IEC 62821-1:2015

IEC 62821-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2015-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Electric cables – Halogen-free, low smoke, thermoplastic insulated and sheathed
cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V –
Part 1: General requirements
Câbles électriques – Câbles à isolation et gaine thermoplastique sans halogène,
à faible dégagement de fumée, de tension assignée au plus égale à 450/750 V –
Partie 1: Exigences générales
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite
ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie
et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'IEC ou du Comité national de l'IEC du pays du demandeur. Si vous avez des
questions sur le copyright de l'IEC ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette publication, utilisez
les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de l'IEC de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
CH-1211 Geneva 20 info@iec.ch
Switzerland www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.

IEC Catalogue - webstore.iec.ch/catalogue Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
The stand-alone application for consulting the entire The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and
bibliographical information on IEC International Standards, electrical terms containing more than 30 000 terms and
Technical Specifications, Technical Reports and other definitions in English and French, with equivalent terms in 15
documents. Available for PC, Mac OS, Android Tablets and additional languages. Also known as the International
iPad. Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) online.

IEC publications search - www.iec.ch/searchpub IEC Glossary - std.iec.ch/glossary
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a More than 60 000 electrotechnical terminology entries in
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical English and French extracted from the Terms and Definitions
committee,…). It also gives information on projects, replaced clause of IEC publications issued since 2002. Some entries
and withdrawn publications. have been collected from earlier publications of IEC TC 37,

77, 86 and CISPR.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
details all new publications released. Available online and If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or
also once a month by email. need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: csc@iec.ch.
A propos de l'IEC
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (IEC) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des
Normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

A propos des publications IEC
Le contenu technique des publications IEC est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez l’édition la
plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.

Catalogue IEC - webstore.iec.ch/catalogue Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
Application autonome pour consulter tous les renseignements
Le premier dictionnaire en ligne de termes électroniques et
bibliographiques sur les Normes internationales,
électriques. Il contient plus de 30 000 termes et définitions en
Spécifications techniques, Rapports techniques et autres
anglais et en français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans
documents de l'IEC. Disponible pour PC, Mac OS, tablettes
15 langues additionnelles. Egalement appelé Vocabulaire
Android et iPad.
Electrotechnique International (IEV) en ligne.

Recherche de publications IEC - www.iec.ch/searchpub
Glossaire IEC - std.iec.ch/glossary
Plus de 60 000 entrées terminologiques électrotechniques, en
La recherche avancée permet de trouver des publications IEC
en utilisant différents critères (numéro de référence, texte, anglais et en français, extraites des articles Termes et
comité d’études,…). Elle donne aussi des informations sur les Définitions des publications IEC parues depuis 2002. Plus
projets et les publications remplacées ou retirées. certaines entrées antérieures extraites des publications des

CE 37, 77, 86 et CISPR de l'IEC.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished

Service Clients - webstore.iec.ch/csc
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications IEC. Just
Published détaille les nouvelles publications parues. Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette
Disponible en ligne et aussi une fois par mois par email. publication ou si vous avez des questions contactez-nous:
csc@iec.ch.
IEC 62821-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2015-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Electric cables – Halogen-free, low smoke, thermoplastic insulated and sheathed

cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V –

Part 1: General requirements
Câbles électriques – Câbles à isolation et gaine thermoplastique sans halogène,

à faible dégagement de fumée, de tension assignée au plus égale à 450/750 V –

Partie 1: Exigences générales
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.060.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-2255-3

– 2 – IEC 62821-1:2015 © IEC 2015
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions. 7
3.1 Definitions relating to insulating and sheathing materials . 7
3.2 Definitions relating to tests . 7
4 Rated voltage . 8
5 Marking . 8
5.1 Indication of origin and cable identification . 8
5.2 Continuity of marks . 9
5.3 Durability . 9
5.4 Legibility. 9
6 Core identification . 9
6.1 General . 9
6.2 Core identification by colours . 9
6.2.1 General requirements . 9
6.2.2 Colour scheme . 9
6.2.3 Colour combination green-and-yellow . 10
6.3 Core identification by numbers . 10
6.3.1 General requirements . 10
6.3.2 Preferred arrangement of marking . 10
6.3.3 Durability . 11
7 General requirements for the construction of cables . 11
7.1 Conductors . 11
7.1.1 Material . 11
7.1.2 Construction . 11
7.1.3 Check on construction . 11
7.1.4 Electrical resistance . 11
7.2 Insulation . 11
7.2.1 Material . 11
7.2.2 Application to the conductor . 12
7.2.3 Thickness . 12
7.2.4 Mechanical properties before and after ageing . 12
7.3 Filler . 14
7.3.1 Material . 14
7.3.2 Application . 14
7.4 Extruded inner covering . 15
7.4.1 Material . 15
7.4.2 Application . 15
7.4.3 Thickness . 15
7.5 Sheath . 15
7.5.1 Material . 15
7.5.2 Application . 15
7.5.3 Thickness . 15
7.5.4 Mechanical properties before and after ageing . 16
7.6 Tests on completed cables . 17

