SIST EN 50397-2:2022

Covered conductors for overhead lines and the related accessories for rated voltages above 1 kV a.c. and not exceeding 36 kV a.c. - Part 2: Accessories for covered conductors - Tests and acceptance criteria

This document contains the requirements for accessories that are for use with covered conductors, see EN 50397 1. They are for applications in overhead lines with rated voltages U above 1 kV a.c. and not exceeding 36 kV a.c.
NOTE   This document describes the requirements and tests only for the accessories installed on the covered conductor itself.

Kunststoffumhüllte Leiter und zugehörige Armaturen für Freileitungen mit Nennspannungen über 1 kV und nicht mehr als 36 kV Wechselspannung - Teil 2: Armaturen für kunststoffumhüllte Freileitungsseile - Prüfungen und Anforderungen

Dieses Dokument beinhaltet die Anforderungen an Armaturen, die für kunststoffumhüllte Freileitungsseile nach EN 50397-1 verwendet werden. Sie werden bei Freileitungen mit einer Bemessungsspannung U über 1 kV Wechselspannung bis max. 36 kV Wechselspannung eingesetzt.
ANMERKUNG Dieses Dokument beschreibt die Anforderungen und Prüfungen nur für die Armaturen, die an der Freileitung selbst montiert sind.

Conducteurs gainés pour lignes aériennes et accessoires associés pour des tensions assignées supérieures à 1 kV en courant alternatif et ne dépassant pas 36 kV en courant alternatif - Partie 2: Accessoires pour conducteurs gainés - Exigences et essais

Le présent document contient les exigences relatives aux accessoires destinés aux conducteurs gainés (voir l'EN 50397 1). Il s'applique aux lignes aériennes de tensions assignées U supérieures à 1 kV en courant alternatif et ne dépassant pas 36 kV en courant alternatif.
NOTE   Le présent document décrit les exigences et les essais exclusivement pour les accessoires installés sur les conducteurs gainés eux-mêmes.

Oplaščeni vodniki za nadzemne vode in ustrezni pribor za naznačene izmenične napetosti nad 1 kV, ki ne presegajo 36 kV - 2. del: Pribor za oplaščene vodnike - Preskusi in prevzemni pogoji

V tem 2. delu standarda EN 50397 so zahteve za pribor, ki je namenjen uporabi z oplaščenimi vodniki v skladu s standardom EN 50397-1. Uporablja se v nadzemnih vodih z naznačenimi izmeničnimi napetostmi nad 1 kV, ki ne presegajo 36 kV.
OPOMBA:   Ta dokument opisuje zahteve in preskuse zgolj za pribor, ki je nameščen na oplaščenem vodniku.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 31-Oct-2021
• Publication Date: 24-Aug-2022
• ICS: 29.060.20 - Cables
• ICS: 29.240.20 - Power transmission and distribution lines
• Technical Committee: IEKA - Electric cables
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 05-Aug-2022
• Due Date: 10-Oct-2022
• Completion Date: 25-Aug-2022
• Ref Project: EN 50397-2:2022 - Covered conductors for overhead lines and the related accessories for rated voltages above 1 kV a.c. and not exceeding 36 kV a.c. - Part 2: Accessories for covered conductors - Tests and acceptance criteria

Relations

• Replaces: SIST EN 50397-2:2010 - Covered conductors for overhead lines and the related accessories for rated voltages above 1 kV AC and not exceeding 36 kV AC -- Part 2: Accessories for covered conductors - Tests and acceptance criteria
• Effective Date: 02-Aug-2022

Overview

EN 50397-2:2022 - "Covered conductors for overhead lines and the related accessories for rated voltages above 1 kV a.c. and not exceeding 36 kV a.c. - Part 2: Accessories for covered conductors - Tests and acceptance criteria" (CLC/CENELEC) defines requirements, test methods and acceptance criteria for accessories used on covered conductors in overhead power lines. It applies to accessories installed on the covered conductor itself for systems with rated voltages >1 kV and ≤36 kV. The standard complements EN 50397-1 (covered conductors) and focuses on ensuring mechanical integrity, watertightness and electrical performance of fittings such as tension clamps, suspension/top clamps, connectors, joints, arc protection devices (APD) and earth parking devices (EPD).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & limits: Accessories only (not installation clearances, spans, sags). Rated voltage range: >1 kV to ≤36 kV a.c.
• Mechanical integrity: Specifications for specified minimum slip/failure loads (SMSL/SMFL) and relationship to conductor minimum breaking load (MBL). Piercing elements shall not reduce conductor strength below 90% of MBL.
• Water tightness: All accessories shall be watertight to prevent moisture ingress; subject to defined water-tightness testing.
• Test classification: Type tests (T), sample tests (S) and routine tests (R) with examples and sampling plans (ISO 2859 / ISO 3951 referenced).
• Test types covered (selected): visual, dimensional/material verification, marking permanence, mechanical (slip, tensile, lift/side loads), hot-dip galvanizing, water tightness, electrical ageing, short-circuit on APD/EPD, power arc, environmental aging and optional endurance tests.
• Test procedure details: Rates for mechanical load application (e.g., 5 000–7 500 N/min for mechanical accessories; 1 000–5 000 N/min for connectors) and other procedural requirements are specified.
• Marking & quality assurance: Requirements for permanent marking and manufacturer quality controls.

