IEC 62561-4:2010

IEC 62561-4
®
Edition 1.0 2010-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE


Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –
Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners

Composants de système de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –
Partie 4: Exigences pour les fixations de conducteur

IEC 62561-4:2010

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IEC 62561-4
®
Edition 1.0 2010-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE


Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –
Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners

Composants de système de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –
Partie 4: Exigences pour les fixations de conducteur

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
S
CODE PRIX
ICS 29.020; 91.120.40 ISBN 978-2-88912-261-5
® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission
Marque déposée de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale

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– 2 – 62561-4 Ó IEC:2010
CONTENTS
FOREW ORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Sc o pe . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Classification . 7
5 R e q uirements . 7
5.1 Ge n eral . 7
5.2 Environmental requirements . 7
5.3 Mechanical strength . 8
5.4 Installation instructions . 8
5.5 Marking . 8
6 Tests . 8
6.1 General test conditions . 8
6.2 Preparation of the specimen . 9
6.3 Environmental influence test . 9
6.4 Resistance to mechanical effects . 11
6.5 Installation instructions . 14
6.6 Marking test . 15
6.7 Construction . 15
7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 15
8 Structure and content of the test report . 15
8.1 General . 15
8.2 Report identification . 16
8.3 Specimen description . 16
8.4 Characterization and condition of the test sample and/or test assembly . 16
8.5 Conductor . 16
8.6 Standards and references . 17
8.7 Test procedure . 17
8.8 Testing equipment, description . 17
8.9 Measuring instruments description . 17
8.10 Results and parameters recorded . 17
Annex A (normative) Environmental test for metallic conductor fasteners . 18
Annex B (normative) Environmental test for non-metallic conductor fasteners –
Resistance to ultraviolet light . 19
Annex C (normative) Flow chart of tests . 20
Bibliography . 21

Figure 1 – Basic arrangement of specimens . 10
Figure 2– Basic arrangement of lateral load test . 12
Figure 3– Typical arrangement for axial movement test . 13
Figure 4 – Impact test apparatus . 14

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62561-4 Ó IEC:2010 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________

LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners


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
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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 62561-4 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 81:
Lightning protection.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
81/369/FDIS 81/379/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.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 62561 series, under the general title Lightning protection
system components (LPSC), can be found on the IEC website.

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– 4 – 62561-4 Ó IEC:2010
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.4

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62561-4 Ó IEC:2010 – 5 –
INTRODUCTION
This Part 4 of IEC 62561 deals with the requirements and tests for conductor fasteners as
being a lightning protection system component (LPSC) designed and implemented according
to the IEC 62305 series of standards.

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– 6 – 62561-4 Ó IEC:2010
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners



1 Scope
This Part 4 of IEC 62561 deals with the requirements and tests for metallic and non-metallic
conductor fasteners that are used in conjunction with the air termination, down conductor and
earth termination system.
This standard does not cover the fixing of conductor fasteners to the fabric/membrane/gravel
roofing of structures due to the vast number and types used in modern day construction.
LPSC may also be suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres. Regard should then be taken
of the extra requirements necessary for the components to be installed in such conditions.
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 60068-2-52:1996, Environmental testing – Part 2-52: Tests – Test Kb: Salt mist, cyclic
(sodium chloride solution)
IEC 60068-2-75:1997, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 62305 (all parts), Protection against lightning
IEC 62305-3:2006, Protection against lightning – Part 3: Physical damage to structures and
1
life hazard
ISO 4892-2:2006, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon
– arc lamps
ISO 4892-3:2006, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3:
Fluorescent UV lamps
ISO 4892-4:2004, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 4: Open-
flame, carbon-arc lamps
ISO 6988:1985, Metallic and other non-organic coatings – Sulphur dioxide test with general
condensation of moisture
ISO 6957:1988, Copper alloys – Ammonia test for stress corrosion resistance
3 Terms and definitions
For the purpose of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
___________
1
 A second edition is in preparation.

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62561-4 Ó IEC:2010 – 7 –
3.1
conductor fastener
metallic, non-metallic or composite component designed to retain and support the air
termination, down conductor and earth termination system, installed at intervals along the
length of the conductors
4 Classification

