Recently, the IEC Working Groups WG11 and MT19, convened by Professor Liang Xidong from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Applied Electronics (EEA) at Tsinghua University, successfully facilitated the official release of the 2025 versions of the IEC 62217 and IEC/TS 60815-1, -2, -3 series international standards. As core international technical standards in the field of high-voltage insulators, these releases provide crucial technical references for the safe and stable operation of global power grids and also signify China's deep involvement and positive contributions to international standardization work in this field.

IEC 62217 pertains to "High-voltage polymeric insulators for indoor and outdoor use - General definitions, test methods and acceptance criteria." The IEC TS 60815 series standards are titled "Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage insulators intended for use in polluted conditions," covering aspects from the assessment of site pollution severity to the selection and dimensioning of various insulator types for AC and DC systems, applicable to all types of external insulation. The released 2025 versions are the result of an eight-year collaborative effort by international experts. Since the establishment of WG11 and MT19 under IEC/TC36 (Insulators Technical Committee) in 2017, dozens of experts from over twenty countries, including China, France, Germany, Sweden, Italy, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Japan, Brazil, and South Africa, have undertaken a comprehensive and systematic revision and upgrade of the previous standards. Experts from various countries engaged in in-depth discussions on technical content. The process of building consensus was challenging, yet it also reflected the shared responsibility of international standardization organizations to promote technical coordination and progress. During the revision work, organizational and technical support was provided by XIHARI, the domestic technical counterpart unit for IEC/TC36. Strong support was also received from industry experts within China, including those from domestic power enterprises like State Grid Corporation of China and China Southern Power Grid, as well as universities, research institutes, and insulator manufacturers. Concurrently, a group of young Chinese technical experts were nurtured and gradually stepped onto the international stage of standard development. Furthermore, China hosted the IEC/TC36 plenary meeting for the first time, building a bridge for deeper exchanges between Chinese experts and their international counterparts and laying the foundation for subsequent global cooperation.

MT19 Working Group Meeting held in Shanghai in 2019

WG11 Working Group Meeting held in Milan in 2023

IEC/TC36 held its plenary meeting in Beijing, China for the first time in 2025

Professor Liang Xidong, with his profound academic knowledge, led the international standard revision work. As the convener of both IEC/TC36 WG11 and MT19, he earned high recognition from international peers through his exceptional professional competence and collaborative spirit, and was twice awarded the "IEC 1906 Award," which represents outstanding contributions to the IEC. This engineering professor has long been dedicated to translating fundamental research results into industrial practice, from the electric power industry standard DL/T 810-2002/2012 to national standards such as GB/T 34937-2017, GB/T 22079-2019, and the GB/T 26218-2010/2011 series. His work has significantly propelled the synchronous development of composite insulator technology and standardization in China. Simultaneously, through joint efforts with domestic industry experts, he promoted the engineering practice and operational experience of China's composite insulator technology, which has been systematically incorporated into international standards including IEC 62217, the IEC/TS 60815 series, and IEEE Std 1898.

Professor Liang Xidong presenting China's technology and experience in pollution mapping at the WG11 Working Group Meeting in Bangkok in 2023

The release of the 2025 versions of IEC 62217 and the IEC TS 60815 series not only significantly enhances China's voice and influence in the development of international power standards but also provides robust standard support for Chinese power equipment and technology to enter global markets. Looking ahead, Chinese experts will continue to deepen cooperation with international counterparts, actively participate in and lead the development of international standards, and persistently contribute Chinese wisdom and strength to building a safer, more efficient, and smarter global energy internet.