IEC 60702-3:2016

IEC 60702-3 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Mineral insulated cables and their terminations with a rated voltage not
exceeding 750 V –
Part 3: Guidance for use
Câbles à isolant minéral et leurs terminaisons de tension assignée ne dépassant
pas 750 V –
Partie 3: Guide d'utilisation
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IEC 60702-3 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Mineral insulated cables and their terminations with a rated voltage not

exceeding 750 V –
Part 3: Guidance for use
Câbles à isolant minéral et leurs terminaisons de tension assignée ne dépassant

pas 750 V –
Partie 3: Guide d'utilisation
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.060.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-3324-5

– 2 – IEC 60702-3:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references. 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Safety . 5
4.1 Fundamental considerations . 5
4.2 General . 5
4.3 Support and fixing . 7
5 Limiting conditions . 7
5.1 General . 7
5.2 Voltage . 7
5.3 Current carrying capacity . 7
5.4 Thermal effects . 8
5.5 Mechanical stress . 9
5.5.1 General . 9
5.5.2 Tension . 9
5.5.3 Bending . 9
5.5.4 Compression . 9
5.6 Compatibility . 9
5.7 Dynamic stresses . 10
5.8 Flexing . 10
5.9 Corrosion protection and direct burial . 10
6 Installation . 10
7 Initial and periodic verification . 10
8 Packaging, storage and handling/transportation . 11
8.1 Packaging . 11
8.2 Storage/transportation . 11
8.3 Handling . 11
Bibliography . 12

Table 1 – Limiting temperature conditions . 6
Table 2 – Recommended fixing distances . 7

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
MINERAL INSULATED CABLES AND THEIR TERMINATIONS
WITH A RATED VOLTAGE NOT EXCEEDING 750 V –

Part 3: Guidance for use
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
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patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60702-3 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 20:
Electric cables.
This first edition of IEC 60702-3 is based on CENELEC HD 586.3.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
20/1618/FDIS 20/1623/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.

– 4 – IEC 60702-3:2016 © IEC 2016
A list of all parts in the IEC 60702 series, published under the general title Mineral insulated
cables and their terminations with a rated voltage not exceeding 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 website 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.
MINERAL INSULATED CABLES AND THEIR TERMINATIONS
WITH A RATED VOLTAGE NOT EXCEEDING 750 V –

Part 3: Guidance for use
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60702 provides guidance for the safe use of mineral insulated cables and
their terminations with a rated voltage not exceeding 750 V which are specified in IEC 60702-
1 and IEC 60702-2.
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 60364-1, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 1: Fundamental principles,
assessment of general characteristics, definitions
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60364-1 apply.
4 Safety
4.1 Fundamental considerations
4.1.1 Safety of a cable means that the product does not present an unacceptable risk of
danger to life or property whilst being used in its intended manner.
4.1.2 Unless otherwise stated, cables shall not be used for any other purpose than the
transmission and distribution of electricity.
4.1.3 The test methods, test parameters and requirements described in IEC 60702-1 and
IEC 60702-2 are only provided for the purpose of checking design with respect to safety and
quality assurance. They shall not be regarded as providing guidance as to whether the cables
are suitable for service under conditions equivalent to the test conditions.
4.2 General
4.2.1 All conductors and cables shall be selected so as to be suitable for the voltages and
currents likely to occur under all conditions which are or shall have been anticipated in the
equipment or installation in which they are used.
4.2.2 Cables shall be constructed, installed, protected, used and maintained so as to
prevent danger so far as it is reasonably practical.
4.2.3 The limiting temperature conditions under which mineral insulated cables and
terminations can reasonably be expected to operate safely under normal circumstances are
given in Table 1.
– 6 – IEC 60702-3:2016 © IEC 2016
These conditions are those which are considered capable of ensuring a reasonable length of
life in service. It has been accepted as reasonable by experience and use of the cable and
terminations in the particular installations.
Table 1 – Limiting temperature conditions
Temperature condition Limit value
Maximum continuous sheath operating temperature, exposed to touch or in contact with
combustible material:
bare copper sheath 70 °C
covered copper sheath 70 °C
Maximum continuous sheath operating temperature, not exposed to touch, and not in contact
with combustible material:
bare copper sheath and 105 °C seals 105 °C
bare copper sheath and 250 °C seals 250 °C
Maximum conductor temperature under fault conditions, exposed to touch or in contact with
combustible material:
a
bare or covered sheath 160 °C
Maximum conductor temperature under fault conditions, not exposed to touch, and not in
contact with combustible material
a
bare copper sheath 250 °C
Minimum installation temperature:
b
bare copper sheath
c
covered copper sheath
Minimum continuous operating temperature
b
bare copper sheath
c
covered copper sheath
a
Seals shall be suitable for this temperature rating up to 5 s.
b
For all practical circumstances, unlimited with respect to cable performance.

c
Seek advice from the manufacturer for the particular covering material.

