BS EN 61394:2011

Incorporating corrigendum August 2012

BSI Standards Publication

Overhead lines —
Requirements for greases for
aluminium, aluminium alloy
and steel bare conductors

NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

raising standards worldwide™

BS EN 61394:2011 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 61394:2011. It is
identical to IEC 61394:2011, incorporating corrigendum August 2012.
It supersedes PD IEC 61394:1997 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee GEL/7, Overhead electrical conductors.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained
on request to its secretary.
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 2013.
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2013
ISBN 978 0 580 80555 4
ICS 29.060.20; 29.240.20; 75.100
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 31 January 2012.
Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication
Date Text affected
Implementation of IEC corrigendum August 2012:
Table 1 modified
 BS EN 61394:2011

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 61394

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM November 2011

ICS 29.060.20; 29.240.20

English version

Overhead lines -
Requirements for greases for aluminium, aluminium alloy and steel bare
conductors
(IEC 61394:2011)

Lignes aériennes - Freileitungen -

Exigences pour les graisses pour Anforderungen für Fette für blanke Leiter
conducteurs nus en aluminium, en alliage aus Aluminium, Aluminiumlegierung und
d'aluminium et en acier Stahl
(CEI 61394:2011) (IEC 61394:2011)

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2011-11-16. 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, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

© 2011 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.

Ref. No. EN 61394:2011 E

BS EN 61394:2011

EN 61394:2011 -2-

Foreword
The text of document 7/609/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 61394, prepared by IEC/TC 7 "Overhead
electrical conductors" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as
EN 61394:2011.

The following dates are fixed:

• latest date by which the document has (dop) 2012-08-16

to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national (dow) 2014-11-16
standards conflicting with the
document have to be withdrawn

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

Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61394:2011 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
 BS EN 61394:2011

-3- EN 61394:2011

Annex ZA
(normative)

Normative references to international publications

with their corresponding European publications
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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.

NOTE When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.

Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 60068-2-11 1981 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-11 1999
+ corr. December 1999 Part 2: Tests - Test Ka: Salt mist
ISO 2137 2007 Petroleum products and lubricants - - -
Determination of cone penetration of
lubricating greases and petrolatum
ISO 2176 1995 Petroleum products - Lubricating grease - - -
Determination of dropping point
BS EN 61394:2011

–2– 61394 © IEC:2011(E)

CONTENTS
FOREWORD ........................................................................................................................... 3
1 Scope ............................................................................................................................... 5
2 Normative references ....................................................................................................... 5
3 Designation system .......................................................................................................... 5
4 Requirements for grease .................................................................................................. 6
5 Tests ................................................................................................................................ 6
5.1 Classification of tests .............................................................................................. 6
5.1.1 Type tests ................................................................................................... 6
5.1.2 Sample tests ............................................................................................... 6
5.2 Preconditioning of samples ..................................................................................... 6
5.2.1 Type A products .......................................................................................... 6
5.2.2 Type B products .......................................................................................... 6
5.2.3 Products taken from a conductor ................................................................. 7 6
5.3 Drop point ............................................................................................................... 7
5.4 High temperature stability (Type A products only) .................................................... 7
5.5 Penetrability test ..................................................................................................... 7
5.6 Low-temperature adherence .................................................................................... 7
5.7 Acidity/alkalinity (type B grease only) ...................................................................... 7
5.8 Ageing ..................................................................................................................... 8
5.8.1 Preconditioning............................................................................................ 8
5.9 Corrosion tests ........................................................................................................ 8
5.10 Stability of grease on conductor at high temperature ............................................... 8
5.11 Stability of grease on conductor under short-circuit ................................................. 9
Annex A (normative) Acidity or alkalinity test method for type B grease ............................... 11
Annex B (normative) Sample preparation and test procedure for ageing test........................ 13
Annex C (normative) Stability of grease on conductor at high temperature ........................... 16
Annex D (normative) Stability of grease complete conductor under short-circuit ................... 17
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................... 18

Figure 1 – Corrosion coupons ............................................................................................... 10

Figure B.1 – Coupon for type A grease ................................................................................. 13
Figure B.2 – Coupon for type B grease ................................................................................. 14

Table 1 – Classification of tests .............................................................................................. 6

Table A.1 – Acidity or alkalinity index formula ....................................................................... 12
 BS EN 61394:2011

61394 © IEC:2011(E) –3–

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________

OVERHEAD LINES –
REQUIREMENTS FOR GREASES FOR ALUMINIUM,
ALUMINIUM ALLOY AND STEEL BARE CONDUCTORS

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

International Standard IEC 61394 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 7: Overhead
electrical conductors.

