IEC 60840:2011

Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages above 30 kV (<em>U</em>_m = 36 kV) up to 150 kV (<em>U</em>_m = 170 kV) - Test methods and requirements

IEC 60840:2011 specifies test methods and requirements for power cable systems, cables alone and accessories alone, for fixed installations and for rated voltages above 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) up to and including 150 kV (Um = 170 kV). The requirements apply to single-core cables and to individually screened three-core cables and to their accessories for usual conditions of installation and operation, but not to special cables and their accessories, such as submarine cables, for which modifications to the standard tests may be necessary or special test conditions may need to be devised. This standard does not cover transition joints between cables with extruded insulation and paper insulated cables. The significant technical change with respect to the previous edition is as follows:
- introduction of a prequalification test procedure for cables with high electrical stresses and tested as a cable system including accessories.
NOTE: For a more detailed history of events leading up to this fourth edition, see the Introduction.

Câbles d'énergie à isolation extrudée et leurs accessoires pour des tensions assignées supérieures à 30 kV (<em>U</em>_m = 36 kV) et jusqu'à 150 kV (<em>U</em>_m = 170 kV) - Méthodes et exigences d'essai

IEC 60840:2011 spécifie les méthodes et les exigences d'essai applicables aux systèmes de câbles d'énergie, câbles seuls et accessoires seuls, pour installations fixes, pour des tensions assignées supérieures à 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) et jusqu'à 150 kV (Um = 170 kV) compris. Les exigences sont applicables aux câbles unipolaires, aux câbles tripolaires à écran individuel et à leurs accessoires, pour des conditions habituelles d'installation et de fonctionnement, mais ne le sont pas à des câbles spéciaux et à leurs accessoires, comme les câbles sous-marins, pour lesquels il peut être nécessaire d'apporter des modifications aux essais normaux ou d'élaborer des conditions d'essai particulières. Les jonctions assurant le raccordement des câbles à isolant extrudé aux câbles isolés au papier ne sont pas couvertes par la présente norme. La modification technique principale par rapport à l'édition précédente est la suivante:
- introduction d'une procédure d'essai de préqualification pour les câbles avec de hautes tensions électriques comme un système de câble incluant des accessoires.
NOTE: Voir l'Introduction pour un historique plus complet sur les evenements qui conduissaient à la publication de cette quatrième édition.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 22-Nov-2011
• ICS: 01 - GENERALITIES. TERMINOLOGY. STANDARDIZATION. DOCUMENTATION
• ICS: 29.060.20 - Cables
• Technical Committee: TC 20 - Electric cables
• Drafting Committee: WG 16 - TC 20/WG 16
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 27-Apr-2018
• Completion Date: 19-May-2020

Relations

• Revised: IEC 60840:2020 - Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages above 30 kV (U_m= 36 kV) up to 150 kV (U_m = 170 kV) - Test methods and requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60840:2004 - Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages above 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) up to 150 kV (Um = 170 kV) - Test methods and requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60840 ®
Edition 4.0 2011-11
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages
above 30 kV (U = 36 kV) up to 150 kV (U = 170 kV) – Test methods and
m m
requirements
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by

any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either IEC or

IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite
ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie
et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de la CEI ou du Comité national de la CEI du pays du demandeur.

Si vous avez des questions sur le copyright de la CEI ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette

publication, utilisez les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de la CEI de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office
3, rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
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It also gives information on projects, withdrawn and replaced publications.
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Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published details twice a month all new publications released. Available
on-line and also by email.
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The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and electrical terms containing more than 20 000 terms and definitions
in English and French, with equivalent terms in additional languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary online.
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A propos de la CEI
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normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

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Le premier dictionnaire en ligne au monde de termes électroniques et électriques. Il contient plus de 20 000 termes et
définitions en anglais et en français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans les langues additionnelles. Egalement appelé
Vocabulaire Electrotechnique International en ligne.
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IEC 60840 ®
Edition 4.0 2011-11
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages
above 30 kV (U = 36 kV) up to 150 kV (U = 170 kV) – Test methods and
m m
requirements
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.060.20 ISBN 978-2-88912-752-8

IEC 60840 ®
Edition 4.0 2011-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages
above 30 kV (U = 36 kV) up to 150 kV (U = 170 kV) – Test methods and
m m
requirements
Câbles d'énergie à isolation extrudée et leurs accessoires pour des tensions
assignées supérieures à 30 kV (U = 36 kV) et jusqu'à 150 kV (U = 170 kV) –
m m
Méthodes et exigences d'essai
– 2 – 60840 © IEC:2011
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6

