Pakistan Standard
Pakistan Standard
PAKISTAN STANDARD
Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and
including 450/750 V
1
Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and
including 450/750 V
Part-1:General requirements
0. FOREWORD
0.1 This Pakistan Standard was adopted by the authority of the Board of Directors of Pakistan
Standard and Quality Control Authority after the draft prepared by the Technical Committee for
“Electric Cables” (TC-7)” had been approved and endorsed by the National Standards
Committee on 27 June 2007.
0.2 This Pakistan Standard was adopted on the basis of IEC: 60227-1 since IEC Standard have
been established in 1997, hence it is deemed necessary to adopt the International standard to
keep abreast with the latest technology and as par with IEC standard.
0.3 This Pakistan Standard is an adoption of IEC: 60227-1-2007 Polyvinyl chloride insulated
cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V Part-1: General requirements,” and its
use hereby acknowledged with thanks.
0.4 This standard is subject to periodical review in order to keep pace with the development in
industry. Any suggestions for improvement shall be recorded and placed before the revising
committee in due course.
0.5 This standard is intended chiefly to cover the technical provisions relating to this standard and
it does not include all the necessary provisions of a Contract.
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PS:IEC:60227-1/2007
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.........................................................................................................................
1 General .........................................................................................................................
1.1 Scope...................................................................................................................
1.2 Normative references ............................................................................................
2 Definitions .....................................................................................................................
2.1 Definitions relating to insulating and sheathing materials .......................................
2.1.1 Polyvinyl chloride compound (PVC) ...........................................................
2.1.2 Type of compound ...................................................................................
2.2 Definitions relating to the tests .............................................................................
2.2.1 Type tests (symbol T) ...............................................................................
2.2.2 Sample tests (symbol S) ..........................................................................
2.3 Rated voltage ......................................................................................................
3 Marking ........................................................................................................................
3.1 Indication of origin and cable identification ..........................................................
3.1.1 Continuity of marks .................................................................................
3.2 Durability ..........................................................................................................
3.3 Legibility .............................................................................................................
4 Core identification .........................................................................................................
4.1 Core identification by colours ................................................................................
4.1.1 General requirements ................................................................................
4.1.2 Colour scheme .........................................................................................
4.1.3 Colour combination green-and-yellow ........................................................
4.2 Core identification by numbers ............................................................................
4.2.1 General requirements ..............................................................................
4.2.2 Preferred arrangement of marking............................................................
4.2.3 Durability ..................................................................................................
5 General requirements for the construction of cables ........................................................
5.1 Conductors ...........................................................................................................
5.1.1 Material .....................................................................................................
5.1.2 Construction .............................................................................................
5.1.3 Check on construction ...............................................................................
5.1.4 Electrical resistance...................................................................................
5.2 Insulation..............................................................................................................
5.2.1 Material ....................................................................................................
5.2.2 Application to the conductor ......................................................................
5.2.3 Thickness .................................................................................................
5.2.4 Mechanical properties before and after ageing ..........................................
5.3 Filler .....................................................................................................................
5.3.1 Material ....................................................................................................
5.3.2 Application...............................................................................................
5.4 Extruded inner covering .........................................................................................
5.4.1 Material ....................................................................................................
5.4.2 Application................................................................................................
5.4.3 Thickness ..................................................................................................
5.5 Sheath..................................................................................................................
5.5.1 Material ....................................................................................................
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5.5.2 Application................................................................................................
5.5.3 Thickness .................................................................................................
5.5.4 Mechanical properties before and after ageing ..........................................
5.6 Tests on completed cables ...................................................................................
5.6.1 Electrical properties ..................................................................................
5.6.2 Overall dimensions ...................................................................................
5.6.3 Mechanical strength of flexible cables .......................................................
5.6.4 Flame retardance.......................................................................................
6 Guide to use of the cables .............................................................................................
Table 1 – Requirements for the non-electrical tests for polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
insulation ..............................................................................................................................
Table 2 – Requirements for the non-electrical test for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheaths.......
Table 3 – Requirements for electrical tests for PVC insulated cables ....................................
