scope:

This International Standard specifies characteristics forcomposite insulators of electric traction overhead contact linesystems for railways, as defined in IEC 60913. Insulators specifiedin this standard are applied for electric traction supply voltageswith a nominal voltage greater than 1 000 V for a.c. or a nominalvoltage greater than 1 500 V for d.c.. Specific applications wherehigh torsional loads can occur are outside the scope of thisstandard and particular tests are agreed between the supplier andcustomer to represent the critical loading arrangements. ThisInternational Standard applies to composite insulators as definedin 3.1 below and not to other polymeric insulators. The provisionscontained in this standard are intended for the design andconstruction of new electric traction overhead contact line systemsusing insulators, or when complete refurbishment of existingoverhead contact line systems takes place. This standard providesthe purchaser and manufacturer with a range of tests which are usedto evaluate the suitability of an insulator product for a givenrailway environment. Additional tests may be specified by theclient to measure the compliance of the insulator under particularoperating conditions. The standard establishes the productcharacteristics, the test methods and acceptance criteria. Theobject of this standard is to stipulate the provisions for thedesign and provision of the service indicated by the manufacturerto the customer or informed buyer for application on the railwayinfrastructure.