Improvements in IEEE C62.11 test standards

A new edition of IEEE C62.11, will soon be published and will contain significant changes on how arrester energy handling capability is tested and verified. For the first time, users will have information necessary to make head-to-head comparisons of energy handling capability of arresters produced by different manufacturers. The tests will provide information for both multiple impulse energy (a thermal stability and recovery consideration) and maximum single impulse capability (a physical damage consideration). Further improvements in the standard include an updated front-of-wave discharge voltage test method, a simplified temporary overvoltage test and a more realistic metal oxide material aging test. Much of the improvements arose from a multi-year review of the various tests which resulted in a comprehensive annex that provides rationale for each required test and which will serve as a springboard for improving product tests in future editions of the standard. This paper also makes application recommendations for the new characteristics.