Bsi bs en 61394 2011 (2012)

BS EN 61394:2011
Incorporating corrigendum August 2012

BSI Standards Publication

Overhead lines —
Requirements for greases for
aluminium, aluminium alloy
and steel bare conductors

NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

raising standards worldwide™


BS EN 61394:2011

BRITISH STANDARD
National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 61394:2011. It is
identical to IEC 61394:2011, incorporating corrigendum August 2012.
It supersedes PD IEC 61394:1997 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee GEL/7, Overhead electrical conductors.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained
on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
© The British Standards Institution 2013.
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2013
ISBN 978 0 580 80555 4

ICS 29.060.20; 29.240.20; 75.100

Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the Standards
Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 January 2012.

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication
Date

Text affected

Implementation of IEC corrigendum August 2012:
Table 1 modified


BS EN 61394:2011

EN 61394

EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

November 2011

ICS 29.060.20; 29.240.20

English version

Overhead lines Requirements for greases for aluminium, aluminium alloy and steel bare
conductors
(IEC 61394:2011)
Lignes aériennes Exigences pour les graisses pour
conducteurs nus en aluminium, en alliage
d'aluminium et en acier
(CEI 61394:2011)

Freileitungen Anforderungen für Fette für blanke Leiter
aus Aluminium, Aluminiumlegierung und
Stahl
(IEC 61394:2011)

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2011-11-16. 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, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique

Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels
© 2011 CENELEC -

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 61394:2011 E


BS EN 61394:2011
EN 61394:2011

-2-

Foreword
The text of document 7/609/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 61394, prepared by IEC/TC 7 "Overhead
electrical conductors" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as
EN 61394:2011.
The following dates are fixed:
•

•

latest date by which the document has
to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
latest date by which the national
standards conflicting with the
document have to be withdrawn

(dop)

2012-08-16

(dow)

2014-11-16

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.

Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61394:2011 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.


BS EN 61394:2011
-3-

EN 61394:2011

Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD

applies.

Publication

Year

Title

EN/HD

Year

IEC 60068-2-11
+ corr. December

1981
1999

Environmental testing Part 2: Tests - Test Ka: Salt mist

EN 60068-2-11

1999

ISO 2137

2007

Petroleum products and lubricants Determination of cone penetration of
lubricating greases and petrolatum

-

-

ISO 2176

1995

Petroleum products - Lubricating grease Determination of dropping point

-

-


BS EN 61394:2011
–2–

61394 © IEC:2011(E)

CONTENTS
FOREWORD ........................................................................................................................... 3
1

Scope ............................................................................................................................... 5

2

Normative references ....................................................................................................... 5

3

Designation system .......................................................................................................... 5

4

Requirements for grease .................................................................................................. 6

5

Tests ................................................................................................................................ 6
5.1

5.2

5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
5.10
5.11
Annex A

Classification of tests .............................................................................................. 6
5.1.1 Type tests ................................................................................................... 6
5.1.2 Sample tests ............................................................................................... 6

Preconditioning of samples ..................................................................................... 6
5.2.1 Type A products .......................................................................................... 6
5.2.2 Type B products .......................................................................................... 6
5.2.3 Products taken from a conductor ................................................................. 7
6
Drop point ............................................................................................................... 7
High temperature stability (Type A products only) .................................................... 7
Penetrability test ..................................................................................................... 7
Low-temperature adherence .................................................................................... 7
Acidity/alkalinity (type B grease only) ...................................................................... 7
Ageing ..................................................................................................................... 8
5.8.1 Preconditioning............................................................................................ 8
Corrosion tests ........................................................................................................ 8
Stability of grease on conductor at high temperature ............................................... 8
Stability of grease on conductor under short-circuit ................................................. 9
(normative) Acidity or alkalinity test method for type B grease ............................... 11

Annex B (normative) Sample preparation and test procedure for ageing test........................ 13
Annex C (normative) Stability of grease on conductor at high temperature ........................... 16
Annex D (normative) Stability of grease complete conductor under short-circuit ................... 17
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 1 – Corrosion coupons ............................................................................................... 10
Figure B.1 – Coupon for type A grease ................................................................................. 13
Figure B.2 – Coupon for type B grease ................................................................................. 14
Table 1 – Classification of tests .............................................................................................. 6
Table A.1 – Acidity or alkalinity index formula ....................................................................... 12


