BS EN IEC 61472-2:2021

What is BS EN IEC 61472-2 about? 

BS EN IEC 61472-2 specifies a method for determining the electrical component of the minimum approach distances for live working, for AC systems 1 kV up to and including 72.5kV. It addresses system overvoltage, and the working air distances between equipment and/or workers at different potentials. 

BS EN IEC 61472-2 is a safety standard that guides you to maintain minimum approach distance for AC system during live working. 

The withstand voltage and minimum approach distances determined by the method described in BS EN IEC 61472-2 can be used only if the following working conditions prevail: 

• Workers are trained for, and skilled live lines or close to live conductors or equipment,  
• The operating conditions are adjusted so that the statistical overvoltage does not exceed the value selected for the determination of the required withstand voltage 
• Transient overvoltage's are the determining overvoltage's 
• Tool insulation has no continuous film of moisture present on the surface 
• No lightning is observed within 10 km of the work site 
• Allowance is made for the effect of the conducting components of tools 

Who is BS EN IEC 61472-2 for? 

BS EN IEC 61472-2 on minimum approach distances for AC systems is applicable for: 

• Electricity generation, transmission and distribution companies 
• Service providers and installers of  electrical power systems 
• Authorities and engineers dealing with high voltage AC transmission system  
• Electrical engineers 

Why should you use BS EN IEC 61472-2? 

Determination of minimum approach distances (also referred as MAD) for AC systems is necessary to protect the working personnel from the dangerous effects caused by insulation breakdown. The electrical distance between the working personnel and the high-voltage wires including the tower must meet the minimum approach distance (MAD). BS EN IEC 61472-2 gives you guidance on various types of factors which influence the minimum approach distance such as control of system overvoltage, statistical overvoltage, conductive floating object, and insulators. It helps you in monitoring the electrical stresses and to calculate the accurate distance for given high voltage AC systems. 

BS EN IEC 61472-2 also assists you with the rules and regulations for being at a minimum approach distance, which is to be maintained between any part of the body of a worker and any live conductors or equipment at different level of potentials. 

Thus, users of BS EN IEC 61472-2 can follow the method for ensuring the safety of a worker and also enhance the durability and reliability of a AC system from voltage 1kV to 72.5Kv.