SIST EN IEC 60358-1:2026
(Main)Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 1: General rules (IEC 60358-1:2025)
Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 1: General rules (IEC 60358-1:2025)
This part of IEC 60358 applies to:
Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers, with rated voltage > 1 000 V, connected line to ground with the low-voltage terminal either permanently earthed or connected to devices, for applications listed hereunder and other similar uses.
This document serves as a basic standard for the coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers.The different parts of this standard series will present the supplementary specifications and tests, for example IEC 60358-2, IEC 60358-3 or IEC 60358-4.
Diagrams of coupling capacitor and capacitor divider to which this standard series applies are given in Figure A.1 and Figure A.2 (see Annex A).
Kopplungskondensatoren und kapazitive Teiler - Teil 1: Allgemeine Bestimmungen (IEC 60358-1:2025)
Condensateurs de couplage et diviseurs capacitifs - Partie 1: Règles générales (IEC 60358-1:2025)
La présente partie de l’IEC 60358 s’applique:
aux condensateurs de couplage et aux diviseurs capacitifs, avec une tension assignée > 1 000 V, connectés entre la ligne et la terre avec la borne basse tension connectée de manière permanente à la terre ou connectée à des dispositifs, pour les applications énumérées ci-dessous et d’autres utilisations semblables.
Le présent document constitue une norme de base pour les condensateurs de couplage et les diviseurs capacitifs.
Sklopni kondenzatorji in kondenzatorski delilniki - 1. del: Splošna pravila (IEC 60358-1:2025)
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 30-Apr-2025
- Publication Date
- 12-Mar-2026
- Technical Committee
- I09 - Imaginarni 09
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 23-Feb-2026
- Due Date
- 30-Apr-2026
- Completion Date
- 13-Mar-2026
Relations
- Replaces
SIST EN 60358-1:2012/AC:2014 - Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 1: General rules - Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2026
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2026
- Effective Date
- 10-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 10-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Refers
SIST EN IEC 60071-1:2021 - Insulation co-ordination - Part 1: Definitions, principles and rules - Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
Overview
The kSIST FprEN IEC 60358-1:2025 standard, titled "Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 1: General rules", is established by the CLC to define fundamental requirements and specifications for coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers with rated voltages exceeding 1,000 V. This international standard consolidates and updates previous editions, presenting essential general rules applicable to these high-voltage components primarily connected line-to-ground. It is designed to serve as a foundational document for manufacturers, engineers, and industry stakeholders involved in the application, testing, and maintenance of power capacitors used in high-voltage environments.
Key Attributes:
- Covers coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers rated above 1,000 V
- Applicable for both permanently earthed low-voltage terminals and terminals connected to devices
- Incorporates detailed technical content showing changes compared to previous editions
- Ensures harmonization for use in power systems requiring highly reliable capacitive setups
Key Topics
Scope and Definitions
IEC 60358-1:2025 specifies:
- Terms, definitions, symbols, and abbreviations essential for uniform understanding
- Types of capacitors covered and their specific operational conditions
- Standard voltage ratings, frequencies, and terminal conditions
Environmental and Service Conditions
- Specifications for normal and special environmental conditions including temperature, altitude, vibrations, and exposure to weather
- Detailed service conditions for indoor and outdoor applications to ensure reliability under different operational environments
Design and Testing Requirements
- Insulation standards for different terminals and materials to ensure electrical safety and durability
- Requirements for partial discharge, chopped lightning impulse, and power frequency capacitance testing
- Mechanical and tightness requirements to prevent ingress of gases or liquids
- Electromagnetic emissions limits focusing on radio interference voltage (RIV)
- Temperature rise limits and ageing criteria to guide longevity and performance consistency
Testing Procedures
- Classification of various tests including routine, type, special, and design tests with detailed sequences
- Testing circuits for partial discharge, impulse voltage, radio interference, and other electrical performance parameters
- Procedures for transport, storage, erection, operation, and maintenance inspections ensuring safe and compliant use
Safety and Environmental Impact
- Safety guidelines for design, installation, and maintenance phases
- Considerations for minimizing environmental impact across the capacitor’s lifecycle
Applications
The standard applies to:
- High-voltage coupling capacitors used in power transmission and distribution systems for voltage measurement and protective relaying
- Capacitor dividers designed to scale high voltages to measurable levels for instrumentation and control devices
- Applications requiring capacitors with high insulation integrity and endurance against atmospheric and mechanical stresses
- Both indoor and outdoor equipment installations in substations, power plants, and industrial environments requiring secure and reliable capacitor operation
This makes IEC 60358-1:2025 vital for utilities, capacitor manufacturers, electrical engineers, and testing laboratories seeking compliance with internationally recognized rules to optimize product safety, performance, and interoperability.
