I E C 62 561 -3

®
Edition 2.0 201 7-06

I N TE RN ATI ON AL

S TAN D ARD

Li g h tn i n g prote cti on s ys te m com pon en ts (LP S C ) –

P art 3: Re q u i rem en ts for i s ol ati n g s park g aps (I S G )

IEC 62561 -3:201 7-06(en)
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 I E C 62 561 -3
®
Edition 2.0 201 7-06

I N TE RN ATI ON AL

S TAN D ARD

Li g h tn i n g protecti on s ys te m com pon e n ts (LP S C ) –

P art 3: Req u i re m e n ts for i s ol ati n g s park g aps (I S G )

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION

ICS 91 .1 20.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-4455-5

Warn i n g ! M ake s u re th a t you ob tai n ed th i s p u b l i cati on from an au th ori zed d i stri b u tor.

® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission

 –2– I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7

CONTENTS
FOREWORD . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . .. .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 4
I NTRODUCTI ON .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. .. . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 6
1 Scope .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... . 7
2 Norm ative references . ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 7
3 Terms and definitions . ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 8
4 Classification . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 9
4. 1 According to I SGs capability to withstand lightning current .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 9
4. 2 According to I SGs location installation . ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... 9
5 Requirements ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . .. ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... . 1 0
5. 1 General . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. . ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0
5. 2 Environm ental requirem ents ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. .. 1 0
5. 3 I nstallation instructions ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 1 0
5. 4 Lightning current carrying capability .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0
5. 5 Rated im pulse sparkover voltage . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... 1 0
5. 6 Rated withstand voltage .. ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 1 0
5. 6. 1 Rated DC withstand voltage ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 1 0
5. 6. 2 Rated power frequency withstand voltage .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . ... .. ... .. 1 0
5. 7 I solation resistance . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. . ... 1 0
5. 8 Marking . ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . ... .. ... ... ... ... . 1 1
5. 9 UV (ultraviolet) resistance .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 1 1
6 Tests ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 1 1
6. 1 General conditions for tests . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. .. 1 1
6. 2 UV (ultraviolet) light test . ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 1 2
6. 3 Resistance tests to corrosion .. ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 1 2
6. 4 Mechanical tests ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . .. 1 2
6. 5 Electrical tests ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. 1 4
6. 5. 1 I solation resistance ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 4
6. 5. 2 Withstand voltage .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... 1 4
6. 5. 3 Rated impulse sparkover voltage .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 5
6. 5. 4 Lightning current . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... 1 5
6. 6 I nstallation instructions ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 1 6
6. 6. 1 General conditions for tests ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . .. .. ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 1 6
6. 6. 2 Acceptance criteria ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . .. ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 6
6. 7 Marking test .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . .. ... ... . 1 6
6. 7. 1 General conditions for tests ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . .. .. ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 1 6
6. 7. 2 Acceptance criteria ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . .. ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 6
7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) .. ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 1 6
8 Structure and content of the test report . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... 1 6
8. 1 General . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. . ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 6
8. 2 Report identification ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. . ... ... 1 7
8. 3 Specimen description . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . .. 1 7
8. 4 Standards and references . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. .. 1 7
8. 5 Test procedure ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... . .. ... ... .. 1 7
8. 6 Testing equipm ent description ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 1 8
8. 7 Measuring instruments description . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 8
8. 8 Results and param eters recorded .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... .. . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 8
I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7 –3–

8. 9 Statem ent of pass/fail .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... .. . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 8
Annex A (normative) Flow chart of tests ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 1 9
Annex B (normative) Environmental test for isolating spark gaps . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. 21
B. 1 General . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. . ... ... ... ... ... ... 21
B. 2 Salt mist treatment .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. . ... 21
B. 3 Humid sulphurous atmosphere treatment .. .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. 21
B. 4 Amm onia atm osphere treatment... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... 21
Annex C (norm ative) Environm ental test for outdoor isolating spark gaps –
Resistance to ultraviolet light .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 22
C. 1 General . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. . ... ... ... ... ... ... 22
C. 2 The tests .. ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... . 22
C. 3 First alternative test to C. 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. .. 22
C. 4 Second alternative test to C. 2 . ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 22
Bibliograph y .. .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 23

Figure 1 – Pendulum hamm er test apparatus . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... .. . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . 1 3
Figure A. 1 – Flow chart of the sequence of tests for I SGs ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. .. . ... ... 20

Table 1 – Lightning im pulse current ( Iim p ) parameters ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . ... ... .. ... ... ... 1 5
 –4– I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7

INTERNATI ONAL ELECTROTECHNI CAL COMMISSI ON

____________

L I G H T N I N G P RO T E C T I O N S YS T E M C O M P O N E N T S ( L P S C ) –

P a rt 3 : Re q u i re m e n t s fo r i s o l a ti n g s p a rk g a p s ( I S G )