7.6.1 Electrical properties . 17
7.6.2 Overall dimensions . 18
7.6.3 Mechanical strength of flexible cables . 19
7.6.4 Tests under fire conditions . 19
8 Guide to use of the cables . 19
Annex A (normative) Code designation . 20
Annex B (normative) Assessment of halogens . 21
B.1 Requirements for extruded material . 21
B.1.1 Type test. 21
B.1.2 Sample test . 21
B.2 Requirements for non-extruded materials – Type and sample test . 22
Bibliography . 23

Figure 1 – Arrangement of marking . 11

Table 1 – Examples of maximum permitted voltages against rated voltage of cable . 8
Table 2 – Requirements for non-electrical tests for halogen-free thermoplastic insulation
(1 of 2) . 13
Table 3 – Requirements for the non-electrical test for halogen-free thermoplastic
sheathing compounds (1 of 2) . 16
Table 4 – Requirements for electrical tests . 18
Table B.1 – Type test for extruded material for the assessment of halogens . 21
Table B.2– Sample test for extruded material for the assessment of halogens . 21

– 4 – IEC 62821-1:2015 © IEC 2015
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
_____________
ELECTRIC CABLES – HALOGEN-FREE, LOW SMOKE, THERMOPLASTIC
INSULATED AND SHEATHED CABLES OF RATED VOLTAGES
UP TO AND INCLUDING 450/750 V –

Part 1: General requirements
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62821-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 20: Electric
cables.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
20/1555/FDIS 20/1567/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

A list of all parts in the IEC 62821 series, published under the general title, Electric cables –
Halogen-free, low smoke, thermoplastic insulated and sheathed cables of rated voltages up to
and including 450/750 V, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 6 – IEC 62821-1:2015 © IEC 2015
ELECTRIC CABLES – HALOGEN-FREE, LOW SMOKE, THERMOPLASTIC
INSULATED AND SHEATHED CABLES OF RATED VOLTAGES
UP TO AND INCLUDING 450/750 V –

Part 1: General requirements
1 Scope
This part of IEC 62821 applies to cables with insulation, and sheath if any, based on halogen-
free, thermoplastic compound, and having low emission of smoke and corrosive gases when
exposed to fire, of rated voltages U /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 cable the term "cord" is used.
The particular types of flexible cables are specified in IEC 62821-3. The code designations of
these types of cables are given in Annex A.
The test methods specified in this standard and in IEC 62821-3 are given in IEC 60227-2,
IEC 60332-1-2, IEC 60684-2, IEC 60754-1 and IEC 60754-2, and in the relevant parts of
IEC 60811, and in IEC 61034-2 and in IEC 62821-2.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
IEC 60050 (all parts), International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
IEC 60227-2:1997, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V – Part 2: Test methods
IEC 60228, Conductors of insulated cables
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 60684-2, Flexible insulating sleeving – Part 2: Methods of test
IEC 60754-1, Test on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables – Part 1:
Determination of the halogen acid content
IEC 60754-2, Test on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables – Part 2:
Determination of acidity (by pH measurement) and conductivity
IEC 60811-401, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 401: Miscellaneous tests – Thermal ageing methods – Ageing in an air oven

IEC 60811-501, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 501: Mechanical tests – Tests for determining the mechanical properties of insulating and
sheathing compounds
IEC 60811-502, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 502: Mechanical tests – Shrinkage test for insulations
IEC 60811-504, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 504: Mechanical tests – Bending tests at low temperature for insulation and sheaths
IEC 60811-505, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 505: Mechanical tests – Elongation at low temperature for insulations and sheaths
IEC 60811-508, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 508: Mechanical tests – Pressure test at high temperature for insulation and sheaths
IEC 61034-2, Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions –
Part 2: Test procedure and requirements
IEC 62440, Electrical cables with a rated voltage not exceeding 450/750 V – Guide to use.
IEC 62821-2:2015, Electric cables – Halogen-free, low smoke, thermoplastic insulated and
sheathed cables of rated voltage up to and including 450/750 V – Part 2: Test methods
IEC 62821-3, Electric cables – Halogen-free, low smoke, thermoplastic insulated and sheathed
cables of rated voltage up to and including 450/750 V – Part 3: Flexible cables
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions in IEC 60050-461, as well as the
following terms and definitions, apply.
3.1 Definitions relating to insulating and sheathing materials
3.1.1
polyolefin based halogen-free compound
compound, in which the polymer is a polyolefin or equivalent synthetic polymer not containing
halogens, providing a compound which meets the requirements given in the particular
specification
3.1.2
type of compound
category in which a compound is placed according to its properties, as determined by specific
tests
Note 1 to entry: The type designation is not directly related to the composition of the compound.
3.2 Definitions relating to tests
3.2.1
type tests
T
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
Note 1 to entry: Type 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.