BS EN 61394:2011
61394 © IEC:2011(E)

–3–

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
OVERHEAD LINES –
REQUIREMENTS FOR GREASES FOR ALUMINIUM,
ALUMINIUM ALLOY AND STEEL BARE CONDUCTORS
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 co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and nongovernmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity

assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

International Standard IEC 61394 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 7: Overhead
electrical conductors.
This first edition of IEC 61394 cancels and replaces the first edition of technical specification
IEC/TS 61394 published in 1997. It constitutes a technical revision and now has the status of
an International Standard.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS

Report on voting

7/609/FDIS

7/613/RVD

Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

BS EN 61394:2011
–4–

61394 © IEC:2011(E)

The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
•
•
•
•

reconfirmed,
withdrawn,
replaced by a revised edition, or
amended.

IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.

A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.


BS EN 61394:2011
61394 © IEC:2011(E)

–5–

OVERHEAD LINES –
REQUIREMENTS FOR GREASES FOR ALUMINIUM,
ALUMINIUM ALLOY AND STEEL BARE CONDUCTORS

1

Scope

This International Standard specifies the requirements and tests of greases designed for
corrosion protection of bare overhead conductors.

2

Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 60068-2-11:1981, Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2-11: Tests – Test Ka:
Salt mist
lSO 2137:2007, Petroleum products and lubricants – Determination of cone penetration of
lubricating greases and petrolatum
ISO 2176:1995, Petroleum products – Lubricating grease – Determination of dropping point

3

Designation system

Greases shall be designated θ 1 Aθ 2 or θ 1 Bθ 2 where A and B define the type of grease as
follows:
–

type A: products generally applied in the cold state, for example greases: semi-solid or
solid products consisting essentially of a stabilized mixture of mineral or synthetic oil and
thickeners such as metal soaps or inorganic compounds;

–

type B: products generally applied in the hot state, for example petrolatum: semi-solid, or
solid products made up essentially of microcrystalline waxes associated with small
quantities of mineral oil and organic additives;

–

θ 1 is the lowest temperature in °C below 0 °C at which the grease will perform the
requirement of protection of the conductor from atmospheric corrosion;

–

θ 2 is the highest temperature, in °C, at which the grease will perform to this requirement
(achieve specified drop point or high temperature stability).

Examples:
−

20A150

−

20B110

type A grease with a temperature θ 1 of -20 °C and θ 2 of 150 °C.
type B grease with a temperature θ 1 of -20 °C and θ 2 of 110 °C.

The grease supplier shall provide a unique identifier for its grease, and shall retain details of
its composition for future reference. The composition shall include manufacturing tolerance
and shall remain unchanged while the grease is marketed under this specific identifier.


BS EN 61394:2011
–6–

4 Requirements for grease
BS EN 61394:2011

61394 © IEC:2011(E)

IEC 61394

(First edition – 2011)

lines
– atmospheric corrosion in service and
The grease shall protect overhead bareOverhead
conductors
from
Requirements

for
greases
for
in storage. The grease shall remain in the conductor
foraluminium,
the specified conditions
operation.
–6–
61394 © of
IEC:2011(E)
aluminium alloy and steel bare conductors
The grease shall meet the requirements as described in this standard.

4
5

Requirements for grease
Tests
CORRIGENDUM 1

The grease shall protect overhead bare conductors from atmospheric corrosion in service and
in
The greaseofshall
5.1storage.
Classification
testsremain in the conductor for the specified conditions of operation.
The grease shall meet the requirements as described in this standard.
5.1.1
Type tests

5 Tests
Type
tests are intended to verify the main characteristics of a grease which depend mainly on
its composition. They are carried out once for a supplier's specific product and then
subsequently
repeatedofwhen
5.1
Classification
teststhe composition of the grease has changed.
5.1.1
5.1.2

Type
tests
Sample
tests

Tabletests
1 – Classification
teststhe main characteristics of a grease which depend mainly on
Type
areare
intended
toofverify
Sample
tests
intended
to guarantee
the quality of the grease and compliance with the
its

composition.
They
are carried out once for a supplier's specific product and then
requirements
of
this
standard.
Replace the existing Table with the following new Table:
subsequently repeated when the composition of the grease has changed.
5.1.2

Sample tests

Table 1 – Classification of tests
Type
tests
Type
tests

Sample Sample
tests tests

Sample tests are intended
to guarantee the quality of the grease and compliance with the
Test Test
Type A
Type B
Type A
Type B
requirements of this standard.