Applications and who uses this standard

• Product designers and manufacturers of covered conductors and accessories - to design fittings that meet safety, mechanical and environmental criteria.
• Utilities and transmission/distribution engineers - for procurement specifications, type acceptance and site acceptance of fittings used on overhead lines.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform mandated type/sample/routine tests and certify compliance.
• Specifiers and asset owners - to ensure long-term performance, watertightness and safety of overhead conductor fittings in distribution networks.

Related standards

• EN 50397-1 (Covered conductors)
• EN 61284 (Fittings for overhead lines)
• EN 50483-5 / EN 50483-6 (Low-voltage ABC accessory tests/environmental)
• EN 61467 (Power arc tests for insulator strings)
• EN ISO 1461 (Hot-dip galvanizing)
• ISO 2859 / ISO 3951 (Sampling procedures)

Keywords: EN 50397-2:2022, covered conductors, accessories, overhead lines, tests and acceptance criteria, tension clamps, water tightness, power arc test, type tests, sample tests.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2022
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 50397-2:2010
Oplaščeni vodniki za nadzemne vode in ustrezni pribor za naznačene izmenične
napetosti nad 1 kV, ki ne presegajo 36 kV - 2. del: Pribor za oplaščene vodnike -
Preskusi in prevzemni pogoji
Covered conductors for overhead lines and the related accessories for rated voltages
above 1 kV a.c. and not exceeding 36 kV a.c. - Part 2: Accessories for covered
conductors - Tests and acceptance criteria
Kunststoffumhüllte Leiter und zugehörige Armaturen für Freileitungen mit
Nennspannungen über 1 kV und nicht mehr als 36 kV Wechselspannung - Teil 2:
Armaturen für kunststoffumhüllte Freileitungsseile - Prüfungen und Anforderungen
Conducteurs gainés pour lignes aériennes et accessoires associés pour des tensions
assignées supérieures à 1 kV en courant alternatif et ne dépassant pas 36 kV en courant
alternatif - Partie 2: Accessoires pour conducteurs gainés - Exigences et essais
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50397-2:2022
ICS:
29.060.20 Kabli Cables
29.240.20 Daljnovodi Power transmission and
distribution lines
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50397-2
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM July 2022
ICS 29.240.20 Supersedes EN 50397-2:2009
English Version
Covered conductors for overhead lines and the related
accessories for rated voltages above 1 kV a.c. and not
exceeding 36 kV a.c. - Part 2: Accessories for covered
conductors - Tests and acceptance criteria
Conducteurs gainés pour lignes aériennes et accessoires Kunststoffumhüllte Leiter und zugehörige Armaturen für
associés pour des tensions assignées supérieures à 1 kV Freileitungen mit Nennspannungen über 1 kV und nicht
en courant alternatif et ne dépassant pas 36 kV en courant mehr als 36 kV Wechselspannung - Teil 2: Armaturen für
alternatif - Partie 2: Accessoires pour conducteurs gainés - kunststoffumhüllte Freileitungsseile - Prüfungen und
Essais et critères d'acceptation Anforderungen
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2022-06-27. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2022 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50397-2:2022 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Requirements . 8
4.1 General requirements . 8
4.2 Specific requirements for fittings used on covered conductor . 9
4.3 Marking . 10
5 Quality assurance . 10
6 Classification of tests – Type tests, sample tests, routine tests . 10
6.1 Type tests . 10
6.2 Sample tests . 11
6.3 Routine tests . 11
7 Tests . 11
7.1 General . 11
7.2 Visual examination . 12
7.3 Dimensional and material verification . 12
7.4 Test for permanent marking . 12
7.5 Mechanical tests . 12
7.6 Hot dip galvanizing test . 29
7.7 Water tightness test . 29
7.8 Electrical ageing test for connectors and Joints . 30
7.9 Short-circuit test on APD or EPD . 30
7.10 Power arc test . 31
7.11 Environmental test for suspension and tension clamps . 32
7.12 Environmental tests for connectors and joints . 35
7.13 Endurance test for joints (optional) . 36
Annex A (normative) Type tests, sample tests and routine tests . 37
Annex B (informative)  Example of sampling with inspection by attributes . 39
Annex C (informative) Example of sampling with inspection by variable . 40
Annex D (normative) Special national conditions . 41
Bibliography . 42