FOREWORD
1 ) The I nternati on al Electrotechni cal Comm ission (I EC) is a worl d wid e organization for stan dardization com prisin g
all n ation al el ectrotechnical comm ittees (I EC National Comm ittees). The object of I EC is to prom ote
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governm ental organ izations l iaising with th e I EC also participate i n this preparation. I EC collaborates closel y
with the I nternational Organi zation for Stand ardization (I SO) in accordance with con ditions determ ined by
agreem ent between th e two organi zati ons.
2) The form al decisions or ag reem ents of I EC on tech nical m atters express, as n early as possible, an i nternati onal
consensus of opi nion on the rel evant subjects since each technical com m ittee has representati on from all
interested I EC N ational Com m ittees.
3) I EC Publications have the form of recom m endations for intern ational use an d are accepted by I EC National
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Publications is accu rate, I EC cann ot be h eld responsi ble for th e way in which th ey are used or for an y
m isinterpretation by an y en d u ser.
4) I n order to prom ote intern ational u niform ity, I EC National Com m ittees und ertake to apply I EC Publications
transparentl y to the m axim um extent possible i n their national an d regi on al publicati ons. Any d ivergence
between an y I EC Publication and the correspondi ng national or regi on al publicati on sh all be clearl y in dicated in
the latter.
5) I EC itself d oes n ot provi de an y attestation of conform ity. I n depend ent certificati on bodies provi de conform ity
assessm ent services and, in som e areas, access to I EC m arks of conform ity. I EC is not responsi ble for an y
services carri ed out by ind ependent certification bodi es.
6) All users shou ld ensure that they h ave the l atest editi on of thi s publicati on.
7) No liability shall attach to I EC or its directors, em ployees, servants or ag ents inclu din g in divi du al experts and
m em bers of its tech nical com m ittees and I EC Nati on al Com m ittees for any person al i nju ry, property d am age or
other dam age of any n ature whatsoever, wheth er di rect or indirect, or for costs (includ i ng leg al fees) and
expenses arisi ng out of the publ ication, use of, or relian ce upon, this I EC Publicati on or any other I EC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to th e N orm ative references cited in th is publ ication. Use of the referenced publ ications is
indispensable for the correct applicati on of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that som e of the elem ents of this I EC Publication m ay be the su bject of
patent rig hts. I EC shall not be held responsibl e for identifyi ng any or all such patent ri ghts.

I nternational Standard I EC 62561 -3 has been prepared by I EC technical comm ittee 81 :

Lightning protection.

This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 201 2. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.

This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition.
a) a new classification has been added related to I SGs location installation;
b) an updated flow chart of tests has been developed.
I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7 –5–

The text of this I nternational Standard is based on the following documents:

FDI S Report on votin g
81 /561 /FDI S 81 /566/RVD

Full information on the voting for the approval of this I nternational Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.

This docum ent has been drafted in accordance with the I SO/I EC Directives, Part 2.

A list of all parts in the I EC 62561 series, published under the general title Lightning
protection system components (LPSC) , can be found on the I EC website.

The com mittee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the I EC website under "http://webstore. iec. ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• am ended.
A bilingual version of this publication m ay be issued at a later date.
 –6– I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7

INTRODUCTION
This part of I EC 62561 deals with the requirements and tests for lightning protection system
com ponents (LPSC), specificall y isolating spark gaps (I SG) used for the installation of a
lightning protection system (LPS) designed and im plemented according to the I EC 62305
series.
I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7 –7–

L I G H T N I N G P RO T E C T I O N S YS T E M C O M P O N E N T S ( L P S C ) –

P a rt 3 : Re q u i re m e n t s fo r i s o l a ti n g s p a rk g a p s ( I S G )

1 S cop e

This part of I EC 62561 specifies the requirem ents and tests for isolating spark gaps (I SG) for
lightning protection system s.

I SGs can be used to indirectl y bond a lightning protection system to other nearby metalwork
where a direct bond is not perm issible for functional reasons.

Typical applications include the connection to

• earth-termination system s of power installations,
• earth-termination systems of telecomm unication systems,
• auxiliary earth electrodes of voltage-operated, earth fault circuit breakers,
• rail earth electrode of power and DC railways,
• m easuring earth electrodes for laboratories,
• installations with cathodic protection and stray current system s,
• service entry m asts for low-voltage overhead cables,
• bypassing insulated flanges and insulated couplings of pipelines.
This does not cover applications where follow currents occur.

NOTE Lig htnin g protection system com ponents (LPSC) can also be suitable for use i n h azard ous conditi ons such
as fire and expl osive atm osphere. Due reg ard wil l be taken of th e extra requi rem ents necessary for th e
com ponents to be i nstalled in such conditi ons.

2 N o rm a t i ve re fe re n c e s

The following docum ents are referred to in the text in such a way that som e or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this docum ent. For dated references, onl y the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced docum ent (including
an y am endm ents) applies.