Type A
Type B
Type A
Type B
Drop point

Drop point

Table
High temperature stability

X

Low temperatureTest
adherence
Penetrability
Acidity/alkalinity
Drop point
Low temperature
adherence
Ageing
High temperature stability
Acidity/alkalinity
Stability on conductor
Penetrability
Stability on conductor (short-circuit)
Ageing
Low temperature adherence
a If requested by the purchaser.
Acidity/alkalinity

Corrosion test
Ageing
Stability on conductor (high temperature)
Stability on conductor
Preconditioning
of samples
Stability on conductor (short circuit)
Stability on conductor (short-circuit)

5.2.1
a

X

X

1 – Classification
of tests
X

High temperature
stability
Penetrability

5.2

X

Type A products

XX
X
Type tests
X
X
TypeXA
Type BX
X
XX
X X
X
X
X
a
a X
X
X
a
a
X
X
X
X
X

X

X

Xa

X

a

a

a

a
a

a

X

X

X

X

X

X
X
X
Sample tests
Type A
X

X Type B

X

X

X
X

X

a

a Ifbyrequested
If requested
the purchaser.
by the purchaser.

Type A grease delivered with an excess of oil on the surface shall not be acceptable. Excess
oil on the surface of the product after storage shall be removed. If necessary, the product
shall
mixed prior to carrying
out the measurements.
5.2 be
Preconditioning
of samples
5.2.1
5.2.2

A products
Type B

Typeproduct
A grease
delivered
withbetween
an excess
shall
not be acceptable.
Excess
The
shall
be heated
10 of
°Coil
to on
20 the
°C surface
above the
temperature
at which melting
oil
on
the
surface
of
the
product
after

storage
shall
be
removed.
If
necessary,
the
product
occurs, and maintained at this temperature for 30 min. The quantity necessary for carrying out
shalltests
be mixed
prior
to carrying
outtest
the containers
measurements.
the
shall be
poured
into the
and allowed to cool at ambient temperature
for a period of at least 24 h.
5.2.2
Type B products
5.2.3
Products taken from a conductor
The product shall be heated between 10 °C to 20 °C above the temperature at which melting
occurs,the
and
maintained

this temperature
30 min. The
necessary
carrying out
When
product
to be at
tested
is taken fromfor
a conductor,
noquantity
preconditioning
is for
allowed.
the tests shall be poured into the test containers and allowed to cool at ambient temperature
for a period of at least 24 h.
August 2012

5.2.3

Products taken from a conductor

When the product to be tested is taken from a conductor, no preconditioning is allowed.


5.2.2

Type B products

The product shall be heated between 10 °C to 20 °C above the temperature at which

BS ENmelting
61394:2011
occurs, and maintained at this temperature for 30 min. The quantity necessary for carrying out
the tests
shall be poured into the test containers
61394
© IEC:2011(E)
– 7 – and allowed to cool at ambient temperature
for a period of at least 24 h.
5.3
Drop point
5.2.3
Products taken from a conductor

BS EN 61394:2011

5.3.1 The determination of the drop point shall be made using the method given in ISO 2176.
When the
product to be tested is taken from a
no preconditioning is allowed.
61394
© IEC:2011(E)
– conductor,
7–
5.3.2 When tested in accordance with 5.3.1, the minimum value of 5 determinations shall be
5.3
greaterDrop
than point
or equal to θ 2 . Type A products may not have a well defined drop point, in which
case the tests shall be stopped when the temperature reaches (θ 2 + 20) °C.