Figures
Figure 1 — Test arrangement for damage and failure load test . 13
Figure 2 — Test arrangement of slip test at ambient temperature . 14
Figure 3 — Slip test arrangement at low temperature . 16
Figure 4 — Lift and side load test . 18
Figure 5 — Tensile test arrangement . 20
Figure 6 — Arrangement for the low temperature zone . 21
Figure 7 — Test arrangement . 26
Figure 8 — Mechanical stresses on earth parking device . 28
Figure 9 — Test arrangement for water tightness test . 30
Figure 10 — Resistance measurement . 31
Figure 11 — Example of power arc test arrangement for arc protection system . 32

Tables
Table 1 — Specified minimum loads . 18
Table A.1 . 37

European foreword
This document (EN 50397-2:2022) has been prepared by CLC/TC 20 “Electric cables”.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) 2023-06-27
implemented at national level by publication of
an identical national standard or by
endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) 2025-06-27
conflicting with this document have to be
withdrawn
This document will supersede EN 50397-2:2009 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A complete
listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.

Introduction
Covered conductors consist of a conductor surrounded by a covering made of insulating material as protection
against accidental contacts with other covered conductors and with grounded parts such as tree branches, etc.
In comparison with insulated conductors, this covering has reduced properties, but is able to withstand the
phase-to-earth voltage temporarily.
Since covered conductors are unscreened, they are not touch-proof, i.e. they must be treated as bare
conductors with respect to electric shock.
This document does not cover aspects related to the installation of overhead lines such as determination of
clearances, spans, sags, etc.
1 Scope
This document contains the requirements for accessories that are for use with covered conductors, see
EN 50397-1. They are for applications in overhead lines with rated voltages U above 1 kV a.c. and not
exceeding 36 kV a.c.
NOTE This document describes the requirements and tests only for the accessories installed on the covered conductor
itself.
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.
EN 50397-1:2020, Covered conductors for overhead lines and the related accessories for rated voltages above
1 kV AC and not exceeding 36 kV AC — Part 1: Covered conductors
EN 50483-5, Test requirements for low voltage aerial bundled cable accessories — Part 5: Electrical ageing
test
EN 50483-6:2009, Test requirements for low voltage aerial bundled cable accessories — Part 6: Environmental
testing
EN 61284:1997, Overhead lines — Requirements and tests for fittings
EN 61467, Insulators for overhead lines - Insulator strings and sets for lines with a nominal voltage greater than
1 000 V — AC power arc tests
EN ISO 1461, Hot dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles — Specifications and test
methods (ISO 1461)
ISO 2859-1, Sampling procedures for inspection by attributes — Part 1: Sampling schemes indexed by
acceptance quality limit (AQL) for lot-by-lot inspection
ISO 2859-2, Sampling procedures for inspection by attributes — Part 2: Sampling plans indexed by limiting
quality (LQ) for isolated lot inspection
ISO 3951 (series), Sampling procedures for inspection by variables
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
type test
test required to be made before supplying a type of product covered by this document on a general commercial
basis in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics to meet the intended application
Note 1 to entry: Symbol T.
Note 2 to entry: These tests are of such nature that, after they have been made, they need not be repeated unless changes
are made in the material, design or manufacturing process, which might change the performance characteristics.