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PS:IEC:60227-1/2007
1 General
1.1 Scope
This part of International Standard IEC 60227 applies to rigid and flexible cables with
insulation, and sheath if any, based on polyvinyl chloride, of rated voltages U o /U up to and
including 450/750 V used in power installations of nominal voltage not exceeding
450/750 V a.c.
NOTE For some types of flexible cables the term cord is used.
The particular types of cables are specified in IEC 60227-3, IEC 60227-4, etc. The code
designations of these types of cables are given in Annex A.
The test methods specified in Parts 1, 3, 4, etc. are given in IEC 60227-2, IEC 60332-1-2 and
in the relevant parts of IEC 60811.
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of
the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60227-2, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltage up to and including
450/750 V – Part 2: Test methods
IEC 60227-3, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltage up to and including
450/750 V – Part 3: Non-sheathed cables for fixed wiring
IEC 60227-4, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltage up to and including
450/750 V – Part 4: Sheathed cables for fixed wiring
IEC 60227-5, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V – Part 5: Flexible cables (cords)
IEC 60332-1-2, Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions – Part 1-2: Test
for vertical flame propagation for a single insulated wire or cable – Procedure for 1 kW pre-
mixed flame
IEC 60811-1-1, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric
cables and optical cables – Part 1: Methods for general application –Measuring of thickness
and overall dimensions – Tests for determining the mechanical properties
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PS:IEC:60227-1/2007
IEC 60811-1-2, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric
cables – Part 1: Methods for general application – Section Two: Thermal ageing methods
IEC 60811-1-4, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric
cables – Part 1: Methods for general application – Section Four: Tests at low temperature
IEC 60811-3-1, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric
cables – Part 3: Methods specific to PVC compounds – Section One: Pressure test at high
temperature – Tests for resistance to cracking
IEC 60811-3-2, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric
cables – Part 3: Methods specific to PVC compounds – Section Two: Loss of mass test –
Thermal stability tests
IEC 62440, Electric cables – Guide to use for cables with a rated voltage not exceeding
450/750V 1
2 Definitions
For the purpose of this standard the following definitions shall apply.
Tests required to be made before supplying a type of cable covered by this standard on a
general commercial basis in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics to
meet the intended application. These tests are of such a nature that, after they have been
made, they need not be repeated unless changes are made in the cable materials or design
which might change the performance characteristics.
Tests made on samples of completed cable or components taken from a completed cable,
adequate to verify that the finished product meets the design specifications.
The rated voltage of a cable is the reference voltage for which the cable is designed and which
serves to define the electrical tests.
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1 In preparation.
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PS:IEC:60227-1/2007
The rated voltage is expressed by the combination of two values U o /U, expressed in volts:
U o being the r.m.s. value between any insulated conductor and "earth" (metal covering of the
cable or the surrounding medium);
U being the r.m.s. value between any two-phase conductors of a multicore cable or of a
system of single-core cables.
In an alternating current system, the rated voltage of a cable shall be at least equal to the
nominal voltage of the system for which it is intended.
In a direct current system, the nominal voltage of the system shall be not higher than 1,5 times
the rated voltage of the cable.
NOTE The operating voltage of a system may permanently exceed the nominal voltage of such a system by 10 %.
A cable can be used at a 10 % higher operating voltage than its rated voltage if the latter is at least equal to the
nominal voltage of the system.
3 Marking
Cables shall be provided with an indication of the manufacturer, which shall be either an
identification thread or a repetitive marking of the manufacturer's name or trade-mark.
Cables for use at a conductor temperature exceeding 70 °C shall also be marked either with
the code designation or with the maximum conductor temperature.
Each specified mark shall be regarded as continuous if the distance between the end of the
mark and the beginning of the next identical mark does not exceed
3.2 Durability
Printed markings shall be durable. Compliance with this requirement shall be checked by the
test given in 1.8 of IEC 60227-2.
3.3 Legibility
The colours of the identification threads shall be easy to recognize or easily made
recognizable, if necessary, by cleaning with petrol or other suitable solvent.
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4 Core identification
Identification of the cores of a cable shall be achieved by the use of coloured insulation or
other suitable method.
Each core of a cable shall have only one colour, except the core identified by a combination of
the colours green-and-yellow.
The colours green and yellow,when not in combination, shall not be used for any multicore
cable.
