Standards Development

Scope

This British Standard specifies requirements and test methods for the construction and performance of cables that:

a) have a thermosetting insulation of rated voltage up to and including 450/750 V;

b) emit limited amounts of smoke (see 16.6) and corrosive gases when subjected to relevant tests compared with corresponding PVC cables conforming to BS 6004;

c) are intended for electric power and lighting.

The types of cable included in this British Standard are:

• thermosetting insulated and thermoplastic low smoke halogen free sheathed cable 450/750 V single core 6181B (see Table 3);

• thermosetting insulated and thermoplastic low smoke halogen free sheathed circular cables 450/750 V, 2-core 6182B, 3-core 6183B, 4-core 6184B and 5-core 6185B (see Table 4);

• thermosetting insulated and thermoplastic low smoke halogen free sheathed cables 300/500 V single-core 6241B, flat twin 6242B, flat 3-core 6243B with circuit protective conductor (see Table 5).

The insulation and other components are suitable to permit operation of the cables at a maximum sustained conductor temperature of 90 °C and for a maximum short-circuit conductor temperature of 250 °C (for a maximum period of 5 s).

Purpose

The proposed amendment will introduce the following changes;

- the possibility of using multi-material insulation systems,

- an upgraded Spark test regime,

- revised maximum dimensions,

- CPC conductor position and alternative core colours.