I EC 60068-2-52: 1 996, En viro n m e n ta l te stin g – Pa rt 2- 52: Te sts – Te st Kb : Sa lt m is t, cyclic

(sodium ch lo ride so lutio n ) 1

I EC 60068-2-75: 1 997, En viron m e n ta l te s tin g – Pa rt 2-75: Te sts – Te s t Eh : Ha m m e r te sts 2

_____________
1 2 n d edition (1 996). A 3 rd editi on I EC 60068-2-52: En viro n m e n ta l te s tin g – Pa rt 2-52: Te sts – Te s t Kb : Sa lt m ist,
cyclic (so dium ch lo ride so lutio n ) is und er preparation. Stag e at the tim e of publication:
I EC PRVC 60068-2-52: 201 7.
2 1 st editi on (1 997). This 1 st edition was replaced in 201 4 by a 2 n d ed ition I EC 60068-2-75: 201 4, En viro n m e n ta l
te stin g – Pa rt 2-75: Te sts – Te st Eh : Ha m m e r te sts.
 –8– I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7

ISO 4892-2: 2006, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon-
arc lamps 3

I EC 62561 -1 , Lightning protection system components (LPSC) – Part 1 : Requirements for

connection components

I SO 4892-3: 2006, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3:

Fluorescent UV lamps 4

I SO 4892-4, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 4: Open-flame

carbon-arc lamps

I SO 6957: 1 988, Copper alloys – Ammonia test for stress corrosion resistance

I SO 6988: 1 985, Metallic and other non-organic coatings – Sulphur dioxide test with general
condensation of moisture

3 T e rm s a n d d e fi n i t i o n s

For the purposes of this docum ent, the following term s and definitions apply.

I SO and I EC maintain term inological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• I EC Electropedia: available at http://www. electropedia. org/
• I SO Online browsing platform : available at http: //www. iso.org/obp
3. 1

i s o l ati n g s p a rk g a p

ISG

component with discharge distance for isolating electricall y conductive installation sections

Note 1 to entry: I n the event of a lightni ng strike, the isol ated sections are tem poraril y connected conducti vel y as
the result of response to the d i scharg e.

3. 2

s p a rko v e r v o l t a g e

maxim um voltage value before disruptive discharge between the electrodes of the I SG

3. 3

wi th s ta n d vo l ta g e

value of the test voltage to be applied under specified conditions in a withstand test, during
which a specified number of disruptive discharges is tolerated

3. 4

p o w e r fre q u e n c y w i t h s t a n d vo l tag e

r.m .s value of a sinusoidal power frequency voltage that the I SG can withstand

3. 5

D C wi th s ta n d vol tag e

value of a DC voltage that the I SG can withstand

_____________
3 2 n d editi on (2006). This 2 n d ed i tion was replaced in 201 3 by a 3 rd ed ition I SO 4892-2: 201 3, Plastics – Methods
of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps.
4 2 n d edition (2006). This 2 n d edi tion was replaced i n 201 6 by a 3 rd edition: I SO 4892-3: 201 6 , Plastics – Methods
of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3: Fluorescent UV lamps .
I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7 –9–

3. 6

ra t e d wi th s ta n d vo l ta g e

value of a withstand voltage declared by the manufacturer to characterize the isolating

behavior of an I SG

3. 7

ra t e d p o w e r fre q u e n c y w i t h s t a n d v o l t a g e

UW AC
value of a power frequency withstand voltage declared by the m anufacturer to characterize
the isolating behavior of an I SG

3. 8

ra t e d D C wi th s t a n d vo l tag e

UW DC
value of a DC withstand voltage declared by the manufacturer to characteri ze the isolating
behavior of an I SG

3. 9

i m p u l s e s p a rko v e r v o l t a g e

impulse voltage of the waveshape 1 , 2/50 to classify the sparkover behavior of the I SG

3. 1 0

ra t e d i m p u l s e s p a rko v e r v o l t a g e

Uim p
m anufacturer’s declaration of the I SG sparkover voltage

3. 1 1

i s o l ati o n re s i s t a n c e

ohm ic resistance of the I SG between the active parts

3. 1 2

l i g h tn i n g i m p u l s e c u rre n t

Iim p
im pulse current that classifies an I SG

Note 1 to entry: Five param eters are to be considered: th e peak valu e, the charg e, the du ration, the specific
energ y and the rate of rise of the im pulse current.

4 C l a s s i fi c a t i o n

4. 1 Ac c o rd i n g to I S G s ca p a b i l i ty to wi th s ta n d l i g h tn i n g c u rre n t

The following classes appl y, as per Table 1 :

a) class H for heavy duty;
b) class N for normal duty;
c) class 1 L for light duty;
d) class 2L for light duty;
e) class 3L for light duty.
4. 2 Ac c o rd i n g to I S G s l o cat i o n i n stal l ati on

The following classes appl y:

a) indoor installation;
b) outdoor installation.
 – 10 – I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7

5 Re q u i re m e n t s

5. 1 G e n e ra l

I SGs shall be designed in such a manner that when they are installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, their performance shall be reliable, stable and safe to persons
and surrounding equipment.