5.3.1 The determination of the drop point shall be made using the method given in ISO 2176.
5.4
High temperature stability (Type A products only)
5.3.2 When tested in accordance with 5.3.1, the minimum value of 5 determinations shall be
products may
not
have
a well
defined
greaterThe
than
equal to θshall
2 . Type
5.4.1
oilorseparation
be A
determined
using
the
method
given
in IPdrop
121,point,
after in
1 hwhich
at a
+
20)
°C.
case

the
tests
shall
be
stopped
when
the
temperature
reaches
(θ
2
temperature of θ .
2

5.4
stability with
(Type
A products
only) quantity of oil separated shall not
5.4.2 High
Whentemperature
tested in accordance
5.4.1,
the maximum
exceed 0,2 % by mass.
5.4.1 The oil separation shall be determined using the method given in IP 121, after 1 h at a
temperature of θ 2 .
5.5
Penetrability test
5.4.2 A

When
tested
in accordance
5.4.1,
the the
maximum
quantity
of ISO
oil separated
shall
5.5.1
sample
of grease
shall bewith
tested
using
method
given in
2137, using
a not
full
exceed
0,2
%
by
mass.
scale cone, at a temperature of 25 °C.
5.5
Penetrability
test

5.5.1.1
Type A products
5.5.1 A
grease isshall
be in
tested
using the
method
in ISO
2137,
using aforfull
When
thesample
type Aofproduct
tested
accordance
with
5.5.1, given
the mean
value
obtained
a
scale
cone,
at
a
temperature
of
25
°C.

type test shall be greater than or equal to 70 units × 0,1 mm. Results obtained from sample
tests shall not vary from the value obtained from the type test by more than ± 20 %.
5.5.1.1
Type A products
5.5.1.2the type
TypeABproduct
products
When
is tested in accordance with 5.5.1, the mean value obtained for a
type
test
shall
be
greater
than
or equal
to 70 units
0,1 mm.
obtainedfor
from
sample
When the type B product is tested
in accordance
with× 5.5.1,
theResults
value obtained
a type
test
tests
shall

not
vary
from
the
value
obtained
from
the
type
test
by
more
than
±
20
%.
shall be between 120 and 180 × 0,1 mm. Results obtained from sample tests shall not vary
from the value obtained from the type test by more than ± 20 %.
5.5.1.2
Type B products

5.6
Low-temperature
When the
type B product adherence
is tested in accordance with 5.5.1, the value obtained for a type test
shall be between 120 and 180 × 0,1 mm. Results obtained from sample tests shall not vary
5.6.1 An aluminium coupon measuring 100 mm × 100 mm × (1 ± 0,1) mm shall be coated with
from the value obtained from the type test by more than ± 20 %.
a (0,50 ± 0,05) mm thick film of the product on one side and then maintained, along with a

25 mm mandrel, at a temperature less or equal to θ 1 for 1 h.
5.6
Low-temperature adherence
5.6.2 The coupon with the coated side outside of the mandrel shall then be immediately bent
5.6.1 An aluminium coupon measuring 100 mm × 100 mm × (1 ± 0,1) mm shall be coated with
to an angle between 100 ° and 120 ° around the mandrel. The folding time of the coupon is
a (0,50 ± 0,05) mm thick film of the product on one side and then maintained, along with a
5 s.
25 mm mandrel, at a temperature less or equal to θ 1 for 1 h.
5.6.3 When tested in accordance with 5.6.1 and 5.6.2, the product shall remain adhering to
5.6.2 The coupon with the coated side outside of the mandrel shall then be immediately bent
the coupon with no evidence of cracking or flaking when examined by the naked eye or with
to an angle between 100 ° and 120 ° around the mandrel. The folding time of the coupon is
normal corrective lenses.
5 s.
5.7
Acidity/alkalinity (type B grease only)
5.6.3 When tested in accordance with 5.6.1 and 5.6.2, the product shall remain adhering to
the
withset-up
no evidence
of cracking
or flaking
whenA.examined by the naked eye or with
5.7.1coupon
The test
and method
is described
in Annex
normal corrective lenses.

