IEC 60227-1:2007

IEC 60227-1
Edition 3.0 2007-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V –
Part 1: General requirements
Conducteurs et câbles isolés au polychlorure de vinyle, de tension nominale au
plus égale à 450/750 V –
Partie 1: Exigences générales
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IEC 60227-1
Edition 3.0 2007-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V –
Part 1: General requirements
Conducteurs et câbles isolés au polychlorure de vinyle, de tension nominale au
plus égale à 450/750 V –
Partie 1: Exigences générales
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
S
CODE PRIX
ICS 29.060.20 ISBN 2-8318-9339-9

– 2 – 60227-1 © IEC:2007
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.4

1 General .6
1.1 Scope.6
1.2 Normative references .6
2 Definitions .7
2.1 Definitions relating to insulating and sheathing materials.7
2.1.1 Polyvinyl chloride compound (PVC) .7
2.1.2 Type of compound .7
2.2 Definitions relating to the tests.7
2.2.1 Type tests (symbol T) .7
2.2.2 Sample tests (symbol S) .7
2.3 Rated voltage .7
3 Marking .8
3.1 Indication of origin and cable identification .8
3.1.1 Continuity of marks .8
3.2 Durability .8
3.3 Legibility.8
4 Core identification.9
4.1 Core identification by colours .9
4.1.1 General requirements .9
4.1.2 Colour scheme .9
4.1.3 Colour combination green-and-yellow.9
4.2 Core identification by numbers.9
4.2.1 General requirements .9
4.2.2 Preferred arrangement of marking.10
4.2.3 Durability .10
5 General requirements for the construction of cables.10
5.1 Conductors.10
5.1.1 Material .10
5.1.2 Construction .10
5.1.3 Check on construction .11
5.1.4 Electrical resistance.11
5.2 Insulation.11
5.2.1 Material .11
5.2.2 Application to the conductor .11
5.2.3 Thickness .11
5.2.4 Mechanical properties before and after ageing .11
5.3 Filler.13
5.3.1 Material .13
5.3.2 Application.14
5.4 Extruded inner covering .14
5.4.1 Material .14
5.4.2 Application.14
5.4.3 Thickness .14
5.5 Sheath.14
5.5.1 Material .14

60227-1 © IEC:2007 – 3 –
5.5.2 Application.14
5.5.3 Thickness .15
5.5.4 Mechanical properties before and after ageing .15
5.6 Tests on completed cables .17
5.6.1 Electrical properties .17
5.6.2 Overall dimensions .18
5.6.3 Mechanical strength of flexible cables .19
5.6.4 Flame retardance.19
6 Guide to use of the cables .19

Annex A (normative) Code designation .20

Table 1 – Requirements for the non-electrical tests for polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
insulation .12
Table 2 – Requirements for the non-electrical test for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheaths.16
Table 3 – Requirements for electrical tests for PVC insulated cables .18

– 4 – 60227-1 © IEC:2007
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
–––––––––––
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE INSULATED 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,
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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-
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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
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between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
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5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
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 60227-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 20: Electric
cables.
This third edition of IEC 60227-1 cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 1993,
amendment 1 (1995) and amendment 2 (1997) The document 20/903/FDIS, circulated to the
National Committees as amendment 3, led to the publication of this new edition.

60227-1 © IEC:2007 – 5 –
The text of this standard is based on the second edition, its amendments 1 and 2, and the
following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
20/903/FDIS 20/910/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.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
maintenance result 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 – 60227-1 © IEC:2007
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE INSULATED CABLES
OF RATED VOLTAGES UP TO AND
INCLUDING 450/750 V –
Part 1: General requirements
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 /U up to and
o
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.
1.2 Normative references
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 60173, Colours of the cores of flexible cables and cords
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 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 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

60227-1 © IEC:2007 – 7 –
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
2 Definitions
For the purpose of this standard the following definitions shall apply.
2.1 Definitions relating to insulating and sheathing materials
2.1.1 Polyvinyl chloride compound (PVC)
Combination of materials suitably selected, proportioned and treated, of which the
characteristic constituent is the plastomer polyvinyl chloride or one of its copolymers. The
same term also designates compounds containing both polyvinyl chloride and certain of its
polymers.
2.1.2 Type of compound
The category in which a compound is placed according to its properties, as determined by
specific tests. The type designation is not directly related to the composition of the compound.
2.2 Definitions relating to the tests
2.2.1 Type tests (symbol 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. 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.
2.2.2 Sample tests (symbol 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.
2.3 Rated 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.
___________
In preparation.
– 8 – 60227-1 © IEC:2007
The rated voltage is expressed by the combination of two values U /U, expressed in volts:
o
U being the r.m.s. value between any insulated conductor and "earth" (metal covering of the
o
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.
This condition applies both to the value U and to the value U.
o
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
3.1 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 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.
Marking may be by printing or by reproduction in relief on or in the insulation or sheath.
3.1.1 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.
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
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.

