What is BS EN IEC 60296 about?
BS EN IEC 60296 provides specifications and test methods for unused and recycled mineral insulating oils and applies to mineral oil delivered according to the contractual agreement, intended for use in transformers, switchgear, and similar electrical equipment in which oil is required for insulation and heat transfer. Both unused oil and recycled oil under the scope of BS EN IEC 60296 have not been used in, nor been in contact with electrical equipment or other equipment not required for manufacture, storage, or transport.
BS EN IEC 60296 does not apply to mineral insulating oils used as impregnating medium in cables or capacitors.
Who is BS EN IEC 60296 for?
BS EN IEC 60296 on fluids for electrotechnical applications is relevant to:
- Manufacturers of transformers, switchgears and electric equipment that use oil for insulation and heat transfer
- Electrical engineers
- Mechanical industries
Why should you use BS EN IEC 60296?
Mineral insulating oil (MIO) is the most widely used fluid for electrical insulation and heat transfer in the power industry.
BS EN IEC 60296 is useful for manufacturers as it provides high resistivity leading to better insulation values between windings and excellent dielectric properties resulting in minimum power loss.
BS EN IEC 60296 ensures of MIO selected for applications have excellent electrical insulating properties that the ionization of minute bubbles of air and gas in the wire insulation by absorbing them and filling the voids between cable and wrapping.
BS EN IEC 60296 covers necessary properties, their significance and test methods. Properties analyzed are viscosity, pour point, water content, breakdown voltage, density, dielectric dissipation factor (DDF), sulphur content and interfacial tension (IFT).
Oxidation of oil gives rise to acidity and sludge formation. This can be reduced by using oils with a high oxidation stability thus minimizing sludge deposition and maximizing insulation life. BS EN IEC 60296 is your one-stop guide to achieve the same.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN IEC 60296:2020 supersedes BS EN 60296:2012, which is withdrawn, and these technical changes were introduced:
- This International Standard is applicable to specifications and test methods for unused and recycled mineral insulating oils in the delivered state
- Within the transformer insulating oils, two groups, Type A and Type B, are defined, based on their performance
- A new method for stray gassing under thermo-oxidative stress of mineral insulating oils, which has been tested in a joint round robin test (RRT) between CIGRE D1 and IEC technical committee 10, has been included
