BS 

EN 50397‑1:2020

BSI Standards Publication

Covered conductors for overhead lines and

the related accessories for rated voltages
above 1 kV AC and not exceeding 36 kV AC

Part 1: Covered conductors

BS EN 50397‑1:2020 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 50397‑1:2020. It
supersedes BS EN 50397‑1:2006, which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee GEL/20/16, Electric Cables - Medium/high voltage.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its committee manager.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
© The British Standards Institution 2020
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2020
ISBN 978 0 539 12438 5
ICS 29.240.20
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 30 November 2020.

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

Date Text affected
 BS EN 50397‑1:2020

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50397-1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM November 2020

ICS 29.240.20 Supersedes EN 50397-1:2006 and all of its amendments

and corrigenda (if any)

English Version

Covered conductors for overhead lines and the related

accessories for rated voltages above 1 kV AC and not exceeding
36 kV AC - Part 1: Covered conductors

Conducteurs gainés pour lignes aériennes et accessoires Kunststoffumhüllte Leiter und zugehörige Armaturen für
associés pour des tensions assignées supérieures à 1 kV Freileitungen mit Nennspannungen über 1 kV und nicht
en courant alternatif et ne dépassant pas 36 kV en courant mehr als 36 kV Wechselspannung - Teil 1:
alternatif - Partie 1: Conducteurs gainés Kunststoffumhüllte Freileitungsseile

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2020-10-26. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization

Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels

© 2020 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.

Ref. No. EN 50397-1:2020 E

BS EN 50397‑1:2020
EN 50397-1:2020 (E)

Contents Page

European foreword ..............................................................................................................4

Introduction ..........................................................................................................................5
1 Scope ..................................................................................................................6
2 Normative references.........................................................................................6
3 Definitions ..........................................................................................................7
4 Covered conductors ..........................................................................................7
4.1 Code designation .................................................................................................7
4.2 Construction requirements ...................................................................................8
4.2.1 Conductor ..................................................................................................................8
4.2.2 Filling..........................................................................................................................8
4.2.3 Covering ....................................................................................................................8
5 Marking .............................................................................................................10
5.1 Indication of origin ..............................................................................................10
5.2 Continuity of marks ............................................................................................10
5.3 Other markings...................................................................................................11
5.4 Durability ............................................................................................................11
5.5 Legibility .............................................................................................................11
6 Tests .................................................................................................................11
Annex A (normative) Measurement of the leakage current ............................................ 14
A.1 Test equipment.................................................................................................14
A.2 Sampling ...........................................................................................................14
A.3 Test procedure .................................................................................................15
A.4 Test evaluation .................................................................................................15
Annex B (normative) Tracking resistance ....................................................................... 16
B.1 Scope and object .............................................................................................16
B.2 Definitions ........................................................................................................16
B.3 Test specimens ................................................................................................16
B.3.1 Dimensions.......................................................................................................16
B.3.2 Preparation .......................................................................................................17
B.4 Apparatus .........................................................................................................17
B.4.1 Electrical apparatus .........................................................................................17
B.4.1.1 General..............................................................................................................17
B.4.1.2 Power supply ....................................................................................................17
B.4.1.3 Resistor.............................................................................................................17
B.4.1.4 Voltmeter ..........................................................................................................18
B.4.1.5 Overcurrent delay relay ...................................................................................18
B.4.2 Electrodes.........................................................................................................19
B.4.2.1 General..............................................................................................................19

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B.4.2.2 Top electrode....................................................................................................19

B.4.2.3 Bottom electrode..............................................................................................20
B.4.3 Contamination ..................................................................................................20
B.4.3.1 Contaminant .....................................................................................................20
B.4.3.2 Applicator paper...............................................................................................20
B.4.3.3 Contaminant flow .............................................................................................21
B.4.3.4 Flow rate ...........................................................................................................21
B.4.4 Timing device ...................................................................................................21
B.4.5 Depth gauge .....................................................................................................21
B.5 Procedure .........................................................................................................22
B.5.1 Preparation of the test .....................................................................................22
B.5.1.1 Ambient conditions ..........................................................................................22
B.5.1.2 Mounting ...........................................................................................................22
B.5.1.3 Adjustment of the contaminant flow ............................................................... 22
B.5.2 Application of the voltage................................................................................22
B.5.3 Test evaluation .................................................................................................22
B.6 Test report ........................................................................................................22
Annex C (normative) Slippage test ..................................................................................23
C.1 Scope and object .............................................................................................23
C.2 Definitions ........................................................................................................23
C.3 Test specimens ................................................................................................23
C.3.1 Dimensions.......................................................................................................23
C.3.2 Preparation .......................................................................................................23
C.4 Apparatus — clamp..........................................................................................24
C.5 Procedure and requirements........................................................................... 24
C.5.1 General..............................................................................................................24
C.5.2 Test conditions.................................................................................................24
C.6 Test report ........................................................................................................25
Annex D (normative) Non-electrical test on samples of complete cable — Resistance
to UV rays 26
D.1 Resistance to UV rays ......................................................................................26
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................28

