EN 50290-2-22:2001/A1:2007

Overview

The EN 50290-2-22:2001/A1:2007 standard, issued by CLC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization), defines common design rules and construction requirements for PVC sheathing compounds used in communication cables. This amendment (A1) updates the original 2001 standard with the introduction of new PVC grades optimized for higher temperature tolerance and oil resistance, reflecting evolving industry needs.

The standard applies to PVC compounds used in the sheathing of communication cables such as coaxial cables and waveguides, laying out properties like mechanical strength, temperature ratings, and environmental resistance that must be met to ensure optimal cable performance and durability.

Key Topics

• PVC Sheathing Compound Grades
  The amendment introduces three new PVC grades with specific performance characteristics tailored for different environmental conditions:

  • TM53: High-temperature PVC sheathing compound rated for use up to 90 °C, improving cable performance in hotter environments.
  • TM54: Oil-resistant PVC for temporary contact with oils, suitable for cables exposed to oils intermittently.
  • TM55: Oil-resistant PVC designed for continuous storage in oils, enhancing long-term durability in oily environments.

• Mechanical and Physical Requirements
  The standard specifies key parameters tested according to harmonized European methods (EN 60811 series, ISO 868, EN 50414), including:

  • Tensile strength and elongation at break (both initially and after aging).
  • Hardness measured by Shore A.
  • Density to be recorded for compound consistency.
  • Loss of mass and thermal stability to ensure resistance under heat stress.
  • Behavior at low temperatures including bending, elongation, and impact resistance tests ensuring no cracks or failures occur under cold conditions.

• Lead Content Limitation
  For lead-free PVC sheathing, the lead content must be less than 400 ppm, measured in accordance with EN 50414, supporting environmental and health safety regulations.

• Thermal and Oil Resistance Testing
  PVC compounds must pass heat shock, pressure, and mineral oil immersion tests to validate performance under thermal stress and exposure to oils.

Applications

The provisions of EN 50290-2-22:2001/A1:2007 are critical for manufacturers, engineers, and quality assurance professionals involved in the design, production, and testing of communication cables such as:

• Telecommunication infrastructure cables deployed in diverse temperature environments.
• Coaxial cables used in broadcasting, networking, and data transmission requiring durable sheathing resistant to environmental factors.
• Industrial communication cables exposed to oils or harsh thermal conditions needing specialized PVC compounds to maintain integrity and safety.
• Indoor and outdoor communication cabling where long-term mechanical and chemical stability of PVC sheathing is essential.

By conforming to this standard, manufacturers ensure reliable cable performance, longer service life, and compliance with European electrotechnical norms.

Related Standards

• EN 50290-2 (other parts) – Covering common design rules and construction for communication cables using different materials and compounds.
• EN 60811 series – Testing methods for cables with polymeric insulation and sheath materials, referenced extensively in this standard for tests on mechanical and thermal properties.
• EN 50414 – Test methods limiting hazardous substances in cable materials, especially lead content in PVC sheaths.
• CLC/TS 50290 series – Technical specifications managing different cable types and construction parameters aligned with EN 50290 standards.

Understanding and applying the EN 50290-2-22:2001/A1:2007 standard supports the production of high-quality communication cables meeting rigorous European safety, performance, and environmental requirements, thereby fostering improved cable reliability and network integrity.