This first edition of IEC 61394 cancels and replaces the first edition of technical specification
IEC/TS 61394 published in 1997. It constitutes a technical revision and now has the status of
an International Standard.

The text of this standard is based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting

7/609/FDIS 7/613/RVD

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

This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
BS EN 61394:2011

–4– 61394 © IEC:2011(E)

The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be

• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.

IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.

A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

 BS EN 61394:2011

61394 © IEC:2011(E) –5–

OVERHEAD LINES –
REQUIREMENTS FOR GREASES FOR ALUMINIUM,
ALUMINIUM ALLOY AND STEEL BARE CONDUCTORS

1 Scope

This International Standard specifies the requirements and tests of greases designed for
corrosion protection of bare overhead conductors.

2 Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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.

IEC 60068-2-11:1981, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-11: Tests – Test Ka:
Salt mist

lSO 2137:2007, Petroleum products and lubricants – Determination of cone penetration of

lubricating greases and petrolatum

ISO 2176:1995, Petroleum products – Lubricating grease – Determination of dropping point

3 Designation system

Greases shall be designated θ 1 Aθ 2 or θ 1 Bθ 2 where A and B define the type of grease as

follows:

– type A: products generally applied in the cold state, for example greases: semi-solid or
solid products consisting essentially of a stabilized mixture of mineral or synthetic oil and
thickeners such as metal soaps or inorganic compounds;
– type B: products generally applied in the hot state, for example petrolatum: semi-solid, or
solid products made up essentially of microcrystalline waxes associated with small
quantities of mineral oil and organic additives;
– θ 1 is the lowest temperature in °C below 0 °C at which the grease will perform the
requirement of protection of the conductor from atmospheric corrosion;
– θ 2 is the highest temperature, in °C, at which the grease will perform to this requirement
(achieve specified drop point or high temperature stability).

Examples:

− 20A150 type A grease with a temperature θ 1 of -20 °C and θ 2 of 150 °C.

− 20B110 type B grease with a temperature θ 1 of -20 °C and θ 2 of 110 °C.

The grease supplier shall provide a unique identifier for its grease, and shall retain details of
its composition for future reference. The composition shall include manufacturing tolerance
and shall remain unchanged while the grease is marketed under this specific identifier.
BS EN 61394:2011

–6– 61394 © IEC:2011(E)

IEC 61394
4 Requirements for grease (First edition – 2011)
BS EN 61394:2011
The grease shall protect overhead bareOverhead lines
conductors – atmospheric corrosion in service and
from
Requirements for greases
in storage. The grease shall remain in the conductor for
foraluminium,
the specified conditions
–6– 61394 © of operation.
IEC:2011(E)
aluminium alloy and steel bare conductors
The grease shall meet the requirements as described in this standard.
4 Requirements for grease
5 Tests CORRIGENDUM 1
The grease shall protect overhead bare conductors from atmospheric corrosion in service and
in
5.1storage. The greaseofshall
Classification testsremain in the conductor for the specified conditions of operation.
The grease shall meet the requirements as described in this standard.
5.1.1 Type tests

5 Tests
Type tests are intended to verify the main characteristics of a grease which depend mainly on
its composition. They are carried out once for a supplier's specific product and then
subsequently
5.1 repeatedofwhen
Classification teststhe composition of the grease has changed.

5.1.1
5.1.2 Type tests
Sample tests
Tabletests
Type 1 – Classification
areare
intended toofverify
teststhe main characteristics of a grease which depend mainly on
Sample tests intended to guarantee the quality of the grease and compliance with the
its composition.
requirements of They
this are carried out once for a supplier's specific product and then
standard.
Replace the existing Table with the following new Table:
subsequently repeated when the composition of the grease has changed.
Table 1 – Classification of tests
5.1.2 Sample tests
Type tests
Type tests Sample Sample
tests tests
Sample tests are intended to guarantee the quality of the grease and compliance with the
Test Test
Type A Type B Type A Type B
requirements of this standard. Type A Type B Type A Type B
Drop point X X X X
Drop point X X X X
Table
High temperature stability 1 – Classification
X of tests X
High temperature stability
Penetrability XX X X X X
Type tests Sample tests
Low temperatureTest
Penetrability adherence X X
TypeXA Type BX Type A X Type B X
Acidity/alkalinity X
Drop point
Low temperature adherence XX X X X X
Ageing X X
High temperature stability X X
Acidity/alkalinity
Stability on conductor a a X
Penetrability X X X X
Stability on conductor (short-circuit) a a
Ageing X X
Low temperature adherence X X
a If requested by the purchaser.
Acidity/alkalinity
Corrosion test X X X
Ageing Xa X
Stability on conductor (high temperature) a