Related Standards
- IEC 60358 (series) – Other parts complement the general rules with specific technical guidelines for capacitor types and testing methods
- IEC 60076 – Power transformers, which often incorporate related capacitive components in high-voltage systems
- IEC 61000 series – Electromagnetic compatibility requirements relevant to emissions and immunity aspects
- ISO/IEC 17025 – Relevant for laboratories conducting tests specified in IEC 60358-1 for calibration and measurement capability
- Regional equivalents like EN IEC standards reflect harmonized European adoption of IEC 60358-1:2025
Keywords: coupling capacitors, capacitor dividers, high-voltage capacitors, IEC 60358-1, power capacitors standard, voltage rating, insulation requirements, capacitor testing, radio interference voltage, partial discharge, electrical equipment standards, CLC standards, capacitor maintenance, high-voltage measurement, capacitor design criteria
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN IEC 60358-1:2026 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 1: General rules (IEC 60358-1:2025)". This standard covers: This part of IEC 60358 applies to: Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers, with rated voltage > 1 000 V, connected line to ground with the low-voltage terminal either permanently earthed or connected to devices, for applications listed hereunder and other similar uses. This document serves as a basic standard for the coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers.The different parts of this standard series will present the supplementary specifications and tests, for example IEC 60358-2, IEC 60358-3 or IEC 60358-4. Diagrams of coupling capacitor and capacitor divider to which this standard series applies are given in Figure A.1 and Figure A.2 (see Annex A).
This part of IEC 60358 applies to: Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers, with rated voltage > 1 000 V, connected line to ground with the low-voltage terminal either permanently earthed or connected to devices, for applications listed hereunder and other similar uses. This document serves as a basic standard for the coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers.The different parts of this standard series will present the supplementary specifications and tests, for example IEC 60358-2, IEC 60358-3 or IEC 60358-4. Diagrams of coupling capacitor and capacitor divider to which this standard series applies are given in Figure A.1 and Figure A.2 (see Annex A).
SIST EN IEC 60358-1:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 29.120.99 - Other electrical accessories; 29.240.99 - Other equipment related to power transmission and distribution networks; 31.060.70 - Power capacitors. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN IEC 60358-1:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 60358-1:2012/AC:2014, SIST EN 60358-1:2012, SIST EN ISO 4628-3:2025, SIST EN ISO 22479:2022, SIST EN 60721-1:2001/A2:2001, SIST EN IEC 63012:2019, SIST EN IEC 60071-1:2021, SIST EN IEC 60867:2023, SIST EN IEC 62271-4:2022, SIST EN IEC 60296:2020, SIST EN IEC 60071-11:2023, SIST EN IEC 62770:2025, SIST EN 60721-1:2001, SIST EN IEC 60068-2-11:2021, SIST EN 61099:2011. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN IEC 60358-1:2026 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2014/35/EU; Standardization Mandates: M/511. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
SIST EN IEC 60358-1:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2026
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 60358-1:2012
SIST EN 60358-1:2012/AC:2014
Sklopni kondenzatorji in kondenzatorski delilniki - 1. del: Splošna pravila (IEC
60358-1:2025)
Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 1: General rules (IEC 60358-1:2025)
Kopplungskondensatoren und kapazitive Teiler - Teil 1: Allgemeine Bestimmungen (IEC
60358-1:2025)
Condensateurs de couplage et diviseurs capacitifs - Partie 1: Règles générales (IEC
60358-1:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60358-1:2026
ICS:
31.060.70 Močnostni kondenzatorji Power capacitors
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 60358-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM February 2026
ICS 29.120.99; 29.240.99; 31.060.70 Supersedes EN 60358-1:2012; EN 60358-
1:2012/AC:2013
English Version
Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 1: General
rules
(IEC 60358-1:2025)