INTRODUCTION . 8

1 Scope . 9

2 Normative references. 9

3 Terms and definitions . 10

3.1 Definitions of dimensional values (thicknesses, cross-sections, etc.) . 10

3.2 Definitions concerning tests . 11

3.3 Other definitions . 11
4 Voltage designations and materials . 12
4.1 Rated voltages . 12
4.2 Cable insulating materials . 12
4.3 Cable metal screens/sheaths . 12
4.4 Cable oversheathing materials . 12
5 Precautions against water penetration in cables . 12
6 Cable characteristics . 13
7 Accessory characteristics. 13
8 Test conditions . 14
8.1 Ambient temperature . 14
8.2 Frequency and waveform of power frequency test voltages . 14
8.3 Waveform of lightning impulse test voltages . 14
8.4 Relationship of test voltages to rated voltages . 14
8.5 Determination of the cable conductor temperature . 14
9 Routine tests on cables and on the main insulation of prefabricated accessories . 15
9.1 General . 15
9.2 Partial discharge test . 15
9.3 Voltage test . 15
9.4 Electrical test on oversheath of the cable . 15
10 Sample tests on cables . 16
10.1 General . 16
10.2 Frequency of tests . 16
10.3 Repetition of tests . 16
10.4 Conductor examination . 16

10.5 Measurement of electrical resistance of conductor and metal screen . 16
10.6 Measurement of thickness of cable insulation and oversheath . 17
10.6.1 General . 17
10.6.2 Requirements for the insulation . 17
10.6.3 Requirements for the cable oversheath . 17
10.7 Measurement of thickness of metal sheath. 18
10.7.1 Lead or lead alloy sheath . 18
10.7.2 Plain or corrugated aluminium sheath . 18
10.8 Measurement of diameters . 19
10.9 Hot set test for XLPE, EPR and HEPR insulations . 19
10.9.1 Procedure . 19
10.9.2 Requirements . 19
10.10 Measurement of capacitance. 19

60840 © IEC:2011 – 3 –
10.11 Measurement of density of HDPE insulation . 19

10.11.1 Procedure . 19

10.11.2 Requirements . 19

10.12 Lightning impulse voltage test . 19

10.13 Water penetration test. 20

10.14 Tests on components of cables with a longitudinally applied metal tape or

foil, bonded to the oversheath . 20

11 Sample tests on accessories . 20

11.1 Tests on components . 20

11.2 Tests on complete accessory . 20

12 Type tests on cable systems . 20
12.1 General . 20
12.2 Range of type approval . 21
12.3 Summary of type tests . 21
12.4 Electrical type tests on complete cable systems . 22
12.4.1 Test voltage values . 22
12.4.2 Tests and sequence of tests . 22
12.4.3 Bending test . 23
12.4.4 Partial discharge tests . 24
12.4.5 Tan δ measurement . 24
12.4.6 Heating cycle voltage test . 24
12.4.7 Lightning impulse voltage test followed by a power frequency voltage
test . 25
12.4.8 Examination . 25
12.4.9 Resistivity of semi-conducting screens . 25
12.5 Non-electrical type tests on cable components and on complete cable . 26
12.5.1 Check of cable construction . 26
12.5.2 Tests for determining the mechanical properties of insulation before
and after ageing . 26
12.5.3 Tests for determining the mechanical properties of oversheaths
before and after ageing .
...

IEC 60840 ®
Edition 4.0 2011-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages
above 30 kV (U = 36 kV) up to 150 kV (U = 170 kV) – Test methods and
m m
requirements
Câbles d'énergie à isolation extrudée et leurs accessoires pour des tensions
assignées supérieures à 30 kV (U = 36 kV) et jusqu'à 150 kV (U = 170 kV) –
m m
Méthodes et exigences d'essai
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either IEC or
IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite
ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie
et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de la CEI ou du Comité national de la CEI du pays du demandeur.
Si vous avez des questions sur le copyright de la CEI ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette
publication, utilisez les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de la CEI de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office
3, rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
 Catalogue of IEC publications: www.iec.ch/searchpub
The IEC on-line Catalogue enables you to search by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical committee,…).
It also gives information on projects, withdrawn and replaced publications.
 IEC Just Published: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published details twice a month all new publications released. Available
on-line and also by email.
 Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and electrical terms containing more than 20 000 terms and definitions
in English and French, with equivalent terms in additional languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary online.
 Customer Service Centre: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need further assistance, please visit the Customer Service
Centre FAQ or contact us:
Email: [e-mail]
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
A propos de la CEI
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (CEI) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des
normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