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EN 50397-1:2020 (E)

European foreword

This document (EN 50397-1:2020) has been prepared by WG 13 “Covered Overhead Line Conductors” of
CLC/TC 20 “Electric cables”.

The following dates are fixed:

• latest date by which this document has (dop) 2021-10-26

to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national (dow) 2023-10-26
standards conflicting with this document
have to be withdrawn

This document supersedes EN 50397-1:2006 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).

EN 50397-1:2020 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 50397-1:2006:

— new references to HD 605 S3 2019.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

The EN 50397 series consists of three parts:

— Part 1, “Covered conductors”;

— Part 2, “Accessories for covered conductors: Tests and acceptance criteria”; and

— Part 3, “Guide to use”

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EN 50397-1:2020 (E)

Introduction

The EN 50397 series covers the construction, performance and test requirements for covered conductors
for overhead lines having a nominal voltage U above 1 kV AC up to and including 36 kV AC, and for the
related accessories.
Covered conductors consist of a conductor surrounded by a covering made of insulating material as
protection against accidental contacts with other covered conductors and with grounded parts such as tree
branches, etc. In comparison with insulated conductors, this covering has reduced properties, but is able
to withstand the phase-to-earth voltage temporarily.
Since covered conductors are unscreened, they are not touch-proof, i.e. they should be treated as bare
conductors with respect to electric shock.
This document does not cover aspects related to the installation of overhead lines such as determination
of clearances, spans, sags, etc.

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EN 50397-1:2020 (E)

1 Scope

This document contains the requirements for covered conductors with or without integrated longitudinal
water tightness and/or semi-conductive conductor screen for applications in overhead lines with rated
voltages U above 1 kV a.c. and not exceeding 36 kV a.c.

2 Normative references

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 50182:2001, Conductors for overhead lines - Round wire concentric lay stranded conductors

EN 60811-201, Electric and optical fibre cables - Test methods for non-metallic materials - Part 201:
General tests - Measurement of insulation thickness (IEC 60811-201)

EN 60811-401:2012, 1 Electric and optical fibre cables - Test methods for non-metallic materials - Part 401:
Miscellaneous tests - Thermal ageing methods - Ageing in an air oven (IEC 60811-401:2012)

EN 60811-402, Electric and optical fibre cables - Test methods for non-metallic materials - Part 402:
Miscellaneous tests - Water absorption tests (IEC 60811-402)

EN 60811-501:2012, 2 Electric and optical fibre cables - Test methods for non-metallic materials - Part 501:
Mechanical tests - Tests for determining the mechanical properties of insulating and sheathing compounds
(IEC 60811-501:2012)

EN 60811-502, Electric and optical fibre cables - Test methods for non-metallic materials - Part 502:
Mechanical tests - Shrinkage test for insulations (IEC 60811-502)

EN 60811-507, Electric and optical fibre cables - Test methods for non-metallic materials - Part 507:
Mechanical tests - Hot set test for cross-linked materials (IEC 60811-507)

EN 60811-508:2012, 3 Electric and optical fibre cables - Test methods for non-metallic materials - Part 508:
Mechanical tests - Pressure test at high temperature for insulation and sheaths (IEC 60811-508:2012)

EN 60811-605:2012, Electric and optical fibre cables - Test methods for non-metallic materials - Part 605:
Physical tests - Measurement of carbon black and/or mineral filler in polyethylene compounds
(IEC 60811-605:2012)

EN 62219, Overhead electrical conductors - Formed wire, concentric lay, stranded conductors (IEC 62219)

EN 62230, Electric cables - Spark-test method (IEC 62230)

HD 605 S3:2019, Electric cables - Additional test methods

IEC 60502-2:2014, Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages from 1
kV (Um = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) - Part 2: Cables for rated voltages from 6 kV (Um = 7,2 kV) up
to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV)

———————

1 As impacted by EN 60811-401:2012/A1:2017.

2 As impacted by EN 60811-501:2012/A1:2018.

3 As impacted by EN 60811-508:2012/A1:2017.

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3 Definitions

For the purpose of this document, the following definitions apply.

