SIST EN 50655-1:2018

Overview

SIST EN 50655-1:2018 is a European Standard developed by CLC (CENELEC) addressing the material characterization of accessory components used in electrical cables. Specifically, this part of the standard focuses on the fingerprinting of resinous compounds-solvent-free, polymerizable compounds that provide electrical insulation and/or mechanical protection in cable accessories. The standard is applicable to materials intended for use in cable accessories as described in EN 50393, HD 629.1, and HD 629.2, for low and medium voltage cables up to 20.8/36 (42) kV.

Fingerprinting, as defined by the standard, is a process of testing and documenting the key properties of resinous compounds to establish a unique material profile. These tests act as reference points for verifying material consistency during production, quality control, and supply chain management.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose:
  SIST EN 50655-1:2018 sets out the required test methods and parameters for fingerprinting resinous compounds used in electrical cable accessories, ensuring their suitability for insulation and mechanical protection, independent of accessory type testing.

• Fingerprinting Tests:
  The standard specifies a structured sequence of tests at three stages:

  • Individual components before mixing
  • Compound just after mixing (curing stage)
  • Fully cured compound

• Test Methods and Parameters:
  The standard requires testing for:

  • Viscosity (EN ISO 2555)
  • Pot life (EN 60455-2)
  • Exothermic peak temperature (EN 60455-2)
  • Density (EN ISO 1183-1)
  • Hardness (EN ISO 868)

• Sampling and Preparation:
  Material samples must be prepared and conditioned according to supplier instructions, with specific requirements for initial tests and batch identification.

• Reporting:
  Comprehensive test reports must document material identification, supplier details, batch numbers, test conditions, and all measured results.

• Health and Safety:
  Suppliers are obligated to provide relevant safety data (MSDS), and handling must comply with EU and national safety regulations.

Applications

SIST EN 50655-1:2018 is directly relevant to manufacturers, suppliers, and users of electric cable accessories in the following areas:

• Quality control in production:
  Regular fingerprinting confirms that each batch of resinous compound meets established characteristics, reducing the risk of performance issues in cable accessories.

• Material approval and verification:
  Helps procurement and quality assurance teams verify that supplied resinous compounds conform to required specifications before installation in low and medium voltage cable systems.

• Compliance in supply chains:
  Ensures consistent product quality across different suppliers and manufacturing facilities, supporting traceability and accountability.

• Testing and certification:
  Provides a foundation for independent testing labs or internal QA teams to confirm cable accessory materials comply with European standards, supporting market access and regulatory compliance.

Related Standards

SIST EN 50655-1:2018 references and complements several related standards for materials used in electric cables and accessories:

• EN 50393: Test methods and requirements for accessories for use on distribution cables with rated voltage 0.6/1.0 (1.2) kV.
• HD 629.1 and HD 629.2: Test requirements for accessories for use on power cables up to 20.8/36 (42) kV, for cables with extruded and impregnated paper insulation, respectively.
• EN 60455 series: Covers resin-based reactive compounds for electrical insulation, including test methods and material specifications.
• EN ISO 291, EN ISO 868, EN ISO 1183-1, EN ISO 2555: Define standard protocols for atmospheres for conditioning, hardness testing, density determination, and viscosity measurement of plastics and resins.

By adhering to SIST EN 50655-1:2018, stakeholders in the electrical cable industry ensure material integrity, traceability, and consistent performance, contributing to safe and reliable electrical networks across Europe.