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

IEC 62561-4:2017 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.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- new detailed flow chart of the tests;
- in Annexes A and B, composite fasteners have been added.

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

L'IEC 62561-4:2017 spécifie les exigences et les 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.
Le présent document ne traite pas de la fixation de ces supports sur les structures d'édifice en raison du grand nombre de solutions modernes de construction.
Les CSPF peuvent aussi être employés dans des atmosphères dangereuses. Il existe donc des exigences supplémentaires pour installer les composants dans de telles conditions.
Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition publiée en 2010. Cette édition constitue une révision technique.
Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
- nouveau logigramme détaillé des essais;
- dans les Annexes A et B, ajout des fixations en composite.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
27-Jul-2017
Technical Committee
TC 81 - Lightning protection
Drafting Committee
MT 14 - TC 81/MT 14
Current Stage
DELPUB - Deleted Publication
Start Date
13-Oct-2023
Completion Date
31-Aug-2021

Relations

Effective Date
05-Sep-2023
Effective Date
05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 62561-4:2017 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the requirements and testing procedures for conductor fasteners used in lightning protection systems. These metallic and non-metallic fasteners play a crucial role in securely retaining and supporting air-termination, down-conductor, and earth-termination components of lightning protection systems. The 2017 edition updates the original 2010 standard with enhanced technical requirements and includes new provisions for composite fasteners.

This standard addresses fasteners that hold the conductors themselves but does not cover the fixing of fasteners to structural fabrics due to the diversity of modern construction methods. Additionally, the standard outlines extra requirements for fastener use in hazardous atmospheres, ensuring safety and durability in challenging environments.

Key Topics

  • Classification of Conductor Fasteners: Fasteners are classified based on material types (metallic, non-metallic, composite), fixing arrangements of conductors, and clamping methods. This classification facilitates appropriate selection depending on the lightning protection installation.

  • Environmental Resistance: The standard sets strict criteria for corrosion resistance and ultraviolet (UV) light resistance, essential for long-term performance in outdoor and industrial conditions. Annexes detail environmental tests like salt mist exposure, humid sulphurous atmospheres, and ammonia exposure to simulate various climates and hazardous atmospheres.

  • Mechanical Strength Requirements: Conductor fasteners must withstand defined perpendicular and axial loads, as well as impact stresses, ensuring mechanical integrity during lightning events or external forces such as wind or structural movement.

  • Testing Procedures: IEC 62561-4 specifies rigorous test methods including lateral load tests, axial load tests, and impact tests. Both metallic and composite fasteners undergo comprehensive environmental and mechanical testing, supported by a new detailed flowchart introduced in this edition for clear test sequencing.

  • Marking and Installation Instructions: To ensure traceability and correct application, fasteners must be clearly marked. Installation guidance is required to facilitate compliant and safe setups, helping installers meet the standard’s performance criteria.

  • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): While focusing on mechanical and environmental durability, the standard also addresses EMC considerations to minimize interference within the lightning protection system.

Applications

IEC 62561-4:2017 applies primarily to manufacturers, designers, and installers of lightning protection systems. The standard ensures:

  • Reliable Fastening of conductors in residential, commercial, and industrial lightning protection infrastructures.

  • Enhanced Safety in hazardous atmospheres such as chemical plants, refineries, or areas exposed to corrosive gases, where composite or specially treated fasteners are required.

  • Increased Durability and longevity of fasteners exposed to harsh environmental conditions, reducing maintenance and failure risks.

  • Compliance and Certification support for products aiming to meet international quality and safety benchmarks, facilitating acceptance in global markets.

It is valuable for electrical engineers, facility managers, and standardization bodies focused on lightning protection performance, structural safety, and functional reliability.

Related Standards

IEC 62561-4 is part of the IEC 62561 series, which comprehensively covers lightning protection system components (LPSC), including:

  • IEC 62561-1: Requirements for air-termination component systems.
  • IEC 62561-2: Requirements for earth-termination components.
  • IEC 62561-3: Requirements for conductors used within lightning protection systems.
  • Other Parts of IEC 62561: Address various components and performance criteria vital for complete lightning protection system compliance.

Additionally, it aligns closely with other IEC standards on electrical safety, environmental testing, and electromagnetic compatibility to provide a holistic framework for lightning protection equipment manufacturing and deployment.


By adhering to the rigorous requirements of IEC 62561-4:2017, stakeholders can ensure conductor fasteners used in lightning protection systems are safe, reliable, and suitable for diverse environmental challenges, thereby enhancing overall system effectiveness in safeguarding structures and assets against lightning damage.

