What is BS EN 50397‑1 - Covered conductors for overhead lines about? 
BS EN 50397-1:2020 Covered conductors for overhead lines and the related accessories for rated voltages above 1 kV AC and not exceeding 36 kV AC is the UK implementation of EN 50397‑1:2020. It supersedes BS EN 50397‑1:2006, which is withdrawn.BS EN 50397-1 is part of a three parts series consisting of:
- BS EN 50397-1:2020 Covered conductors
- BS EN 50397-2:2022 Accessories for covered conductors: Tests and acceptance criteria; and
- BS EN 50397-3:2022 Guide to use
The BS EN 50397 series covers the construction, performance, and test requirements for covered conductors for overhead lines having a nominal voltage U above 1 kV AC up to and including 36 kV AC, and for the related accessories.
Covered conductors consist of a conductor surrounded by a covering made of insulating material as protection against accidental contacts with other covered conductors and with grounded parts such as tree branches, etc. In comparison with insulated conductors, this covering has reduced properties but is able to withstand the phase-to-earth voltage temporarily.
Since covered conductors are unscreened, they are not touch-proof, i.e. they should be treated as bare conductors with respect to electric shock.
These documents do not cover aspects related to the installation of overhead lines such as the determination of clearances, spans, sags, etc. BS EN 50397-1 contains the requirements for covered conductors with or without integrated longitudinal water tightness and/or semi-conductive conductor screen for applications in overhead lines with rated voltages U above 1 kV a.c. and not exceeding 36 kV a.c.
Who is BS EN 50397‑1- Covered conductors for overhead lines for?
BS EN 50397-1 will be of relevance to:
- Cable manufacturers
- Electrical engineers
- Electrical supply network operators
- Suppliers and distributors of electrical covered conductors
What's changed since the last update?
BS EN 50397‑1:2020 supersedes BS EN 50397‑1:2006, which is withdrawn. It includes:
- New references to HD 605 S3 2019
