IEC 60885-3:2015 is available as IEC 60885-3:2015 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.

IEC 60885-3:2015 specifies the test methods for partial discharge (PD) measurements on lengths of extruded power cable, but does not include measurements made on installed cable systems. Reference is made to IEC 60270 which gives the techniques and considerations applicable to partial discharge measurements in general. This second edition of IEC 60885-3 cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 1988 and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- The definition of sensitivity as twice the background noise level has been removed and replaced by a practical assessment of sensitivity based on the minimum level of detectable discharge.
- References to measurements of pulse heights in mm on an oscilloscope have been replaced by measurements of partial discharge magnitude in pC.
- The order of the clauses has been revised in line with the general numbering scheme of IEC standards and to provide clarity in order to facilitate its practical use. Section 3 of the first edition (Application guide) has been removed as it is considered that background information is better obtained from the original references as listed in the bibliography.