60227-1 © IEC:2007 – 9 –
4 Core identification
Each core shall be identified as follows:
– in cables having up to and including five cores by colour, see 4.1;
– in cables having more than five cores by number, see 4.2.
NOTE The colour scheme, and in particular the scheme for rigid multicore cables, is under consideration.
4.1 Core identification by colours
4.1.1 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.
NOTE The colours red and white should preferably be avoided.
4.1.2 Colour scheme
The preferred colour scheme for flexible cables and single-core cables is:
– single-core cable: no preferred colour scheme;
– 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.
4.1.3 Colour combination green-and-yellow
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.
NOTE Information on the use of the colours green-and-yellow and blue.
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.
4.2 Core identification by numbers
4.2.1 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.

– 10 – 60227-1 © IEC:2007
The green-and-yellow core, if any, shall comply with the requirement of 4.1.3 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.
4.2.2 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 the figure below.

d d
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 General requirements for the construction of cables
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.
60227-1 © IEC:2007 – 11 –
5.1.3 Check on construction
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.
5.1.4 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 2.1 of IEC 60227-2.
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.).
Type PVC/C in the case of cables for fixed installation.
Type PVC/D in the case of flexible cables.
Type PVC/E in the case of heat-resistant cables for internal wiring.
The test requirements for these compounds are specified in Table 1.
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.
5.2.2 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. 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.
Compliance shall be checked by the test given in 1.9 of IEC 60227-2.
5.2.4 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 1.
The applicable test methods and the results to be obtained are specified in Table 1.

– 12 – 60227-1 © IEC:2007
Table 1 – Requirements for the non-electrical tests for polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
insulation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Reference Test Unit Type of component Test method
No. described in
PVC/C PVC/D PVC/E IEC subclause
1 Tensile strength and   60811-1-1 9.1
elongation at break
1.1 Properties in the state as
delivered
1.1.1 Values to be obtained for the
tensile strength:
– median, min. N/mm 12,5 10,0 15,0
1.1.2 Values to be obtained for the
elongation at break:
– median, min. % 125 150 150
1.2 Properties after ageing in air   60811-1-2 8.1.3.1
oven and and
60811-1-1 9.1
1.2.1 Ageing conditions:
– temperature °C 80 ± 2 80 ± 2 135 ± 2
– duration of treatment h 7 × 24 7 × 24 10 × 24
1.2.2 Values to be obtained for the