A propos des publications CEI
Le contenu technique des publications de la CEI est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez
l’édition la plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.
 Catalogue des publications de la CEI: www.iec.ch/searchpub/cur_fut-f.htm
Le Catalogue en-ligne de la CEI vous permet d’effectuer des recherches en utilisant différents critères (numéro de référence,
texte, comité d’études,…). Il donne aussi des informations sur les projets et les publications retirées ou remplacées.
 Just Published CEI: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications de la CEI. Just Published détaille deux fois par mois les nouvelles
publications parues. Disponible en-ligne et aussi par email.
 Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
Le premier dictionnaire en ligne au monde de termes électroniques et électriques. Il contient plus de 20 000 termes et
définitions en anglais et en français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans les langues additionnelles. Egalement appelé
Vocabulaire Electrotechnique International en ligne.
 Service Clients: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv/custserv_entry-f.htm
Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette publication ou si vous avez des questions, visitez le FAQ du
Service clients ou contactez-nous:
Email: [e-mail]
Tél.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
IEC 60840 ®
Edition 4.0 2011-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages
above 30 kV (U = 36 kV) up to 150 kV (U = 170 kV) – Test methods and
m m
requirements
Câbles d'énergie à isolation extrudée et leurs accessoires pour des tensions
assignées supérieures à 30 kV (U = 36 kV) et jusqu'à 150 kV (U = 170 kV) –
m m
Méthodes et exigences d'essai
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX XB
ICS 29.060.20 ISBN 978-2-88912-752-8

– 2 – 60840 © IEC:2011
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
INTRODUCTION . 8
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references. 9
3 Terms and definitions . 10
3.1 Definitions of dimensional values (thicknesses, cross-sections, etc.) . 10
3.2 Definitions concerning tests . 11
3.3 Other definitions . 11
4 Voltage designations and materials . 12
4.1 Rated voltages . 12
4.2 Cable insulating materials . 12
4.3 Cable metal screens/sheaths . 12
4.4 Cable oversheathing materials . 12
5 Precautions against water penetration in cables . 12
6 Cable characteristics . 13
7 Accessory characteristics. 13
8 Test conditions . 14
8.1 Ambient temperature . 14
8.2 Frequency and waveform of power frequency test voltages . 14
8.3 Waveform of lightning impulse test voltages . 14
8.4 Relationship of test voltages to rated voltages . 14
8.5 Determination of the cable conductor temperature . 14
9 Routine tests on cables and on the main insulation of prefabricated accessories . 15
9.1 General . 15
9.2 Partial discharge test . 15
9.3 Voltage test . 15
9.4 Electrical test on oversheath of the cable . 15
10 Sample tests on cables . 16
10.1 General . 16
10.2 Frequency of tests . 16
10.3 Repetition of tests . 16
10.4 Conductor examination . 16
10.5 Measurement of electrical resistance of conductor and metal screen . 16
10.6 Measurement of thickness of cable insulation and oversheath . 17
10.6.1 General . 17
10.6.2 Requirements for the insulation . 17
10.6.3 Requirements for the cable oversheath . 17
10.7 Measurement of thickness of metal sheath. 18
10.7.1 Lead or lead alloy sheath . 18
10.7.2 Plain or corrugated aluminium sheath . 18
10.8 Measurement of diameters . 19
10.9 Hot set test for XLPE, EPR and HEPR insulations . 19
10.9.1 Procedure . 19
10.9.2 Requirements . 19
10.10 Measurement of capacitance. 19

60840 © IEC:2011 – 3 –
10.11 Measurement of density of HDPE insulation . 19
10.11.1 Procedure . 19
10.11.2 Requirements . 19
10.12 Lightning impulse voltage test . 19
10.13 Water penetration test. 20
10.14 Tests on components of cables with a longitudinally applied metal tape or
foil, bonded to the oversheath . 20
11 Sample tests on accessories . 20
11.1 Tests on components . 20
11.2 Tests on complete accessory . 20
12 Type tests on cable systems . 20
12.1 General . 20
12.2 Range of type approval . 21
12.3 Summary of type tests . 21
12.4 Electrical type tests on complete cable systems . 22
12.4.1 Test voltage values . 22
12.4.2 Tests and sequence of tests . 22
12.4.3 Bending test . 23
12.4.4 Partial discharge tests . 24
12.4.5 Tan δ measurement . 24
12.4.6 Heating cycle voltage test . 24
12.4.7 Lightning impulse voltage test followed by a power frequency voltage
test . 25
12.4.8 Examination . 25
12.4.9 Resistivity of semi-conducting screens . 25
12.5 Non-electrical type tests on cable components and on complete cable . 26
12.5.1 Check of cable construction . 26
12.5.2 Tests for determining the mechanical properties of insulation before
and after ageing . 26
12.5.3 Tests for determining the mechanical properties of oversheaths
before and after ageing . 27
12.5.4 Ageing tests on pieces of complete cable to check compatibility of
materials . 27
12.5.5 Loss of mass test on PVC oversheath
...