IEC EN 60588-1 Askarels for Transformers and Capacitors

EUROLAB, with its state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, provides precise and fast testing services within the scope of IEC EN 60588-1 test. This standard describes the electrical applications of askarels, the benefits and risks associated with their use, as well as various aspects related to safety, disposal, packaging and labeling.

Askarel is a general term for fire resistant insulation fluids. Askarels, as used and applicable at the time of publication of this section, consist of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with or without the addition of polychlorinated benzenes.

Adverse health effects are normally limited to non-chronic chloracne and other temporary skin lesions or irritations. Liver damage may occur after prolonged exposure to fumes or ingestion or ascarel.

The use of Askarel is limited to closed systems, particularly transformers and capacitors, due to evidence that certain permanent homologues are widely distributed in the environment. Persistent homologues have been identified as pentachlorobiphenyls and hexachlorobiphenyls, and their availability in askarels other than based on these homologs is limited by the relevant specification.

It is generally accepted that the handling of ascarel is not harmful to health when simple precautions are taken. Some people are allergic to ascarel and continued exposure can cause skin irritation. For this reason, direct contact with askarel and its vapors should be avoided, especially when hot. This, combined with personal hygiene, should provide adequate protection against harmful influences.

Prolonged contact with Askarel may cause dryness and cracking of the skin. If contact is unavoidable, barrier creams or non-absorbent disposable gloves can be used. The use of porous gloves, which can absorb or retain askarels, should be avoided. Washing with a medicinal or mild detergent followed by the application of cold cream will reduce irritation from contact with an open cut or skin abrasion.

EUROLAB assists manufacturers with IEC EN 60588-1 test compliance. Our test experts, with their professional working mission and principles, provide you, our manufacturers and suppliers, the best service and controlled testing process in our laboratories. Thanks to these services, businesses receive more effective, high-performance and quality testing services and provide safe, fast and uninterrupted service to their customers.