5. 2 E n v i ro n m e n t a l re q u i re m e n t s

I SGs shall be designed in such way that they operate satisfactoril y under the environmental
conditions given by the norm al service conditions. Outdoor I SGs shall be contained in a
weather shield of glass-glazed ceramic, or other acceptable material, that is resistant to U V
(ultraviolet) light, corrosion and erosion.

Com pliance is checked by testing. I n accordance with 6. 2 and 6. 3.

5. 3 I n s ta l l a ti o n i n s t ru c t i o n s

The manufacturer of the I SG shall provide adequate instructions in their literature to ensure
that the installer of the I SG can select and install them in a suitable and safe m anner.

Compliance is checked by review as per 6. 6.

5. 4 Li g h tn i n g c u rre n t c a rry i n g ca p ab i l i ty

ISGs shall have sufficient lightning current carryin g capability.

Compliance is checked in accordance with Clause 6 following the manufacturer’s declaration

for the class of the I SG in accordance with Clause 4.

5. 5 Ra t e d i m p u l s e s p a rk o v e r v o l t a g e

The I SG shall always spark over at this value during the tests.

The I SG m ay experience som e variation of sparkover characteristics before and after the
lightning current test. This shall be included in the rated impulse sparkover voltage defined by
the manufacturer.

5. 6 Ra t e d wi th s tan d vo l ta g e

5. 6. 1 Ra t e d D C wi th s tan d vo l tag e

The I SG shall never spark over at this value during the tests even after perform ing the
lightning current test.

5. 6. 2 Ra t e d p o w e r fre q u e n c y w i t h s t a n d v o l t a g e

The I SG shall never spark over at this value during the tests even after performing the
lightning current test.

5. 7 I s o l a ti o n re s i s t a n c e

Before the lightning current test the isolation resistance shall be higher than 500 k Ω and after
the lightning current test isolation resistance shall not be lower than 500 k Ω .

Compliance is checked in accordance with 6. 5. 1 .

I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7 – 11 –

5. 8 M arki n g

All products com pl ying with this docum ent shall be marked at least with the following:
a) m anufacturer’s or responsible vendor’s name or trade mark or identifying symbol;
b) part number;
c) the classification in accordance with Clause 4.
If the m arking in accordance with b) is not practical it may be given on the sm allest packaging
unit. The marking shall be durable and legible.

Com pliance is checked in accordance with 6. 7.

NOTE Markin g can be applied for exam ple by m ouldi ng, pressing, en graving, pri ntin g ad hesive labels or water
slide transfers.

5. 9 U V (u ltravi ol et) resi stan ce

I SG housings for outdoor installation shall be made of U V resistant m aterial .

Com pliance is checked by tests as per 6. 2.

6 Tests

6. 1 G en eral con d iti on s for tests

The tests in accordance with this docum ent are type tests and perform ed in a sequence
according to Annex A.

These tests are of such a nature that, after they have been performed, they need not be
repeated unless changes are made to the m aterials, design or type of m anufacturing process,
which m ight change the perform ance characteristics of the product.
a) Unless otherwise specified, tests are carried out with the specim ens assembled and
installed as in normal use according to the m anufacturer's or supplier's instructions.
b) Unless otherwise specified, three specim ens are subjected to the tests and the
requirem ents are satisfied if all the tests are m et.
c) I f onl y one of the specim ens does not satisfy a test due to an assem bl y or a m anufacturing
fault, that test and an y preceding one which m ay have influenced the results of the test
shall be repeated and also the tests which follow shall be carried out in the required
sequence on another full set of specimens, all of which shall com pl y with the
requirem ents.
d) I f the I SG has an integral connection com ponent part with its design, it shall be subjected
to the testing regime of I EC 62561 -1 using the appropriate lightning current given in
Table 1 of this docum ent.
The applicant, when submitting a set of specimens, may also submit an additional set of
specimens which may be necessary should one specimen fail. The testing laboratory will
then, without further request, test the additional set of specimens and will reject the sets onl y
if a further failure occurs. I f the additional set of specim ens is not subm itted at the same tim e,
the failure of one specimen will entail rejection.

Prior to the testing of the I SG and clam p assembly, suitable protection measures should be
employed to ensure that the housing is not exposed to the conditioning treatment.
 – 12 – I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7

6. 2 U V (u ltravi ol et) l i gh t test

This test is necessary for I SGs designed to be installed outdoors or in specific environm ents.

ISG housings for outdoor application shall withstand U V light effects.

One set of three new specimens shall be assembled and m ounted rigidl y on an insu lating
plate (e. g. brick, pol ytetrafluoroeth ylene (PTFE)) in accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.