Conductor fasteners are classified as follows:
a) According to material
– metallic (e.g. hot dip galvanized steel, copper, aluminium, stainless steel);
– non-metallic (e.g. PVC, plastics);
– composite (combination of metal and plastic);
b) According to fixing arrangement of the conductor within the conductor fastener
– with screws;
– without screws (e.g. clips, springs);
c) According to conductor clamping arrangement
– conductor fasteners that are designed to clamp the conductor;
– conductor fasteners that are designed to clamp but allow axial movement of the conductor.
5 Requirements
5.1 General
The conductor fastener shall carry out its function of clamping the conductor in an acceptable
and safe manner when subjected to mechanical influences, lightning discharge stress and
environmental influences.
Conductor fasteners shall comply with the tests given in Clause 6. The material of the
conductor fastener shall be compatible with the conductor it is fastening and the surface
material onto which it is mounted.
NOTE 1 Certain extreme environmental conditions make the choice of non-metallic conductor fasteners
unsuitable. Specific recommendations should be provided by manufacturers as to their suitability in varying
environments.
NOTE 2 Conductor fasteners should be so designed and constructed that safe handling is ensured, that retention
and support for the conductor is provided, and that in normal use their performance is reliable and without danger
to persons and the surrounding.
5.2 Environmental requirements
5.2.1 Corrosion resistance
Metallic or composite conductor fasteners shall withstand corrosion effects.
Compliance is checked following the manufacturer’s declaration for the classification of the
conductor fastener in accordance with Clause 4 and by test specified in 6.3.2 and 6.3.4.
5.2.2 UV resistance
Non-metallic and composite conductor fasteners shall withstand UV effects.
Compliance is checked following the manufacturer’s declaration for the classification of the
conductor fastener in accordance with Clause 4 and by test specified in 6.3.3 and 6.3.4.

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– 8 – 62561-4 Ó IEC:2010
5.3 Mechanical strength
5.3.1 Perpendicular and axial loads
The design of the conductor fastener shall be such that it carries the perpendicular loads
caused by the weight of the conductor, snow, ice and wind and axial loads caused by the
thermal expansion–contraction of the conductor and its weight.
Compliance is checked following the manufacturer’s declaration for the classification of the
conductor fastener in accordance with Clause 4 and by test specified in 6.4.1 and 6.4.2.
5.3.2 Impact tests
Conductor fasteners shall be so designed and constructed to withstand impact stresses
caused accidentally.
Compliance is checked by test specified in 6.4.3.
5.4 Installation instructions
The manufacturer or supplier of the conductor fastener shall provide adequate information in
his literature to ensure that the installer can select and install the component in a suitable and
safe manner, in accordance with IEC 62305-3.
Compliance is checked by inspection in accordance with 6.5.
5.5 Marking
Each conductor fastener shall be marked with
– the manufacturer’s or responsible vendor’s name or logo or trademark,
– product identification or type.
Where it is not possible to make these marks directly onto the product, they shall be made on
the smallest supplied packaging.
NOTE Marking may be applied for example by moulding, pressing, engraving, printing adhesive labels or water
slide transfers.
Compliance is checked in accordance with 6.6.
6 Tests
6.1 General test conditions
Tests specified in this standard are type tests. These tests are of such a nature that, after
they have been performed, they need not be repeated unless changes are made to the
materials, design or type of manufacturing process, which might change the performance
characteristics.
The standard cannot cover all possible types of conductor fasteners and the way of fixing
them on various surfaces of different materials. When required, for these applications,
agreement should be obtained between the test engineer and manufacturer on the specific
testing regime.
Unless otherwise specified, tests are carried out with the specimens assembled and installed
as in normal use specified in the manufacturer's or supplier's instructions, with the
recommended conductor materials, sizes and the tightening torques.

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62561-4 Ó IEC:2010 – 9 –
The tests shall be carried out in the sequence given after environmental tests of the specimen
in accordance with 6.3.
Unless otherwise specified, 12 metallic or 18 composite/non metallic specimens are subjected
to the tests and the requirements are satisfied if all the tests are met.
If only one of the specimens fails to satisfy a test due to a manufacturing fault, that test and
any preceding one which may have influenced the results of the test shall be repeated and
also the tests which follow shall be made in the same required sequence on another full set of
samples, all of which shall comply with the requirements.
Tests for non-metallic conductor fasteners shall not commence earlier than 168 h from the
time of their manufacturing.
A torque meter shall be used for all tightening operations. It shall have a resolution of at least
0,5 Nm and an accuracy of ± 4 % or less.
The applicable tolerance for any applied mechanical load shall be within ± 5 %.
NOTE The applicant, when submitting the first set of samples, may also submit an additional set of samples that
may be necessary should one sample fail. The testing laboratory shall then, without further request, test the
additional set of samples, and shall only reject if a further failure occurs. If the additional set of samples is not
submitted at the same time, a failure of one sample shall entail rejection.
6.2 Preparation of the specimen
If not otherwise specified by the manufacturer, the conductors and specimens shall be
cleaned by using a suitable degreasing agent followed by cleaning in demineralized water and
drying. They shall then be assembled in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation
instructions, e.g. with the recommended conductors and the tightening torques.
The tightening torque should be applied in a steady and uniform manner.
Any conductor fastener accommodating conductors with differences in size (diameter,
thickness and width) equal to or less than 2 mm shall be tested using the minimum conductor
size recommended. If the range is greater than 2 mm, the conductor fastener shall be tested
using the minimum and maximum of conductor sizes.
6.3 Environmental influence test
6.3.1 General
In order that a conductor fastener meets the requirements of this standard, environmental
tests shall be carried out according to Annex A and/or Annex B.
The selection of the tests to be performed depends upon the conductor fastener material.
Annex C provides a flow chart relating the tests identified in 6.3.2, 6.3.3 and 6.3.4 to the
conductor fastener material.
NOTE The sequence of performing the UV test prior to the salt mist test for composite fasteners is because
during the salt mist test the specimen is covered by a salt layer. This would inhibit the UV exposure test.
6.3.2 Metallic
Two sets, each one consisting of three arrangements, shall be assembled and mounted rigidly
on an insulating plate (e.g. brick, Teflon) as shown in Figure 1 in accordance with the
manufacturer’s installation instructions, e.g. with the recommended conductors and the
tightening torques for screwed fastening conductor fasteners.