5.2 Preconditioning of samples

Stability on conductor a a
Stability on conductor (short circuit) a
a
a
a
Stability on conductor (short-circuit)
5.2.1 Type A products
a a Ifbyrequested
If requested the purchaser.
by the purchaser.
Type A grease delivered with an excess of oil on the surface shall not be acceptable. Excess
oil on the surface of the product after storage shall be removed. If necessary, the product
shall
5.2 be mixed prior to carrying
Preconditioning out the measurements.
of samples

5.2.1
5.2.2 A products
Type B
Typeproduct
The A grease delivered
shall withbetween
be heated an excess 10 of
°Coil
to on
20 the
°C surface shall
above the not be acceptable.
temperature Excess
at which melting
oil on the surface of the product after storage shall be removed. If necessary,
occurs, and maintained at this temperature for 30 min. The quantity necessary for carrying outthe product
shalltests
the be mixed prior
shall be to carrying
poured outtest
into the the containers
measurements.and allowed to cool at ambient temperature
for a period of at least 24 h.
5.2.2 Type B products
5.2.3 Products taken from a conductor
The product shall be heated between 10 °C to 20 °C above the temperature at which melting
occurs,the
When and maintained
product to be at this temperature
tested is taken fromfor 30 min. The
a conductor, noquantity necessary
preconditioning is for carrying out
allowed.
the tests shall be poured into the test containers and allowed to cool at ambient temperature
for a period of at least 24 h.
August 2012
5.2.3 Products taken from a conductor

When the product to be tested is taken from a conductor, no preconditioning is allowed.

5.2.2 Type B products

The product shall be heated between 10 °C to 20 °C above the temperature at whichBS ENmelting
61394:2011
occurs, and maintained at this temperature for 30 min. The quantity necessary for carrying out
the tests
61394 shall be poured into the test containers
© IEC:2011(E) – 7 – and allowed to cool at ambient temperature
for a period of at least 24 h.

5.3 Drop point BS EN 61394:2011

5.2.3 Products taken from a conductor
5.3.1 The determination of the drop point shall be made using the method given in ISO 2176.
When the
61394 product to be tested is taken from a
© IEC:2011(E) – conductor,
7– no preconditioning is allowed.

5.3.2 When tested in accordance with 5.3.1, the minimum value of 5 determinations shall be
5.3
greaterDrop
than point
or equal to θ 2 . Type A products may not have a well defined drop point, in which
case the tests shall be stopped when the temperature reaches (θ 2 + 20) °C.
5.3.1 The determination of the drop point shall be made using the method given in ISO 2176.

5.4 High temperature stability (Type A products only)

5.3.2 When tested in accordance with 5.3.1, the minimum value of 5 determinations shall be
greaterThe
5.4.1 thanoilorseparation 2 . Type
equal to θshall be A products may
determined not
using have
the a well
method defined
given in IPdrop
121,point,
after in
1 hwhich
at a
case the tests
temperature of θ .shall be stopped when the temperature reaches (θ 2 + 20) °C.
2

5.4
5.4.2 High
Whentemperature stability with
tested in accordance (Type A products
5.4.1, only) quantity of oil separated shall not
the maximum
exceed 0,2 % by mass.
5.4.1 The oil separation shall be determined using the method given in IP 121, after 1 h at a
temperature of θ 2 .
5.5 Penetrability test
5.4.2 A
5.5.1 When tested
sample in accordance
of grease shall bewith 5.4.1,
tested the the
using maximum quantity
method of ISO
given in oil separated shall
2137, using a not
full
exceed 0,2 % by mass.
scale cone, at a temperature of 25 °C.

