IEC 62497-1:2010

Railway applications - Insulation coordination - Part 1: Basic requirements - Clearances and creepage distances for all electrical and electronic equipment

IEC 62497-1:2010 deals with insulation coordination in railways. It applies to equipment for use in signalling, rolling stock and fixed installations up to 2 000 m above sea level.

Applications ferroviaires - Coordination de l'isolement - Partie 1: Exigences fondamentales - Distances d'isolement dans l'air et lignes de fuite pour tout matériel électrique et électronique

La CEI 62497-1:2010 traite de la coordination de l'isolement dans le domaine ferroviaire. Elle s'applique aux matériels utilisés en signalisation, matériels roulants et installations fixes jusqu'à 2 000 m au-dessus du niveau de la mer.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 17-Feb-2010
• ICS: 01 - GENERALITIES. TERMINOLOGY. STANDARDIZATION. DOCUMENTATION
• ICS: 45.060.01 - Railway rolling stock in general
• Technical Committee: TC 9 - Electrical equipment and systems for railways
• Drafting Committee: PT 62497 - TC 9/PT 62497
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 15-Feb-2010
• Completion Date: 18-Feb-2010

Relations

• Amended By: IEC 62497-1:2010/AMD1:2013 - Amendment 1 - Railway applications - Insulation coordination - Part 1: Basic requirements - Clearances and creepage distances for all electrical and electronic equipment
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62497-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2010-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Railway applications – Insulation coordination –
Part 1: Basic requirements – Clearances and creepage distances for all electrical
and electronic equipment
Applications ferroviaires – Coordination de l'isolement –
Partie 1: Exigences fondamentales – Distances d'isolement dans l'air et lignes
de fuite pour tout matériel électrique et électronique

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.
ƒ 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.
ƒ 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.
ƒ 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.
ƒ 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.
ƒ 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.
ƒ 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.
ƒ 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.
ƒ 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 62497-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2010-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Railway applications – Insulation coordination –
Part 1: Basic requirements – Clearances and creepage distances for all
electrical and electronic equipment

Applications ferroviaires – Coordination de l'isolement –
Partie 1: Exigences fondamentales – Distances d'isolement dans l'air et lignes
de fuite pour tout matériel électrique et électronique

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
XA
CODE PRIX
ICS 45.060 ISBN 978-2-88910-741-4
– 2 – 62497-1 © IEC:2010
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.4
INTRODUCTION.6
1 Scope.7
2 Normative references .7
3 Terms and definitions .8
4 Basis for insulation coordination .11
4.1 Basic principles .11
4.1.1 General .11
4.1.2 Insulation coordination with regard to voltage .11
4.1.3 Insulation coordination with regard to environmental conditions.12
4.2 Voltages and voltage ratings .12
4.2.1 General .12
4.2.2 Rated insulation voltage (U ) .12
Nm
4.2.3 Rated impulse voltage (U ).13
Ni
4.3 Time under voltage stress .14
4.4 Pollution.14
4.5 Insulating material.14
4.5.1 General .14
4.5.2 Comparative tracking index (CTI) .14
5 Requirements and dimensioning rules for clearances .15
5.1 General .15
5.2 Minimum clearances.15
5.2.1 Functional insulation.15
5.2.2 Basic and supplementary insulation.16
5.2.3 Reinforced insulation .16
5.3 Contingency .16
6 Dimensioning rules for creepage distances.16
6.1 General .16
6.2 Minimum creepage distances .17
6.2.1 Functional, basic and supplementary insulations .17
6.2.2 Reinforced insulation .17
7 Tests and measurements .17
7.1 General .17
7.2 Measurement of creepage distances and clearances.18
7.2.1 Method and values .18
7.2.2 Acceptance criteria.18
7.3 Verification of clearances by impulse test.18
7.3.1 Method and values .18
7.3.2 Test acceptance criteria .18
7.4 Verification of clearances by power-frequency test .18
7.4.1 Method and values .18
7.4.2 Test acceptance criteria .18
7.5 Verification of clearances by d.c. voltage test.19
7.5.1 Method and values .19
7.5.2 Test acceptance criteria .19
8 Specific requirements for applications in the railway field .19