5.7.2 When tested in accordance with 5.7.1, the acidity or alkalinity of the sample before
5.7
B grease
ageingAcidity/alkalinity
shall be less than (type
or equal
to 2,0. only)
5.7.1 The test set-up and method is described in Annex A.
5.7.2 When tested in accordance with 5.7.1, the acidity or alkalinity of the sample before
ageing shall be less than or equal to 2,0.


BS EN 61394:2011
–8–
5.8

61394 © IEC:2011(E)

Ageing

5.8.1

Preconditioning

5.8.1.1

Type A grease

No preconditioning is required for Type A grease.
5.8.1.2

Type B grease

A suitable quantity of grease shall be heated to a temperature of 20 °C above the temperature
at which melting occurs, and maintained for 168 h.
5.8.2 Sample preparation shall be in accordance with the procedure described in Annex B.
After ageing, the metal coupons with grease shall be subjected to the corrosion test. The
grease in the cups shall be subjected to the penetrability test as described in 5.5, as well as
the acidity/alkalinity as described in 5.7.
5.8.3 When tested in accordance with 5.8.2, the mean penetrability value shall not differ from
the type test mean value by more than ± 20 %. The acidity/alkalinity index shall be less than
or equal to 2,5.
5.9

Corrosion tests

5.9.1 The coupons shall be prepared in accordance with 5.8. They shall be positioned with
an angle of (20 ± 2) ° in a suitable chamber and then be subjected to the following:
−

seven 24 h cycles in a sulphurous atmosphere. For the first 8 h of each cycle, the
chamber shall have a relative humidity greater than 90 % and shall contain 0,067 % of
sulphur dioxide by volume, at a temperature of (40 ± 3) °C. For the remaining 16 h, the
chamber door shall be open to the laboratory atmosphere.

−

168 h in a water spray solution with 5 % of NaCl by mass at a temperature of (35 ± 1) °C
in accordance with IEC 60068-2-11.

5.9.2 The coupons shall be examined after the grease has been removed using a suitable
solvent and the coupons with the lowest and highest degree of corrosion in the evaluation
area (see Annex B) shall both be discarded. There shall only be a limited number of pits and a
limited spread of corrosion from these pits in the central part of the remaining coupon.
5.9.3 The degree of corrosion on the remaining coupon is assessed by means of a grading
index based on the corrosion coupons shown in Figure 1.
5.9.4 When tested in accordance with 5.9.1, the coupon shall have a grading index greater
than or equal to 8.
5.10

Stability of grease on conductor at high temperature

5.10.1 This test is performed at the request of the purchaser only.
5.10.2 A sample of conductor, selected by the user, shall be filled with grease in accordance
with the appropriate IEC conductor specification. The sample shall be subjected to the test
procedure as described in Annex C. The maximum operating temperature, θ 3 , shall be defined
by the purchaser.
5.10.3 When tested in accordance with 5.10.2, the temperature θ A , as defined in Annex C,
shall be not less than θ 3 .


BS EN 61394:2011
61394 © IEC:2011(E)
5.11

–9–

Stability of grease on conductor under short-circuit

5.11.1 This test is performed at the request of the purchaser only.

5.11.2 A sample of conductor, selected by the user, shall be filled with grease in accordance
with the appropriate IEC conductor specification. The sample shall be subjected to the test
procedure as described in Annex D. The withstand temperature, θ 4 , shall be defined by the
purchaser.
5.11.3 When tested in accordance with 5.11.2, the sample shall meet the acceptance criteria
as agreed upon before the test between the supplier and the purchaser.


BS EN 61394:2011
– 10 –

61394 © IEC:2011(E)

IEC

Figure 1 – Corrosion coupons

2128/11


BS EN 61394:2011
61394 © IEC:2011(E)

– 11 –

Annex A
(normative)
Acidity or alkalinity test method for type B grease

A.1

General

The acidity or alkalinity of a grease is measured by comparison with a normalised base, and
neutrality determined by colour indicator change.

