PD IEC TS 63042-202-2021 PDF

Full title and description

IEC TS 63042-202:2021 — UHV AC transmission systems - Part 202: UHV AC transmission line design. This Technical Specification provides common rules and main principles for the design of overhead UHV AC transmission lines with system highest voltages exceeding 800 kV, covering clearance selection, insulation coordination, conductor and earth/optical ground wire selection, tower and foundation design, and environmental considerations to ensure safety and proper functioning for new construction, reconstruction and expansion projects.

Abstract

IEC TS 63042-202:2021 gives design guidance and criteria specifically for UHV AC overhead transmission lines (systems >800 kV). The document addresses insulation and clearance requirements, insulator string design, bundle‑conductor options, selection and arrangement of earth/optical ground wires, mechanical and electrical aspects of tower and foundation design, and environmental considerations relevant to design and expansion of UHV AC lines. The specification is intended to harmonize practices for safety and reliable operation of UHV AC transmission lines.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (technical specification).
• Publication date: 13 October 2021.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), TC 122 (UHV AC transmission systems).
• ICS / categories: 29.240.20 (Power transmission and distribution lines).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2021).
• Number of pages: 110 pages.

Core bibliographic and status details above are taken from the IEC publication metadata for IEC TS 63042-202:2021.

Scope

Applies to overhead transmission lines forming part of UHV AC transmission systems where the highest system voltages exceed 800 kV. The scope includes design principles and criteria for clearances and insulation coordination, insulator string design, conductor and bundle selection, choice and arrangement of earth/optical ground wires, tower and foundation structural design, and environmental issues (e.g., corona/noise/visual impact) relevant to new builds, reconstructions and expansions of UHV AC overhead lines. The specification is intended to provide common rules to achieve safe and fit‑for‑purpose UHV AC line design.

Key topics and requirements

• Selection of clearances (phase‑to‑phase, phase‑to‑earth) and coordination with insulation levels.
• Insulation coordination methodology and insulator string selection/arrangement for UHV voltages.
• Bundle conductor configuration and electrical/mechanical selection criteria.
• Earth wire and optical ground wire selection, placement and lightning performance considerations.
• Tower geometry, mechanical loading and foundation design guidance specific to UHV circuits.
• Environmental and electromagnetic considerations (corona, audible noise, visual impact).
• Design criteria applicability for new construction, reconstruction and line expansion projects.

These key topics reflect the principal technical content areas addressed in the specification.

Typical use and users

Primary users include transmission system planners, high‑voltage power system engineers, tower and line design consultants, utility engineering departments, manufacturers of conductors/insulators/towers, project designers for UHV installations, and national bodies referencing IEC guidance when developing national/regional UHV line regulations and procurement specifications. The document is used as a design reference during planning, detailed design, and procurement phases for UHV AC overhead lines.

Related standards

IEC TS 63042-202 is one part of the IEC 63042 family on UHV AC transmission systems. Related parts and documents in the series include (examples): IEC TS 63042-101 (voltage regulation and insulation design), IEC TS 63042-102 (general system design), IEC TS 63042-103 (security and stability requirements), IEC TS 63042-201 (substation design), IEC TS 63042-301/302 (on‑site acceptance tests and commissioning) and IEC TR 63042-303 (measurement guidelines). Users commonly consult these companion parts together to cover system planning, substation and line design, testing and commissioning for UHV AC projects.

Keywords

UHV AC, transmission line design, overhead lines, insulation coordination, clearance, insulator strings, bundle conductor, earth wire, optical ground wire, tower design, foundation design, corona, audible noise, TC 122, IEC TS 63042.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TS 63042-202:2021 is a Technical Specification from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that provides design rules and principles for overhead UHV AC transmission lines where system highest voltages exceed 800 kV.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers clearance and insulation coordination, insulator string and bundle conductor selection, earth/optical ground wire choices, tower and foundation design considerations, and related environmental and performance issues for UHV AC overhead transmission lines (new construction, reconstruction and expansion).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Transmission planners, HV design engineers, utilities, consultants, manufacturers of line hardware, and regulatory or standards bodies involved in UHV AC project specifications and approvals.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published on 13 October 2021 (Edition 1.0), the specification is the current edition; IEC metadata lists a stability date indicating the publication is expected to remain valid through the stated stability period (metadata shows stability date to 2028). Users should check the IEC webstore or national bodies for any corrigenda or later revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC TS 63042-202 is part of the IEC 63042 series (UHV AC transmission systems) produced by TC 122; several other parts and TRs cover substations, testing, commissioning, insulation design, system planning and measurement guidelines.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: UHV AC, transmission line design, insulation coordination, clearances, bundle conductors, earth/optical ground wire, tower design, foundation, TC 122.