Reliable testing under extreme environmental conditions

Specific environmental conditions can have a significant impact on the performance of electrical equipment, often reducing its effectiveness. KEMA Labs operates over 20 climatic chambers of various sizes, ranging from 0.3 m³ to 31 m³, as well as two large thermal chambers of 400 m³ and 750 m³. These facilities enable the execution of ice tests on power transformers, insulators, and high-voltage AC disconnectors.

Both of the main climatic chambers are necessary for also testing dry-type distribution transformers, according to the IEC 60076-11 standard. 

According to IEC 60076-11, the climatic test is specified in five classes, each characterized by progressively lower temperatures:

  • Class C1: at -5 °C and -25 °C
  • Class C2: at -25 °C only
  • Class C3: at -25 °C and -40 °C
  • Class C4: at -40 °C and -50 °C
  • Class C5: at -50 °C and -60 °C

Currently, the “750 m³” climatic chamber is capable of performing tests in all the classes mentioned above based on seasonal period.

Some examples of test equipment:

  • Large / HV Gas Insulated Switchgear
  • Large LV / MV Switchgear and Controlgear assemblies
  • High Voltage Disconnectors
  • Dry-type Distribution Transformers
  • Large T&D equipment
  • Industrial/Passenger Vehicles (Tractors, Cars and other industrial equipments)
  • Others

Selected applicable standards:

• IEC 62271 – High-voltage Switchgear and Controlgear

• IEC 60076 – Power transformers (part 11: dry-type transformers)

• IEC 61439 – Low-voltage Switchgear and Controlgear assemblies

• IEC 60947 – Low-voltage Switchgear and Controlgear

KEMA Labs, a CESI Group Business Unit, is a global leader in third-party conformity assessment services, testing, inspection, and certification of electromechanical components. Our certificates and reports are internationally recognized by both manufacturers and purchasers.

KEMA Labs is a well-recognized conformity assessment body, accredited according to ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17025, and ISO/IEC 17065 standards. Additionally, KEMA Labs, through CESI S.p.a., is a notified body for the IECEx Certification Scheme and ATEX.