3.2
sample test
test made on samples of completed product or components taken from the completed product adequate to
verify, that the finished product meets the design specifications
Note 1 to entry: Symbol S.
3.3
routine test
test intended to prove conformance of fittings to specific requirements and made on every fitting
Note 1 to entry: Symbol R.
3.4
rated voltage
reference voltage (U), for which it is designed and which serves to define the electrical tests
Note 1 to entry: The rated voltage is expressed by the value U expressed in kV, where U is the r.m.s. value between any
two phase conductors.
3.5
ambient temperature
temperature from 15 °C to 30 °C
3.6
factory-formed helical conductor fitting
fitting consisting of helically formed wires which provide the force necessary to grip the conductor by self-
tightening
3.7
tension clamp
device which firmly attaches a covered conductor to a support and is designed to transmit the specified
mechanical tension in the conductor to the supporting structure
[SOURCE: IEV 461-18-01, modified]
3.8
tension joint
mid-span sleeve designed to joint two lengths of tensioned conductor
3.9
non-tension joint
sleeve designed to joint two lengths of non-tensioned conductor
3.10
suspension clamp
device which attaches a covered conductor to a support in order to carry its weight and any specified load
[SOURCE: IEV 461-18-02, modified]
3.11
top clamp
device to clamp the covered conductor on the top of a pin or line post insulator in order to carry its weight and
any specified load
3.12
branch connector
metallic device for connecting a branch conductor to a main conductor at an intermediate point on the latter
[SOURCE: IEV 461-17-05]
3.13
arc protection device
APD
metallic device installed on the conductor or on accessories to protect the conductor against the possible arcs
3.14
arc protection system
assembly of arc protection devices, insulators and conductor, including all needed accessories
3.15
earth parking device
EPD
device installed on the conductor to allow temporary earthing
3.16
specified minimum slip load
SMSL
minimum load specified by the purchaser or declared by the supplier at which slippage will not take place
3.17
specified minimum failure load
SMFL
minimum load specified by the purchaser or declared by the supplier at which mechanical failure will not take
place
Note 1 to entry: From the probabilistic point of view, the specified minimum failure load corresponds to the value having
the probability of e % in the distribution function of the strength of the fitting. The exclusion limit e % is usually taken within
2 % to 5 % with 10 % being the upper limit (see IEC 60826).
3.18
minimum breaking load
MBL
minimum breaking load of the conductor given by the manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: If not defined in EN 50397-1.
4 Requirements
4.1 General requirements
4.1.1 General
General requirements shall be according to EN 61284:1997, 4.1.
Other accessories should be resistant against corrosion and environmental ageing.
4.1.2 Speed of load application
For all mechanical tests, the load increase shall be carried out smoothly with a tension machine and the rate of
the load increase shall be between 5 000 N/min and 7 500 N/min for mechanical accessories and 1 000 N/min
to 5 000 N/min for connectors.

4.2 Specific requirements for fittings used on covered conductor
4.2.1 General
The piercing part or element of any accessories shall not decrease the mechanical strength of the conductor
below than 90 % of the minimum breaking load (MBL) of the conductor. All accessories are watertight, they
shall prevent moisture ingress in the conductor. The water tightness shall be tested according to 7.7.
The intended piercing of the cover is not considered as a damage caused by the fitting.
4.2.2 Tension clamps
For the purpose of terminating covered conductors over the covering fitting shall include, but are not limited to,
the following:
— cone, bolted or wedge type clamp;
— preformed helical fittings.
The fittings shall be able to withstand the specific minimum failure load (SMFL) and shall not damage the
covering and shall be designed to prevent the ingress of moisture during service.
“shall not damage the covering” means no damage shall occur which could affect the correct function of the
covering.
4.2.3 Suspension and top clamps
Fittings for the purpose of suspension over the covering include, but are not limited to the following:
— top-clamps;
— pre-formed helical fittings;
— suspension clamp according to EN 61284:1997, 11.4.
The fittings shall not damage the covering and shall be designed to prevent the ingress of moisture during
service.
“shall not damage the covering” means no damage shall occur which could affect the correct function of the
covering.
The suspension clamps shall be so designed that the effects of vibration, both on the covered conductor and
on the clamps themselves, are minimized. The clamps shall be designed to avoid localized pressure or damage
to the covered conductor.
If needed the suspension clamps shall have sufficient current carrying capability to avoid damage by fault
currents.
The wear resistance of the articulation assembly shall be sufficient to prevent deterioration in service.
4.2.4 Connectors for piercing the covering
Connectors shall be capable of carrying the load current, and fault current if any.
4.2.5 Arc protection devices
These protection devices are designed to protect insulator sets and covered conductors against damage caused
by power arcs (arcing horns, arcing rings).
The maximum short-circuit current shall be 10 kA for 1 s.
This device shall be delivered with an installation instruction. It shall include the description of the conditions for
installation of arc protection system in order this whole installation withstands the arc power test at 1 kA and
10 kA.
The arc protective devices shall withstand a mechanical load in order to support the installation strengths.
4.2.6 Earth parking devices
The earth parking device shall be capable of carrying the short circuit current. The maximum short circuit current
shall be 10 kA for 1 s.
These fittings shall withstand a mechanical load in order to support the installation strengths.
4.2.7 Joint
The joint shall be suitable for the covered conductor for which they are designed.
The joint shall have the same basic insulation properties as the conductor covering. In this case, the test shall
by carried out according to EN 50397-1:2020, Table 2, ref. 1.2 “High voltage test”. The conductor shall have a
sufficient length so that the joint is immersed and the test duration shall be same as for sample test.
4.3 Marking
All products mentioned above shall permanently bear:
— manufacturer’s trade mark or logo;
— product code or reference;
— traceability code / batch number;
— the minimum and maximum cross section for which the unit is suitable;
— tightening torque or die reference, if applicable;
— recycling code, if any.
Other specific markings should be agreed between customer and manufacturer.
A test for marking is provided in 7.4.
5 Quality assurance
A quality assurance programme taking into account the requirements of this document can be used by
agreement between the purchaser and the supplier to verify the quality of the fittings during the manufacturing
process.
NOTE Detailed information on the use of quality assurance is given in EN ISO 9000, and other standards in the same
series.
6 Classification of tests – Type tests, sample tests, routine tests
6.1 Type tests
6.1.1 General
Type tests are intended to establish design characteristics. They are normally only made once and repeated
only when the design or the material of the fitting is changed. The results of type tests are recorded as evidence
of compliance with design requirements.
6.1.2 Application
Fittings shall be subject to type tests in accordance with Table A.1.