62497-1 © IEC:2010 – 3 –
8.1 General .19
8.2 Specific requirements for signalling .19
8.2.1 Overvoltage categories.19
8.2.2 Rated impulse voltages .20
8.2.3 Induced voltages .20
8.2.4 Installation instructions .20
8.2.5 Pollution degrees.20
8.3 Specific requirements for rolling stock .20
8.3.1 Determination of U by method 1.20
Ni
8.3.2 Creepage distances.21
8.3.3 Roof installations.21
8.4 Specific requirements for fixed installations.21
8.4.1 Determination of the rated impulse voltage U by method 1.21
Ni
8.4.2 Distances of outdoor insulators.22
Annex A (normative) Tables.23
Annex B (normative) Provisions for type and routine dielectric tests for equipment .31
Annex C (normative) Methods of measuring creepage distances and clearances .33
Annex D (normative) Correlation between U and U .39
n Nm
Annex E (informative) Macro-environmental conditions .40
Annex F (informative) Application guide.41
Bibliography.51

Figure F.1 – Determination of minimum clearances and creepage distances.43
Figure F.2 – Example for types of insulation .46
Figure F.3 – Monitoring circuit showing examples of sections .48
Figure F.4 – Drawing of monitoring device .48

Table A.1 – Rated impulse voltage U for low voltage circuits not powered directly by
Ni
the contact line .23
Table A.2 – Rated impulse voltages (U ) for circuits powered by the contact line and
Ni
for traction power circuits in thermo-electric driven vehicles.24
Table A.3 – Minimum clearances in air (in mm) based on the rated impulse voltage U .25
Ni
Table A.4 – Definition of pollution degrees.26
Table A.5 – Minimum creepage distances (in mm) based on rated insulation voltage
U up to 1 000 V for printed wiring material and associated components.27
Nm
Table A.6 – Minimum cre
...

IEC 62497-1 ®
Edition 1.1 2013-03
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Railway applications – Insulation coordination –
Part 1: Basic requirements – Clearances and creepage distances for all electrical
and electronic equipment
Applications ferroviaires – Coordination de l'isolement –
Partie 1: Exigences fondamentales – Distances d'isolement dans l'air et lignes
de fuite pour tout matériel électrique et électronique
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 Tel.: [phone]
3, rue de Varembé Fax: [phone]
CH-1211 Geneva 20 [e-mail]
Switzerland 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.

Useful links:
IEC publications search - www.iec.ch/searchpub Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
The advanced search enables you to find IEC publications The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and
by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical electrical terms containing more than 30 000 terms and
committee,…). definitions in English and French, with equivalent terms in
It also gives information on projects, replaced and additional languages. Also known as the International
withdrawn publications. Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) on-line.

IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication
details all new publications released. Available on-line and or need further assistance, please contact the
also once a month by email. Customer Service Centre: [e-mail].

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.

Liens utiles:
Recherche de publications CEI - www.iec.ch/searchpub Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
La recherche avancée vous permet de trouver des Le premier dictionnaire en ligne au monde de termes
publications CEI en utilisant différents critères (numéro de électroniques et électriques. Il contient plus de 30 000
référence, texte, comité d’études,…). termes et définitions en anglais et en français, ainsi que
Elle donne aussi des informations sur les projets et les les termes équivalents dans les langues additionnelles.
publications remplacées ou retirées. Egalement appelé Vocabulaire Electrotechnique
International (VEI) en ligne.
Just Published CEI - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Service Clients - webstore.iec.ch/csc
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications de la CEI.
Just Published détaille les nouvelles publications parues. Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur
Disponible en ligne et aussi une fois par mois par email. cette publication ou si vous avez des questions
contactez-nous: [e-mail].
IEC 62497-1 ®
Edition 1.1 2013-03
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Railway applications – Insulation coordination –