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– 10 – 62561-4 Ó IEC:2010
The arrangements of specimens shall be subjected to environmental influence tests
consisting of a salt mist test as specified in Clause A.1 followed by a humid sulphurous
atmosphere test as specified in Clause A.2. An additional test by an ammonia atmosphere as
specified in Clause A.3, shall be carried out for conductor fasteners made of copper alloys
with copper content of less than 80 %. This is also valid for conductor fasteners having parts
made of copper alloys with copper content of less than 80 %.
The specimens are deemed to have passed the tests if there are no signs of corrosive
deterioration of the conductor or conductor fastener visible to normal or corrected vision.
NOTE White rust is not considered as corrosive deterioration.
Dimensions in millimetres


33
22
11
22
IEC  2591/10


Key
1 mounting plate
2 fastener
3 conductor

Figure 1 – Basic arrangement of specimens
6.3.3 Non-metallic
Three sets, each one consisting of three arrangements, shall be assembled and mounted
rigidly on an insulating plate (e.g. brick, Teflon) as shown in Figure 1 in accordance with the
manufacturer’s installation instructions, e.g. with the recommended conductors and the
tightening torques for screwed fastening conductor fasteners.
The arrangements of specimens shall be subjected to an environmental test consisting of an
ultra violet light test as specified in Annex B.
The specimens are deemed to have passed this part of the test if there are no signs of
disintegration and no cracks visible to normal or corrected vision.
NOTE Ensure that the surface of the mounting plate is suitable to resist UV radiation.
250 ± 10 %

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62561-4 Ó IEC:2010 – 11 –
6.3.4 Composite
Three sets, each one consisting of three arrangements, shall be assembled and mounted on a
rigid surface (e.g., brick, Teflon) as shown in Figure 1 in accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions, e.g. with the recommended conductors and the tightening torques for
screwed fastening conductor fasteners.
The arrangement of specimens shall be subjected to the environmental tests in the following
sequence:
– test as per 6.3.3 and
– test as per 6.3.2.
The specimens are deemed to have passed this part of the test if the base metal of its metal
parts does not exhibit any corrosive deterioration and if its plastic parts show no sign of
disintegration and no cracks visible to normal or corrected vision.
NOTE 1 Ensure that the surface of the mounting plate is suitable to resist UV radiation.
NOTE 2 White rust is not considered as corrosive deterioration.
6.4 Resistance to mechanical effects
6.4.1 Lateral load test
After the test of 6.3 a first set of three arrangements of specimens are subjected to a load test
of 200 N applied in the mid distance between the conductor fasteners as illustrated in
Figure 2. The test shall be performed using a stainless steel conductor with the appropriate
dimensions.
For metallic conductor fasteners, the full test load is applied for period of 5 min to 6 min and
for composite and non-metallic conductor fasteners, the full test load is applied for a minimum
period of 60 min to 61 min.
All tests are carried out at a temperature of –10 °C (± 1 °C) and repeated at a temperature of
+40 °C (± 4 °C).
The specimens are deemed to have passed the tests provided the conductor fasteners remain
intact and the conductor is still located within the conductor fasteners.

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– 12 – 62561-4 Ó IEC:2010
Dimensions in millimetres

250 ± 10 %
11
22
33
44
Specimen 1
Specimen 2
20 ± 10 % 20 ± 10 %
Load
IEC  2592/10

Key
1 mounting plate
2 fastener
3 conductor
4 load
Figure 2 – Basic arrangement of lateral load test
6.4.2 Axial load test
This test is only applicable to conductor fasteners classified according to 4.3.1.
After the test of 6.3 the second set of three arrangements are subjected to a load test of 50 N
applied as shown in Figure 3. The test shall be performed using the conductors designated by
the manufacturer for the conductor fastener.
For metallic conductor fasteners, the full test load is applied for period of 5 min to 6 min and
for composite and non-metallic conductor fasteners, the full test load is applied for a minimum
period of 60 min to 61 min.
All tests are carried out at a temperature of –10 °C (± 1 °C) and r
...