BS EN IEC 60230:2018

What is BS EN IEC 60230 - Impulse tests for cables about? 

BS EN IEC 60230 is an International Standard on impulse tests on cables and their accessories. 

BS EN IEC 60230 defines the procedure for carrying out withstand lightning and switching impulse tests and withstand superimposed impulse tests on cables and their accessories. 

The main objective of BS EN IEC 60230 is to ensure that electric cables and their accessories offer required level of insulation.  

The voltages pertaining to the system on which cables and accessories are to be used are given in IEC 60183 or in the relevant product standard. 

BS EN IEC 60230 applies solely to the methods of carrying out the tests as such, independently of the problem of selecting the test levels to be specified. The voltages pertaining to the system on which cables and accessories are to be used are given in IEC 60183 or in the relevant product standard. 

Who is BS EN IEC 60230- Impulse tests for cables for? 

BS EN IEC 60230 on impulse tests is relevant to: 

• Manufacturers of electric power cables  
• Manufacturers of electrical applications  
• Electrical engineers 
• Electrical insulation system (EIS) providers 

Why should you use BS EN IEC 60230 - Impulse tests for cables? 

Impulse testing systems are designed to generate impulse voltages that simulate lightning strikes and switching surges. Impulse testing is mainly carried out to assess whether power cables are capable of resisting overvoltage arising from lightning strikes and switching. 

BS EN IEC 60230 walks you through the superimposed impulse voltage test for the same.  

BS EN IEC 60230 specifies the following requirements: 

• The characteristics and state of the test installation and those parts of the procedure which are common to withstand tests and tests above the withstand level 
• The procedure for carrying out withstand lightning and switching impulse tests and superimposed impulse test 
• The procedure for carrying out tests above the withstand level which is intended for research purposes. 

Compliance with these best industry requirements and tests recommended by BS EN IEC 60230 can thus demonstrate the insulation capabilities of cables and their accessories, to counter the impact of overvoltage conditions. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN IEC 60230:2018 replaces the first edition published in 1966. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: 

• The structure of the standard takes into account the current style of IEC standards 
• This document is no longer a “Recommendation” but an “International Standard 
• The test installation is no longer related to gas-pressure and oil-filled cables only 
• Switching-impulse voltage and superimposed impulse voltage tests have been included