5.5
5.5.1.1Penetrability test
Type A products
5.5.1 A
When thesample
type Aofproduct
grease isshall be in
tested tested using the
accordance method
with 5.5.1, given in ISO
the mean 2137,
value using aforfull
obtained a
scale cone, at a temperature of 25 °C.
type test shall be greater than or equal to 70 units × 0,1 mm. Results obtained from sample
tests shall not vary from the value obtained from the type test by more than ± 20 %.
5.5.1.1 Type A products
5.5.1.2the type
When TypeABproduct
products
is tested in accordance with 5.5.1, the mean value obtained for a
type test shall be greater than
When the type B product is tested or equal to 70 units
in accordance 0,1 mm.
with× 5.5.1, theResults obtainedfor
value obtained from sample
a type test
tests shall not vary from the value obtained from the type test by more than ± 20 %.
shall be between 120 and 180 × 0,1 mm. Results obtained from sample tests shall not vary
from the value obtained from the type test by more than ± 20 %.
5.5.1.2 Type B products
5.6 Low-temperature
When the type B product adherence
is tested in accordance with 5.5.1, the value obtained for a type test
shall be between 120 and 180 × 0,1 mm. Results obtained from sample tests shall not vary
5.6.1 An aluminium coupon measuring 100 mm × 100 mm × (1 ± 0,1) mm shall be coated with
from the value obtained from the type test by more than ± 20 %.
a (0,50 ± 0,05) mm thick film of the product on one side and then maintained, along with a
25 mm mandrel, at a temperature less or equal to θ 1 for 1 h.
5.6 Low-temperature adherence
5.6.2 The coupon with the coated side outside of the mandrel shall then be immediately bent
5.6.1 An aluminium coupon measuring 100 mm × 100 mm × (1 ± 0,1) mm shall be coated with
to an angle between 100 ° and 120 ° around the mandrel. The folding time of the coupon is
a (0,50 ± 0,05) mm thick film of the product on one side and then maintained, along with a
5 s.
25 mm mandrel, at a temperature less or equal to θ 1 for 1 h.

5.6.3 When tested in accordance with 5.6.1 and 5.6.2, the product shall remain adhering to
5.6.2 The coupon with the coated side outside of the mandrel shall then be immediately bent
the coupon with no evidence of cracking or flaking when examined by the naked eye or with
to an angle between 100 ° and 120 ° around the mandrel. The folding time of the coupon is
normal corrective lenses.
5 s.

5.7 Acidity/alkalinity (type B grease only)

5.6.3 When tested in accordance with 5.6.1 and 5.6.2, the product shall remain adhering to
the
5.7.1coupon withset-up
The test no evidence of cracking
and method or flaking
is described whenA.examined by the naked eye or with
in Annex
normal corrective lenses.
5.7.2 When tested in accordance with 5.7.1, the acidity or alkalinity of the sample before
5.7
ageingAcidity/alkalinity
shall be less than (type B grease
or equal to 2,0. only)
5.7.1 The test set-up and method is described in Annex A.

5.7.2 When tested in accordance with 5.7.1, the acidity or alkalinity of the sample before
ageing shall be less than or equal to 2,0.
BS EN 61394:2011

–8– 61394 © IEC:2011(E)

5.8 Ageing

5.8.1 Preconditioning

5.8.1.1 Type A grease

No preconditioning is required for Type A grease.

5.8.1.2 Type B grease

A suitable quantity of grease shall be heated to a temperature of 20 °C above the temperature

at which melting occurs, and maintained for 168 h.

5.8.2 Sample preparation shall be in accordance with the procedure described in Annex B.
After ageing, the metal coupons with grease shall be subjected to the corrosion test. The
grease in the cups shall be subjected to the penetrability test as described in 5.5, as well as
the acidity/alkalinity as described in 5.7.

5.8.3 When tested in accordance with 5.8.2, the mean penetrability value shall not differ from
the type test mean value by more than ± 20 %. The acidity/alkalinity index shall be less than
or equal to 2,5.

5.9 Corrosion tests

5.9.1 The coupons shall be prepared in accordance with 5.8. They shall be positioned with
an angle of (20 ± 2) ° in a suitable chamber and then be subjected to the following:

− seven 24 h cycles in a sulphurous atmosphere. For the first 8 h of each cycle, the
chamber shall have a relative humidity greater than 90 % and shall contain 0,067 % of
sulphur dioxide by volume, at a temperature of (40 ± 3) °C. For the remaining 16 h, the
chamber door shall be open to the laboratory atmosphere.
− 168 h in a water spray solution with 5 % of NaCl by mass at a temperature of (35 ± 1) °C
in accordance with IEC 60068-2-11.

