Testing that Reaches the World

IEC 60255-21 establishes mechanical testing requirements for measuring relays and protection equipment used in electrical power systems. The series addresses the ability of protective equipment to withstand vibration, shock, bump, and seismic conditions that may occur during service, transportation, or installation.

Clark Testing provides IEC 60255-21 mechanical and seismic testing for protective relays, control equipment, and associated electrical devices. Testing can be performed as part of product qualification, design validation, or customer-specific compliance programs.

IEC 60255-21 Mechanical Testing

Protective relays and related equipment may be installed in substations, power generation facilities, industrial systems, and other environments where mechanical stresses can affect equipment performance and reliability.

IEC 60255-21 testing evaluates equipment under controlled mechanical conditions to determine whether it can maintain required performance and withstand specified environmental stresses.

Depending on the applicable portion of the standard, testing may include:

• Vibration testing
• Shock testing
• Bump testing
• Seismic testing
• Operational response monitoring
• Equipment inspection before and after testing
• Functional verification

Test severity, frequency ranges, acceleration levels, duration, mounting configuration, and acceptance criteria depend on the applicable requirements and equipment classification.

IEC 60255-21-1 Vibration Testing

IEC 60255-21-1 addresses vibration testing of measuring relays and protection equipment.

Vibration testing can be used to evaluate equipment performance during mechanical vibration as well as its ability to withstand vibration without damage or degradation.

Clark's vibration testing capabilities allow equipment to be evaluated using controlled vibration profiles while monitoring the test article as required by the qualification program.

IEC 60255-21-2 Shock and Bump Testing

IEC 60255-21-2 addresses shock and bump testing.

These tests evaluate the ability of protective equipment to withstand mechanical impacts and repeated mechanical disturbances. Depending on the applicable requirements, testing may evaluate both equipment performance during exposure and its ability to withstand the specified conditions without permanent damage.

Clark can develop fixtures and test configurations based on the equipment mounting arrangement and required test conditions.

IEC 60255-21-3 Seismic Testing

IEC 60255-21-3 addresses seismic testing of measuring relays and protection equipment.

Seismic qualification is particularly important for protective and control equipment installed in facilities where continued equipment integrity or operation may be required during and following an earthquake.

Clark Testing provides seismic testing capabilities for electrical and mechanical equipment and can develop test programs around applicable IEC 60255-21-3 requirements, equipment configurations, and customer specifications.

Protective Relay and Electrical Equipment Qualification

Mechanical testing is often one component of a broader equipment qualification program. Protective relays, control equipment, and electrical devices may be subject to multiple environmental and performance requirements based on their application.

Clark Testing supports qualification programs involving:

• Vibration testing
• Shock testing
• Seismic testing
• Environmental testing
• Structural testing
• EMC/EMI testing
• Equipment qualification testing

Combining multiple testing capabilities through one laboratory can help manufacturers and engineering organizations coordinate complex qualification programs.

IEC 60255-21 Testing at Clark Testing

Clark Testing works with manufacturers, utilities, engineering organizations, and equipment suppliers to evaluate protective relays and associated equipment against applicable mechanical qualification requirements.

Our team can review the applicable IEC 60255-21 requirements, equipment configuration, mounting arrangement, test levels, monitoring requirements, and acceptance criteria to develop an appropriate test program.

Contact Clark Testing to discuss IEC 60255-21 vibration, shock, bump, or seismic testing requirements.