4.2.4 Cables shall be selected so that they are suitable for the operating conditions and
equipment classification.
Examples of operating conditions are:
a) voltage;
b) overcurrent;
c) protective measures;
d) grouping of cables;
e) method of installation;
f) accessibility.
4.2.5 Cables shall be selected so that they are suitable for any external influences which
may exist.
Examples of external influences are:
a) ambient temperature;
b) presence of rain, steam or accumulation of water;
c) presence of corrosive, flammable, chemical or polluting substances;

d) mechanical stresses (such as through holes or sharp edges in metal work);
e) fauna (such as rodents);
f) flora (such as mould);
g) radiation (such as sunlight).
NOTE In respect of item g) it is known that colour is important, a black covering giving a higher degree of
protection.
4.3 Support and fixing
Cables shall be supported adequately. Recommended maximum values for spacing for
surface installations are given in Table 2. For inaccessible positions the weight of the cable
between supports shall be taken into account and the advice of the cable manufacturer
obtained.
Table 2 – Recommended fixing distances
Maximum spacing of supports
Overall diameter of cable (D)
Horizontal Vertical
(mm)
(m) (m)
0,6 0,8
D ≤ 9
9 < D ≤ 15 0,9 1,2
1,5 2,0
15 < D ≤ 20
D > 20 2,25 3,0
5 Limiting conditions
5.1 General
The influences of all factors as outlined in 5.2 to 5.9 shall be considered in combination,
rather than separately.
5.2 Voltage
The rated voltage of a cable is the reference voltage for which the cable is designed and
which serves to define the electrical tests.
5.3 Current carrying capacity
5.3.1 The cross-sectional area of every conductor shall be such that its current carrying
capacity is not less than the maximum sustained current that is required to flow through it in
normal use.
For the purposes of this standard, the limiting temperature to which the current carrying
capacity is related shall not exceed that appropriate to the maximum cable termination
operating temperature, the cable covering material, if any, or any material in contact with the
cable.
5.3.2 The current carrying capacities of cables for fixed wiring meet the requirements of
IEC 60364-5-52.
The values given have been determined such that the limiting temperatures given in Table 1
will not be exceeded under particular defined conditions where the cables are continuously
loaded.
– 8 – IEC 60702-3:2016 © IEC 2016
For current ratings for other installation conditions the cable manufacturer shall be consulted.
5.3.3 In the case of soft soldered conductor joints or connections the limiting temperature
for the conductor under short circuit conditions is 160 °C. This limitation shall be taken into
account for selecting and operating cables.
5.3.4 Defined conditions include the method of installation of the cables used. These
conditions shall be taken into account when determining the current carrying capacity of a
cable.
Correction factors for quoted current carrying capacities are available for particular conditions
such as:
a) ambient temperature;
b) cable grouping;
c) type of overcurrent protection;
d) presence of thermal insulation.
5.3.5 If cables are operated for prolonged periods at temperatures above those given in
Table 1, the cable terminations, covering or surrounding material may be damaged.
5.3.6 The selection of the cross-sectional area of any conductor shall not be based on
current carrying capacity alone; account shall be taken of the influence of the requirements
for:
a) electric shock;
b) thermal effects;
c) overload and short circuit currents;
d) voltage drop;
e) mechanical strength.
5.4 Thermal effects
5.4.1 The limiting temperatures of cables are given in Table 1. These values shall not be
exceeded by any combination of the heating effect of the current in the conductors and the
ambient conditions. In particular the following conditions shall be taken into account:
a) Cables in free air shall not be installed in a way that the natural air convection is impeded.
When cables are covered or embedded in thermal insulation or when the heat dissipation
is impeded by other means, it is essential that the corresponding reduction of the current
carrying capacity shall be observed.
b) The temperature of cable sheaths can be significantly higher than the ambient
temperatures, where the cables are subjected to radiation, e.g. solar or infra-red. Where
these situations cannot be avoided their effect shall be taken into account in assessing
the current carrying capacity or the temperature of the cable relative to the limiting
conditions.
c) The temperatures occurring within equipment, appliances, luminaires and at their
terminals shall be taken into account when selecting the types of termination to be used.
5.4.2 Cables shall be selected, located and installed so that their intended heat dissipation
is not inhibited and they do not present a fire hazard to adjacent materials.
5.4.3 In the event of a fire, cables can contribute to the fire load and propagate fire along
their length. This hazard may be eliminated by using bare copper sheathed mineral insulated
cable. Where covered mineral cables are used, the amount of combustible material is small
and the hazard may be reduced by selecting a covering material with reduced flame
propagation characteristics.
Where a particular hazard exists or is likely to exist in the presence of explosive or flammable
atmospheres, specific regulations apply. It is essential that the requirements of these
regulations shall be taken into account in selecting the current carrying capacity and the type
of cable termination to be used.
5.4.4 When the cable is installed 'not exposed to touch' and the current is such that the
cable sheath exceeds 70 °C, the cable shall be bare copper and shall be located or guarded
so as to prevent contact of persons or animals and it shall not be in contact with combustible
material.
NOTE When installed in such conditions, cables need not be derated when used in groups.
5.4.5 Cable terminations shall be selected such that they are operated within the
temperature limits specified by the manufacturer.
5.5 Mechanical stress
5.5.1 General
In assessing risks of mechanical damage to cables, mechanical strains likely to be imposed
during the normal process of installation shall be taken into account.
5.5.2 Tension
The tension applied to a cable shall not exceed 50 N/mm per conductor, subject to a
maximum of 1 000 N unless otherwise agreed by the cable manufacturer.
5.5.3 Bending
The internal radius of every bend in a cable shall not cause damage to the cable.
a) The internal radius of every bend shall not be less than 6 times the cable diameter; this
will allow bends to be straightened and repositioned. Bends with a smaller radius may be
permitted provided that the bend is a once only bend which is not reworked; such bends
shall not be less than 3 times the cable diameter.
b) Cables which are installed vertically, without intermediate support, which are inaccessible
and unlikely to be disturbed, shall be supported at the top of the run such that the internal
radius of the resulting bend is not less than 6 times the cable diameter.
5.5.4 Compression
Whilst mineral insulated cables possess significant resistance to compression and
deformation, the installation and use of the cable shall not be designed to make use of these
characteristics.
5.6 Compatibility
5.6.1 The possibility of interference between adjacent circuits either mechanical or
electrical shall be avoided. The solid copper sheath of mineral insulated cables provides an
electrical screen. To maximise the screening effect, brass cable glands shall be used to
provide a complete 360° connection to the apparatus.
5.6.2 The effects of heat dissipating from the cables, or the chemical/physical effect of
materials used in their construction, on materials adjacent to which they are installed, for
example construction materials, decorative materials, cable enclosures and supports, shall be
considered.
5.6.3 The interaction of adjacent materials with the materials used in the construction of
cables shall be taken into account.