5.9.2 The coupons shall be examined after the grease has been removed using a suitable
solvent and the coupons with the lowest and highest degree of corrosion in the evaluation
area (see Annex B) shall both be discarded. There shall only be a limited number of pits and a
limited spread of corrosion from these pits in the central part of the remaining coupon.

5.9.3 The degree of corrosion on the remaining coupon is assessed by means of a grading
index based on the corrosion coupons shown in Figure 1.

5.9.4 When tested in accordance with 5.9.1, the coupon shall have a grading index greater
than or equal to 8.

5.10 Stability of grease on conductor at high temperature

5.10.1 This test is performed at the request of the purchaser only.

5.10.2 A sample of conductor, selected by the user, shall be filled with grease in accordance
with the appropriate IEC conductor specification. The sample shall be subjected to the test
procedure as described in Annex C. The maximum operating temperature, θ 3 , shall be defined
by the purchaser.

5.10.3 When tested in accordance with 5.10.2, the temperature θ A , as defined in Annex C,
shall be not less than θ 3 .
 BS EN 61394:2011

61394 © IEC:2011(E) –9–

5.11 Stability of grease on conductor under short-circuit

5.11.1 This test is performed at the request of the purchaser only.

5.11.2 A sample of conductor, selected by the user, shall be filled with grease in accordance
with the appropriate IEC conductor specification. The sample shall be subjected to the test
procedure as described in Annex D. The withstand temperature, θ 4 , shall be defined by the
purchaser.

5.11.3 When tested in accordance with 5.11.2, the sample shall meet the acceptance criteria
as agreed upon before the test between the supplier and the purchaser.
BS EN 61394:2011

– 10 – 61394 © IEC:2011(E)

IEC 2128/11

Figure 1 – Corrosion coupons

 BS EN 61394:2011

61394 © IEC:2011(E) – 11 –

Annex A
(normative)

Acidity or alkalinity test method for type B grease

A.1 General

The acidity or alkalinity of a grease is measured by comparison with a normalised base, and
neutrality determined by colour indicator change.

A.2 Reagents

− Toluene, minimum 99,5 % by volume

− Ethanol, 96 % by volume
− Alkaline blue solution – 0,1 g alkaline blue in 100 ml of ethanol 96 % by volume
− Potassium hydroxide 0,1 mol/l (or 5,61 mg/ml) solution in ethanol 96 % by volume
− Hydrochloric acid 0,1 mol/l solution in ethanol 96 % by volume.

A.3 Equipment

− Glass conical flask

− Weighing device
− Glass measuring burette.

A.4 Procedure
a) Prepare approximately 1 g of the grease to be tested
b) Weigh the sample with an accuracy of 0,001 g
c) Place the sample in the conical flask
d) Add 60 ml of toluene
e) Add 40 ml of ethanol
f) Add 1 ml of alkaline blue solution
g) If the grease is alkaline, acidify the solution with 5 ml of hydrochloric acid 0,1 mol/l
solution in ethanol
h) Shake the mixture vigorously
i) Using the burette, add the potassium hydroxide solution progressively into the flask,
shaking vigorously
j) When the colour indicator changes colour (from blue to pink) note the volume of potassium
hydroxide solution used, n.

A.5 Calculations

The acidity or alkalinity index is given by the formula in Table A.1.

BS EN 61394:2011

– 12 – 61394 © IEC:2011(E)

Table A.1 – Acidity or alkalinity index formula

Acidity index Alkalinity index

n × 5,61
Acidic grease
m
Alkaline (5 − n ) × 5,61
grease
m

where
n is the volume of potassium hydroxide solution used, ml:
5,61 is the concentration of the hydroxide solution (0,1 mol/l):
m is the mass of grease sample, g.
 BS EN 61394:2011

61394 © IEC:2011(E) – 13 –

Annex B
(normative)

Sample preparation and test procedure for ageing test

B.1 Preparation of metal coupons

Three steel coupons approximately 100 mm × 100 mm × (2 ± 0,1) mm, shall be electro
galvanized from a minimum zinc thickness of 2,8 µm to a maximum of 3,75 µm. The face
which is not to be used in the test shall be covered with a suitable adhesive coating capable
of withstanding the ageing cycles and salt spray of the corrosion test. The quality of the
surface of the coupons shall be examined carefully, and any imperfections recorded and
taken into account by agreement between the grease purchaser and the grease supplier.

