PD IEC/TS 62073:2016

What is PD IEC/TS 62073 – Hydrophobicity of insulator surfaces about?

PD IEC/TS 62073 is an international standard covering the measurement of hydrophobicity of insulator surfaces that enables limiting of the surface conductivity and prevention of leakage current.

PD IEC/TS 62073 provides methods for the measurement of the hydrophobicity of the shed and housing material of composite insulators for overhead lines, substations, and equipment or ceramic insulators covered or not covered by a coating. The obtained value represents the hydrophobicity at the time of the measurement.

PD IEC/TS 62073 describes three methods that can be used to determine the hydrophobicity of insulators. The determination of the ability of water to wet the surface of insulators may be useful to evaluate the condition of the surface of insulators in service, or as part of the insulator testing in the laboratory.

Who is PD IEC/TS 62073 - Hydrophobicity of insulator surfaces for?

PD IEC/TS 62073 on the hydrophobicity of insulator surfaces is relevant to:

• Electrical equipment manufacturers
• Testing houses and laboratories
• Designers and testers
• Safety assessment and inspection services
• Substation maintenance services

Why should you use PD IEC/TS 62073 - Hydrophobicity of insulator surfaces?

Hydrophobicity is the state of a surface with low surface tension and thus is water-repellent. For insulator materials, the hydrophobic properties can change over time, due to the influence of the ambient conditions. Assessment of hydrophobicity enables the risk reduction and minimization of leakage current in insulator surfaces.

PD IEC/TS 62073 provides users guidance on methods for the measurement of hydrophobic properties, including general requirements, equipment, measurement procedure, static contact angle and dynamic contact angle measurements, ensuring the safe operability in different atmospheric conditions.

PD IEC/TS 62073 provides users with three methods namely, contact angle, surface tension and spray methods to determine the hydrophobicity of insulator surfaces. PD IEC/TS 62073 also provides users with a step-by-step procedure for the method, enabling users to do the method correctly.

With the adoption of PD IEC/TS 62073, users can assess insulator surfaces for hydrophobicity that ensures the water-repelling properties for safety, usability and longevity in varying atmospheric conditions.

What’s changed since the last update?

PD IEC/TS 62073:2016 replaces the first edition published in 2003. This edition constitutes a technical revision.

• Changed wettability to hydrophobicity throughout the document
• Redefined the criteria for the determination of hydrophobicity class in paragraph 3.4