Part 1: Basic requirements – Clearances and creepage distances for all

electrical and electronic equipment

Applications ferroviaires – Coordination de l'isolement –

Partie 1: Exigences fondamentales – Distances d'isolement dans l'air et lignes

de fuite pour tout matériel électrique et électronique

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 45.060 ISBN 978-2-8322-0736-9

– 2 – 62497-1  IEC:2010+A1:2013
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7

1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 Basis for insulation coordination . 12
4.1 Basic principles . 12
4.1.1 General . 12
4.1.2 Insulation coordination with regard to voltage . 12
4.1.3 Insulation coordination with regard to environmental conditions . 13
4.2 Voltages and voltage ratings . 13
4.2.1 General . 13
4.2.2 Rated insulation voltage (U ) . 13
Nm
4.2.3 Rated impulse voltage (U ) . 14
Ni
4.3 Time under voltage stress . 15
4.4 Pollution . 15
4.5 Insulating material . 15
4.5.1 General . 15
4.5.2 Comparative tracking index (CTI) . 16
5 Requirements and dimensioning rules for clearances . 16
5.1 General . 16
5.2 Minimum clearances . 17
5.2.1 Functional insulation . 17
5.2.2 Basic and supplementary insulation . 17
5.2.3 Reinforced insulation . 17
5.3 Contingency . 17
5.4 Clearances for altitudes higher than 2 000 m . 17
6 Dimensioning rules for creepage distances . 18
6.1 General . 18
6.2 Minimum creepage distances . 18
6.2.1 Functional, basic and supplementary insulations . 18
6.2.2 Reinforced insulation . 18
7 Tests and measurements . 18
7.1 General . 18
7.2 Measurement of creepage distances and clearances . 19
7.2.1 Method and values . 19
7.2.2 Acceptance criteria . 19
7.3 Verification of clearances by impulse test . 19
7.3.1 Method and values . 19
7.3.2 Test acceptance criteria . 20
7.4 Verification of clearances by power-frequency test . 20
7.4.1 Method and values . 20
7.4.2 Test acceptance criteria . 20

62497-1  IEC:2010+A1:2013 – 3 –
7.5 Verification of clearances by d.c. voltage test . 20
7.5.1 Method and values . 20
7.5.2 Test acceptance criteria . 20
8 Specific requirements for applications in the railway field . 20
8.1 General . 20
8.2 Specific requirements for signalling . 21
8.2.1 Overvoltage categories . 21
8.2.2 Rated impulse voltages . 21
8.2.3 Induced voltages . 21
8.2.4 Installation instructions . 22
8.2.5 Pollution degrees . 22
8.3 Specific requirements for rolling stock . 22
8.3.1 Determination of the rated impulse voltage U by method 1 . 22
Ni
8.3.2 Creepage distances . 22
8.3.3 Roof installations . 22
8.4 Specific requirements for fixed installations . 23
8.4.1 Determination of the rated impulse voltage U by method 1 . 23
Ni
8.4.2 Distances of outdoor insulators . 23

Annex A (normative) Tables . 24
Annex B (normative) Provisions for type and routine dielectric tests for equipment . 33
Annex C (normative) Methods of measuring creepage distances and clearances . 35
Annex D (normative) Correlation between U and U . 41
n Nm
Annex E (informative) Macro-environmental conditions . 42
Annex F (informative) Application guide . 43

Bibliography . 54

Figure F.1 – Determination of minimum clearances and creepage distances . 45
Figure F.2 – Example for types of insulation . 49
Figure F.3 – Monitoring circuit showing examples of sections . 51
Figure F.4 – Drawing of monitoring device . 51

Table A.1 – Rated impulse voltage U for low voltage circuits not powered directly by
Ni
the contact line . 24
Table A.2 – Rated impulse voltages (U ) for circuits powered by the contact line and
Ni
for traction power circuits in thermo-electric driven vehicles .
...