– 8 – IEC 62821-1:2015 © IEC 2015
3.2.2
sample tests
S
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
3.2.3
routine test
R
tests made by the manufacturer on each manufactured length of cable to check that each
length meets the specified requirements
3.2.4
median value
when several test results have been obtained and ordered in an increasing or decreasing
succession, the median value is the middle value if the number of available values is odd, and
is the mean of the two middle values if the number is even
4 Rated voltage
The rated voltage of a cable is the reference voltage for which the cable is designed.
The rated voltage in an alternating current system, is expressed by the combination of two
values U /U, expressed in volts, where:
a) U is the r.m.s. value between any insulated phase conductor and “earth” (metal covering of
the cable or the surrounding medium);
b) U is 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 or cord shall be at least equal to
the nominal voltage of the system for which it is intended. This condition applies to the values
of both U and U.
The maximum permanent operating voltage of the system (a.c. or d.c.) is stated in Table 1.
Table 1 – Examples of maximum permitted voltages against rated voltage of cable
Rated voltage Maximum permanent, permitted, operating voltage of the system
of cable
a.c. 3-phase a.c. d.c.
U /U
Conductor- Conductor- Conductor- Conductor-
earth conductor earth conductor
V U (V) U (V) V V
max max
a
300/300 320 320 410 410
300/500 320 550 410 820
450/750 480 825 620 1 240
a
Single-phase power system only.
5 Marking
5.1 Indication of origin and cable identification
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 trademark.

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.
Marking may be by printing or by reproduction in relief on the insulation of an unsheathed cable
or on the sheath.
5.2 Continuity of marks
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
– 550 mm if the marking is on the outer sheath of the cable,
– 275 mm if the marking is
a) on the insulation of an unsheathed cable,
b) on the insulation of a sheathed cable,
c) on a tape within a sheathed cable.
5.3 Durability
Printed markings shall be durable. Compliance with this requirement shall be checked by the
test given in 1.8 of IEC 60227-2:1997.
5.4 Legibility
All markings shall be legible.
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.
6 Core identification
6.1 General
Each core shall be identified as follows:
– in cables having up to and including five cores: by colour, see 6.2;
– in cables having more than five cores: by number, see 6.3.
6.2 Core identification by colours
6.2.1 General requirements
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 colours red and white should preferably be avoided.
6.2.2 Colour scheme
The preferred colour scheme for cables is as follows:
– single-core cable: no preferred colour scheme;

– 10 – IEC 62821-1:2015 © IEC 2015
– two-core cable: no preferred colour scheme;
– three-core cable: either green-and-yellow, blue, brown; or
brown, black, grey;
– four-core cable: either green-and-yellow, brown, black, grey; or
blue, brown, black, grey;
– five-core cable: either green-and-yellow, blue, brown, black, grey; or
blue, brown, black, grey, black.
The colours shall be clearly identifiable and durable. Durability shall be checked by the test
given in 1.8 of IEC 60227-2:1997.
6.2.3 Colour combination green-and-yellow
The distribution of the colours for the core coloured green-and-yellow shall comply with the
following condition: 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.
NOTE Information on the use of the colours green-and-yellow and blue.
It is understood that the colours green and yellow, when 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.
6.3 Core identification by numbers
6.3.1 General requirements
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.
The green-and-yellow core, if any, shall comply with the requirement of 6.2.3 and shall be in
the outer layer.
The numbering shall start by number 1 in the inner 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.
6.3.2 Preferred arrangement of marking
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.
The arrangement of the marks is shown in Figure 1 below.

d d
IEC
Figure 1 – Arrangement of marking
6.3.3 Durability
Printed numerals shall be durable. Compliance with this requirement shall be checked by the
test given in 1.8 of IEC 60227-2:1997.
7 General requirements for the construction of cables
7.1 Conductors
7.1.1 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.
7.1.2 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 62821-3).
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.
7.1.3 Check on construction
Compliance with the requirements of 7.1.1 and 7.1.2, including the requirements of IEC 60228,
shall be checked by inspection and by measurement.
7.1.4 Electrical resistance
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.
Compliance shall be checked by the test given in Annex A of IEC 60228.
7.2 Insulation
7.2.1 Material
The insulation shall be a halogen-free compound of the type specified for each type of cable in
the particular specifications (see IEC 62821-3).
For example, the material type shall be LSHF/D in the case of flexible cables.
The test requirements for these compounds are specified in Table 2.