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/

— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp

3.1 Definitions relating to tests

3.1.1
type tests
T
tests required to be made before supplying a type of product covered by this document on a general
commercial basis in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics to meet the intended
application

Note 1 to entry: These tests are of such nature that, after they have been made, they need not be repeated unless
changes are made in the material, design or manufacturing process, which might change the performance
characteristics.

3.1.2
sample tests
S
tests made on samples of completed product or components taken from the completed product adequate
to verify that the finished product meets the design specifications

3.1.3
routine tests
R
tests made on all production lengths to demonstrate their integrity

3.2
rated voltage
reference voltage for which the conductor is designed and which serves to define the electrical tests

Note 1 to entry: The rated voltage is expressed by the value U, expressed in kilovolts, where U is the r.m.s. value
between any two-phase conductors.

4 Covered conductors

4.1 Code designation

Covered conductors shall be designated as follows:

Type code CC;

Covering material S (for semi-conductive conductor screen, if any),
X (for cross-linked polyethylene),
T (for thermoplastic polyethylene);
Conductor material and cross-section according to EN 50182;
Conductor design W (for watertight),
K (for compacted);
Rated voltage U in kV …kV.

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EXAMPLE 1 OF DESIGNATION

“CCX 66-AL3 WK 20kV” is a XLPE-covered conductor with a rated voltage of 20 kV, longitudinal watertight
compacted conductor of aluminium alloy AL3 and a nominal conductor cross-section of 66 mm2.
EXAMPLE 2 OF DESIGNATION

“CCST 66-A3F W 20 kV” is a thermoplastic polyethylene covered conductor with a rated voltage of 20 kV,
longitudinal watertight conductor with formed aluminium alloy wire AF3 and a nominal conductor cross-
section of 66mm2.

4.2 Construction requirements

4.2.1 Conductor

Number of 1
conductors:
Conductor material: aluminium alloy or steel reinforced aluminium
Nom. cross-section: 25 mm2 to 400 mm2 for all conductors
Conductor design: the conductors may be compacted or non-compacted, with round wire or
profiled wire.

Information on bare conductors with round wires in frequent use can be found in the national lists, contained
in EN 50182:2001, Annex F. However, for the purpose of this document, conductors may be selected from
any national table. Conductors deviating in design from the standard values shall be given by the
manufacturer, but fulfilling all requirements given in EN 50182.
Information about conductors made from profiled wires shall be provided by the manufacturer.
Non-compacted conductors shall comply with EN 50182 or EN 62219 (with the exception of the filling, if
any).
For compacted conductors, based on conductors according to EN 50182, the following paragraph applies:
The outer diameter of the compacted conductor shall be 95 % (±1 % for 7 and 19-wire
constructions, ± 1,5 % for 37-wire constructions) of the diameter given in EN 50182. The rated tensile
strength (RTS) shall be at least 95 % of the value given in EN 50182. The DC resistance shall not exceed
the value given in EN 50182 by more than 5 %.

4.2.2 Filling

The stranded conductor may be longitudinally watertight by means of adequate measures as e.g. filling
with an adequate mass. The filling mass or other materials for obtaining the longitudinal watertightness,
shall be compatible with the conductor material and the material of the covering (see Table 2).

4.2.3 Covering

The covering shall consist of a cross-linked polyethylene compound, which shall comply with the
requirements according to Table 1, column 3 or of a thermoplastic polyethylene compound, complying with
the requirements according Table 1, column 4.
It shall be possible to remove the covering without damage to the conductor.

Table 1 — Properties of the covering materials

1 2 3 4

Unit

Compound designation X T

Basic material XLPE PE

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EN 50397-1:2020 (E)

1 2 3 4

Unit

Maximum operating temperature of the conductor °C 90 a 70

Mechanical properties

before ageing on sample (EN 60811-501:2012, 4.2)

minimum tensile strength MPa 12,5 12,5

minimum elongation at break % 200 300

after ageing on sample (of EN 60811-401:20121, 4.2.3.2)

Temperature °C 135 110

Duration h 168 336

minimum tensile strength MPa - 12,5

maximum variation T1/T0 % ± 25 -

minimum elongation at break % - 300

maximum variation T1/T0 % ± 25 -

after ageing on complete product sample b

(EN 60811-401:20121, 4.2.3.4)