– 10 – IEC 60702-3:2016 © IEC 2016
5.6.4 The effects on cables of transient overvoltages, which may be generated during the
switching of inductive loads, shall be considered. When such transient voltages are likely to
be in excess of the rated voltage, action shall be taken to limit their magnitude.
5.6.5 IEC 60702-1 and IEC 60702-2 are intended to ensure that cables and terminations
are compatible. However, it is recommended that installers confirm compatibility.
5.7 Dynamic stresses
The possibility of damage to cables and their supports due to disruptive effects of the electro-
mechanical forces caused by any current which the cables may have to carry in service,
including short circuit currents, shall be taken into account.
5.8 Flexing
Cable shall not be installed in situations where it is subjected to repetitive flexing, but may be
bent occasionally in use.
5.9 Corrosion protection and direct burial
Covered cables may be buried directly in the ground. Where cables are used in atmospheres
corrosive to copper, a suitable outer covering shall be provided as recommended by the
manufacturer.
6 Installation
Cable and terminations shall be selected, installed and commissioned by a competent person.
The installation shall comply with the requirements given in IEC 60364-1.
Cables shall be arranged correctly to reduce induced current in metal sheath when wiring.
Measures shall be taken to reduce or avoid eddy current loss when cables are through
threading board and installed in electrical boxes or electrical cabinets.
Moisture shall be removed when terminations are made. Cables shall not be installed
immediately after being cut and measures shall be taken to prevent moisture ingress.
Cables shall be well protected to avoid electric spark burning damage. Copper sheath of
cables shall not be used as earthing electrode of electric welding machine.
Checks shall be made on assembling of terminations and joints as well as cable insulation
before and after the installation.
7 Initial and periodic verification
Cables shall be inspected periodically and every time it is suspected that a cable has been
damaged. If a cable shows visible damage, it shall be electrically tested. If found to be
electrically faulty, the cable shall be either repaired, through suitable devices and by skilled
persons, or replaced.
Damage to the outer covering is not critical to the continued satisfactory operation of the
cable, but may be repaired or tidied up for aesthetic reasons.

8 Packaging, storage and handling/transportation
8.1 Packaging
Cables within the scope of this standard will normally be delivered to the user either on
drums, reels, in coils or as cut lengths in non-tangle packaged units. They will normally be
labelled to identify
...