The preferred colour scheme for flexible cables and single-core cables is:
The colours shall be clearly identifiable and durable. Durability shall be checked by the test
given in 1.8 of IEC 60227-2.
The distribution of the colours for the core coloured green-and-yellow shall comply with the
following condition (which is in accordance with IEC 60173): for every 15 mm length of core,
one of these colours shall cover at least 30 % and not more than 70 % of the surface of the
core, the other colour covering the remainder.
It is understood that the colours green and yellow, when they are combined as specified above, are recognized
exclusively as a means of identification of the core intended for use as earth connection or similar protection, and
that the colour blue is intended for the identification of the core intended to be connected to neutral. If, however,
there is no neutral, blue can be used to identify any core except the earthing or protective conductor.
The insulation of the cores shall be of the same colour and numbered sequentially, except for
the core coloured green-and-yellow, if one is included.
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The green-and-yellow core, if any, shall comply with the requirement of 4.1.3 and shall be in
the outer layer.
The numbers shall be printed in arabic numerals on the outer surfaces of the cores. All the
numbers shall be of the same colour, which shall contrast with the colour of the insulation. The
numerals shall be legible.
The numbers shall be repeated, at regular intervals along the core, consecutive numbers being
inverted in relation to each other.
When the number is a single numeral, a dash shall be placed underneath it. If the number
consists of two numerals, these shall be disposed one below the other and a dash placed
below the lower numeral. The spacing d between consecutive numbers shall not exceed
50 mm.
d d
1
2
1
2
2
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IEC 2008/07
4.2.3 Durability
Printed numerals shall be durable. Compliance with this requirement shall be checked by the
test given in 1.8 of IEC 60227-2.
5.1 Conductors
5.1.1 Material
The conductors shall consist of annealed copper, except for the wires of tinsel cords, for which
a copper alloy may be used. The wires may be plain or tinned.
5.1.2 Construction
The maximum diameters of the wires of flexible conductors – other than the conductors of
tinsel cords – and the minimum number of the wires of rigid conductors shall be in accordance
with IEC 60228.
The classes of the conductors relevant to the various types of cables are given in the particular
specifications (see IEC 60227-3, IEC 60227-4, etc.).
Conductors of cables for fixed installations shall be circular solid, circular stranded or
compacted circular stranded conductors.
For tinsel cords each conductor shall comprise a number of strands or groups of strands,
twisted together, each strand being composed of one or more flattened wires of copper or
copper alloy, helically wound on a thread of cotton, polyamide or similar material.
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PS:IEC:60227-1/2007
Compliance with the requirements of 5.1.1 and 5.1.2, including the requirements of IEC 60228,
shall be checked by inspection and by measurement.
For cables – other than tinsel cords – the resistance of each conductor at 20 °C shall be in
accordance with the requirements of IEC 60228 for the given class of the conductor.
5.2 Insulation
5.2.1 Material
The insulation shall be polyvinyl chloride compound of the type specified for each type of cable
in the particular specifications (see IEC 60227-3, IEC 60227-4, etc.).
The maximum operating temperatures for cables insulated with any of the above types of
compound and covered by the particular specifications (see IEC 60227-3, IEC 60227-4, etc.)
are given in those publications.
The insulation shall be so applied that it fits closely on the conductor, but for cables other than
tinsel cords, it shall be possible to remove it without damage to the insulation itself, to the
conductor or to the tin coating if any. Compliance shall be checked by inspection and by
manual test.
5.2.3 Thickness
The mean value of the thickness of insulation shall be not less than the specified value for
each type and size of cable shown in the tables of the particular specifications (IEC 60227-3,
IEC 60227-4, etc.).
However, the thickness at any place may be less than the specified value provided that the
difference does not exceed 0,1 mm + 10 % of the specified value.
The insulation shall have adequate mechanical strength and elasticity within the temperature
limits to which it may be exposed in normal use.
The applicable test methods and the results to be obtained are specified in Table 1.