A.2

Reagents

−

Toluene, minimum 99,5 % by volume

−

Ethanol, 96 % by volume

−

Alkaline blue solution – 0,1 g alkaline blue in 100 ml of ethanol 96 % by volume

−

Potassium hydroxide 0,1 mol/l (or 5,61 mg/ml) solution in ethanol 96 % by volume

−

Hydrochloric acid 0,1 mol/l solution in ethanol 96 % by volume.

A.3

Equipment

−

Glass conical flask

−

Weighing device

−

Glass measuring burette.

A.4

Procedure

a) Prepare approximately 1 g of the grease to be tested
b) Weigh the sample with an accuracy of 0,001 g
c) Place the sample in the conical flask
d) Add 60 ml of toluene
e) Add 40 ml of ethanol
f)

Add 1 ml of alkaline blue solution

g) If the grease is alkaline, acidify the solution with 5 ml of hydrochloric acid 0,1 mol/l

solution in ethanol
h) Shake the mixture vigorously
i)

Using the burette, add the potassium hydroxide solution progressively into the flask,
shaking vigorously

j)

When the colour indicator changes colour (from blue to pink) note the volume of potassium
hydroxide solution used, n.

A.5

Calculations

The acidity or alkalinity index is given by the formula in Table A.1.


BS EN 61394:2011
– 12 –

61394 © IEC:2011(E)

Table A.1 – Acidity or alkalinity index formula
Acidity index
Acidic grease

Alkaline
grease

Alkalinity index

n × 5,61
m
(5 − n ) × 5,61
m

where
n

is the volume of potassium hydroxide solution used, ml:

5,61

is the concentration of the hydroxide solution (0,1 mol/l):

m

is the mass of grease sample, g.


BS EN 61394:2011
61394 © IEC:2011(E)

– 13 –

Annex B
(normative)
Sample preparation and test procedure for ageing test

B.1

Preparation of metal coupons

Three steel coupons approximately 100 mm × 100 mm × (2 ± 0,1) mm, shall be electro
galvanized from a minimum zinc thickness of 2,8 µm to a maximum of 3,75 µm. The face
which is not to be used in the test shall be covered with a suitable adhesive coating capable
of withstanding the ageing cycles and salt spray of the corrosion test. The quality of the
surface of the coupons shall be examined carefully, and any imperfections recorded and
taken into account by agreement between the grease purchaser and the grease supplier.

B.2

Type A grease

A layer of grease shall be applied to the uncovered surface of each coupon to a uniform
thickness of (100 ± 10) µm. A suggested method to achieve this is illustrated in Figure B.1
where strips of adhesive tape 10 mm wide by (100 ± 10) µm thick are applied to two opposite
sides of each coupon. A slight excess of grease is applied uniformly over the whole surface,
and the excess removed by sliding a straight edge over the strips of tape. The aim shall be to
produce a smooth, uniform surface without imperfections or air entrapment. This may be
achieved by preheating the straight edge. Any remaining imperfections shall be recorded and
taken into account by agreement between the grease purchaser and the grease supplier.
100 ± 5
20

Attachment hole

20

25

Evaluation
area

100 ± 5

15

10

Adhesive
tape

10
IEC

2129/11

Dimensions in millimetres
Note
Tolorance

± 1 mm unless otherwise indicated

Figure B.1 – Coupon for type A grease


BS EN 61394:2011

– 14 –

B.3

61394 © IEC:2011(E)

Type B grease

Metal coupons, as shown in Figure B.2, shall be immersed in a bath of molten grease,
suspended from an attachment hole located in its corner. In order to obtain the required
uniform thickness of (100 ± 10) µm in the central portion of the coupon, the following
parameters should be determined by trials:

−

the temperature of the bath, which may be between 10 °C to 30 °C above θ m ;
the duration of immersion in the grease;

−

the vertical draining time after removal.

−

The coupon shall be withdrawn uniformly from the bath within approximately 0,5 s and the
thickness of grease in the upper portion of the evaluation area confirmed by a thickness
measurements on trial coupons.
Alternatively, a slight excess of grease may be applied by immersing the plate in a bath of
molten grease and, after allowing the grease to cool, removing the excess by sliding a heated
straight edge over previously applied tape strips in a similar manner to that described in B.1.2.