tensile strength:
– median, min. N/mm 12,5 10,0 15,0
1)
±20 ±20 ±25
– variation , max. %
1.2.3 Values to be obtained for the
elongation at break:
– median, min. % 125 150 150
1)
– variation , max. % ±20 ±20 ±25
2 Loss of mass test   60811-3-2 8.1
2.1 Ageing conditions:
– temperature °C 80 ± 2 80 ± 2 115 ± 2
– duration of treatment h
7 × 24 7 × 24 10 × 24
2.2 Values to be obtained for the
loss of mass, max. 2,0 2,0 2,0
mg/cm
2)
3 Compatibility test
3.1 Ageing conditions °C 80 ± 2 80 ± 2 100 ± 2 60811-1-2 8.1.4
h 7 × 24 7 × 24 10 × 24
3.2 Mechanical properties after As in references
ageing Nos. 1.2.2 and 1.2.3
Values to be obtained
4   60811-3-1 9.1
Heat shock test
4.1 Test conditions:
– temperature °C 150 ± 2 150 ± 2 150 ± 2
– duration of treatment h 1 1 1
4.2 Results to be obtained Absence of cracks
1)
Variation: difference between the median value after ageing and the median value without ageing, expressed as
a percentage of the latter.
2)
If applicable, see 5.3.1.
60227-1 © IEC:2007 – 13 –
Table 1 (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Reference Test Unit Type of component Test method
No. described in
PVC/C PVC/D PVC/E IEC subclause
5   60811-3-1 8.1
Pressure test at high
temperature
5.1 Test conditions:
– force exercised by the blade See 8.1.4 of IEC 60811-3-1
– duration of heating under See 8.1.5 of IEC 60811-3-1
load
– temperature
°C 80 ± 2 70 ± 2 90 ± 2
5.2 Results to be obtained:
– median of the depth of
penetration, max. % 50 50 50
6 Bending test at low   60811-1-4 8.1
temperature
6.1 Test conditions:
1)
°C –15 ± 2 –15 ± 2 –15 ± 2
– temperature
– period of application of low See 8.1.4 and 8.1.5 of IEC 60811-1-4
temperature
6.2 Results to be obtained Absence of cracks
7 Elongation test at low   60811-1-4 8.3
temperature
7.1 Test conditions:
1)
– temperature °C –15 ± 2 –15 ± 2 –
– period of application of low See 8.3.4 and 8.3.5 of IEC 60811-1-4
temperature
7.2 Result to be obtained:
– elongation without break, % 20 20 –
min.
8 Impact test at low   60811-1-4 8.5
2)
temperature
8.1 Test conditions:
1)
– temperature °C –15 ± 2 –15 ± 2 –
– period of application of low See 8.5.5 of IEC 60811-1-4
temperature
– mass of hammer See 8.5.4 of IEC 60811-1-4
See 8.5.6 of IEC 60811-1-4
8.2 Results to be obtained
9  60811-3-2 9
Thermal stability test
9.1 Test conditions:
– temperature °C – – 200 ± 0,5
9.2 Result to be obtained:
– mean value of the thermal
stability time, min. min – – 180
1)
Due to climatic conditions, national standards may require a lower test temperature to be used.
2)
If specified in the particular specifications (IEC 60227-3, IEC 60227-4, etc.).

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:
– a compound based on unvulcanized rubber of plastics; or
– natural or synthetic textiles; or
– paper.
– 14 – 60227-1 © IEC:2007
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 Extruded inner covering
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.):
– type PVC/ST4 in the case of cables for fixed installations;
– type PVC/ST5 in the case of flexible cables;
− type PVC/ST9 in case of oil-resistant flexible cables;
– type PVC/ST10 in the case of cables sheathed with a 90° polyvinyl chloride compound.
The test requirements for these compounds are specified in Table 2.
5.5.2 Application
The sheath shall be extruded in a single layer:

60227-1 © IEC:2007 – 15 –
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 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.
Compliance shall be checked by the test given in 1.10 of IEC 60227-2.
5.5.4 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 2.
The applicable test values and the results to be obtained are specified in Table 2.

– 16 – 60227-1 © IEC:2007
Table 2 – Requirements for the non-electrical test for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheaths
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Reference Test Unit Test method
Type of compound
No. described in
PVC/ PVC/ PVC/ PVC/ IEC clause/
ST4 ST5 ST9 ST10 subclause
1 Tensile strength and elongation   60811-1-1 9.2
at break
1.1 Properties in the state as delivered
1.1.1 Values to be obtained for the tensile
strength:
– median, min. N/mm 12,5 10,0 10,0 10, 0
1.1.2 Values to be obtained for the
elongation at break
– median, min. % 125 150 150 150
1.2 Properties after ageing in the air oven   60811-1-2 8.1

1.2.1 Ageing conditions:   60811-1-1 9.2
– temperature °C 80 ± 2 80 ± 2 80 ± 2 135 ± 2
– duration of treatment h 7 × 24 7 × 24 7 × 24 10 × 24
1.2.2 Values to be obtained for the tensile
strength:
– median, min. N/mm 12,5 10,0 10,0 10,0
1)
– variation , max. % ±20 ±20 ±20 ±25
1.2.3 Values to be obtained for the

elongation at break:
150 150
– median, min. % 125 150
1)
±25
– variation , max. % ±20 ±20 ±20