The specimens shall be subjected to an environmental test consisting of an ultraviolet light

test as specified in Annex C.

The specimens are deem ed to have passed this part of the test if there are no signs of
disintegration and no cracks visible to normal or corrected vision.

Ensure that the surface of the m ounting plate is suitable to resist U V radiation.

6. 3 Resi stan ce tests to corrosi on

This test is necessary for I SGs having metallic parts designed to be installed outdoors or in
specific environm ents.

The specimens used in and com pl ying with the test in 6. 2, shall be subjected to corrosion
tests as per Annex B.

After the parts have been dried during 1 0 m in in a drying oven at a temperature of
1 00 ºC ± 5 ºC, they shall not present an y trace of rust on surfaces.

Traces of rust on the edges or a yellowish stain rem oved by rubbing are n ot taken into
account. White rust, patina and other surface oxidations are not considered as corrosive
deterioration.

6. 4 M ech an ical tests

All specimens compl ying with 6. 2 and 6.3 shall be stressed three times by mechanical
im pacts.

The impacts are carried out on the accessible parts of the I SG, which may be mech anicall y
stressed accidentally.

The specimens are assembled under their norm al operating conditions specified in the
manufacturer’s docum entation.

The I SG is m ounted on a pendulum hamm er test apparatus according to

I EC 60068-2-75: 1 997, Clause 4, as shown in Figure 1 . The striking element m aterial shall be
pol yam ide as per I EC 60068-2-75: 1 997, Table 1 , and its m ass shall be 200 g as per
IEC 60068-2-75: 1 997, Table 2.
I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7 – 13 –

Dim ensions in m illim etres

IEC

Ke y

1 pen dul um
2 fram e
3 heig ht of fall
4 specim en
5 m ounting fi xture

F i g u re 1 – P en d u l u m h am m er tes t app aratu s

The hammer shall fall from a height of 200 mm so that one im pact on each side is applied, as
far as possible perpendicular to the length of the arrangement. The drop height is the vertical
distance between the position of the point of control, when the pendulum is rel eased, and the
position of this point at the time of the impact.

The point of control is located on the surface of the strikin g part where the line passing
through the point of intersection of the axes of the steel tube of the pendulum and the part of
striking, perpendicular to the plane crossing the two axes, com es into contact with the
surface.

The im pacts are not applied to the connectors.

NOTE I n theory, th e centre of gravity of the strikin g part should be the point of control . As, in practice, it is
difficult to determ ine the centre of gravity, the point of control has been chosen as descri bed above.
 – 14 – I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7

After the test, the I SG shall show no cracks or similar damage visible to norm al or corrected
vision without m agnification and shall not present dam age which can potentiall y affect its later
use.

6. 5 E l e c t ri c a l te s t s

6. 5. 1 I s o l a ti o n re s i s t a n c e

The test is conducted with a DC voltage of 0, 5 tim es the rated withstand voltage up to a
maxim um of 500 V.

The resistance shall be m easured after 30 s of appl ying the test voltage.

The specimen is deem ed to have passed the test if the resistance is equal or greater than
500 k Ω .

6. 5. 2 Wi t h s t a n d v o l t a g e

6. 5. 2 . 1 G e n e ra l

The rated withstand voltages shall be tested according to the value declared by the
manufacturer in accordance with 5. 3.

6. 5. 2 . 2 P o w e r fre q u e n c y w i t h s t a n d vol tag e

6. 5. 2 . 2 . 1 G e n e ra l c o n d i t i o n s fo r t e s t s

The rated power frequency withstand voltage is tested by appl ying an AC voltage at the
terminals of the I SG. The voltage is increased continuousl y at a rate of 1 00 V/s with a nominal
frequency of 50 H z or 60 H z until the r.m .s. value as declared by the m anufacturer is reached
and this is maintained for a tim e of 60 s ± 1 s.

The prospective short-circuit current of the source m ay be lim ited to a minim um value of
5 m A.

6. 5. 2 . 2 . 2 Ac c e p t a n c e c ri t e ri a

The specimens are deemed to have passed the test if during the application of the test
voltage the I SG does not spark over, or conduct a leakage current exceeding 1 m A.

6. 5. 2 . 3 D C wi th s t a n d vo l tag e

6. 5. 2 . 3 . 1 G e n e ra l c o n d i t i o n s fo r t e s t s

The rated DC withstand voltage shall be tested by appl ying a DC voltage at the term inals of
the I SG. The voltage shall be increased continuousl y at a rate of 1 00 V/s until the value as
declared by the m anufacturer is reached and this is m aintained for a time of 60 s ± 1 s.

The prospective short circuit current of the source m ay be limited to a m inimum value of
5 m A.