6.2 Sample tests
6.2.1 General
Sample tests are intended to verify the quality of materials and workmanship.
6.2.2 Application
Overhead line fittings shall be subjected to sample tests as listed in Table A.1. The samples to be tested shall
be selected at random from the lot offered for acceptance. The purchaser has the right to make the selection.
6.2.3 Sampling and acceptance criteria
Unless otherwise agreed between purchaser and supplier, the sampling plan procedures according to
ISO 2859-1, ISO 2859-2 (inspection by attributes) and to the ISO 3951 series (inspection by variables) shall be
applied.
For each sample test, the type of inspection (by attributes or by variables) and the detailed procedures
(inspection level, acceptable quality level, single, double or multiple sampling, etc.) shall be agreed between
purchaser and supplier (see example in Annex B for inspection by attributes, and Annex C for inspection by
variables).
NOTE Sampling inspection by variables is an acceptance sampling procedure to be used in place of inspection by
attributes when it is more appropriate to measure on some continuous scale the characteristic(s) under consideration. In the
case of failure load tests and similar expensive tests, better discrimination between acceptable quality and objective quality
is available with acceptance sampling by variables than by attributes for the same sample size.
The purpose of the sampling process may also be important in the choice between a variables or attributes
plan.
For example, a purchaser may choose to use an attributes acceptance sampling plan to ensure that parts in a
shipment lot are within a required dimensional tolerance; the manufacturer may make measurements under a
variables sampling plan of the same dimensions because he is concerned with gradual trends or changes which
may affect his ability to provide shipment lots which meet the AQL.
6.3 Routine tests
6.3.1 General
Routine tests are intended to prove conformance of fittings to specific requirements and are made on every
fitting. The tests shall not damage the fitting.
6.3.2 Application and acceptance criteria
The compliance with the requirements according to Clause 4 shall be established by the tests listed in Table A.1.
The tests are only for fittings which are clamping the conductor over the covering.
7 Tests
7.1 General
Three samples of fittings or clamps shall be tested, except when the specific subclause requires another
number.
Annex A provides a table of the general tests required for each product.
NOTE This clause defines only the tests for fittings used over the covering.
For fittings directly used on conductor itself, see EN 61284.
7.2 Visual examination
This test shall include visual examination to ascertain conformity of the fittings, in all essential respects, with the
contract drawings. Deviations from the drawings shall be subject to an agreement between supplier and
purchaser and shall be appropriately documented as an agreed concession.
7.3 Dimensional and material verification
These tests shall include verification of dimensions, to ensure that fittings are within the dimensional tolerances
stated on contract drawings. The purchaser may choose to witness the measurement of selected dimensions
or may inspect the supplier's documentation when this is available. Measuring devices/gauges shall be selected
with regard to the required precision and accuracy. Documentary evidence of calibration of such devices shall
be provided on request.
Routine tests shall include a specified level of dimensional checking when required by the contract quality plan.
Particular attention should be given to those dimensions potentially affecting fitting interchange ability (for
example ball and socket couplings (HD 474); clevis and tongue couplings (IEC 60471)) or mechanical and/or
electrical performance.
7.4 Test for permanent marking
7.4.1 Principle
This test shall be carried out according to the procedures of EN 50483-1:2009, 9.2.
This test ensures that the marking of accessories is readable and durable.
7.4.2 Test arrangement
Two samples shall be tested.
7.4.3 Procedure
The marking shall be rubbed 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 petroleum spirit.
NOTE Petroleum spirit is defined as the aliphatic solvent hexane with a content of aromatics of maximum 0,1 % by
volume, a kauri-butanol value of 29, initial boiling point of 65 °C, a dry point of 69 °C and a specific gravity of 0,68 g/cm .
7.4.4 Requirement
The marking shall remain clear and allow the accessory to be easily identified.
7.5 Mechanical tests
7.5.1 General
Number of fittings to be tested:
— type tests: mechanical type tests shall be carried out on three fittings. All fittings shall pass the test;
— sample tests: mechanical sample tests shall be carried out according to the procedures in EN 61284:1997,
6.2.3.
7.5.2 Damage and failure load test for tension and suspension clamps
(without helical fittings)
7.5.2.1 Principle
This test shall be carried out to ensure that the clamps are capable of sustaining loads without permanent
deformation, which may affect the proper function of the clamp.