– 12 – IEC 62821-1:2015 © IEC 2015
The maximum operating temperatures for cables insulated with any of the above types of
compound and covered by the particular specifications (see IEC 62821-3) are given in those
standards.
7.2.2 Application to the conductor
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.
Unless otherwise specified in the particular parts, it is permitted to place a separator between
the conductor and the insulation.
Compliance shall be checked by inspection and by manual test.
7.2.3 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 (see
IEC 62821-3).
For each piece of core, the average of the measured values, rounded to 0,1 mm in accordance
with Annex B, shall be not less than the nominal thickness, and the smallest value measured
shall not fall below 90 % of the nominal value by more than 0,1 mm, i.e.:
t ≥ 0,9t – 0,1
m n
where
t is the minimum thickness, in millimetres;

m
t is the nominal thickness, in millimetres.

n
Compliance shall be checked by the test given in 1.9 of IEC 60227-2:1997.
7.2.4 Mechanical properties before and after ageing
The insulation shall have adequate mechanical strength and elasticity within the temperature
limits to which it may be exposed in normal use.
Compliance shall be checked by carrying out the tests specified in Table 2.
The applicable test methods and the results to be obtained are specified in Table 2.

Table 2 – Requirements for non-electrical tests for halogen-free
thermoplastic insulation (1 of 2)
1 2 3 4 5
Reference Test Unit Type of Test method
no. compound described in
LSHF/D IEC Clause/
subclause
1 Tensile strength and elongation at  60811-501
break
1.1 Properties in the state as delivered
1.1.1 Values to be obtained for the tensile
strength: N/mm 7,5
– median, min.
1.1.2 Values to be obtained for the
elongation at break:
– median, min. % 150
1.2 Properties after ageing in air oven  60811-401
and 60811-
1.2.1 Ageing conditions:
– temperature °C
80 ± 2
– duration of treatment h
7 × 24
1.2.2 Values to be obtained for the tensile
strength: N/mm –
– median, min. %
±20
a
– variation , max.
1.2.3 Values to be obtained for the
elongation at break:
– median, min. % –
a
– variation , max. %
±20
2 Shrinkage test  60811-502
2.1 Test conditions:
– sample length mm 200
– temperature °C
100 ± 2
– duration of treatment h
– shrinkage, max. % 4
3  60811-508
Pressure test at high temperature
3.1 Test conditions:
– force exerted by the blade See IEC 60811-508

– duration of heating under load See IEC 60811-508
– temperature °C 80 ± 2
3.2 Results to be obtained:
– median of the depth of % 50
penetration, max.
4 Bending test at low temperature  60811-504
4.1 Test conditions:
b
– temperature °C
–15 ± 2
– period of application of  60811-504
low temperature
4.2 Results to be obtained No cracks

– 14 – IEC 62821-1:2015 © IEC 2015
Table 2 (2 of 2)
1 2 3 4 5
Reference Test Unit Type of Test method
no. component described in
LSHF/D IEC Clause/
Subclause
5 Elongation test at low temperature  60811-505
5.1 Test conditions:
b
– temperature °C
–15 ± 2
– period of application of low See IEC 60811-505
temperature
5.2 Result to be obtained:
– elongation without break, min. % 30
6 Assessment of halogen  62821-1 Annex B
6.1 – pH, min. 4,3
6.2 – conductivity, max. µS/mm 10
6,3 Amount of halogen acid gas
% 0,5
- HCl and HBr, max.
c
- HF, max.  % 0,1
a
Variation: difference between the median value after ageing and the median value without ageing, expressed
as a percentage of the latter.
b
Due to climatic conditions, national standards may require a lower test temperature to be used.
c
This test need not be performed if a negative result is obtained for fluorine in the test to 5.3 in
IEC 62821-2:2015.
7.3 Filler
7.3.1 Material
Unless otherwise specified in the particular specifications (IEC 62821-3), the fillers shall be
composed of one of the following or of any combination of the following:
– halogen-free compound; or
– halogen-free natural or synthetic textiles; or
– halogen-free paper.
When a compound is used as filler, 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 ageing procedure for pieces of completed cable test given in IEC 60811-401.
7.3.2 Application
For each type of cable, the particular specifications (IEC 62821-3) 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 halogen-free (according to Annex B) film or tape.