6. 5. 2 . 3 . 2 Ac c e p t a n c e c ri t e ri a

The specimens are deemed to have passed the test if during the application of the test
voltage the I SG does not spark over, or conduct a leakage current exceeding 1 m A.
I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7 – 15 –

6. 5. 3 Ra t e d i m p u l s e s p a rk o v e r v o l t a g e

6. 5. 3 . 1 G e n e ra l c o n d i t i o n s fo r t e s t s

An im pulse voltage 1 , 2/50 μ s with a peak value of the declared impulse sparkover voltage
shall be applied at the terminals of the I SG. The test is performed with five surges of positive
and negative polarity and the I SG has to spark over at each test impulse.

6. 5. 3 . 2 Ac c e p t a n c e c ri t e ri a

The specimens are deem ed to have passed the test if they have operated at each test
im pulse and no signs of cracks or punctures appear on the enclosures.

6. 5. 4 Li g h tn i n g c u rre n t

6. 5. 4. 1 G e n e ra l c o n d i t i o n s fo r t e s t s

After 6. 5. 3 and the conditioning according to Annex B, the specimens shall be pre-stressed
with a test current of 0, 5 Iim p , followed by a second test current of Iim p after the I SG has
cooled down close to ambient temperature.

The im pulse discharge current passing through the device under test is defined by the crest
value Iim p , the charge Q and the specific energ y W/R . The im pulse current shall show no
reversal and reach Iim p within 50 µs. The transfer of the charge Q shall occur within 5 ms and
the specific energ y W/R shall be dissipated within 5 m s.

All the param eters are given in Table 1 .

Tabl e 1 – Li g h tn i n g i m p u l s e c u rre n t ( I
imp
) p a ra m e t e rs
a

Ii m p Q W/R

kA ± 1 0 %
As −+20 kJ /Ω −+45
ISG c l a s s i fi c a t i o n

10 % 10 %
H 1 00 50 2 500
N 50 25 625
1L 25 1 2, 5 1 56
2L 10 5 25
3L 5 2. 5 6, 25
a The param eters are deri ved from the 3 rd edition of I EC 62305-1 which is u nd er preparati on.

NOTE When a li ghtn ing cu rrent flows in an arc, a shock wave is produced. The severity of the sh ock is depend ent
upon the peak current an d th e rate of rise of the cu rrent. The sh orter th e rise tim e, the greater th e severity. I n
gen eral, th e acoustic shock wave can cause dam age to the surrou ndi ng com ponents, such as the enclosure of th e
I SG.

6. 5. 4. 2 Ac c e p t a n c e c ri t e ri a

The specim ens are deem ed to have passed the test if no signs of cracks or punctures appear
on the enclosures.

After the current test, the tests according to 6. 5. 1 , 6. 5. 2 and 6. 5. 3 shall be carried out.
 – 16 – I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7

6. 6 I n s ta l l a ti o n i n s t ru c t i o n s

6. 6. 1 G e n e ra l c o n d i t i o n s fo r t e s t s

The content of the installation instructi ons is checked as per its completeness by review.

6. 6. 2 Ac c e p t a n c e c ri t e ri a

Installation instructions are deem ed to have passed the test if they contain at least the
following:
a) classification and lightning current capability ( Iim p );
b) rated withstand voltage;
c) rated power frequency wi thstand voltage ( UW AC );
d) rated DC withstand voltage ( UW DC );
e) assembly instructions with installation location (if crucial to the function);
f) appropriate connection components for the installation if not part of the I SG.
6. 7 M a rki n g t e s t

6. 7. 1 G e n e ra l c o n d i t i o n s fo r t e s t s

The m arking is checked by inspection and by rubbing it by hand for 1 5 s with a piece of cloth
soaked with water and again for 1 5 s with a piece of cloth soaked with white spirit/mineral
spirit.

Marking made by moulding, pressing or engraving is not subj ected to this test.

6. 7. 2 Ac c e p t a n c e c ri t e ri a

The specimen is deemed to have passed the test if the m arking remains legible.

7 E l e c t ro m a g n e t i c c o m p a t i b i l i t y ( E M C )

Products covered by this document are, in norm al use, passive in respect of electromagnetic
influences (emission and im munity).

8 S t ru c t u re a n d c o n t e n t o f t h e t e s t re p o rt

8. 1 G e n e ra l

The purpose of Clause 8 is to provide general requirements for laboratory test reports. I t is
intended to prom ote clear, com plete reporting procedures for laboratories submitting test
reports.

The results of each test carried out by the testing laboratory shall be reported accuratel y,
clearl y, unambiguousl y and obj ectivel y, in accordance with an y instructions in the test
methods. The results shall be reported in a test report and shall include all the inform ation
necessary for the interpretation of the test results and all inform ation requi red by the m ethod
used.

Particular care and attention shall be paid to the arrangement of the report, especiall y with
regard to presentation of the test data and ease of assim ilation by the reader. The form at
shall be carefull y and specificall y designed for each type of test carried out, but the headings
shall be standardized as indicated below.
I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7 – 17 –

The structure of each report shall include at least information specified in 8. 2 to 8. 9.