Temperature °C 100 ± 2 100 ± 2

Duration h 168 168

minimum tensile strength MPa - 12,5

maximum variation T2/T0 % ± 25 -

minimum elongation at break % - 300

maximum variation T2/T0 % ± 25 -

Physical and chemical properties

hot set test (EN 60811-507)

temperature °C 200 -

duration min 15 -

mechanical stress MPa 0,2 -

maximum elongation under load % 175 -

maximum residual elongation % 15 -

pressure test at high temperature (EN 60811-508:20123,

4.3)

temperature °C - 80

duration h - 4

coefficient k - - 0,8

maximum depth of indentation % - 50

Gravimetric water absorption (EN 60811-402)

temperature °C 85 85

duration h 336 336

maximum variation of mass mg/cm2 1 1

shrinkage test (EN 60811-502)

distance L between marks mm 200 200

duration h 1 1

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1 2 3 4

Unit

temperature °C 130 ± 3 100 ± 3

maximum shrinkage % 4 4

Shore D hardness (HD 605 S3:2019, 2.2.1)

minimum hardness ShD - 55

a Maximum operating temperature of the conductor is limited to 80 °C due to mechanical reasons.
b For use together with watertight conductors only. Adequate measures e.g. neutral capping to prevent leakage of filling
material shall be taken.

An UV-protection shall be provided. Covering materials having a content of carbon black of (2,5 ± 0,5) %
are considered to have adequate protection. Otherwise protection against UV shall be demonstrated
fulfilling the UV-test specified in Chapter 6, Table 2, No.4.3.
The nominal thickness of the covering shall be calculated according to the following formula:
S = 0,11 U

where

S is the nominal thickness of the covering in mm (rounded to one decimal place);

U is the rated voltage (see 3.2) in kV.

The nominal thickness of the covering shall be not less than 2,3 mm.
The minimum thickness of the covering at any place shall not be less than the nominal value by more than
(0,1 mm + 10 % of the nominal value). The mean value of the thickness of the covering shall not exceed
the nominal value by more than (0,1 mm + 10 % of the nominal value).
A semi-conductive conductor screen, if any, shall not be measured as covering thickness.
The covering shall be applied onto the conductor by extrusion of one or more material layers. In screened
versions (constructions), the extruded conductor screen should be durable firmly bonded to the closest
layer of insulation.

5 Marking

5.1 Indication of origin

Covered conductors shall be provided with an identification of origin consisting of a continuous marking of
the manufacturer’s name or trademark on the surface of the covering. This marking shall be made by
embossing.

5.2 Continuity of marks

The distance between the end of a mark and the beginning of the next identical mark shall not exceed
1 000 mm.
Figure 1 below shows an example of the marking, where the word “ORIGIN” stands for the mandatory
information required in 5.1 and “XYZ” stands for one of any other mandatory marks required in 5.3.

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Figure 1 — Example of marking

5.3 Other markings

Covered conductors shall be equipped with a continuous embossing as follows:

— code designation according to 4.1;

— year of production;

— standard number.

Optional markings (e.g. slippage factor according to Annex C, meter marking) may be added upon
agreement between manufacturer and user. These optional markings may be made by printing or
embossing.

5.4 Durability

Printed markings shall be durable. Durability shall be checked by the test according to HD 605 S3:2019,
2.5.4. The markings shall be legible after this test.

5.5 Legibility

All markings shall be clearly legible. Printed markings shall be in contrasting colours.

6 Tests

The compliance with the requirements according to 4.2 and Clause 5 shall be established by visual
examination and the tests listed in Table 2.
A type test shall be performed on every covered conductor type, irrespective of the cross sectional area.
The results will be valid across the whole range of cross sectional areas for that type.
The slippage test shall be performed on each cross sectional area (see C.3.1).

Table 2 — Tests

1 2 3 4 5

No Tests Category Requirements Test methods

of tests

1 Electrical tests

1.1 Conductor resistance T, a HD 605 S3:2019,

Sb 3.1.1

1.2 High voltage test

1.2.1 — for CC without conductor screen: no breakdown HD 605 S3:2019,

3.2.2.2
Test voltage (a.c.) 1U

Number of specimen 1

Length of specimen (minimum) 5m

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1 2 3 4 5

No Tests Category Requirements Test methods

of tests

Duration of immersion in water (minimum) 1 h

Temperature of water (20 ± 5) °C

Test duration 15 min S

3h T

1.2.2 — for CC with conductor screen or upon agreement no breakdown HD 605 S3:2019,
between customer and producer: 3.2.2.2

