In a globalized power system, IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standard cables serve as a uniform technical specification that ensures the safety, reliability and interoperability of cable products in different countries and regions. Whether you are a power engineer, procurement manager, or project contractor, understanding the classification, application, and selection points of IEC standard cables is crucial to the success of your project. In this article, we'll take you through the nuts and bolts of IEC cables to help you make informed decisions on your project.

What is IEC standard cable?

IEC standard cables are cable products that comply with the technical specifications set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). These standards cover all aspects of cable design, manufacturing, testing and application, and are designed to ensure the safety and consistent performance of cables worldwide. By following IEC standards, manufacturers can produce high-quality cable products that meet the demands of the international market, while users can select the type of cable that is suitable for their particular application according to the standards.

The main categories of IEC standard cables

1. Low-voltage cables (rated voltage ≤ 1kV)

IEC 60227: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulated cables for fixed wiring in domestic, commercial and industrial buildings.
IEC 60245: Rubber insulated cables, widely used in factories and heavy duty working environments with high abrasion resistance and flexibility.

2. Medium voltage cables (1kV < rated voltage ≤ 30kV)

IEC 60502: Medium-voltage cables for power distribution systems, mainly for fixed installations such as power grids or industrial facilities.

3. High voltage cables (30kV < rated voltage ≤ 150kV)

IEC 60840: Cables for high-voltage power transmission, suitable for buried or overhead lines, widely used in power grid trunk lines.

4. Special application cables

IEC 60092: Cables for marine electrical installations, suitable for harsh environments such as oceans and offshore platforms.
IEC 60702: Mineral insulated cables, suitable for high temperature or fire requirements of high places.

Key IEC cable standards in detail

IEC 60228: Insulated cable conductors
This standard defines the material characteristics, dimensions and electrical properties of conductors, including electrical conductivity, resistance and flexibility. By establishing harmonized conductor requirements, IEC 60228 ensures the consistency and reliability of cables in different installation environments.
IEC 60331: Testing of cables under fire conditions
IEC 60331 specifies test procedures for assessing the fire resistance of cables under fire conditions, ensuring that cables maintain their integrity and functionality in a fire, thus providing increased safety in fire environments.
IEC 60332: Testing of cables under fire conditions
This standard specifies test methods for assessing the flammability, flame propagation and smoke generation characteristics of cables under fire conditions, ensuring that cables meet stringent safety requirements in a fire.
IEC 60502: Medium voltage cables
IEC 60502 covers the construction requirements, dimensions and test methods for cables and their accessories with rated voltages from 1 kV to 30 kV, widely used in fixed installation power distribution systems.
IEC 60754: Acid gas test during combustion
This standard evaluates the amount of acid gases released when a cable burns and is used to assess the toxicity and corrosiveness of cables in a fire to improve the safety of personnel and the protection of equipment.
IEC 61034: Smoke density measurement
IEC 61034 specifies the measurement of smoke density when cables are burned under defined conditions for assessing the visibility and safety of cables in a fire.

Areas of application of IEC standardized cables

IEC standard cables are widely used in the following areas:
Building and construction: for power and communication cabling in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
Energy and power: for power transmission and distribution systems, including medium and high voltage cables.
Transportation: For signal and power transmission in transportation infrastructure such as railroads, subways and airports.
Marine & Ship: for electrical installations on ships and offshore platforms to meet demanding environmental requirements.
Data Center & Communications: for high-speed data transmission and signal integrity in data centers and communications networks.

Selection advice: How to choose the right IEC standard cable

When selecting IEC standard cables, you should consider the following factors:
Application environment: Select the appropriate cable type and sheath material according to the temperature, humidity, chemical corrosion and mechanical stress of the installation environment.
Voltage rating: Depending on the rated voltage of the system, select the appropriate cable standard, such as IEC 60227, IEC 60502 or IEC 60840.
Fire protection requirements: If the application site has special requirements for fire protection, select cables that comply with IEC 60331 or IEC 60332 standards.
Flexibility and installation: Select the appropriate conductor construction (e.g. different conductor categories in IEC 60228) and cable construction according to the installation method and space constraints.
Certification and compliance: Ensure that the selected cables have relevant certification and test reports to meet local regulations and project requirements.

Conclusion

IEC standard cables serve as the safety cornerstone of the global power system, ensuring the safety, reliability and interoperability of cable products in different applications through harmonized technical specifications. An in-depth understanding of the classification, application and selection points of IEC standard cables during project planning and implementation will help you make informed decisions to ensure the success of your project and long-term operational safety.