8. 2 Report i d en ti fi cati on

The following inform ation shall be included 5:

a) A title or subject of the report.
b) Nam e and email address or telephone number of the testing laboratory.
c) Nam e, address and telephone num ber of the sub-testing laboratory where the test
was carried out, if different from the com pan y which has been assigned to perform
the test.
d) Unique identification number (or serial num ber) of the test report.
e) Nam e and address of the vendor.
f) Report shall be paginated and the total number of pages indicated on each page,
including appendices or annexes.
g) Date of issue of the report.
h) Date(s) test(s) was (were) performed .
i) Signature and title, or an equivalent identification of the person(s) authorized to
sign by the testing laboratory for the content of the report.
j) Signature and title of person(s) conducting the test(s).
8. 3 Speci m en d escri pti on
a) Sample description.
b) Detailed description and unambiguous identification of the test sam ple and/or test
assembl y, for example part num ber, type, classification, material, dim ensions.
c) Characterization and condition of the test sample and/or test assembly.
d) Sam pling procedure, where relevant.
e) Date of receipt of test samples.
f) Photographs, drawings or an y other visual docum entation , if available.
8. 4 Stan d ard s an d referen ces
a) I dentification of the test standard used and the date of issue of the standard .
b) Reference to this document may onl y be m ade if the full set of tests is perform ed
and reported, except where th e deviations are clearl y j ustified in 8.5 b).
c) Other relevant documentation with the documentation date.
8. 5 Test proced u re
a) Description of the test procedure.
b) Justification for an y deviations from , additions to or exclusions from the referenced
standard.
c) An y other inform ation relevant to a specific test such as environmental conditions.
d) Configuration of testing assembly and m easuring set up.
e) Location of the arrangem ent in the testing area and m easuring techniques.

_____________
5 I t is suggested to insert i n the test report a specific d eclarati on to avoi d its m isuse. A decl arati on exam ple is:
“This type test report m ay not be reproduced other th an in full, except with the prior written approval of the
issuing testing l aboratory. Thi s type test report on ly covers the sam ples su bm itted for test and d oes not
produce evi dence of the quality for series production. ”
 – 18 – I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7

8. 6 Testin g eq u ipm en t d escription

Description of equipment used for every test conducted, for exam ple generators,
conditioning/ageing devices.

8. 7 M easu ri n g i n stru m en ts descripti on

Characteristics and calibration dates of all instruments used for measuring the values
specified in this docum ent, for exam ple shunts, oscilloscopes, ohmm eters, torque meters.

8. 8 Resu lts an d param eters record ed

a) The required passing criteria for each test, defined in the standard.
b) The m easured, observed or derived results shall be clearl y identified at least for:
• isolation resistance,
• withstand voltage (power frequency withstand voltage, DC withstand voltage),
• rated spark over voltage,
• lightning current carrying capability (current, charge, specific energ y, duration),
• connection com ponent test results as per 6. 1 d) (ohmic resistance, tightening and
loosening torques),
• marking,
• statem ent of U V resistance.
The above shall be presented by means of tables, graphs, drawings, photographs or other
docum entation of visual observations as appropriate.

8. 9 Statem en t of pass/fai l

A statem ent of pass/fail is necessary, identifying the part of the test for which the specim en
has failed and also a description of the failure.
I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7 – 19 –

Annex A
(normative)
Flow chart of tests
A flow chart of tests of I SGs is shown in Figure A. 1 . An I SG with an integral connection
com ponent part and its design shall be subjected to the testing regim e of I EC 62561 -1 using
the appropriate lightning current given in Table 1 .
 – 20 – I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7

START

Selection of three
specimens

No
Documentation (5.3) Failed

Indoor Indoor installation in Outdoor installation in

installation specific environments specific environments

No corrosion No cracks
Mechanical test (6.4) Corrosion test (6.3) UV radiation test (6.2)

Cracks Corrosion Cracks

FAILED
No cracks
< 500 kΩ
Isolation resistance (6.5.1 )
≥ 500 kΩ
Operation
Withstand voltage (6.5.2)
No operation
Rated impulse sparkover No operation or cracks
voltage (6.5.3)
Operation
Damage
Lightning current (6.5.4)
FAILED

No damage
< 500 kΩ
Isolation resistance (6.5.1 )

≥ 500 kΩ
Operation
Withstand voltage (6.5.2)

No operation
No operation
Rated impulse sparkover voltage (6.5.3)
Operation
Installation instructions (6.6) No complete

Complete
Illegible
Marking test (6.7)
Legible
Passed

Legible
END IEC

F i g u re A. 1 – F l o w c h a rt o f t h e s e q u e n c e o f t e s t s fo r I S G s
I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7 – 21 –

Annex B
(normative)
Environmental test for isolating spark gaps

B.1 General
The conditioning ageing test consists of a salt mist treatment as specified in Clause B. 2,
followed by a hum id sulphurous atm osphere treatm ent as specified in Clause B. 3 and an
additional am monia atmosphere treatment for specimens where an y component part is m ade
of copper alloy with a copper content less than 80 %, as specified in Clause B.4.

