BS EN 50655 is a European Standard that discusses material characterization of electric cable accessories, that can ensure undesired consequences of poor insulation are minimized.
BS EN 50655-3 is the third part of the series that specifies the test methods and requirements for fingerprinting of cold shrinkable components intended to be used in cable accessories for low and medium voltage, as defined in EN 50393, HD 629.1, and HD 629.2.
Component basic functions can be conductive, stress control or stress grading, insulating, oil barrier, antitracking, external protection, and sealing. Components are supplied as single-layer items or as multi-layer items.
Components are generally supplied pre-expanded or with a system allowing expansion prior to installation.
NOTE: Information on health and safety is given in Annex A.
BS EN 50655-3 on fingerprinting for cold shrinkable components is relevant to:
Cold shrinkable components are elastomeric extruded tubing or moulded parts (single- or multi-layer) pre-expanded on support or expanded prior to installation, which tends to recover to their original dimensions when the support is removed. For optimal performance of electric cable accessories, assessing the performance of these insulating materials and components is critical.
BS EN 50655-3 walks you through the process of fingerprinting for cold shrinkable components, that is a test made to establish and subsequently confirm the properties of materials or components used in cable accessories.
Thus, if you are a manufacturer, compliance with BS EN 50655-3 can help you demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics of materials or components of a cable accessory to meet the intended application. As a result, you can successfully prevent migration of cable impregnation compound and resist formation of conductive paths.
EN 50655-3:2017