Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
PVC-insulated cables
for switchgear and
controlgear wiring
ICS 29.060.20
| BS 6231:1998
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--``,,,,,,,,,,,,,``,,,,`,,``,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
BRITISH STANDARD
BS 6231:1998
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Date
15648
Text affected
BS 6231:1998
Contents
Page
Committees responsible
Inside front cover
Foreword
ii
1 Scope
1
2 Normative references
1
3 Definitions
1
4 Temperature ratings
1
5 Voltage designations
1
6 Identification
2
7 Marking
2
8 Conductors
2
9 Insulation
3
10 Construction and overall dimensions
3
11 Dimensional test methods
3
12 Electrical requirements and test methods
3
13 Durability of colours and marking
5
14 Test under fire conditions
5
Annex A (informative) Guidance on installation and operating temperatures
12
Bibliography
Inside back cover
Table 1 Constructional details and maximum resistance for small circular
tinned annealed copper conductors not included in BS 6360
2
Table 2 Spare
4
Table 3 Voltage values for voltage test
4
Table 4 Thermal endurance test voltage
5
Table 5 Types AU and AK PVC-insulated cables
6
Table 6 Types BU and BR PVC-insulated rigid cables
7
Table 7 Type BK PVC-insulated flexible cables
8
Table 8 Types CU and CR PVC-insulated rigid cables
9
Table 9 Type CK PVC-insulated flexible cables
10
Table 10 List of tests applicable to the various types of cable
11
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BS 6231:1998
Foreword
This new edition of BS 6231 has been prepared by Technical Subcommittee
GEL/20/1 and supersedes BS 6231:1990 which is withdrawn. It introduces technical
changes but does not reflect a full review or revision of this standard, which will be
undertaken in due course.
As specified in the previous edition, this standard adopts the voltage designation for
some types of harmonized single-core PVC-insulated cables in CENELEC
Harmonization Document HD 21.
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Although CENELEC has now agreed to a 600/1 000 V rating for some cables of the
types specified in BS 6004 when installed inside equipment in protected conditions, the
electrical controlgear industry has requested continuation and revision of BS 6231,
rather than its withdrawal, because some requirements cannot always be fulfilled by
the use of cables conforming to other British Standards.
To meet the requirements of the electrical switchgear and controlgear industry, a new
range of cables, types CR, CU and CK, has been introduced for operation at a
designated temperature of 85 8C. These cables are dimensionally similar to the existing
types BR, BU and BK.
The opportunity has also been taken to align types AU and AK cables contained in this
standard with those of BS 4808-2.
Annex A (informative) gives guidance on installation and operating temperatures.
Cables conforming to this standard are deemed also to conform, for corresponding
sizes, to the requirements of the corresponding classes of BS 4808, BS 6004 and BS
6500. Because of the more stringent requirements of this standard, the converse is
not necessarily true.
Product certification/inspection/testing. Users of this British Standard are
advised to consider the desirability of third-party certification/inspection/testing
of product conformity with this British Standard. Users seeking assistance in
identifying appropriate conformity assessment bodies or schemes may ask BSI to
forward their enquiries to the relevant association.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, page i and ii,
pages 1 to 12 and a back cover.
ii
BS 6231:1998
1 Scope
This British Standard specifies requirements for
single-core non-sheathed cables, including flexible
cables, used for the wiring of switch, control,
metering, relay and instrument panels of power
switchgear, and for such purposes as internal
connections in rectifier equipment and in motor
starters and controllers.
The types of cable specified in this standard are as
follows:
Type
AU
AK
BR
BU
BK
CR
CU
CK
Form of conductor
Rigid, round,
Flexible
Rigid, round,
Rigid, round,
Flexible
Rigid, round,
Rigid, round,
Flexible
Designated
temperature
70 8C
70 8C
stranded 70 8C
solid
70 8C
70 8C
stranded 90 8C
solid
90 8C
90 8C
solid
Rated
voltage
60 V
60 V
600/1 000 V
600/1 000 V
600/1 000 V
600/1 000 V
600/1 000 V
600/1 000 V
2 Normative references
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3 Definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard the
definitions relating to electric cables given in
BS 4727 apply.
4 Temperature ratings
The designated temperatures quoted are the
temperatures assigned to the same materials in
BS 6004, BS 6500 and BS 7655. The combination of
ambient temperature and temperature rise due to
load should not result in a conductor temperature
exceeding the designated temperature.
NOTE Attention is drawn to annex A which gives guidance on
installation and operating temperatures.
