Standards briefs

Program evaluates insulating oil labs

The American Society for Testing & Materials begins a verification program next month to monitor testing laboratory performance in evaluating dielectric fluids. Samples of liquid will be sent to participating labs, which will run whichever of the dozen ASTM standard tests they choose on each sample. The result will be incorporated into a statistical summary by ASTM. From the report, each lab can determine its strengths and weaknesses, comparing its performance with others. For further information on the program, contact ASTM at 100 Barr Harbor Dr., P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, Pa. 19428; (619) 832-9683.

Motor and generator updates from NEMA

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association has released the 2003 version of MG1, Motors and Generators, in accordance with the regular cycle of standards updating. Most changes are minor, such as alignment with the latest IEC 60034-5 details on enclosure protection. Copies may be purchased for $208 from Global Engineering Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, Colo. 80112-5704; (800) 854-7179.

IEC turns to insulation endurance

Taking account of the problem associated with inverter-duty motors, the International Electrotechnical Commission has released IEC 62068-1 Ed. 1.0b:2003, Electrical Insulation Systems-Electrical Stresses produced by Repetitive impulses -Part 1:-General Method of Evaluation of Electrical Insulation. Copies are available for $46 from Global Engineering Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, Colo. 80112; (800) 854-7179.

ANSI withdraws obsolete control standards

Updating of the NEMA ICS Series of control device standards has caused the 1993 to 1997 versions of ANSI/NEMA ICS 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.1, and 10 to lapse as far as the American National Standards Institute is concerned. The standards have therefore been withdrawn. Subject matter includes industrial control general requirements, terminal blocks, assemblies, enclosures, safety standards, and transfer switch equipment.

Transfer switch standard adopted by ANSI

Automatic, manual, and bypass/isolation transfer switches are covered by Standard 1008 of Underwriters Laboratories, the August 2003 revision of which has now been adopted by ANSI.

IEEE approves drive standards

The Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers has released Standard 958, Guide for Application of A-C Adjustable-Speed Drives on 2,400 to 13,800 Volt Auxiliary Systems in Electric Power Generating Stations. It includes typical ASD design, specifications, and installation. Also new: IEEE 1531, Guide for Application and Specification of Harmonic niters,

Solar radiation standard revised

IEEE C37.24, Guide for Evaluating the Effect of Solar Radiation in Outdoor Metal-Enclosed Switchgear, has been revised by the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers. Current-carrying capacity of apparatus is affected by the sun, depending upon exposure time and geography.

Edited by the EA staff

Copyright Barks Publications Oct 2003
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved