Standards Development

Scope

This document is applicable to the inspection of surface temperature values and distribution of live high-voltage electrical equipment and components using infrared thermography technology.

This standard

- Defines the terms and definitions;

- Specifies the requirements for the testing environment, equipment to be tested, and personnel;

- Specifies the requirements for the testing system and inspection methods;

- Describes the testing content, testing cycle, testing procedures, compensation and correction methods, and data recording requirements;

- Provides thermal image analysis and operational maintenance recommendations for the equipment;

- Specifies the basic requirements for the inspection report;

- Provides diagnostic guidelines for equipment abnormalities based on thermal image temperature and temperature difference analysis.

This standard supports the detection and analysis of operational equipment’s insulation performance, conductive contacts, functional failures, and other related issues.

Purpose

I. Purpose of the Standard

The standard “High voltage test techniques—Infrared Thermographic Testing of High-voltage electrical equipment” aims to establish unified specifications for detecting surface temperature distribution on live high-voltage electrical equipment. Its core objectives include:

1. Technical Specifications: Define environmental conditions, equipment performance parameters, and testing procedures to guide maintenance engineers in standardized infrared testing, ensuring result consistency.

2. Diagnostic Methods: Provide criteria for identifying defects (e.g., insulation degradation, abnormal conductive contact) based on thermal imaging temperature and gradient analysis, supporting equipment condition assessment. 

3. Global Adoption: Align with international standards (e.g., IEC 60060 series for high -voltage testing) to promote the global application of infrared thermographic diagnostics in high -voltage electrical systems.

II. Market Relevance Analysis

Industry Demand: Thermal defects in high-voltage equipment (e.g., poor contact, insulation degradation) are a leading cause of unplanned outages. Studies show that standardized infrared thermographic testing can significantly improve fault warning efficien cy, yet current methods lack uniformity.

SDG Alignment:

- Supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Enhances transmission reliability and renewable energy integration.

- Supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Advances smart maintenance technologies in power systems.

- Trade Impact**: Standardized methods reduce regional certification discrepancies and improve cross - border trade efficiency for testing equipment. 

III. Horizontal Standard Attributes

This document follows the ISO/IEC Guide 108:2019 framework for cross -sector standardization:

1. Technical Foundations:

- IEC TC 42 (High Voltage Testing Technology)

- ISO/TC 172/SC 9 (Electro-Optical Systems, including thermography). 

2. Safety Framework:

- IEC Guide 51:2014 (Safety Principles)

- IEC 61936-1:2021 (Power Installation Safety Regulations). 

3. Implementation Pathways:

- References ISO 18436-1:2023 (Personnel Competency Evaluation)

- References ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (Testing Laboratory Requirements). 

4. Coordination Mechanisms:

- ISO/TC 172/SC 9: Technical coordination for infrared testing methods.

- ISO/CASCO WG 45: International proficiency testing standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17043).

This structure ensures alignment with global best practices while addressing critical needs in high - voltage equipment reliability and energy transition.