Test voltage (AC) 1U

Number of specimen 1

Length of specimen (minimum) 5m

Duration of immersion in water (minimum) 1 h

Temperature of water (20 ± 5) °C

Test duration 4h S
48 h T

1.3 Spark test on the covering c R no breakdown EN 62230

Test voltage: AC 0,7 U

or DC 1 U

1.4 Leakage current T maximum Annex A

1 mA

Test voltage (AC) 0,7 U

1.5 Tracking resistance d T Annex B Annex B

2 Construction and dimensions

2.1 Compliance with the design requirements T, S, R 4.2 visual inspection

2.2 Thickness of the covering T, S, R 4.2.3 EN 60811-201

3 Construction and mechanical properties of the

conductor

3.1 Rated tensile strength T, S b a a

3.2 Construction and dimensions T, S a a

4 Non-electrical tests on the covering

4.1 Mechanical properties

a) before ageing of sample T 4.2.3 EN 60811-501:2012,

4.2

b) after ageing of sample T 4.2.3 EN 60811-401:2012,

4.2.3.2

4.2 Carbon black content e T 4.2.3 EN 60811-605:2012,

4.2

4.3 Resistance to UV rays f T Annex D

5 Test of compatibility g

Ageing of complete product sample T 4.2.3 EN 60811-401:20121,

4.2.3.4

6 Thermal properties of the covering

6.1 Shrinkage test T 4.2.3 EN 60811-502

Distance “L” between marks (200 ± 5) mm

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1 2 3 4 5

No Tests Category Requirements Test methods

of tests

6.2 Hot-set-test h T, S 4.2.3 EN 60811-507

6.3 Pressure test at high temperature i T 4.2.3 EN 60811-508:20123,

4.3

7 Further tests on the covering

7.1 Gravimetric water absorption test T 4.2.3 EN 60811-402

7.2 Shore D hardness i T 4.2.3 HD 605 S3:2019,

2.2.1

8 Test of the longitudinal watertightness g

8.1 With heat cycle T no leakage IEC 60502-2:2014,

Annex F
Number of specimen 1

Length of specimen 3m

Test duration 24 h

Bending radius 20 D

8.2 Without heat cycle S no leakage IEC 60502-2:2014,

Annex F j
Number of specimen 1

Length of specimen 1m

Test duration 1h

9 Marking

9.1 Content, legibility T, S, R Clause 5 visual inspection

9.2 Durability T 5.4 HD 605 S3:2019,

2.5.4

10 Slippage test T Annex C Annex C

a Requirements and/or test procedures respectively, whatever applicable, according to EN 50182 or to 4.2.1 of this document.
b For compacted conductors only
c Alternatively a high voltage test can be performed on the whole production length under the following conditions: Test voltage
4 kV a.c., duration of immersion in water (minimum) 10 min, water temperature (20 ± 5) °C, test duration 5 min, no break
down.
d For U ≥ 30 kV or on request
e If carbon black is used for UV-stabilization
f If other than carbon black or a lower percentage than 2,0 % of carbon black is used for UV-stabilization
g For longitudinal watertight versions only.
h For cross-linked polyethylene only
i For thermoplastic polyethylene only
j Water column connected to one end of specimen by means of an appropriate fitting.

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EN 50397-1:2020 (E)

Annex A
(normative)

Measurement of the leakage current

A.1 Test equipment

— a.c.-source with power frequency (48 Hz to 62 Hz), an output voltage of 0,7 U and an output current of
5 mA at least

— Ampere meter (true r.m.s.) with an accuracy of ± 0,1 mA at least

— Resistor (1 ± 0,05) kΩ

— Plain copper wire with a diameter of (2,0 ± 0,05) mm

— Ethanol

— Water tank

A.2 Sampling

The specimen shall be taken at least 5 m away from any end of a production length. The length of the
specimen shall be (1 000 ± 10) mm. See Figure A.1.
The surface of the covering of the specimen shall be cleaned from any present contamination by wiping off
with ethanol. Then the specimen shall be immersed in water at a temperature of (20 ± 5) °C for 24 h at
least. The further preparations and the test shall be performed immediately after the end of the immersion
in water. The specimen shall be dried by wiping it off to ensure, that no moisture connections between the
measuring electrode and the conductor can occur.
On one end of the specimen, the covering shall be removed over a length of (5 ± 1) mm and the conductor
surface shall be cleaned.
At a distance of (450 ± 5) mm from the other end of the specimen, a plain copper wire with a diameter of
(2,0 ± 0,05) mm shall be wound around the covering to build up a closed helix with a length of (100 ± 2) mm
(measured in the axis of the specimen) as a measuring electrode. The winding of the copper wire shall be
done in a way which avoids any damage and minimizes deformation of the covering.

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EN 50397-1:2020 (E)

Figure A.1 — Test arrangement

A.3 Test procedure

Between the conductor and the measuring electrode the voltage shall be applied and the current shall be
measured by the ampere meter. The value of the current shall be read one minute after application of the
voltage.