The aim shall be to produce a smooth, uniform surface without imperfections or air
entrapment.

25

25
100 ± 5

Evaluation
area

100 ± 5
15

15
IEC

2130/11

Dimensions in millimetres
Note
Tolorance

± 1 mm unless otherwise indicated

Figure B.2 – Coupon for type B grease
Excess grease shall be removed from the edges of the coupon and the face not under test,
and the average thickness calculated to the closest 10 µm by measuring the increase in mass
of the coupon, using 0,87 g/cm 3 for the density of the protective product, or the value supplied
by the grease supplier.

BS EN 61394:2011
61394 © IEC:2011(E)

B.4

– 15 –

Ageing

Three cups shall be filled with grease and, together with the three coupons held vertically,
shall be placed in a test chamber and subjected to three cycles, each consisting of the
following sequences:
−

72 h dry heat (relative humidity less than 30 %) at 70 °C;

−

24 h wet heat (relative humidity greater than 90 %) at 55 °C;

−

three 24 h periods of wet heat and cold comprising:

B.5

−

0h

to

9h

humid atmosphere at 55 °C;

−

9h

to

11 h

holding in a cold chamber at –20 °C;

−

11 h

to

14 h

humid atmosphere at 55 °C;

−

14 h

to

16 h

holding in a cold chamber at –20 °C;

−

16 h

to

24 h

humid atmosphere at 55 °C.

Tolerance

Tolerance on time shall be 0,1 h. Tolerance on temperature shall be ± 2 °C.


BS EN 61394:2011
– 16 –

61394 © IEC:2011(E)

Annex C
(normative)

Stability of grease on conductor at high temperature
This test is performed at the request of the purchaser only.
The maximum operating temperature, θ 3 , shall be defined by the purchaser.
The sample conductor shall be at least 3 m long and be terminated with compression type
tension clamps. The filler compound used in the compression type tension clamps shall be
compatible with the grease being tested.
The sample shall be maintained at a tension of between 15 % to 20 % of its rated tensile
strength, at a slope of between 10 ° and 15 ° to the horizontal and heated by the passage of
current through its whole length.
The sample shall be subjected to the following procedure:
−

the temperature of the sample shall be raised to the maximum operating temperature θ 3
by increments of 20 °C per 15 min;

−

the sample shall be maintained at the maximum operating temperature θ 3 for 1 h;
the temperature shall be raised by increments of 2 °C per 10 min until the grease flows
freely from the conductor, or until the maximum operating temperature θ 3 is reached,
whichever comes first.

−

The following temperatures shall be recorded:
−

the temperature at which the product fills any space between the wires of the outside layer,
θA;

−

the temperature at which the product drips from the conductor (for information only).


BS EN 61394:2011
61394 © IEC:2011(E)

– 17 –

Annex D
(normative)
Stability of grease complete conductor under short-circuit

a) This test is performed at the request of the purchaser only.
b) The withstand temperature, θ 4 , shall be defined by the purchaser.
c) The sample conductor shall be at least 3 m long and be terminated with compression type
tension clamps. The filler compound used in the compression type tension clamps shall be
compatible with the grease being tested.
d) The sample shall be maintained at a tension of between 15 % to 20 % of its rated tensile
strength, at a slope of between 10 ° and 15 ° to the horizontal and heated by the passage
of current through its whole length.
e) The required short-circuit current shall be applied through the end fittings for between
0,5 s to 1,5 s.
f)

The maximum conductor surface temperature shall be recorded.


BS EN 61394:2011

– 18 –

61394 © IEC:2011(E)

Bibliography
This annex contains lists of related systems standards.
IEC 60050-466, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Chapter 466: Overhead lines
ISO 3310-1, Test sieves – Technical requirements and testing – Part 1: Test sieves of metal
wire cloth
ISO 3310-2, Test sieves – Technical requirements and testing – Part 2: Test sieves of
perforated metal plate
ISO 5725-2, Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results – Part 2:
Basic method for the determination of repeatability and reproducibility of a standard
measurement method
IP 121/05 1 , Determination of oil separation from lubrication grease – Pressure filtration
method

___________

___________
1

IP = Institute of Petroleum.


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