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Table 1 – Requirements for the non-electrical tests for polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
insulation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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Table 1 (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
5.3 Filler
5.3.1 Material
Unless otherwise specified in the particular specifications (IEC 60227-3, IEC 60227-4, etc.), the
fillers shall be composed of one of the following or of any combination of the following:
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When the filler is composed of unvulcanized rubber, there shall be no harmful interactions
between its constituents and the insulation and/or the sheath. Compliance with this
requirement shall be checked by the test given in 8.1.4 of IEC 60811-1-2.
5.3.2 Application
For each type of cable, the particular specifications (IEC 60227-3, IEC 60227-4, etc.) specify
whether that cable includes fillers or whether the sheath or inner covering may penetrate
between the cores, thus forming a filling.
The fillers shall fill the spaces between the cores giving the assembly a practically circular
shape. The fillers shall not adhere to the cores. The assembly of cores and fillers may be held
together by a film or tape.
5.4.1 Material
Unless otherwise specified in the particular specifications (IEC 60227-4, etc.), the extruded
inner covering shall be composed of a compound based on unvulcanized rubber or plastics.
Where the inner covering is composed of unvulcanized rubber, there shall be no harmful
interactions between its constituents and the insulation and/or the sheath.
Compliance with this requirement shall be checked by the test given in 8.1.4 of IEC 60811-1-2.
5.4.2 Application
The extruded inner covering shall surround the cores and may penetrate the spaces between
them giving the assembly a practical circular shape. The extruded inner covering shall not
adhere to the cores.
For each type of cable, the particular specifications (IEC 60227-4, etc.) indicate whether that
cable includes an extruded inner covering or not, or whether the outer sheath may penetrate
between the cores, thus forming a filling.
5.4.3 Thickness
Unless otherwise specified in the particular specifications (IEC 60227-4, etc.), no measurement
is required for the extruded inner covering.
5.5 Sheath
5.5.1 Material
The sheath shall be polyvinyl chloride compound of the type specified for each type of cable in
the particular specifications (see IEC 60227-4, etc.):
5.5.2 Application
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The sheath shall not adhere to the cores. A separator, consisting of a film or tape, may be
placed under the sheath.
In certain cases, indicated in the particular specifications (IEC 60227-4, etc.), the sheath may
penetrate into the spaces between the cores, thus forming a filling (see 5.4.2).
5.5.3 Thickness
The mean value of the thickness shall not be less than the specified value for each type and
size of cable shown in the tables of the particular specifications (IEC 60227-4, etc.).
However, the thickness at any place may be less than the specified value provided that the
difference does not exceed 0,1 mm + 15 % of the specified value, unless otherwise specified.
The sheath shall have adequate mechanical strength and elasticity within the temperature
limits to which it may be exposed in normal use.
The applicable test values and the results to be obtained are specified in Table 2.
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Table 2 – Requirements for the non-electrical test for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheaths
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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Table 2 (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
The cables shall have adequate dielectric strength and insulation resistance.
The test methods and the results to be obtained are specified in Table 3.
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7
The mean overall dimensions of the cables shall be within the limits specified in the tables in
the particular specifications (see IEC 60227-3, IEC 60227-4, etc.).
The difference between any two values of the overall diameter of sheathed circular cables of
the same cross-section (ovality) shall not exceed 15 % of the upper limit specified for the mean
overall diameter.
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The flexible cables shall be capable of withstanding bending and other mechanical stresses
occurring in normal use.
When specified in the particular specifications (see IEC 60227-5, etc.), compliance shall be
checked by the test given in Clause 3 of IEC 60227-2.
During the test with 15 000 backward and forward movements, i.e. 30 000 single strokes,
neither interruption of the current nor short circuit between the conductors shall occur.
After the test, the sample shall withstand the voltage test carried out in accordance with 2.2 of
IEC 60227-2.
During the test with 60 000 bending cycles, i.e. 120 000 single strokes, interruption of the
current shall not occur.
After the test, the sample shall withstand the voltage test carried out in accordance with 2.2 of
IEC 60227-2, the voltage, however, being 1 500 V and applied only between the conductors
connected together and the water.
All the cables shall comply with the test specified in IEC 60332-1-2.
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Annex A
(normative)
Code designation
Cables of the types covered by this standard are designated by two numerals, preceded by the
reference number of this standard.
The first numeral indicates the basic class of cable; the second numeral indicates the particular
type within the basic class.
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