SIST EN 60168:1997/A1:1998

Tests on indoor and outdoor post insulators of ceramic material or glass for systems with nominal voltages greater than 1 kV

EN following parallel vote

Prüfungen an Innenraum- und Freiluft-Stützisolatoren aus keramischem Werkstoff oder Glas für Systeme mit Nennspannungen über 1 kV

Essais des supports isolants d'intérieur et d'extérieur, en matière céramique ou en verre, destinés à des installations de tension nominale supérieure à 1 kV

Tests on indoor and outdoor post insulators of ceramic material or glass for systems with nominal voltages greater than 1 kV (IEC 60168:1994/A1:1997)

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-1998
• ICS: 29.080.10 - Insulators
• Technical Committee: IZL - Insulators
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 01-Nov-1998
• Due Date: 01-Nov-1998
• Completion Date: 01-Nov-1998
• Ref Project: EN 60168:1994/A1:1997 - Tests on indoor and outdoor post insulators of ceramic material or glass for systems with nominal voltages greater than 1 kV

Relations

• Referred By: SIST EN IEC 60437:2024 - Radio interference test on high-voltage insulators (IEC 60437:2023)
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Amends: SIST EN 60168:1997 - Tests on indoor and outdoor post insulators of ceramic material or glass for systems with nominal voltages greater than 1 kV
• Effective Date: 21-Sep-2010

Overview

SIST EN 60168:1997/A1:1998 specifies the requirements and testing methods for indoor and outdoor post insulators made from ceramic material or glass, designed for use in electrical systems with nominal voltages greater than 1 kV. Adapted from IEC 60168 and relevant in the European context, this standard ensures the safe and reliable operation of high-voltage electrical systems by standardizing tests for mechanical and electrical integrity of insulators.

These insulators are critical components in power transmission and distribution networks, helping isolate electrical conductors and equipment while withstanding both electrical and mechanical stress over their service life.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability: Applies to post insulators made of ceramic or glass for electrical systems with voltages above 1 kV.
• Type, Routine, and Sample Tests: Describes various tests to ensure insulator performance:
  • Electrical Type Tests
  • Mechanical Failing Load Tests
  • Routine Visual, Mechanical, and Electrical Tests
  • Thermal Shock Tests for Glass Insulators
• Insulator Selection for Testing: Specifies that insulators selected for type tests must meet all other test requirements except sample mechanical test.
• Standard Mounting Arrangements:
  • Defines mounting procedures for different voltage levels and test types.
  • Details dimensions and positioning to ensure test consistency.
• Acceptance Criteria:
  • Surface defects (e.g., no chips or cracks allowed on ceramic cores)
  • Limits on unglazed areas and inclusions
• Testing of Metal Fittings:
  • Methods for verifying performance and strength, including options to test in inverted positions.
• Routine Testing of Unassembled Insulators:
  • Provides alternative mechanical testing methods as agreed between manufacturer and purchaser.
• Dimensional Tolerances: Sets out procedures for measuring parallelism, eccentricity, camber, and shed angle.

Applications

SIST EN 60168:1997/A1:1998 is essential for the following stakeholders:

• Manufacturers of High Voltage Insulators: Ensures products conform to recognized European and international standards, supporting market access and reliability.
• Electric Utilities and Transmission Companies: Provides assurance of performance, durability, and safety of insulators used in substations and overhead lines.
• Testing Laboratories: Defines universal procedures for evaluating and certifying insulator products.
• Procurement and Quality Control: Facilitates clear acceptance criteria and testing regimes to verify supplier compliance.
• Design Engineers: Offers guidance on selecting appropriate insulator types and verifying their suitability for different installation environments and voltage levels.

These standardized tests help prevent service failures, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the safety of power distribution networks.

Related Standards

For comprehensive compliance and product development, the following standards are commonly referenced alongside SIST EN 60168:1997/A1:1998:

• IEC 60168: International version for tests on post insulators.
• IEC 61264:1994: Ceramic pressurized hollow insulators for high-voltage switchgear and controlgear.
• EN 60168:1994/A1:1997: European adoption of the IEC document.
• Other relevant insulator standards within ICS 29.080.10, addressing specifications and performance of various types of high-voltage insulators.