Condensateurs de couplage et diviseurs capacitifs - Partie Kopplungskondensatoren und kapazitive Teiler - Teil 1:
1: Règles générales Allgemeine Bestimmungen
(IEC 60358-1:2025) (IEC 60358-1:2025)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2026-01-27. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 60358-1:2026 E
European foreword
The text of document 33/732/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 60358-1, prepared by TC 33 "Power
capacitors and their applications" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by
CENELEC as EN IEC 60358-1:2026.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2027-02-28
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2029-02-28
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60358-1:2012 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CENELEC by the
European Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these
requests for its Member States.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60358-1:2025 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 60060-2 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60060-2
IEC 60085 NOTE Approved as EN 60085
IEC 60358-2 NOTE Approved as EN 60358-2
IEC 60358-3 NOTE Approved as EN 60358-3
IEC 60358-4 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60358-4
IEC 60422 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60422
IEC 61462 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 61462
IEC 61869-5 NOTE Approved as EN 61869-5
IEC 62155 NOTE Approved as EN 62155
IEC 62217:2012 NOTE Approved as EN 62217:2013 (not modified)
IEC 62271-203 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 62271-203
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE 1 Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60038 - IEC standard voltages EN 60038 -
IEC 60060-1 - High-voltage test techniques - Part 1: EN IEC 60060-1 -
General terminology and test requirements
IEC 60068-2-11 2021 Environmental testing - Part 2-11: Tests - EN IEC 60068-2-11 2021
Test Ka: Salt mist
IEC 60068-2-17 - Environmental testing - Part 2-17: Tests - EN IEC 60068-2-17 -
Test Q: Sealing
IEC 60071-1 - Insulation co-ordination - Part 1: EN IEC 60071-1 -
Definitions, principles and rules
IEC 60071-2 - Insulation co-ordination - Part 2: EN IEC 60071-2 -
Application guidelines
IEC 60071-11 - Insulation co-ordination - Part 11 - EN IEC 60071-11 -
Definitions, principles and rules for HVDC
system
IEC 60270 - High-voltage test techniques - Charge- EN IEC 60270 -
based measurement of partial discharges
IEC 60296 - Fluids for electrotechnical applications - EN IEC 60296 -
Mineral insulating oils for electrical
equipment
IEC 60376 - Specification of technical grade sulphur EN IEC 60376 -
hexafluoride (SF6) and complementary
gases to be used in its mixtures for use in
electrical equipment
IEC 60480 - Specifications for the re-use of sulphur EN IEC 60480 -
hexafluoride (SF6) and its mixtures in
electrical equipment
IEC 60721 series Classification of environmental conditions - EN 60721 series
Part 1: Environmental parameters and their
severities
IEC/TS 60815-1 2008 Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage - -
insulators intended for use in polluted
conditions - Part 1: Definitions, information
and general principles
IEC/TS 60815-2 2008 Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage - -
insulators intended for use in polluted
conditions - Part 2: Ceramic and glass
insulators for a.c. systems
IEC/TS 60815-3 2008 Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage - -
insulators intended for use in polluted
conditions - Part 3: Polymer insulators for
a.c. systems
IEC 60867 - Insulating liquids - Specifications for EN IEC 60867 -
unused liquids based on synthetic aromatic
hydrocarbons
IEC 61099 - Insulating liquids - Specifications for EN 61099 -
unused synthetic organic esters for
electrical purposes
IEC 62271-4 2022 High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - EN IEC 62271-4 2022
Part 4: Handling procedures for gases for
insulation and/or switching
IEC 62770 - Fluids for electrotechnical applications - EN IEC 62770 -
Unused natural esters for transformers and
similar electrical equipment
IEC 63012 - Insulating liquids - Unused modified or EN IEC 63012 -
blended esters for electrotechnical
applications
ISO 4628-3 - Paints and varnishes - Evaluation of EN ISO 4628-3 -
quantity and size of defects, and of
intensity of uniform changes in appearance
- Part 3: Assessment of degree of rusting