5 Voltage designations
5.1 Types AU and AK cables shall be designated by
the rated voltage, which is 60 V. They are intended
for use where the operating voltage to earth does not
exceed 60 V. They are suitable for wiring circuits
which are tested with d.c. at a voltage not
exceeding 500 V.
NOTE Where the fault power is low and adequate mechanical
protection is provided, these types may be used at voltages higher
than 60 V by agreement between the purchaser and the
manufacturer.
BS 6231:1998
8 Conductors
8.1 The conductors shall be circular, plain or
tinned, annealed copper conductors as specified
in 8.2 to 8.6.
8.2 For type AU cables, the conductors shall be
tinned annealed copper conductors. The number and
nominal diameter of wires and the maximum
resistance at 20 8C shall conform to the appropriate
requirements given in Table 1.
8.3 For type AK cables, the conductors shall be
tinned annealed copper conductors. They shall
conform to the appropriate requirements of
BS 6360 for class 5 conductors.
8.4 For types BK and CK cables, the conductors
shall be either plain annealed or tinned annealed
copper conductors. They shall conform to the
appropriate requirements of BS 6360 for
class 5 conductors.
8.5 The conductors of types AU and AK cables, and
of types BK and CK when tinned annealed copper
conductors are used, shall conform to the
requirements for solderability when tested in
accordance with Test Ta, Method 1 : Solder bath
at 235 8C, given in BS 2011-2.1T:1981.
8.6 For all other types of cable the conductors shall
be plain annealed copper conforming to the
appropriate requirements of BS 6360 for class 1 or
class 2 conductors.
Table 1 Constructional details and
maximum resistance for small circular tinned
annealed copper conductors not included in
BS 6360
Nominal
cross-sectional
area
Number and
nominal diameter
of wires
Maximum
resistance of
conductor at 20 8C
mm2
mm
V/km
0.2
0.28
0.5
1/0.50
1/0.60
1/0.80
92.2
64.1
36.0
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6 Identification
BS 6231:1998
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9 Insulation
BS 6231:1998
12.2.1 General
Tests shall be performed at an ambient temperature
of (20 15) 8C unless otherwise specified in the
details for the particular test.
Unless otherwise specified in the particular test, the
frequency of the alternating test voltages shall be in
the range of 49 Hz to 61 Hz. The waveform shall be
substantially sinusoidal.
12.2.4.1 General
When an insulation resistance test is made, it shall
be performed in accordance with 12.2.4.2
or 12.2.4.3, as appropriate. The test given in 12.2.4.2
shall normally be performed with the water at
ambient temperature, but in case of dispute the
temperature of the water shall be (20 5) 8C.
The test given in 12.2.4.3 shall be performed with
the water at a temperature of (70 2) 8C for
types BU, BR and BK, or (90 2) 8C for types CU, CR
and CK.
Nominal
cross-sectional area
mm2
AU
0.2
0.28
0.5
1 000
1 000
1 500
AK
0.22
0.5
0.75
1 000
1 500
2 000
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BS 6231:1998
Nominal
cross-sectional area
mm2
AU
0.2
0.28
0.5
750
750
1 000
AK
0.22
0.5
0.75
750
1 000
1 500
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BS 6231:1998
Colours
Single colours
Black, blue, brown, cream, green, grey, orange, pink, red, turquoise, violet, white, yellow
Bi-colours
Brown/blue, green/black, green/blue, green/brown, green/red, grey/blue, grey/brown, grey/green,
grey/orange, grey/red, orange/black, orange/blue, orange/brown, orange/green, orange/red, red/black,
red/blue, red/brown, white/black, white/blue, white/brown, white/green, white/grey, white/orange,
white/red, white/violet, white/yellow, yellow/green, yellow/violet
NOTE Base colours are indicated by bold type.