Standard

IEC 62561-4:2017 - Lightning protection system components (LPSC) - Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners

English and French language
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Frequently Asked Questions

IEC 62561-4:2017 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Lightning protection system components (LPSC) - Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners". This standard covers: IEC 62561-4:2017 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. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - new detailed flow chart of the tests; - in Annexes A and B, composite fasteners have been added.

IEC 62561-4:2017 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. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - new detailed flow chart of the tests; - in Annexes A and B, composite fasteners have been added.

IEC 62561-4:2017 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 01 - GENERALITIES. TERMINOLOGY. STANDARDIZATION. DOCUMENTATION; 29.020 - Electrical engineering in general; 91.120.40 - Lightning protection. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

IEC 62561-4:2017 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to IEC 62561-4:2010, IEC 62561-4:2023. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

You can purchase IEC 62561-4:2017 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of IEC standards.

Standards Content (Sample)


IEC 62561-4 ®
Edition 2.0 2017-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –
Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners

Composants de système de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –
Partie 4: Exigences pour les fixations de conducteur

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IEC 62561-4 ®
Edition 2.0 2017-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –

Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners

Composants de système de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –

Partie 4: Exigences pour les fixations de conducteur

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.020; 91.120.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-4633-7

– 2 – IEC 62561-4:2017 © IEC 2017
CONTENTS
CONTENTS . 2
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Classification . 8
4.1 According to material of conductor fastener . 8
4.2 According to fixing arrangement of the conductor within the conductor
fastener . 8
4.3 According to conductor clamping arrangement . 8
5 Requirements . 8
5.1 General . 8
5.2 Environmental requirements . 8
5.2.1 Corrosion resistance . 8
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 . 9
6 Tests . 9
6.1 General test conditions . 9
6.2 Preparation of the specimen . 10
6.3 Environmental influence test . 10
6.3.1 General . 10
6.3.2 Metallic . 11
6.3.3 Non-metallic . 11
6.3.4 Composite . 12
6.4 Resistance to mechanical effects . 12
6.4.1 Lateral load test . 12
6.4.2 Axial load test . 13
6.4.3 Impact test . 14
6.5 Installation instructions . 15
6.6 Marking test . 16
6.6.1 General conditions for tests . 16
6.6.2 Acceptance criteria . 16
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 . 17
8.3 Specimen description . 17
8.4 Conductor . 17
8.5 Standards and references . 17
8.6 Test procedure . 17

8.7 Testing equipment description . 18
8.8 Measuring instruments description . 18
8.9 Results and parameters recorded . 18
8.10 Statement of pass/fail . 18
Annex A (normative) Environmental test 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 The test . 20
B.3 First alternative test to B.2 . 20
B.4 Second alternative test to B.2 . 20
Annex C (normative) Flow chart of tests for conductor fastener . 21
Bibliography . 22

Figure 1 – Basic arrangement of specimens . 11
Figure 2 – Basic arrangement of lateral load test . 13
Figure 3 – Typical arrangement for axial movement test . 14
Figure 4 – Impact test apparatus . 15
Figure C.1 – Flowchart . 21

– 4 – IEC 62561-4:2017 © IEC 2017
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
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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) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62561-4 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 81:
Lightning protection.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2010. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
• new detailed flow chart of the tests;
• in Annexes A and B, composite fasteners have been added.

The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
81/564/FDIS 81/567/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all 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 "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 6 – IEC 62561-4:2017 © IEC 2017
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 according to IEC 62305 (all parts).

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.
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 60068-2-52:1996, 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, 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
ISO 6957:1988, Copper alloys – Ammonia test for stress corrosion resistance
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

– 8 – IEC 62561-4:2017 © IEC 2017
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization, which can be
consulted at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/obp
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://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
4 Classification
4.1 According to material of 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).
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 according to
IEC 62561-1.
4.2 According to fixing arrangement of the conductor within the conductor fastener
a) with screws;
b) without screws (e.g. clips, springs).
4.3 According to 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.
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 test specified in 6.3.3 or for
composite fasteners by 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
his literature to ensure that the installer can select and install the component in a suitable and
safe manner, in accordance with IEC 62305-3.
Compliance is checked by inspection in accordance with 6.5.
5.5 Marking
Each conductor fastener shall be marked with:
– the manufacturer’s or responsible vendor’s name or logo or trademark,
– 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.
NOTE Marking can be applied for example by moulding, pressing, engraving, printing adhesive labels or water
slide transfers.
Compliance is checked in accordance with 6.6.
6 Tests
6.1 General test conditions
Tests specified in this document are type tests. These tests are of such a nature that, after
they have been performed, they need not be repeated unless changes are made to the
materials, design or type of manufacturing process, which might change the performance
characteristics of the product.