ISO 22479 - Corrosion of metals and alloys - Sulfur EN ISO 22479 -
dioxide test in a humid atmosphere (fixed
gas method)
CISPR/TR 18-2 - Radio interference characteristics of - -
overhead power lines and high-voltage
equipment - Part 2: Methods of
measurement and procedure for
determining limits
IEC 60358-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2025-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers -
Part 1: General rules
ICS 29.120.99; 29.240.99; 31.060.70 ISBN 978-2-8327-0893-4
IEC 60358-1:2025-12(en)
IEC 60358-1:2025 © IEC 2025
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms . 10
3.1 General . 10
3.2 Coupling capacitor and capacitor divider specifics . 14
4 Normal and special environmental conditions . 16
4.1 General . 16
4.2 Normal service conditions . 16
4.2.1 Ambient air temperature . 16
4.2.2 Altitude . 16
4.2.3 Vibrations or earthquakes . 16
4.2.4 Other service conditions for indoor equipment . 16
4.2.5 Other service conditions for outdoor equipment . 17
4.3 Special service conditions . 17
4.3.1 General . 17
4.3.2 Altitude . 17
4.3.3 Ambient temperature . 18
4.3.4 Earthquakes . 19
4.4 System earthing . 19
5 Ratings . 19
5.1 Standard values of rated frequency . 19
5.2 Standard values of rated voltages . 19
5.2.1 Rated voltage U for AC . 19
r
5.2.2 Rated voltage U for DC . 19
r
5.3 Standard values of rated voltage factor . 20
5.3.1 Standard values of rated voltage factor for AC voltages . 20
5.3.2 Standard values of rated voltage factor for DC voltages . 21
6 Design requirements. 21
6.1 Insulation requirements . 21
6.2 Other insulation requirements . 23
6.2.1 Low-voltage terminal not exposed to weather . 23
6.2.2 Low-voltage terminal exposed to weather . 23
6.2.3 Partial discharges . 23
6.2.4 Chopped lightning impulse test . 24
6.2.5 Capacitance at power frequency . 25
6.2.6 Losses of the capacitor at power frequency . 25
6.2.7 External insulation requirements . 25
6.3 Electromagnetic emission requirements – Radio interference voltage (RIV) . 26
6.4 Mechanical requirements . 26
6.5 Tightness of equipment . 27
6.5.1 General . 27
6.5.2 Liquid tightness . 27
6.5.3 Gas tightness . 28
IEC 60358-1:2025 © IEC 2025
6.6 Voltage grading for DC capacitors. 29
6.7 Requirements for temperature rise . 30
6.8 Capacitor element ageing requirements . 30
6.8.1 General . 30
6.8.2 Capacitor element design criteria. 30
6.9 Marking of the equipment . 31
6.9.1 General . 31
6.9.2 Markings of the rating plate . 31
7 Tests . 33
7.1 General . 33
7.2 Classification of tests . 33
7.2.1 General . 33
7.2.2 Routine tests . 34
7.2.3 Type tests. 34
7.2.4 Special tests . 35
7.2.5 Design tests . 35
7.2.6 Routine test sequence . 36
7.2.7 Type test sequence . 37
7.3 Routine tests . 38
7.3.1 General . 38
7.3.2 Tightness of equipment . 38
7.3.3 Capacitance and tanδ measurement at power-frequency . 38
7.3.4 Power-frequency or DC withstand test . 39
7.3.5 Partial discharge measurement. 41
7.3.6 Power-frequency voltage withstand test on low-voltage terminal if
applicable . 42
7.3.7 Resistance measurement for DC equipment . 42
7.3.8 Verification of markings . 42
7.3.9 Gas dew point measurement . 42
7.4 Type tests . 43
7.4.1 General . 43
7.4.2 Impulse tests . 43
7.4.3 Wet test for outdoor equipment . 45
7.4.4 Radio interference voltage test . 46
7.4.5 Polarity reversal test for DC equipment . 47
7.4.6 Temperature rise test . 48
7.4.7 Enclosure tightness test at ambient temperature. 50
7.4.8 Mechanical tests . 50
7.5 Special tests . 51
7.5.1 Determination of the temperature coefficient of capacitance T . 51
C
7.5.2 Enclosure tightness test at low and high temperatures . 52
7.5.3 Internal arc test . 53
7.5.4 Multiple chopped impulse test on primary terminals . 53
7.5.5 Measurement of the impedance depending on frequency . 53
7.5.6 Thermal stability test . 54
7.5.7 Corrosion test . 54
7.6 Design tests . 55
7.6.1 Ageing test . 55
IEC 60358-1:2025 © IEC 2025
8 Rules for transport, storage, erection, operation and maintenance. 56
8.1 General . 56
8.2 Conditions during transport, storage and installation . 56
8.3 Installation . 57
8.3.1 General . 57
8.3.2 Unpacking and lifting . 57
8.3.3 Assembly . 57
8.3.4 Mounting . 57
8.3.5 Connections . 57
8.3.6 Final installation inspection and tests . 57
8.4 Maintenance . 58
8.4.1 General . 58
8.4.2 Responsibilities for the manufacturer . 58
9 Safety . 58
10 Influence of products on the natural environment . 59
Annex A (informative) Typical diagram of an equipment . 60