Type
Conductor
Nominal
cross-sectional
area
Number/
nominal
diameter of
wires, or class
Nominal
Minimum
mm2
mm
mm
mm
Mean overall
diameter,
upper limit
Minimum
insulation
resistance
at 20 8C
mm
MVkm
AU
0.2
0.28
0.5
1/0.50
1/0.60
1/0.80
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.15
0.15
0.25
0.95
1.05
1.50
50
50
50
AK
0.22
0.5
0.75
class 5
class 5
class 5
0.2
0.3
0.6
0.15
0.25
0.50
1.05
1.65
2.45
50
50
10
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BS 6231:1998
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Conductor
Radial thickness
of insulation,
mean value
Mean overall
diameter, upper
limit
Minimum
insulation
resistance at 70 8C
mm
mm
MVkm
Class
Nominal
cross-sectional
area
mm2
BU
1.0
1.5
2.5
1
1
1
0.8
0.8
0.8
3.2
3.5
3.9
0.0142
0.0124
0.0103
BR
1.0
1.5
2.5
4
6
10
16
25
35
50
70
95
120
150
185
240
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
1.0
1.0
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
3.3
3.6
4.2
4.8
5.4
6.8
8.0
9.8
11.0
13.0
15.0
17.0
19.0
21.0
23.5
26.5
0.0126
0.0114
0.0094
0.0078
0.0066
0.0064
0.0053
0.0051
0.0044
0.0044
0.0037
0.0036
0.0033
0.0033
0.0033
0.0032
BS 6231:1998
Conductor
Radial thickness
of insulation,
mean value
Mean overall
diameter, upper
limit
Minimum
insulation
resistance at 70 8C
mm
mm
MVkm
Class
Nominal
cross-sectional
area
mm2
BK
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0.5
0.75
1.0
1.5
2.5
4
6
10
16
25
35
50
70
95
120
150
185
240
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
1.0
1.0
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
3.0
3.2
3.4
3.7
4.2
4.8
6.3
7.8
9.0
11.5
13.0
15.0
17.5
19.5
21.5
24.0
26.5
30.0
0.0161
0.0141
0.0128
0.0111
0.0094
0.0077
0.0059
0.0058
0.0048
0.0047
0.0040
0.0039
0.0033
0.0032
0.0029
0.0029
0.0029
0.0028
BS 6231:1998
Radial thickness
of insulation mean
value
Mean overall
diameter, upper
limit
Minimum
insulation
resistance at 90 8C
mm
mm
MVkm
Class
Nominal
cross-sectional
area
mm2
CU
1.0
1.5
2.5
1
1
1
0.8
0.8
0.8
3.2
3.5
3.9
0.0142
0.0124
0.0103
CR
2.5
4
6
10
16
25
35
50
70
95
120
150
185
240
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
0.8
0.8
0.8
1.0
1.0
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
4.2
4.8
5.4
6.8
8.0
9.8
11.0
13.0
15.0
17.0
19.0
21.0
23.5
26.5
0.0094
0.0078
0.0066
0.0064
0.0053
0.0051
0.0044
0.0044
0.0037
0.0036
0.0033
0.0033
0.0033
0.0032
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Type
BS 6231:1998
Conductor
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Minimum
insulation
resistance at 90 8C
mm
mm
MVkm
mm2
0.5
0.75
1.0
1.5
2.5
4
6
10
16
25
35
50
70
95
120
150
185
240
10
Mean overall
diameter, upper
limit
Class
Nominal
cross-sectional
area
CK
Radial thickness
of insulation,
mean value
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
1.0
1.0
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
3.0
3.2
3.4
3.7
4.2
4.8
6.3
7.8
9.0
11.5
13.0
15.0
17.5
19.5
21.5
24.0
26.5
30.0
0.0161
0.0141
0.0128
0.0111
0.0094
0.0077
0.0059
0.0058
0.0048
0.0047
0.0040
0.0039
0.0033
0.0032
0.0029
0.0029
0.0029
0.0028
BS 6231:1998
Test description
Table number
5
8
12.2.2
12.2.3.1
12.2.3.2
12.2.4.2
12.2.4.3
12.2.4.3
12.2.5
12.2.6
Electrical tests
Conductor resistance
Spark test
Voltage test on cables types AU and AK
Voltage test on cables at 3500 V
Insulation resistance test at 20 8C
Insulation resistance test at 70 8C
Insulation resistance test at 90 8C
Long term resistance of PVC insulation to d.c.
Thermal endurance
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
10.1
11.1
11.2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Xa
Xa
Xa
X
Xb
Xa
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
9.1
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13
14
NOTE ``X'' indicates that the particular test is applicable to the cables in the table shown at the head of the column.
a
11
BS 6231:1998
12
Bibliography
BS 6004, PVC-insulated cables (non-armoured) for
electric power and lighting.
BS 6469-99:1992, Insulating and sheathing materials
of electric cables Part 99: Test methods used in the
United Kingdom but not specified in BS EN 60811 or
other Parts of BS 6469.
BS 6500, Insulated flexible cords and cables.
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Annex A (informative)
Guidance on installation and operating
temperatures
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BS 6231:1998
BSI
389 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 4AL
This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard,
of necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
written permission of BSI must be obtained.
Details and advice can be obtained from the Copyright & Licensing Manager.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7070. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7553.
Email: copyright@bsi-global.com.
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