleaning in demineralized water and drying.
They shall then be assembled in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions,
for example with the recommended conductors and the tightening torques.
The tightening torque should be applied in a steady and uniform manner.
Any conductor fastener accommodating conductors with differences in size (diameter, thickness
and width) equal to or less than 2 mm shall be tested using the minimum conductor size
recommended. If the range is greater than 2 mm, the conductor fastener shall be tested using
the minimum and maximum of conductor sizes.
6.3 Environmental influence test
6.3.1 General
In order for a conductor fastener to meet the requirements of this document, environmental
tests shall be carried out in accordance with Annex A for metallic and composite conductor
fasteners or Annex B for non-metallic and composite conductor fasteners.
The selection of the tests to be performed depends upon the conductor fastener material.
Annex D provides a flow chart relating the tests identified in 6.3.2, 6.3.3 and 6.3.4 to the
conductor fastener material.
NOTE The sequence of performing the UV test prior to the salt mist test for composite fasteners is due to the fact
that during the salt mist test the specimen is covered by a salt layer. This would inhibit the UV exposure test.
6.3.2 Metallic
Two sets, each one consisting of three arrangements, shall be assembled and mounted rigidly
on an insulating plate (e.g. brick, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) as shown in Figure 1 in
accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, for example with the recommended
conductors and the tightening torques for screwed fastening conductor fasteners.

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The arrangements of specimens shall be subjected to environmental influence tests consisting
of a salt mist test as specified in Clause A.2 followed by a humid sulphurous atmosphere test
as specified in Clause A.3. An additional test by an ammonia atmosphere as specified in
Clause A.4, shall be carried out for conductor fasteners made of copper alloys with copper
content of less than 80 %.
The specimens are deemed to have passed the tests if there are no signs of corrosive
deterioration of the conductor or conductor fastener visible to normal or corrected vision.
NOTE White rust, patina and surface oxidation are not considered to be corrosive deterioration.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 mounting plate
2 fastener
3 conductor
Figure 1 – Basic arrangement of specimens
6.3.3 Non-metallic
Three sets, each one consisting of three arrangements, shall be assembled and mounted rigidly
on an insulating plate (e.g. brick, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) as shown in Figure 1 in
accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, for example with the recommended
conductors and the tightening torques for screwed fastening conductor fasteners.
The arrangements of specimens shall be subjected to an environmental test consisting of an
ultraviolet light test as specified in Annex B.
The specimens are deemed to have passed this part of the test if there are no signs of
disintegration and no cracks visible to normal or corrected vision.
Ensure that the surface of the mounting plate is suitable to resist UV radiation.
6.3.4 Composite
Three sets, each one consisting of three arrangements, shall be assembled and mounted on a
rigid surface (e.g., brick, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) as shown in Figure 1 in accordance
with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, for example with the recommended conductors
and the tightening torques for screwed fastening conductor fasteners.

IEC 62561-4:2013 © IEC 2023 – 13 –
The arrangement of specimens shall be subjected to the environmental tests in the following
sequence:
– test in accordance with 6.3.3, and
– test in accordance with 6.3.2.
The specimens are deemed to have passed this part of the test if the base metal of their metal
parts does not exhibit any corrosive deterioration and if their non-metallic parts show no sign
of disintegration and no cracks visible to normal or corrected vision.
Ensure that the surface of the mounting plate is suitable to resist UV radiation.
NOTE White rust, patina and surface oxidation are not considered to be corrosive deterioration.
6.4 Resistance to mechanical effects
6.4.1 Lateral load test
After the test of 6.3 a first set of three arrangements of specimens is subjected to a load test of
200 N applied in the mid-distance between the conductor fasteners as illustrated in Figure 2.
The test shall be performed using a stainless steel conductor with the appropriate dimensions.
For metallic conductor fasteners, the full test load is applied for minimum of 5 min and for
composite and non-metallic conductor fasteners, the full test load is applied for a minimum
period of 60 min.
All tests are carried out at a temperature of –10 °C ± 1 K and repeated at a temperature of
+40 °C ± 4 K.
The specimens are deemed to have passed the tests provided that the conductor fasteners
remain intact and the conductor is still located within the conductor fasteners.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 mounting plate
2 fastener
3 conductor
4 load
Figure 2 – Basic arrangement of lateral load test

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6.4.2 Axial load test
This test is only applicable to conductor fasteners classified according to 4.3 a).
After the test of 6.3 the second set of three arrangements is subjected to a load test of 50 N
applied as shown in Figure 3.
The test shall be performed using the conductors designated by the manufacturer for the
conductor fastener.
For metallic conductor fasteners, the full test load is applied for minimum of 5 min, and for
composite and non-metallic conductor fasteners, the full test load is applied for a minimum
period of 60 min.
All tests are carried out at a temperature of –10 °C ± 1 K and repeated at a temperature of
+40 °C ± 4 K.
The specimens are deemed to have passed the tests provided the conductor fasteners remain
intact and the displacement of the conductor with respect to the conductor fasteners is not more
than 3 mm.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 mounting plate
2 fastener
3 conductor
4 load
Figure 3 – Typical arrangement for axial movement test

