IEC 60305:2021 applies to string insulator units of the cap and pin type with insulating parts of ceramic material or glass, intended for AC overhead lines with a nominal voltage greater than 1 000 V and a frequency not greater than 100 Hz. It also applies to insulators of similar design used in substations. This document applies to string insulator units of the cap and pin type either with ball and socket couplings or with clevis and tongue couplings. This document applies to string insulator units for use on overhead lines in clean areas and polluted areas. For use in areas characterized by very heavy pollution levels and for other particular or extreme environmental conditions, it may be necessary for certain dimensions to be changed and insulator units having different creepage distances, spacing and forms may be preferred (for example, flat profile, hemispherical etc.). Insulators for use on DC systems may also need different dimensions. In any case, it is applicable that the standardized mechanical characteristics of this document and coupling sizes are retained. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 1995. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- wording in Scope changed from "it is recommended" to "it is applicable";
- new normative references added;
- electromechanical or mechanical failing load in Clause 4 specified;
- new figures added showing profiles.