Typical type tests for Power Capacitor according to IEC 60831-1&2

BTB Electric

• News
• Apr 24, 2025
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A capacitor is an electrical component capable of storing and releasing electrical energy in the form of an electric field. It consists of two conductive plates (called electrodes) separated by a layer of insulating material (called dielectric).

A power factor correction (PFC) capacitor is a type of high-power capacitor. When connected to an electrical system, it generates capacitive reactive power, which neutralizes inductive reactive power caused by devices such as motors and transformers. This process helps to improve the power factor (cosφ) and increases the efficiency of the power system.

Applicable Standards for Power Capacitors

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) provides standards for various types of capacitors, including:

• IEC 60831: Applies to self-healing capacitors for use in AC systems with rated voltage up to 1000V.
• IEC 60871: Applies to capacitors used in AC systems with rated voltage above 1000V.
• IEC 61071: Applies to capacitors used in power electronics (e.g., converters, inverters).
• IEC 60931: Applies to non-self-healing capacitors in AC systems with voltage up to 1000V.
• IEC 63210: Applies to self-healing capacitors for AC systems with voltage above 1000V.

Typical Type Test Items

For Self-Healing Capacitors (IEC 60831):

• Applicable to low-voltage AC systems (≤ 1000V):
• Thermal stability test (see clause 13).
• Measurement of the tangent of the loss angle (tan o) of the capacitor at elevated temperature (see clause 14).
• Voltage test between terminals (see 9.2)
• Voltage test between terminals and container (see 10.2).
• Lightning impulse voltage test between terminals and container (see clause 15).
• Discharge test (see clause 16). g) Ageing test (see clause 17).
• Self-healing test (see clause 18).
• Destruction test (see clause 19).

For Medium and High Voltage Capacitors (IEC 60871):

• Thermal stability test
• Measurement of tg δ at elevated temperature
• AC voltage test between terminals and enclosure
• Impulse voltage test between terminals and enclosure
• Short-circuit discharge test
• Test for external fuse coordination (Annex C)
• Internal fuse disconnection test

Currently, only a few laboratories worldwide are fully equipped to perform all type test items for power capacitors in accordance with international standards. According to our research, reputable laboratories such as VDE (Germany), TÜV, and CPRI (India) have the capability to conduct the complete set of tests.

Conducting type tests is essential and mandatory to ensure that capacitors meet requirements for safety, durability, performance, and reliability during operation. Performing tests in compliance with IEC 60831 or IEC 60871 allows for a comprehensive evaluation of power capacitor quality, ensuring suitability for actual power system conditions.