IEC 62561-4:2013 © IEC 2023 – 15 –
6.4.3 Impact test
This test is carried out on non-metallic and composite conductor fasteners.
After the test of 6.3 the third set of three arrangements is subjected to an impact test.
Each arrangement of specimens shall be mounted on an impact test apparatus as described in
IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Clause 4, and shown in IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Figure D.1. The impact
test apparatus shall be mounted on a solid wall or structure providing sufficient support for the
test apparatus.
The arrangement of specimens is placed in a cabinet at a temperature of –5 °C ± 1 K. After 2 h,
the arrangement is removed from the cabinet and immediately placed in position in the impact
test apparatus.
After removal of the arrangement from the cabinet, and after a period of 12 s ± 2 s, the hammer
is allowed to fall (2 J, 0,5 kg, 400 mm as specified in IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Table 2) so that
three impacts are applied as far as possible perpendicularly to the length of the arrangement.
The first impact should be to the left conductor fastener, the second to the other conductor
fastener and the third to the middle length of the arrangement.
Instead of placing the arrangements in a cabinet and applying the impact at 12 s ± 2 s after the
removal of the sample from the cabinet, the impact may be applied in a climatic chamber at a
temperature of −5 °C ± 1 K on samples placed at this temperature for at least 2 h prior to testing.
Compliance in the climatic chamber is sufficient.
After the test, the specimens shall show no cracks or similar damage visible to normal or
corrected vision without magnification and the conductor shall remain located within the
conductor fasteners.
6.5 Installation instructions
6.5.1 General conditions
The content of the installation instructions is checked as per its completeness by review.
6.5.2 Acceptance criteria
Documentation and installation instructions are deemed to be acceptable if they contain the
information given in 5.4.
6.6 Marking test
6.6.1 General test conditions
The marking is checked:
a) according to its completeness by review;
b) according to its durability or legibility by rubbing it by hand for 15 s with a piece of cloth
soaked with water and again for 15 s with a piece of cloth soaked with white spirit or mineral
spirit.
Marking made by moulding, pressing or engraving is not subjected to this test.
6.6.2 Acceptance criteria
The specimen is deemed to have passed the test if:

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a) the marking contains all the information of 5.5.1;
b) after the test in 6.6.1 the marking remains durable and legible to normal or correction vision
without magnification.
6.7 Construction
The surface of the conductor fastener shall be free from burrs from any cutting process, flash,
moulding joint deformation and similar inconsistencies which are likely to damage the
conductors or inflict injury to the installer or user.
Compliance is checked by visual and manual inspection.
7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Products covered by this document are, in normal use, passive with respect to electromagnetic
influences (emission and immunity).
8 Structure and content of the test report
8.1 General
The purpose of Clause 8 is to provide general requirements for laboratory test reports. It is
intended to promote clear, complete reporting procedures for laboratories submitting test
reports.
The results of each test carried out by the testing laboratory shall be reported accurately,
clearly, unambiguously and objectively, in accordance with any instructions in the test methods.
The results shall be reported in a test report and shall include all the information necessary for
the interpretation of the test results and all information required by the method used.
The report shall be arranged and presented in such a way that it is easily assimilated by the
reader, especially with regards to presentation of the test data. The format shall be specifically
designed for each type of test carried out, but the headings shall be standardized as indicated
below.
The structure of each report shall include at least the information specified in 8.2 to 8.10.
8.2 Report identification
The following information shall be included in the report:
a) a title or subject of the report;
b) name and e-mail address or telephone number of the testing laboratory;
c) name, address and telephone number of the sub-testing laboratory where the test was
carried out if different from the company which has been assigned to perform the test;
d) unique identification number (or serial number) of the test report;
e) name and address of the vendor;
f) pagination and the total number of pages indicated on each page, including appendices or
annexes;
g) date of issue of the report;
h) date(s) test(s) was (were) performed;
i) signature and title, or an equivalent identification of the person(s) authorized by the testing
laboratory to attest the content of the report;
j) signature and title of person(s) conducting the test(s);

IEC 62561-4:2013 © IEC 2023 – 17 –
k) the following declaration in order to avoid misuse. “This type test report shall not be
reproduced other than in full, except with the prior written approval of the issuing testing
laboratory. This type test report only covers the samples submitted for test and does not
produce evidence of the quality for series production”.
8.3 Specimen description
a) sample description;
b) detailed description and unambiguous identification of the test sample or test assembly, or
both, for example part number, type, classification, material, dimensions;
c) functional parts and accessories description (e.g. screws, nuts, washers, quantity, material,
etc.);
d) manufacturing method (e.g. cast, hot forged, cold deformed, pressing, die casting etc.);
e) characterization and condition of the test sample and test assembly.
f) sampling procedure, where relevant;
g) date of receipt of test samples;
h) photographs, drawings or any other visual documentation, if available.
8.4 Conductor
a) conductor material;
b) nominal cross-sectional ar
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