7.5.2.2 Test arrangement
The test shall be carried out as in Figures 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d or according to an equivalent scheme. Armour rods
shall be applied to the covered conductor if any are used in service.
7.5.2.3 Procedure
The number of fittings tested, the method for increasing the load during the test and the method for evaluating
the test results shall be those stated in EN 61284:1997, 11.3.1. The angle α and the angle β, at the minimum
damage load shall be the maximum design angle specified by the supplier.

a)
b)
c)
Key
1 Specified mechanical minimum damage load (T)
2 Load (R)
3 Side Load (R2)
4 Liftload (R1)
α Max. design angle
β Max. design angle
Figure 1 — Test arrangement for damage and failure load test
7.5.2.4 Acceptance criteria
Regarding damage load, the test is passed if no permanent deformation, which can affect the proper function
of the fitting, occurs at or below the specified mechanical minimum damage load.
7.5.3 Slip test at ambient temperature for suspension clamps
7.5.3.1 Principle
This test shall be carried out at ambient temperature to ensure that if high loads are applied to the covered
conductor the suspension clamp will not allow the conductor to slip through the clamp below specified load.
7.5.3.2 Test arrangement
The covered conductor used in the test shall be the one for which the clamp is intended. The test shall be carried
out on two samples using one of the three arrangements shown in Figure 2 depending on design of the test
sample as follows (see Figures 2a, 2b and 2c).

a)
b)
c)
Key
1 Static counter load, (G)
2 Applied load, (T)
Figure 2 — Test arrangement of slip test at ambient temperature
7.5.3.3 Procedure
a) Assemble the covered conductor section between the extremities of a tension machine and subject it to a
load T (15 % of the MBL). If the maximum bending load of the insulator or insulator pin is less than the
values T, this bending load value shall be applied.
b) Assemble the clamp on the covered conductor whilst it is under the load T, and tighten the nuts or bolts
with the torque specified by the supplier. If an allowed torque range is given, the test shall be performed
with both, maximum and minimum torque given by the manufacturer.
c) Reduce the load T applied to the conductor to zero, and detach the conductor from one end of the tension
machine.
d) Attach the clamp to the free extremity of the tension machine.

e) Apply a load to 20 % of the specified minimum slip load (SMSL), to whole unit, with a displacement
transducer fitted in such a way that the movement of the conductor relative to the fitting can be detected.
In the absence of a transducer, a mark shall be made on the conductor to detect the above mentioned
movement.
f) Gradually increase the load until it reaches minimum slip load. This load shall be maintained for 60 s.
g) Gradually increase the load until slippage of the conductor inside the clamps occurs.
h) For helical fittings (side ties) and other accessories a constant counter load G can be applied if needed to
ensure the proper function of the fitting. This force G shall be agreed between customer and supplier. If
counter load is used, the minimum slip load is the difference of applied load T and counter load G.
7.5.3.4 Acceptance criteria
No slippage greater than 5 mm shall occur at or below the specified minimum slip load. The fitting shall still be
securely attached to the insulator despite any deformation that may take place.
The fitting shall be removed and the covering of the conductor examined. No tearing of the covering should
have occurred.
7.5.4 Slip test at low temperature for suspension clamps
7.5.4.1 Principle
The suspension clamp shall be subjected to a steady load G and the part of the conductor close to the clamp is
held at low temperature. The test shall be carried out in order to ensure that the conductor does not slip through
the clamp and the clamp and the conductor remain undamaged.
This test shall also verify that all plastic parts of fittings are able to withstand the stress during assembling and
operation at low temperature.
7.5.4.2 Test arrangement
The covered conductor used in the test shall be the one for which the clamp is intended. The test shall be carried
out as follows (see Figure 3).
Pulling shall be done in axial direction without any deviation angle.
For testing in the cooling chamber, the insulator can be replaced by a device with the same top dimensions to
properly install the suspension clamp.
a)
b)
Key
1 Low temperature zone
2 Marking
3 Static counter load (G)
4 Applied load (T)
Figure 3 — Slip test arrangement at low temperature
7.5.4.3 Procedure
a) The suspension clamp and a 300 mm section of the conductor shall be cooled to (−10 ± 3) °C for 24 h
before assembling at this temperature.
b) The temperature shall be maintained at (−10 ± 3) °C. For special national condition, refer to Annex D.
c) Then the test shall be carried out according to 7.5.3.3, items a) to h).
Assembly and slip test may be done in different chambers.
For application in areas of very low temperature, the use of −10 °C could be inadequate. In such cases, upon
agreement between manufacturer and customer, the product may be tested using a lower temperature. The
chosen temperature shall be recorded in the test report.
7.5.4.4 Acceptance criteria
No slippage greater than 5 mm shall occur at or below the specified minimum slip load; at the end of the test
the fitting shall still be securely attached to the insulator despite any deformation that may take place.
The fitting shall be removed and the covering of the conductor examined. No tearing of the covering should
have occurred.
For non-metallic ties, special test requirements like unbalanced shock load may be done but they shall be
agreed between customer and supplier.