7.4 Extruded inner covering
7.4.1 Material
Unless otherwise specified in the particular specifications (IEC 62821-3), the extruded inner
covering shall be composed of a halogen-free compound (according to Annex B).
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 IEC 60811-401.
7.4.2 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 62821-3) 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.
7.4.3 Thickness
Unless otherwise specified in the particular specifications (IEC 62821-3), no measurement is
required for the extruded inner covering.
7.5 Sheath
7.5.1 Material
The sheath shall be a halogen-free compound of the type specified for each type of cable in the
particular specifications (see IEC 62821-3):
– for example, the material type shall be LSHF/ST1 in the case of flexible cables.
The test requirements for these compounds are specified in Table 3.
7.5.2 Application
The sheath shall be extruded in a single layer:
a) on the core, in the case of single-core cables;
b) on the assembly of cores and fillers or inner covering, if any, in the case of other cables.
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 62821-3), the sheath may
penetrate into the spaces between the cores, thus forming a filling (see 7.3.2).
7.5.3 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 62821-3).
For each piece of core, the average of the measured values, rounded to 0,1 mm in accordance
with Annex B, shall be not less than the nominal thickness, and the smallest value measured
shall not fall below 85 % of the nominal value by more than 0,1 mm, i.e.:
≥ 0,85t – 0,1
t
m n
– 16 – IEC 62821-1:2015 © IEC 2015
where
t is the minimum thickness, in millimetres;

m
t is the nominal thickness, in millimetres.

n
Compliance shall be checked by the test given in 1.10 of IEC 60227-2:1997.
7.5.4 Mechanical properties before and after ageing
The sheath shall have adequate mechanical strength and elasticity within the temperature
limits to which it may be exposed in normal use.
Compliance shall be checked by carrying out the tests specified in Table 3.
The applicable test values and the results to be obtained are specified in Table 3.
Table 3 – Requirements for the non-electrical test for halogen-free
thermoplastic sheathing compounds (1 of 2)
1 2 3 4 5
Reference Test Unit Type of Test method described in
no. compound
LSHF/ IEC Clause/
ST1 subclause
1  60811-501
Tensile strength and elongation
at break
1.1 Properties in the state as delivered
1.1.1 Values to be obtained for the tensile strength: N/mm 7,5
– median, min.
1.1.2 Values to be obtained for the elongation at break % 150
– median, min.
1.2 Properties after ageing in the air oven  60811-401

1.2.1 Ageing conditions:
– temperature °C
80 ± 2
– duration of treatment h
7 × 24
1.2.2 Values to be obtained for the tensile strength: –
– median, min. N/mm
±20
a
– variation , max. %
1.2.3 Values to be obtained for the elongation at break: –
– median, min. % ±20
a
– variation , max. %
2 Pressure test at high temperature  60811-508
2.1 Test conditions:
– force exerted by the blade N 60811-508
– duration of heating under load h 60811-508
– temperature °C
80 ± 2
2.2 Results to be obtained: % 50
3 Bending test at low temperature
3.1 Test conditions:  60811-504
b
– temperature °C
–15 ± 2
c
– period of application of low temperature h 60811-504
3.2 Results to be obtained No cracks

Table 3 (2 of 2)
1 2 3 4 5
Reference Test Unit Type of Test method described in
no. compound
LSHF/ IEC clause/
ST1 subclause
4 Elongation test at low temperature  60811-505
4.1 Test conditions
– temperature °C –15± 2
– period of application of low temperature See 60811-505
4.2 Result to be obtained
– elongation without break,min. % 30
5  62821-2 5.2
Water immersion
5.1 Test conditions
– temperature °C
70 ± 2
– duration h 7 × 24
5.2 Mechanical properties after immersion
5.2.1 Values to be obtained for the tensile strength
- variation max. %
± 30
Values to be obtained for the elongation at
5.2.2
break
– variation max. %
± 35
6 Assessment of halogen  62821-1 Annex B
– pH, min. 4,3
– conductivity, max. 10
µS/mm
Amount of halogen acid gas
- HCl and HBr, max. % 0,5
d
- HF, max. % 0,1
a
Variation: difference between the median value after ageing and the median value without ageing, expressed as
a percentage of the latter.
b
Due to climatic conditions, national standards may require the use of a lower test temperature.
c
See the test method referred to in column 5.

d
This test need not be performed if a negative result is obtained for fluorine in the test to.5.3 in
IEC 62821-2:2015.
7.6 Tests on completed cables
7.6.1 Electrical properties
The cables shall have adequate dielect
...