The m anufacturer or supplier shall provide proof of the copper content of an y part of the
assembly m ade from an alloy of copper.

B.2 Salt mist treatment

The salt mist treatment shall be in accordance with I EC 60068-2-52:1 996 except for
Clauses 7, 1 0 and 1 1 which are not applicable. The test is carried out using severity (2).

I f the salt mist chamber can m aintain the tem perature conditions as specified in
I EC 60068-2-52:1 996, 9. 3 and a relative hum idity of not less than 90 % then the specim en
may rem ain in the chamber for the hum idity storage period.

B.3 Humid sulphurous atmosphere treatment

The humid sulphurous atmosphere treatm ent shall be in accordance with I SO 6988: 1 985 with
seven cycles with a volum e concentration of sulphur dioxide of 667 x 1 0 -6 ± 25 x 1 0 -6 , except
for Clauses 9 and 1 0 which are not applicable.

Each cycle which has duration of 24 h is com posed of a heating period of 8 h at a temperature
of 40 °C ± 3 °C in the hum id saturated atm osphere which is followed by a rest period of 1 6 h.
After that, the hum id sulphurous atmosphere is replaced.

I f the test chamber m aintains the tem perature conditions as specified in I SO 6988: 1 985,
6. 5. 2, then the specimen m ay rem ain in the cham ber for the storage period.

B.4 Ammonia atmosphere treatment

The amm onia atmosphere treatm ent shall be in accordance with I SO 6957: 1 988 for a
moderate atmosphere with the pH value 1 0 except for 8.4 and Clause 9, which are not
applicable.
 – 22 – I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7

Annex C
(normative)
Environmental test for outdoor isolating spark gaps –
Resistance to ultraviolet light

C.1 General
A set of samples shall be subj ected to ultraviolet light conditioning specified in Clauses C. 2,
C. 3, or C. 4. All sets tested are considered representative of the material’s entire colour range.

Samples shall be m ounted on the inside of the cylinder in the ultraviolet light apparatus so
that the samples do not touch each other and shall be positioned in such a way that their
surface is exposed perpendicularl y to the light source.

C.2 The tests

The specim ens shall be exposed for (1 000 ± 1 ) h to an xenon-arc, M ethod A, in accordance
with I SO 4892-2: 2006. Continuous exposure to light and intermittent exposure to water spray,
with a programmed cycle of (1 20 ± 1 ) min consisting of a (1 02 ± 1 ) min light exposure and a
(1 8 ± 1 ) m in exposure to water spray with light, shall be used. The apparatus shall operate
with a water-cooled xenon-arc lam p, borosilicate glass inner and outer optical filters, a
spectral irradiance of 0, 35 W × m –2 × nm –1 at 340 nm and a black panel tem perature of
(65 ± 3) °C. The temperature of the cham ber shall be (45 ± 5) °C. The relative hum idity in the
chamber shall be (50 ± 5) %.

C.3 First alternative test to C.2

The specimens shall be exposed for (720 ± 1 ) h to open-flam e sunshine carbon-arc, in
accordance with I SO 4892-4. Continuous exposure to light and intermittent exposure to water
spray, with a programm ed cycle of (1 20 ± 1 ) m in consisting of a (1 02 ± 1 ) min light exposure
and an 1 8 m in exposure to water spray with light, shall be used. The apparatus shall operate
with an open-flam e sunshine carbon-arc lamp, borosilicate glass type 1 inner and outer
optical filters, a spectral irradiance of 0, 35 W × m –2 × nm –1 at 340 nm and a black panel
temperature of (63 ± 3) °C. The temperature of the cham ber shall be (45 ± 5) °C with a
relative hum idity of (50 ± 5) %.

C.4 Second alternative test to C.2

The specim ens shall be exposed for total irradiation energy equ al to the values given in
Clause C. 2, to fluorescent U V light in accordance with I SO 4892-3: 2006. The exposure
conditions shall be by continuous exposure to light and interm ittent exposure to water spray,
with a program med cycle of (360 ± 1 ) m in light exposure and (60 ± 1 ) min exposure to water
spray with light as described in I SO 4892-3.2006, Table 4, M ethod A, cycle 3.
I EC 62561 -3: 201 7 © I EC 201 7 – 23 –

Bibliography
[1 ] I EC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)

[2] I EC 62305-3, Protection against lightning – Part 3: Physical damage to structures and
life hazard

[3] I EC 62305-4, Protection against lightning – Part 4: Electrical and electronic systems
within structures

[4] I EC 61 643-1 1 , Low-voltage surge protective devices – Part 1 1 : Surge protective

devices connected to low-voltage power systems – Requirements and test methods

[5] I EC 62305-1 , Protection against lightning – Part 1 : General principles

___________
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