Annex B (informative) Partial discharge test circuit and instrumentation . 61
Annex C (normative) Radio interference voltage – Measurement circuit . 63
Annex D (informative) Superimposed impulse voltage test . 65
D.1 Overview . 65
D.2 Test description . 65
D.3 Criteria to pass the test . 66
Annex E (informative) Test circuit for superimposed impulse voltage tests . 67
E.1 General . 67
E.2 Test circuit using blocking capacitor . 67
E.3 Test circuit using sphere gap . 67
Annex F (informative) High-frequency characteristic measurements . 69
Annex G (informative) Composite AC/DC voltages . 70
G.1 Composite AC/DC voltage descriptions . 70
G.2 Example 1 – without 3PWM . 71
G.3 Example 2 – with 3PWM . 72
G.4 Conclusion . 74
Annex H (informative) Voltage definitions . 75
Bibliography . 76
Figure 1 – Factor m for the switching impulse withstand test . 18
Figure 2 – Reduced scale model capacitor element geometry . 31
Figure 3 – Flow charts test sequence to be applied when performing the routine test. 36
Figure 4 – Flow charts test sequence to be applied when performing the type test . 37
Figure 5 – Test sequence for polarity reversal tests . 48
Figure 6 – Flow chart for temperature rise test . 48
Figure A.1 – Example of a diagram for a coupling capacitor (with and without low-
voltage terminal) . 60
Figure A.2 – Example of a diagram for a capacitor divider (with and without low-voltage
terminal) . 60
Figure B.1 – Test circuit . 61
IEC 60358-1:2025 © IEC 2025
Figure B.2 – Alternative circuit . 61
Figure B.3 – Example of balanced test circuit . 62
Figure B.4 – Example of calibration circuit . 62
Figure C.1 – Measuring circuit . 64
Figure D.1 – Schematic representation of superimposed impulse voltage tests . 65
Figure E.1 – Test circuit for superimposed impulse tests using blocking capacitor . 67
Figure E.2 – Test circuit for superimposed impulse tests using sphere gap . 68
Figure F.1 – Wiring diagram of the measuring circuit for the high-frequency
capacitance and equivalent series resistance of a coupling capacitor . 69
Figure G.1 – Example of an unsymmetrically VSC converter . 71
Figure G.2 – Maximum peak voltage without 3PWM . 72
Figure G.3 – Both individual AC voltage curves with 3PWM . 73
Figure G.4 – Superimposed voltage curve with 3PWM, based on Figure G.3 . 73
Figure H.1 – Voltage overview and definitions. 75
Table 1 – Rated ambient temperature categories . 16
Table 2 – Standard values of rated voltage factors . 20
Table 3 – Standard insulation levels for AC voltages . 21
Table 4 – Partial discharge test voltages and permissible levels . 24
Table 5 – Creepage distance for AC . 26
Table 6 – Static withstand test loads for insulators . 27
Table 7 – Permissible temporary leakage rates for gas systems . 29
Table 8 – Marking of the rating plate . 32
Table 9 – List of Routine tests . 34
Table 10 – List of Type tests . 34
Table 11 – List of Special tests . 35
Table 12 – List of Design tests . 35
Table 13 – Test voltages for units, stacks and complete equipment . 40
Table 14 – Modalities of application of the test loads to the line primary terminals . 51
Table H.1 – Voltage definitions for DC application . 75
IEC 60358-1:2025 © IEC 2025
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
___________
Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers -
Part 1: General rules
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
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patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent
the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 60358-1 has been prepared by IEC Technical Committee 33: Power capacitors and their
applications. It is an International Standard.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition of IEC 60358-1 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to
the previous edition:
a) new terms and definitions are presented in Clause 3;
b) new definitions in Clause 4 and Clause 5;
c) gas-insulated coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers are integrated in Clause 6;
d) new tests in routine, type, special and design test sections are introduced, see Clause 7;
e) new Clause 8, Clause 9 and Clause 10;
IEC 60358-1:2025 © IEC 2025
f) new Annex D, Annex E, Annex F, Annex G and Annex H.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
33/732/FDIS 33/737/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60358 series, published under the general title Coupling capacitors
and capacitor dividers, can be found on the IEC website.
