IEC 60296:2020 establishes the specifications and testing procedures for both unused and recycled mineral insulating oils (definitions can be found in Clause 3). It is relevant to mineral oil that is supplied under contractual terms and is intended for use in transformers, switchgear, and comparable electrical equipment where oil is necessary for insulation and heat transfer. Both unused and recycled oils, as defined in this document, have not been utilized in or come into contact with electrical or other non-manufacturing, storage, or transportation equipment. Unused oils are derived through the refining, modification, and/or blending of petroleum products and other hydrocarbons from virgin raw materials. Recycled oils are created from previously used mineral insulating oils in electrical equipment, which have undergone re-refining or reclaiming (regeneration) processes offsite. These oils were originally supplied in accordance with a recognized specification for unused mineral insulating oils. This document does not distinguish between the recycling methods for mineral insulating oils. Oils treated on-site, as referenced in IEC 60422, are not covered by this document. The scope includes oils with and without additives. This standard does not cover mineral insulating oils used as impregnating media in cables or capacitors.