A.4 Test evaluation

The measured value of the current shall not exceed the value given in Table 2.

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Annex B
(normative)

Tracking resistance

B.1 Scope and object

This annex, based on HD 380 S2, describes the test method for the evaluation of electrical insulating
materials for use at power frequencies (48 Hz to 62 Hz) by measurement of the resistance to tracking and
erosion, using a liquid contaminant and inclined cable samples.
NOTE 1 The test conditions are designed to accelerate the production of the effects, but do not reproduce all the
conditions encountered in service.

With the test apparatus described in the following subclauses, the track starts at the lower electrode.
The end point of the test is reached when the value of the current in the high voltage circuit through the
specimen exceeds 60 mA. An overcurrent device then breaks this circuit.
NOTE 2 This end point criterion permits the use of an automatic apparatus testing several specimens
simultaneously.

B.2 Definitions

B.2.1
track
conducting or partially conducting path created by tracking

B.2.2
tracking
progressive degradation of the surface of a solid insulation material by local discharges to form conducting
or partially conducting paths

B.2.3
erosion, electrical
wearing away of electrical insulating material by the action of electrical discharges

B.2.4
time-to-track
time in a tracking test until tracking reaches a specified end-point criterion

B.3 Test specimens

B.3.1 Dimensions

Specimens of finished covered conductor at least 200 mm in length.

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B.3.2 Preparation

Unless otherwise specified, the surface of the specimens shall be lightly abraded. The abrasion should be
done with a fine silicon carbide abrasive paper Number 600 under de-ionized or distilled water until the
whole surface wets and appears uniformly matted when dry. If abrasion has not been used, the method of
cleaning shall be mentioned in the test report.

B.4 Apparatus

B.4.1 Electrical apparatus

B.4.1.1 General

A schematic circuit is given in Figure B.1. As the test will be carried out at high voltages, it is obviously
necessary to use a grounded safety enclosure.

Key
S power supply switch
VT variable ratio transformer
T high-voltage transformer
R series resistor
V voltmeter
Sp specimen
F overcurrent device, fuse or relay

Figure B.1 — Schematic circuit diagram

The circuit comprises:

B.4.1.2 Power supply

A power supply with an output voltage stabilized to ± 5 % with a rated current not less than 0,1 A for each
specimen. The test voltage shall be according to Table B.1, column 1.
If only one power supply is used for several specimens, each should have a circuit-breaker or similar device
(see B.4.1.5).
B.4.1.3 Resistor

A 200 W resistor with ± 10 % resistance tolerance shall be connected in series with each specimen on the
high-voltage side of the power supply. The resistance of the resistor shall be taken from Table B.1,
column 3.

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Table B.1 — Series resistor and contaminant flow rate

1 2 3
Test voltage Contaminant Series resistor,
Flow rate Resistance
kV ml/min kΩ
3,5 0,30 22

B.4.1.4 Voltmeter

A voltmeter with an accuracy of 1,5 % of reading.

B.4.1.5 Overcurrent delay relay

An overcurrent delay relay (for example see Figure B.2) or any other device which operates when 60 mA
or more has persisted in the high-voltage circuit for 2 s.

To the power supply switch

(S in Figure B.1)

Key
Re rectifier
Tr transformer (winding 300/900 turns)
Rl relay (2 500 Ω / 11 000 turns)
C capacitor (200 μF)

Figure B.2 — Typical circuit for an overcurrent delay relay

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B.4.2 Electrodes

B.4.2.1 General

All electrodes, fixtures and assembly elements associated with the electrodes, such as screws, shall be
made of stainless steel. The electrode assembly is shown in Figure B.3. The electrodes shall be cleaned
prior to each test and replaced when necessary.
All dimensions in mm

Figure B.3 — Test assembly schematic

B.4.2.2 Top electrode

The top electrode is shown in Figure B.4. This electrode is fixed to the sample with a suitable plastic cable
tie passed through the oval holes and around the sample.

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EN 50397-1:2020 (E)

All dimensions in mm

Figure B.4 — Top electrode, stainless steel, 0,5 mm thick

B.4.2.3 Bottom electrode

The bottom electrode is a standard stainless steel screw clamp.