– 10 – IEC 62561-4:2017 © IEC 2017
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 specified in the manufacturer's or supplier's instructions, with the
recommended conductor materials, sizes and the tightening torques.
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 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 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.
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 %.
The applicant, when submitting the first set of samples, may also submit an additional set of
samples that may be necessary should one sample fail. The testing laboratory shall then,
without further request, test the additional set of samples, and shall only reject it 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.
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 that a conductor fastener meets the requirements of this document, environmental
tests shall be carried out according to Annex A and/or Annex B.
The selection of the tests to be performed depends upon the conductor fastener material.
Annex C provides a flow chart relating to 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 because
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 a 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 as corrosive deterioration.
Dimensions in millimetres
2 IEC
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.
250 ±10 %
– 12 – IEC 62561-4:2017 © IEC 2017
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 as per 6.3.3 and
– test as per 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 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 as 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 are 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 a 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) and repeated at a temperature of
+40 °C (± 4 °C).
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
250 ±10 %
20 ±10 % 20 ±10 %
Load
IEC
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 are 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 a 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) and repeated at a temperature of
+40 °C (± 4 °C).
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.
– 14 – IEC 62561-4:2017 © IEC 2017
Dimensions in millimetres
Load
IEC
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 5 and shown in Figure 4. 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 –5 °C. 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 illustrated in IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Table 2)
so that three impacts are applied as far as possible perpendicular 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, it is allowed to apply the impact in a climatic
250 ±10 %
20 ±10 %
20 ±10 %
chamber at a temperature of –5 °C (± 1 °C) 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
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;

– 16 – IEC 62561-4:2017 © IEC 2017
– 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.
6.6 Marking test
6.6.1 General 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.
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.
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 in respect of 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 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 :
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 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).
8.3 Specimen description
a) Sample description.
b) Detailed description and unambiguous identification of the test sample and/or test
assembly, for example part number, type, classification, material, dimensions.
c) Functional parts and accessories description (e.g. screws, nuts, washers, quantity,
material).
d) Manufacturing method (e.g. cast, hot forged, cold deformed, pressing, die casting).
e) Characterization and condition of the test sample and/or 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 area, dimensions and shape. The actual cross-sectional area
should also be given.
8.5 Standards and references
a) Identification of the test standard used and the date of issue of the standard.
b) Reference to this document may only be made if the full set of tests is performed and
reported, except where the deviations are clearly justified in 8.6 b).
c) Other relevant documentation with the documentation date.
8.6 Test procedure
a) Description of the test procedure.
___________
1 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.”

– 18 – IEC 62561-4:2017 © IEC 2017
b) Justification for any deviations from, additions to or exclusions from the referenced
standard.
c) Any other information relevant to a specific test such as environmental conditions.
d) Configuration of testing assembly and measuring set up.
e) Location of the arrangement in the testing area and measuring techniques.
8.7 Testing equipment description
Description of equipment used for every test conducted, i.e. generators, conditioning/ageing
devices.
8.8 Measuring instruments description
Characteristics and calibration date of all instruments used for measuring the values specified
in this document, i.e. ohmmeters, torque meters.
8.9 Results and parameters recorded
a) The required passing criteria for each test, defined in the standard.
b) The relevant measured, observed or derived results of the tests.
c) Test results of fasteners operating as connection components, as per 4.1 (ohmic
resistance, tightning and loosening torques).
The above shall be presented by tables, graphs, drawings, photographs or other
documentation of visual observations as appropriate.
8.10 Statement of pass/fail
A statement of pass/fail is necessary, identifying the part of the test for which the specimen
has failed and also a description of the failure.
...

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The article is about IEC 62561-4:2017, which is a standard that discusses the requirements and tests for conductor fasteners used in lightning protection systems. The standard applies to metallic and non-metallic fasteners used to support and retain air-termination, down-conductor, and earth-termination systems. It does not cover the installation of fasteners on structures due to the wide variety available in modern construction. Additionally, the standard includes specific requirements for using these components in hazardous atmospheres. This second edition of the standard replaces the first edition published in 2010 and includes technical revisions, such as a new flow chart for the tests and the inclusion of composite fasteners in Annexes A and B.