Explains a method for calculating the minimum approach distances for live working, at maximum voltages between 72,5 kV and 800 kV.

This International Standard describes a method for calculating the minimum approach distances for live working, at maximum voltages between 72,5kV and 800kV. This standard addresses system overvoltages and the working air distances or tool insulation between parts and/or workers at different electric potentials.

The required withstand voltage and minimum approach distances calculated by the method described in this standard are evaluated taking into consideration the following:

• workers are trained for, and skilled in, working in the live working zone;

• the anticipated overvoltages do not exceed the value selected for the determination of the required minimum approach distance;

• transient overvoltages are the determining overvoltages;

• tool insulation has no continuous film of moisture or measurable contamination present on the surface;

• no lightning is seen or heard within 10km of the work site;

• allowance is made for the effect of conducting components of tools;

• the effect of altitude, insulators in the gap, etc, on the electric strength is taken into consideration.

For conditions other than the above, the evaluation of the minimum approach distances may require specific data, derived by other calculation or obtained from additional laboratory investigations on the actual situation.