By adhering to SIST EN 60168:1997/A1:1998 and related standards, organizations ensure that high-voltage systems operate safely and efficiently, with robust insulator performance verified under controlled, standardized testing conditions.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-1998
Tests on indoor and outdoor post insulators of ceramic material or glass for
systems with nominal voltages greater than 1 kV (IEC 60168:1994/A1:1997)
Tests on indoor and outdoor post insulators of ceramic material or glass for systems with
nominal voltages greater than 1 kV
Prüfungen an Innenraum- und Freiluft-Stützisolatoren aus keramischem Werkstoff oder
Glas für Systeme mit Nennspannungen über 1 kV
Essais des supports isolants d'intérieur et d'extérieur, en matière céramique ou en verre,
destinés à des installations de tension nominale supérieure à 1 kV
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60168:1994/A1:1997
ICS:
29.080.10 Izolatorji Insulators
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

NORME
CEI
INTERNATIONALE
IEC
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
AMENDEMENT 1
AMENDMENT 1
1997-06
Amendement 1
Essais des supports isolants d'intérieur
et d'extérieur, en matière céramique ou en verre,
destinés à des installations de tension nominale
supérieure à 1 000 V
Amendment 1
Tests on indoor and outdoor post insulators of
ceramic material or glass for systems with
nominal voltages greater than 1 000 V
 
IEC 1997 Droits de reproduction réservés  Copyright - all rights reserved
International Electrotechnical Commission 3, rue de Varembé Geneva, Switzerland
Telefax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail] IEC web site http: //www.iec.ch
CODE PRIX
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
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PRICE CODE
International Electrotechnical Commission
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
For price, see current catalogue

60168 Amend. 1 © IEC:1997 – 3 –
FOREWORD
This amendment has been prepared by subcommittee 36C: Insulators for substations, of IEC
technical committee 36: Insulators.
The text of this amendment is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
36C/81/FDIS 36C/89/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this amendment can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
__________
Page 19
2.2 Values which characterize a post insulator
Replace the footnote by the following:
* Switching-impulse withstand voltage should be specified only for post insulators for use on a.c. systems with
highest voltage for equipment above 245 kV.
Page 21
3.1.1 Type tests
Replace, on page 23, the existing text of the last paragraph by the following:
The type tests shall be carried out on insulator(s) which have passed all the requirements for
the routine and the sample tests, except the sample mechanical test.
Page 23
3.3.1 Insulator selection for type tests
Replace the text of this subclause by the following:
Normally, only one post insulator shall be subjected to each test. The test shall be carried out
on an insulator which has passed all the requirements for the routine and the sample tests,
except the sample mechanical test. Insulators which have been submitted to type tests which
may affect their mechanical and/or electrical characteristics shall not be used in service.

60168 Amend. 1 © IEC:1997 – 5 –
Page 25
3.3.3 Electrical type tests
Replace the second paragraph of this subclause by the following:
The results obtained during the electrical type tests on a post insulator of "electrically
equivalent design" shall be extended to all post insulators represented by it. These are
insulators made with the same materials and having the following characteristics when
compared with the post insulator of "electrically equivalent design":
a) the arcing distance is the same or greater;
b) the nominal core diameter is the same or smaller;
c) the number and approximate position of metal fittings is the same;
d) the nominal shed spacing is the same within ±5 %;
e) the nominal shed projection is the same within ±10 %;
f) the shed profile is the same.
3.3.4 Mechanical failing load type tests
Replace, on page 27, the first paragraph of this subclause by the following:
The results obtained during the mechanical failing load type tests on a post insulator of
"mechanically equivalent design" shall be extended to all post insulators represented by it.
These are insulators made in the same factory, with the same materials, and by the same
manufacturing process, and having the following characteristics, when compared with the post
insulator of "mechanically equivalent design:"
a) the nominal core diameter is the same;
b) the design of the connection between the insulating component and the metal fittings is
the same;
c) the shape and size of the parts of the metal fittings which connect to the insulating
components are the same;
d) the nominal height does not differ by more than ±20 %.
Page 33
4.4.1 Standard mounting arrangement of a post insulator for use in systems with highest
voltage of equipment below 300 kV
Replace the title of this subclause and first and second paragraphs by the following:
4.4.1 Standard mounting arrangement of a post insulator when switching impulse tests
are not required
The post insulator shall be mounted vertically upright on a horizontal earthed metal support
consisting of a U-channel section with the flanges pointing downwards. This metal supp
...