2 Loss of mass test   60811-3-2 8.2
2.1 Ageing conditions:
– temperature °C As in reference No. 1.2.1 115 ± 2
– duration of treatment h 10 × 24
2.2 Values to be obtained for the loss of mg/cm 2,0 2,0 2,0 2,0
mass, max.
2)
3 Compatibility test 60811-1-2 8.1.4
3.1 Ageing conditions:
– temperature °C As in reference No. 1.2.1 100 ± 2
– duration of treatment h 10 × 24
3.2 Mechanical properties after ageing As in references Nos. 1.2.2
Values to be obtained and 1.2.3
4 Heat shock test   60811-3-1 9.2
4.1 Test conditions:
– temperature °C 150 ± 2 150 ± 2 150 ± 2 150 ± 2
– duration of treatment h 1 1 1 1
4.2 Result to be obtained Absence of cracks
1)
Variation: difference between the median value after ageing and the median value without ageing, expressed as a
percentage of the latter.
2)
Only applicable when called up by the particular cable standard, see also 5.3.1.

60227-1 © IEC:2007 – 17 –
Table 2 (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Reference Test Unit Test method described
Type of compound
No. in
PVC/ PVC/ PVC/ PVC/ IEC clause/
ST4 ST5 ST9 ST10 subclause
5 Pressure test at high temperature   60811-3-1 8.2
5.1 Test conditions:
– force exercised by the blade   60811-3-1 8.2.4
– duration of heating under load h   60811-3-1 8.2.5
– temperature °C 80 ± 2 70 ± 2 70 ± 2 90 ± 2

5.2 Results to be obtained:
– median of the depth of penetration, % 50 50 50 50
max.
6 Bending test at low temperature 60811-1-4 8.2

6.1 Test conditions:
1)
– temperature °C –15 ± 2 –15 ± 2 –15 ± 2 –15 ± 2
– period of application of h 60811-1-4 8.2.3

low temperature
6.2 Results to be obtained Absence of cracks
7 Elongation test at low temperature   60811-1-4 8.4

7.1 Test conditions:
1)
– temperature °C –15 ± 2 –15 ± 2 –15 ± 2 –15 ± 2
– period of application of h   60811-1-4   8.4.4
low temperature    and
8.4.5
7.2 Result to be obtained:
– elongation without break, min. % 20 20 20 20
8 Impact test at low temperature   60811-1-4 8.5
8.1 Test conditions:
1)
– temperature °C –15 ± 2 –15 ± 2 –15 ± 2 –15 ± 2
60811-1-4 8.5.5
– period of application of h
low temperature
– mass of hammer   60811-1-4 8.5.4

8.2 Result to be obtained   60811-1-4 8.5.6

9 Mechanical properties after   60811-2-1   10
immersion in mineral oil
9.1 Test conditions:
– temperature of oil °C – – 90 ± 2 –
– duration of immersion in oil h – – 24 –

9.1.1 Value to be obtained for the tensile
strength:
2)
– variation max. % – – ±30 –
9.1.2 Value to be obtained for the
2)
elongation at break:
– variation max. % – – ±30 –
10 Minimum thermal stability at 200 °C min
– – – 180 60811-3-2
1)
Due to climatic conditions, national standards may require the use of a lower test temperature.
2)
Variation is the difference between the median value after ageing and the median value without ageing, expressed as a

percentage of the latter.
5.6 Tests on completed cables
5.6.1 Electrical properties
The cables shall have adequate dielectric strength and insulation resistance.
Compliance shall be checked by carrying out the tests specified in Table 3.
The test methods and the results to be obtained are specified in Table 3.

– 18 – 60227-1 © IEC:2007
Table 3 – Requirements for electrical tests for PVC insulated cables
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Reference Test Unit Rated voltage of cables Test method
No. described in
300/ 300/ 450/ IEC subclause
300 V 500 V 750 V
1 Measurement of the resistance   60227-2 2.1
of conductors
1.1 Values to be obtained, max. See IEC 60228 and particular
specifications
(IEC 60227-3, IEC 60227-4,
etc.)
2 Voltage test on completed   60227-2 2.2
cables
2.1 Test conditions:
– minimum length of the m 10 10 10
sample
– minimum period of
immersion in water h 1 1 1
– temperature of the water °C 20 ± 5 20 ± 5 20 ± 5
2.2 Voltage applied (a.c.) V 2 000 2 000 2 500

2.3 Duration of each application of
voltage, min. min 5 5 5
2.4 Results to be obtained No breakdown
3 Voltage test on cores   60227-2 2.3
3.1 Test conditions:
– length of sample m 5 5 5
– minimum period of h 1 1 1
immersion in
...