Companies can mass-produce standardized electrical components (insulators, switchgear, cables, and appliances) for a global market rather than creating bespoke regional variants.
IEC 60038, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission, specifies nominal voltage values intended to serve as: Guidance for the design of electrical supply systems. Reference values for equipment and systems designers.
You can find more information on IEC 60038 and download the standard from the IEC website.
The standard also sets standardized voltages for transmission at Extra-High Voltage (EHV) and Ultra-High Voltage (UHV) levels, typically from 245 kV up to . In the 2009 edition, a major change was the replacement of 1,050 kV with 1,100 kV in Table 5 for the highest voltage for equipment. iec 60038 standard voltages pdf 103
The IEC 60038 standard is the foundational global blueprint for AC and DC voltage specifications. It harmonizes electrical supply systems across borders to ensure equipment compatibility and grid stability [1].
Do you need help calculating for a specific installation?
Medium voltage benchmarks serve local regional distribution and heavy production facilities. The standard defines two series of preferred values: You can find more information on IEC 60038
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These values govern bulk power transmission over long distances. Standardized values reduce the cost of manufacturing massive grid transformers and circuit breakers. 66 kV, 110 kV, 132 kV, 220 kV. EHV Range: 380/400 kV, 500 kV, 765 kV. Key Technical Parameters Explained
The standard organizes voltage levels into several "bands" or categories to address different industrial and residential needs: The IEC 60038 standard is the foundational global
AC three-phase systems above 1 kV up to 35 kV .
Standardizes voltages for railway and transit systems (e.g., 1,500 V DC or 25,000 V AC). Low-Voltage Equipment:
The standard applies a uniform set of rules to streamline global trade, make electrical appliances interoperable, and eliminate costly engineering re-designs for cross-border equipment. The document covers: IEC 60038:2009
66 kV, 110 kV, 132 kV, 220 kV, 400 kV, and higher.