B.4.3 Contamination

B.4.3.1 Contaminant

Unless otherwise specified use:

(0,1 ± 0,002) % by mass of NH4CI (ammonium chloride) analytical quality and (0,02 ± 0,002) % by mass
of iso-octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol (a non-ionic wetting agent) in distilled or de-ionized water.
This contaminant shall have a resistivity of (3,95 ± 0,05) Ω.m at (23 ± 1) °C.
The contaminant shall be not more than four weeks old and its resistivity shall be checked before each
series of tests.
B.4.3.2 Applicator paper

Eight layers of filter-paper of the approximate dimensions in mm given in Figure B.5 are clamped between
the top electrode and the specimen to act as a reservoir for the contaminant.

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All dimensions in mm

Figure B.5 — Applicator paper

B.4.3.3 Contaminant flow

The contaminant shall be fed into this filter-paper pad so that a uniform flow between the top and the bottom
electrodes shall occur before voltage application.
NOTE This can be done by pumping the contaminant through a tube into the filter paper pad. The tube can be
held between the filter papers by a clip of stainless steel. Another possibility is to drip the contaminant into the filter
paper pad with a fixed drop size and fixed number of drops per minute.

B.4.3.4 Flow rate

The rate of application of contaminant shall be that specified in Table B.1, column 2.
B.4.4 Timing device

A timing device with an accuracy better than ± 1 min/h.

NOTE For example, a 1 min pulser with a counter is acceptable.

B.4.5 Depth gauge

A depth gauge with an accuracy of ± 0,01 mm. The point of the probe shall be hemispherical with a radius
of 0,25 mm.

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B.5 Procedure

B.5.1 Preparation of the test

B.5.1.1 Ambient conditions

Unless otherwise specified, the test shall be carried out at an ambient temperature of (23 ± 2) °C on five
specimens.
B.5.1.2 Mounting

The specimen shall be mounted at an angle of 45° to the horizontal as shown in Figure B.3 with the
electrodes (50 ± 0,5) mm apart.
For each test, a new filter-paper pad shall be used.
B.5.1.3 Adjustment of the contaminant flow

Start introducing the contaminant into the filter-paper pad allowing the contaminant to wet the paper
thoroughly. Adjust the contaminant flow and calibrate to give a flow rate as specified in Table B.1, column 2.
Observe the flow for at least 10 min and ensure that the contaminant flows steadily down the face of the
test specimen between the electrodes. The contaminant shall flow from the quill hole of the top electrode
and not from the sides or the top of the filter-paper.
B.5.2 Application of the voltage

With the contaminant flowing uniformly at the specified rate, according to Table B.1, column 2, switch on
and raise the voltage to the test level according to Table B.1, column 1 and start the timing device. The
voltage shall be maintained constant for 6 h.
B.5.3 Test evaluation

The test is successful if the current in the high-voltage circuit does not exceed 60 mA for any of the five
specimens during 6 h.
The maximum depth of erosion shall be reported.

B.6 Test report

The report shall include:

Type and designation of the specimen tested.
Details of the specimens: Dimensions, cleaning procedure and solvent used, surface treatment if any. The
covering thickness shall be reported.

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Annex C
(normative)

Slippage test

C.1 Scope and object

This annex describes the test method for the evaluation of the slippage of the covering over the conductor
under defined conditions.

C.2 Definitions

C.2.1
specified minimum failure load (SMFL)
minimum load, specified by the purchaser or declared by the supplier, at which mechanical failure will not
take place

[Source: EN 61284:1997, definition 3.20]

C.2.2
RTS
RTS is the rated tensile strength, given in 4.2.1

C.3 Test specimens

C.3.1 Dimensions

Type test shall be carried out on all nominal cross-sectional areas and on five samples, each 3 m long,
taken from one production length and at least one metre from its end.
C.3.2 Preparation

The samples shall be kept at an ambient temperature of (23 ± 2) °C during 24 h before the test starts.

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C.4 Apparatus — clamp

All dimensions in mm

Figure C.1 — Clamping device

C.5 Procedure and requirements

C.5.1 General

The test shall be carried out according to the principle as shown in Figure C.1. The fixed end of the sample
shall be fastened in an appropriate way, maintaining that both the conductor and the covering are fixed
safely. The free end of the sample shall be finished clean with a file or similar so that all burrs and loose
fragments will be removed from the conductor and the covering. A gripping device with half-round and
grooved jaw profile, of a type that exists on the market, with 110 mm maximum jaw length, shall be applied
approximately 2 m from the fixed end of the sample. The covering shall be provided with two marks, A and
B, on each side of the gripping device and on a distance of 100 mm from the jaw (see Figure C.1).
Apply tension, F, in the gripping device. Start with F = 10 % of RTS. Maintain this tension for 10 min. If no
slippage occurs, increase the tension by 10 % and maintain this tension for 10 min. Continue tension
increase until one or more of the failure conditions below are met. Record the highest applied force, at
which nothing of the following occurred during the test:
— the distance A exceeds 105 mm;

— the distance B is less than 95 mm;

— the covering protrudes by more than 3 mm outside the conductor in the free end (point C in Figure C.1);

— cracks appear in the covering.