IEC 60358-1, Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 1: General rules
IEC 60358-2, Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 2: AC or DC single-phase
coupling capacitor connected between line and ground for power line carrier-
frequency (PLC) application
IEC 60358-3, Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 3: AC or DC single-phase
coupling capacitor for harmonic-filters applications
IEC 60358-4, Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers - Part 4: DC or AC single-phase
capacitor dividers
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
– reconfirmed,
– withdrawn, or
– revised.
IEC 60358-1:2025 © IEC 2025
INTRODUCTION
This document is the first revision of IEC 60358-1, defining general rules for coupling capacitors
and capacitor dividers.
The main modifications of this revision are listed below:
– terms and definitions:
• new terms and definitions are presented in Clause 3;
– normal and special environmental conditions:
• new definitions in Clause 4 are introduced;
– ratings:
• addition of HV insulation levels above 800 kV;
• new definition on rated voltage U for AC and DC applications;
r
• Clause 5, new definitions for DC application are integrated;
• new standard values of rated voltages are defined;
– design and construction:
• clarification of the altitude correction for external insulation and dielectric tests;
• external insulation requirements for DC application;
• gas-insulated coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers are integrated in Clause 6;
• new test with its requirements on capacitor element ageing is defined;
– type tests:
• temperature rise test: more accurate definition of the test duration;
• lightning impulse test: new test procedure (15 impulses) for U ≥ 300 kV;
m
• mechanical test: moved from special test to type test;
• new enclosure tightness test for gas-insulated coupling capacitors and dividers;
– routine tests:
• tightness tests for gas-insulated equipment;
• gas dew point measurements;
• new flowchart of routine tests presented in Figure 3;
– special tests:
• determination of temperature coefficient of the capacitor element;
• new enclosure tightness test on low and hot temperature;
• information about internal arc tests;
• information about multiple chopped impulse tests;
• new test on impedance measurements depending on frequency;
• new test on thermal stability;
• new test on corrosion;
• new flowchart of type tests presented in Figure 4;
– design tests (new clause):
• ageing tests of capacitor elements;
IEC 60358-1:2025 © IEC 2025
– commissioning tests (new clause):
• new installation inspection;
• gas dew point test moved from special test to commissioning tests;
– rules for transport, storage, erection, operation and maintenance:
• new mandatory rules for user and manufacturer;
• new conditions for transportation and storage;
– new annexes:
• Annex D (informative): provide information about superimposed impulse voltages;
• Annex E (informative): provide information on test setups for superimposed impulse
voltage tests;
• Annex F (informative): is introduced on high-frequency characteristic measurements;
• Annex G (informative): provide information about composite AC/DC voltages;
• Annex H (informative): present a summary of all voltages used in DC application.
IEC 60358-1:2025 © IEC 2025
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60358 applies to:
– Coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers, with rated voltage > 1 000 V, connected line to
ground with the low-voltage terminal either permanently earthed or connected to devices,
for applications listed hereunder and other similar uses.
This document serves as a basic standard for the coupling capacitors and capacitor dividers.
The different parts of this standard series will present the supplementary specifications and
tests, for example IEC 60358-2, IEC 60358-3 or IEC 60358-4.
Diagrams of coupling capacitor and capacitor divider to which this standard series applies are
given in Figure A.1 and Figure A.2 (see Annex A).