B.2 Type A grease

A layer of grease shall be applied to the uncovered surface of each coupon to a uniform
thickness of (100 ± 10) µm. A suggested method to achieve this is illustrated in Figure B.1
where strips of adhesive tape 10 mm wide by (100 ± 10) µm thick are applied to two opposite
sides of each coupon. A slight excess of grease is applied uniformly over the whole surface,
and the excess removed by sliding a straight edge over the strips of tape. The aim shall be to
produce a smooth, uniform surface without imperfections or air entrapment. This may be
achieved by preheating the straight edge. Any remaining imperfections shall be recorded and
taken into account by agreement between the grease purchaser and the grease supplier.

100 ± 5

20 20
Attachment hole

25

Evaluation
area
100 ± 5

15

Adhesive
tape
10 10
IEC 2129/11

Dimensions in millimetres

Note
Tolorance ± 1 mm unless otherwise indicated

Figure B.1 – Coupon for type A grease

BS EN 61394:2011

– 14 – 61394 © IEC:2011(E)

B.3 Type B grease

Metal coupons, as shown in Figure B.2, shall be immersed in a bath of molten grease,
suspended from an attachment hole located in its corner. In order to obtain the required
uniform thickness of (100 ± 10) µm in the central portion of the coupon, the following
parameters should be determined by trials:

− the temperature of the bath, which may be between 10 °C to 30 °C above θ m ;

− the duration of immersion in the grease;
− the vertical draining time after removal.

The coupon shall be withdrawn uniformly from the bath within approximately 0,5 s and the
thickness of grease in the upper portion of the evaluation area confirmed by a thickness
measurements on trial coupons.

Alternatively, a slight excess of grease may be applied by immersing the plate in a bath of
molten grease and, after allowing the grease to cool, removing the excess by sliding a heated
straight edge over previously applied tape strips in a similar manner to that described in B.1.2.
The aim shall be to produce a smooth, uniform surface without imperfections or air
entrapment.

25 25

100 ± 5

Evaluation
area

100 ± 5

15
15
IEC 2130/11

Dimensions in millimetres

Note
Tolorance ± 1 mm unless otherwise indicated

Figure B.2 – Coupon for type B grease

Excess grease shall be removed from the edges of the coupon and the face not under test,
and the average thickness calculated to the closest 10 µm by measuring the increase in mass
of the coupon, using 0,87 g/cm 3 for the density of the protective product, or the value supplied
by the grease supplier.
 BS EN 61394:2011

61394 © IEC:2011(E) – 15 –

B.4 Ageing

Three cups shall be filled with grease and, together with the three coupons held vertically,
shall be placed in a test chamber and subjected to three cycles, each consisting of the
following sequences:

− 72 h dry heat (relative humidity less than 30 %) at 70 °C;

− 24 h wet heat (relative humidity greater than 90 %) at 55 °C;
− three 24 h periods of wet heat and cold comprising:
− 0h to 9h humid atmosphere at 55 °C;
− 9h to 11 h holding in a cold chamber at –20 °C;
− 11 h to 14 h humid atmosphere at 55 °C;
− 14 h to 16 h holding in a cold chamber at –20 °C;
− 16 h to 24 h humid atmosphere at 55 °C.

B.5 Tolerance

Tolerance on time shall be 0,1 h. Tolerance on temperature shall be ± 2 °C.

BS EN 61394:2011

– 16 – 61394 © IEC:2011(E)

Annex C
(normative)

Stability of grease on conductor at high temperature

This test is performed at the request of the purchaser only.

The maximum operating temperature, θ 3 , shall be defined by the purchaser.

The sample conductor shall be at least 3 m long and be terminated with compression type
tension clamps. The filler compound used in the compression type tension clamps shall be
compatible with the grease being tested.

The sample shall be maintained at a tension of between 15 % to 20 % of its rated tensile

strength, at a slope of between 10 ° and 15 ° to the horizontal and heated by the passage of
current through its whole length.

The sample shall be subjected to the following procedure:

− the temperature of the sample shall be raised to the maximum operating temperature θ 3
by increments of 20 °C per 15 min;
− the sample shall be maintained at the maximum operating temperature θ 3 for 1 h;
− the temperature shall be raised by increments of 2 °C per 10 min until the grease flows
freely from the conductor, or until the maximum operating temperature θ 3 is reached,
whichever comes first.