If the gripping device slips on the covering surface, the test shall be repeated and, if necessary, another
gripping device shall be used.
Use of gripping devices with smooth jaws or with rounded grooves can lead to excessive slipping of the
gripping device on the covering surface and should therefore be avoided.
C.5.2 Test conditions

Unless otherwise specified, the test shall be carried out at an ambient temperature of (23 ± 2) °C.

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C.6 Test report

Test report shall include code designation, number of sample, applied force (F) in N, type of slippage that
occurred and calculated X-value.
The X-value of each sample shall be calculated according to the following formula:
X = (F / RTS)*100

where
X-value is in %;
F is the applied force according to C.5 in N;
RTS is the rated tensile strength in N

The X-value for every tested set of samples is the median value of the calculated values.

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Annex D
(normative)

Non-electrical test on samples of complete cable — Resistance to UV

rays

D.1 Resistance to UV rays

a) Test principle and definition of the light source

This test is based on the prolonged exposure of the flat surface of the outer side of the cable test specimens
to ultraviolet rays.
The light source used should be such that in a dry atmosphere (relative humidity below 30 %) the exposed
surface of the two flat surfaces of the test specimen, the side corresponding to the outside of the test
specimen cable, receives a radiation in which the wavelength-dependent energy distribution complies with
the values indicated on the curve (Figure D.1).

Figure D.1 — Specific power versus wavelength

To take account of the dispersion of the lamps and their ageing, the following tolerances are accepted:
(i) 20 % in the area of ultraviolet radiation (wavelengths below 400 nm);

(ii) 50 % for the visible radiation (wavelengths above 400 nm).

This radiation may be obtained with a xenon lamp fitted with quartz filters.
(b) Test method

The samples shall follow a cycle of 5 days. During these days they shall be subjected to the following tests:
— exposure for one day to light radiation in a humid atmosphere, (relative humidity ≥ 85 %), at the
temperature of (25 ± 2) °C with sprinkling;

The sprinkling of demineralized water lasts 3 min per period of 20 min; it is done with the aid of injectors
in which the water discharge should be sufficient to ensure the washing of all the test specimens.

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— exposure for one day in a humid atmosphere at the temperature of (50 ± 2) °C with thermal shocks
obtained by being put into an enclosure kept at (−25 ± 2) °C for three one-hour periods. The hot-cold
or cold-hot transfers should be done in the shortest time possible.

The time the test specimens remain in a humid atmosphere between two thermal shocks should be one
hour or more.
— two days exposure to light radiation in a dry atmosphere during which the temperature is kept at
(70 ± 2) °C and the relative humidity is less than 30 %;

— the fifth day, exposure for 8 h with 0,067 % in volume of sulphur dioxide and kept at a temperature of
(40 ± 3) °C with saturating humidity. For the last 16 h the door of the enclosure is left open to the
laboratory environment.

During the exposures the test-pieces, similar to those defined for the tensile test, shall be placed on
supports, taking care that they are not subjected to any tensile force.
At the end of the test, the samples shall be removed and kept protected from direct sunlight in the laboratory
atmosphere for 24 h at least. A visual verification shall then be carried out to ensure that there is no
significant discolouration between the aged test pieces and those not subjected to the test.
(c) Test pieces

The test requires two batches of six test-pieces; one of them being the reference batch.
— The reference batch shall be kept at ambient temperature avoiding direct sunlight throughout the
environmental testing.

— The other batch shall be subjected to the specified 5 days cycle and then conditioned like the reference
batch for 24 h.

After the visual for any significant discolouration the elongation at break (A....) and tensile strength (R....)
of the test-pieces from each of the batches shall be measured in accordance with EN 60811-501:20122,
4.3, i.e. respectively:
— reference batch: A0 and R0;

— exposed batch: A1 and R1.

The measured median values shall comply with the following requirements:

A1 − A0
× 100 ≤ 15 (D.1)
A0

R1 − R0
× 100 ≤ 15 (D.2)
R0

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Bibliography

EN 61284:1997, Overhead lines - Requirements and tests for fittings (IEC 61284)

HD 380 S2, Test methods for evaluating resistance to tracking and erosion of electrical insulating
materials used under severe ambient conditions (IEC 60587)

IEC 60587:1984, Test method for evaluating resistance to tracking and erosion of electrical insulating
materials used under severe ambient conditions

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