7.5.5 Slip test for suspension clamps at high temperature (optional)
7.5.5.1 General
This is a heat cycle test done with the maximum operating temperature of the conductor (see EN 50397-1:2020,
Table 1).
7.5.5.2 Principle
The suspension clamp shall be subjected to mechanical loads at high temperature to ensure that they are
capable of sustaining loads likely to be encountered in service without being damaged or damaging the
conductor.
The specified minimum slippage load shall be agreed between purchaser and supplier.
7.5.5.3 Test arrangement
Two suspension clamps shall be tested.
The covered conductor used in the test shall be the one for which the clamp is intended. The test shall be carried
out as follows.
a) The clamp shall be installed in a test rig as shown in Figure 2.
b) A constant mechanical load shall be maintained on the clamps throughout the test. This load shall be
agreed between purchaser and supplier.
c) Tails approximately 500 mm long shall remain outside the two clamps for connection to a current source.
7.5.5.4 Procedure
a) This load shall be stabilized at ± 10 %, and shall be maintained for a period of at least 6 h.
b) Temperature variation shall be achieved by passing current through the conductors.
c) The test assembly shall undergo 100 heat cycles at a rate of max four cycles per day.
d) The load shall be maintained for the duration of the test.
e) The conditions for each temperature cycle shall be:
— an initial temperature at ambient;
— the conductor temperature gradually increased to the maximum normal operating temperature of the
conductor ± 5 K, in less than 2 h;
— this high temperature maintained for 4 h;
— the conductor and the tension clamp allowed to cool naturally to ambient temperature before the next
cycle begins;
— the temperature shall be measured underneath the covering of the conductor with a thermocouple.
This thermocouple shall be positioned by sliding it under the strands of the outer layer of the conductor
core and the covering.
7.5.5.5 Acceptance criteria
No damage shall occur which could affect the correct function of the suspension clamp or the conductor.
No damage shall occur on the covering.
The slippage, if any, of the covering shall be less than 20 mm.
7.5.6 Lift load and side load test for suspension clamp at ambient temperature
7.5.6.1 Principle
This test shall be carried out to ensure that the suspension clamp manage to hold the conductor in lift and side
forces according to Table 1 without destroying the covering or slipping of the insulator.
7.5.6.2 Test arrangement
The covered conductor used in the test shall be the one for which the clamp is intended. The test shall be carried
out on two samples, as follows (see Figure 4a or 4b).
Table 1 — Specified minimum loads
Cross-section S Specified minimum side load R2
N
mm
25 ≤ S ≤ 35 1 400
35 < S ≤ 70 3 300
70 < S ≤ 120 3 900
120 < S ≤ 185 4 900
185 < S 5 500
a) Lift load test
b) Side load test
Key
1 Test load (T)
2 Lift load force (R1)
3 Side load force according to Table 1 (R2)
α Lift angle
β Side angle
Figure 4 — Lift and side load test

