BS EN 60695-1-40:2014

What is BS EN 60695-1-40 – Fire hazard testing about? 

BS EN 60695-1-40 is an international standard that discusses insulating liquids for fire hazard testing. Insulating liquid plays an important role in the life span of the transformer. Petroleum-based mineral oil has become the dominant insulating liquid of a transformer for more than a century for its excellent dielectric and cooling properties. 

BS EN 60695-1-40 provides guidance on the minimization of fire hazards arising from the use of electrical insulating liquids, with respect to: 

• Electrotechnical equipment and systems 
• People, building structures and their contents. 

Who is BS EN 60695-1-40 – Fire hazard testing for? 

BS EN 60695-1-40 on insulating liquids applies to: 

• Chemical engineer 
• Laboratory testing 

Why should you use BS EN 60695-1-40 – Fire hazard testing? 

Insulating liquid plays an important role in the life span of the transformer. Petroleum-based mineral oil has become the dominant insulating liquid of a transformer for more than a century for its excellent dielectric and cooling properties. 

BS EN 60695-1-40 provides various types of electrotechnical equipment containing insulating liquids that are: 

• Transformers and reactors 
• Capacitors 
• Cables 
• Bushings 
• Switchgear, and 
• Miscellaneous power electronics 

As a user of BS EN 60695-1-40, you can ensure various types of protective measures against fire such as: 

• The retention of the insulating liquid within the electrotechnical equipment, allowing for thermal expansion in service 
• Provision to retain any liquid released, using a sump or bund 
• Ensuring that there is a sufficient distance to the nearest building (for outdoor installations) 
• The use of fire barriers or fire compartments 
• Provision of a fire extinguisher or extinguishers actuated by excess temperature rise 
• Provision of a circuit breaker or breakers actuated by pressure relief valves 
• Provision of over-current protection and 
• Provision of fast-acting short-circuits protection.