The following temperatures shall be recorded:

− the temperature at which the product fills any space between the wires of the outside layer,
θA;
− the temperature at which the product drips from the conductor (for information only).
 BS EN 61394:2011

61394 © IEC:2011(E) – 17 –

Annex D
(normative)

Stability of grease complete conductor under short-circuit

a) This test is performed at the request of the purchaser only.

b) The withstand temperature, θ 4 , shall be defined by the purchaser.
c) The sample conductor shall be at least 3 m long and be terminated with compression type
tension clamps. The filler compound used in the compression type tension clamps shall be
compatible with the grease being tested.
d) The sample shall be maintained at a tension of between 15 % to 20 % of its rated tensile
strength, at a slope of between 10 ° and 15 ° to the horizontal and heated by the passage
of current through its whole length.
e) The required short-circuit current shall be applied through the end fittings for between
0,5 s to 1,5 s.
f) The maximum conductor surface temperature shall be recorded.
BS EN 61394:2011

– 18 – 61394 © IEC:2011(E)

Bibliography

This annex contains lists of related systems standards.

IEC 60050-466, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Chapter 466: Overhead lines

ISO 3310-1, Test sieves – Technical requirements and testing – Part 1: Test sieves of metal
wire cloth

ISO 3310-2, Test sieves – Technical requirements and testing – Part 2: Test sieves of
perforated metal plate

ISO 5725-2, Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results – Part 2:
Basic method for the determination of repeatability and reproducibility of a standard
measurement method

IP 121/05 1 , Determination of oil separation from lubrication grease – Pressure filtration

method

___________

___________
1 IP = Institute of Petroleum.
This page deliberately left blank
British Standards Institution (BSI)
BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing British Standards and other
standards-related publications, information and services. It presents the UK view on standards
in Europe and at the international level.
BSI is incorporated by Royal Charter . British Standards and other standardization
products are published by BSI Standards Limited .
Revisions
British Standards and PASs are periodically updated by amendment or
revision. Users of British Standards and PASs should make sure that they
possess the latest amendments or editions.
It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and
services. We would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity
while using British Standards would inform the Secretary of the technical
committee responsible, the identity of which can be found on the inside front
cover. Similarly for PASs, please notify BSI Customer Services.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9001 Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001
BSI offers BSI Subscribing Members an individual updating service called
PLUS which ensures that subscribers automatically receive the latest editions
of British Standards and PASs.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7669 Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001
Email: plus@bsigroup.com
Buying standards
You may buy PDF and hard copy versions of standards directly using a
credit card from the BSI Shop on the website www.bsigroup.com/shop.
In addition all orders for BSI, international and foreign standards publications
can be addressed to BSI Customer Services.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9001 Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001
Email: orders@bsigroup.com
In response to orders for international standards, BSI will supply the British
Standard implementation of the relevant international standard, unless
otherwise requested.
BSI
389 Chiswick High Road London W4 4AL UK
Tel +44 (0)20 8996 9001
Fax +44 (0)20 8996 7001
www.bsigroup.com/standards
raising standards worldwide™
Information on standards
BSI provides a wide range of information on national,
European and international standards through its Knowledge
Centre.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7004 Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7005
Email: knowledgecentre@bsigroup.com
BSI Subscribing Members are kept up to date with standards
developments and receive substantial discounts on the purchase price
of standards. For details of these and other benefits contact Membership
Administration.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7002 Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001
Email: membership@bsigroup.com
Information regarding online access to British Standards and
PASs via British Standards Online can be found at
www.bsigroup.com/BSOL
Further information about British Standards is available on the BSI
website at www.bsigroup.com/standards
Copyright
All the data, software and documentation set out in all British Standards
and other BSI publications are the property of and copyrighted by BSI,
or some person or entity that owns copyright in the information used
(such as the international standardization bodies) has formally licensed
such information to BSI for commercial publication and use. Except as
permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no
extract may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in
any form or by any means – electronic, photocopying, recording or
otherwise – without prior written permission from BSI. This does not
preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard, of
necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If
these details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation
then the prior written permission of BSI must be obtained. Details and
advice can be obtained from the Copyright & Licensing Department.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7070
Email: copyright@bsigroup.com