7.5.6.3 Procedure
a) For lift load test: The covered conductor is assembled between the extremities of a tensile machine. Then
a tensile load is applied in order that the lift load R1 reaches 2 000 N. The angle α shall be less than 15°.
b) For side load test: The covered conductor is assembled between the extremities of a tensile machine. Then
a tensile load is applied in order that the side load R2 reaches the minimum value given in Table 1. The
angle β shall be less than 15°.
c) Assemble the clamp on the covered conductor whilst it is under the tensile load, and tighten the nuts or
bolts with the torque specified by the supplier, if any.
d) Gradually increase the load until it reaches specified minimum lift or side load. This load shall be maintained
for 60 s.
7.5.6.4 Acceptance criteria
No damage shall occur at or below the specified minimum lift or side load. The fitting shall still be securely
attached to the insulator despite any deformation that may take place.
The fitting shall be removed and the covering of the conductor examined. No tearing of the covering should
have occurred.
7.5.7 Thermal test for suspension clamp
7.5.7.1 Principle
The suspension clamp shall be subjected to mechanical loads at high temperature to ensure that they are
capable of sustaining loads likely to be encountered in service without being damaged or damaging the
conductor.
7.5.7.2 Test arrangement
One suspension clamp shall be tested.
The covered conductor used in the test shall be the one for which the fitting is intended. The test shall be carried
out as follows:
a) the suspension clamp shall be installed in a test rig as shown in Figure 4b using the maximum angle for
which the clamp is designed;
b) a constant mechanical load of 15 % of SMFL shall be maintained on the fitting throughout the test.
7.5.7.3 Procedure
a) This load shall be stabilized at the specified value with a tolerance of ± 10 % and shall be maintained for a
period of at least 6 h.
b) Temperature variation shall be achieved by passing current through the conductors.
c) The test assembly shall undergo 100 heat cycles at a rate of max. 4 cycles per day.
d) The load shall be maintained for the duration of the test.
e) The conditions for each temperature cycle shall be:
— an initial temperature at ambient;
— the conductor temperature gradually increased to the maximum normal operating temperature of the
conductor ± 5 K, in less than 2 h;
— this high temperature maintained for 4 h;
— the assembly allowed cooling naturally to ambient temperature before the next cycle begins.
7.5.7.4 Acceptance criteria
No damage shall occur which could affect the correct function of the fitting.
No damage shall occur which could affect the correct function of the covering.
7.5.8 Tensile test for tension clamps and joints at ambient temperature
7.5.8.1 Principle
Two tension clamps and/or one joint shall be subjected to high mechanical loads at ambient temperature to
ensure that they are capable of sustaining loads likely to be encountered in service without being damaged or
damaging the conductor.
7.5.8.2 Test arrangement
Two tension clamps and/or one joint shall be assembled on to the covered conductor upon the covering in
accordance with the manufacturing instructions and fitted into a tensile test machine as shown in Figure 5: the
length of the tails on the unloaded side of the clamp shall be at minimum of 500 mm.
The distance between the two clamps shall be at minimum of 100 x d. d is the diameter of the covered conductor
including covering.
The test shall be carried out at ambient temperature.

Key
1 Min.100 x d
2 Length of the tail 500 mm
Figure 5 — Tensile test arrangement
7.5.8.3 Procedure
The load shall be increased to 20 % of the SMFL. Then, the conductor shall be marked where it exits from the
clamps and/or joint.
The load shall be increased (with a speed between 1000 – 7500N/min) until it reaches 60 % of the SMFL of the
assembly. The load shall be maintained to this value for a time of 60 s.
Without any subsequent adjustment of the fitting, the load shall be steadily increased in not less than 30 s until
the SMFL is reached. Such load shall be kept constant for 60 s at least.
Without any subsequent adjustments of the fitting, the load shall be steadily increased until failure occurs. The
failure load shall be recorded.

7.5.8.4 Acceptance criteria
The test is passed if the movement of the conductor relative to the clamp is less than 3 mm and no failure of
the clamp or covered conductor occurs below the SMFL, where SMFL = 0,80 x MBL. If agreed between
customer and manufacturer SMFL can be higher than 0,80 x MBL for joints.
NOTE For this test the SMFL refers to the grip of the clamp and the friction between covering of the conductor and the
metallic surface of the conductor.
7.5.9 Tensile test for tension clamps at low temperature
7.5.9.1 Principle
The tension clamp shall be subjected to a steady load whilst at least one tension clamp and the part of a cable
close to the clamp are held at low temperature. The test shall be carried out in order to ensure that the covered
conductor does not slip through the clamp and that the clamp remains undamaged.
7.5.9.2 Test arrangement
Two tension clamps shall be assembled on to the covered conductor upon the covering in accordance with the
manufacturing instructions and fitted into a tensile testing machine as shown in Figure 5. The fitting shall be
installed in a cold temperature zone as shown in Figure 6: the length of the tails on the unloaded side of the
clamp shall be a minimum of 500 mm (if applicable).
Assembly and tensile test may be done in different chambers.

Key
1 300 mm
2 Length of the tail 500 mm
3 Low temperature zone
Figure 6 — Arrangement for the low temperature zone
7.5.9.3 Procedure
The distance between the two clamps shall be at minimum of 100 x d, where d is the diameter of the co
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