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60038, IEC standard voltages
IEC 60060-1, High-voltage test techniques - Part 1: General definitions and test requirements
IEC 60068-2-11:2021, Environmental testing - Part 2-11: Tests - Test Ka: Salt mist
IEC 60068-2-17, Environmental testing - Part 2-17: Tests - Test Q: Sealing
IEC 60071-1, Insulation co-ordination - Part 1: Definitions, principles and rules
IEC 60071-2, Insulation co-ordination - Part 2: Application guidelines
IEC 60071-11, Insulation co-ordination - Part 11:Definitions, principles and rules for HVDC
system
IEC 60270, High-voltage test techniques - Charge-based measurement of partial discharges
IEC 60296, Fluids for electrotechnical applications - Mineral insulating oils for electrical
equipment
IEC 60376, Specification of technical grade sulphur hexafluoride (SF ) and complementary
gases to be used in its mixtures for use in electrical equipment
IEC 60480, Specifications for the re-use of sulphur hexafluoride (SF ) and its mixtures in
electrical equipment
IEC 60721 (all parts), Classification of environmental conditions
IEC TS 60815-1:2008, Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage insulators intended for use
in polluted conditions - Part 1: Definitions, information and general principles
IEC TS 60815-2:2008, Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage insulators intended for use
in polluted conditions - Part 2: Ceramic and glass insulators for a.c. systems
IEC 60358-1:2025 © IEC 2025
IEC TS 60815-3:2008, Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage insulators intended for use
in polluted conditions - Part 3: Polymer insulators for a.c. systems
IEC 60867, Insulating liquids - Specifications for unused liquids based on synthetic aromatic
hydrocarbons
IEC 61099, Insulating liquids - Specifications for unused synthetic organic esters for electrical
purposes
IEC 62271-4:2022, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 4: Handling procedures for
gases for insulation and/or switching
IEC 62770, Fluids for electrotechnical applications - Unused natural esters for transformers and
similar electrical equipment
IEC 63012, Insulating liquids - Unused modified or blended esters for electrotechnical
applications
ISO 4628-3, Paints and varnishes - Evaluation of quantity and size of defects, and of intensity
of uniform changes in appearance - Part 3: Assessment of degree of rusting
ISO 22479, Corrosion of metals and alloys - Sulfur dioxide test in a humid atmosphere (fixed
gas method)
CISPR/TR 18-2, Radio interference characteristics of overhead power lines and high-voltage
equipment - Part 2: Methods of measurement and procedure for determining limits
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
– IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/;
– ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp.
NOTE Some of these terms and definitions are identical to or are similar to those of IEC 60050-321:1986,
IEC 60050-436:1990, IEC 60050-601:1985 and IEC 60050-604:1987. These are indicated by the relevant reference
in brackets.
3.1 General
3.1.1
rated frequency of equipment
f
r
frequency for which the coupling capacitor has been designed
3.1.2
rated voltage
U
r
voltage based on the maximum voltage U including superimposed harmonic and sub-
m
harmonic voltages between phase to ground
IEC 60358-1:2025 © IEC 2025
3.1.3
rated voltage
highest value of line to ground voltage, including harmonics and commutation overshoots,
for which the equipment is designed and may be used in respect of its insulation
3.1.4
highest voltage for equipment
U
m
highest RMS value of phase-to-phase voltage for which the equipment is designed and
may be used in respect of its insulation
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-614:2016, 614-03-01, modified – Symbol added, "(RMS value)" deleted,
"service" replaced with "operating" and "greatest" replaced with "highest"]
3.1.5
creepage distance voltage
U
cd
voltage which is needed to calculate the creepage distance based on IEC TS 60815-4
3.1.6
DC system voltage
U
DC
highest mean or average operating voltage to earth, excluding harmonics and commutation
overshoots
[SOURCE: IEC 60071-5:2014, Annex A]
3.1.7
maximum DC system voltage
U
DCmax
almost a pure DC voltage with a magnitude dependent on voltage control and measuring
tolerance excluding harmonics and commutation overshoots
3.1.8
rated lightning impulse withstand voltage
U
LIWV
highest peak value of the lightning impulse voltage which does not cause breakdown of
insulation under specified conditions
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-442:2002, 442-09-18, modified – "rated lightning" added to term,
"lightning" added to definition, "of prescribed form and polarity" removed from definition]
3.1.9
rated switching impulse withst
...




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