BS EN IEC 60331-1:2019

What is BS EN IEC 60331-1-Tests for electric cables about? 

BS EN IEC 60331:2019 Tests for electric cables under fire conditions. Circuit integrity. Test method for fire with shock at a temperature of at least 830°C for cables of rated voltage up to and including 0,6/1,0 kV and with an overall diameter exceeding 20 mm is the UK implementation of EN IEC 60331‑1:2019. It is identical to IEC 60331‑1:2018. It supersedes BS EN 50362:2003, which will be withdrawn on 19 July 2022.

BS EN IEC 60331-1:2019 specifies the test method for cables that are required to maintain circuit integrity when subject to fire and mechanical shock under specified conditions.

It is applicable to cables of rated voltage not exceeding 600 V/1 000 V, including those of rated voltage below 80 V, metallic data and telecom cables, and optical fibre cables. It is intended for use when testing cables of greater than 20 mm overall diameter.

Cables of smaller diameter are intended to be tested using the apparatus, procedure, and requirements of IEC 60331-2. BS EN IEC 60331-1:2019 includes details for the specific point of failure, continuity checking arrangements, test sample, test procedure and test report relevant to electric power and control cables with rated voltage up to and including 600 V/1 000 V. Details for the specific point of failure, continuity checking arrangement, test sample, test procedure and test report relevant to metallic data and telecom cables and optical fibre cables are not included.

Although the scope is restricted to cables with rated voltage up to and including 0,6/1,0 kV, the procedure can be used, with the agreement of the manufacturer and the purchaser, for cables with rated voltage up to and including 1,8/3 (3,3) kV, provided that suitable fuses are used. Annex A provides the method of verification of the burner and control system used for the test. Requirements are stated for an identification that may optionally be marked on the cable to signify compliance with BS EN IEC 60331-1:2019.

BS EN IEC 60331-1:2019 is part of a series of standards under the general title: Tests for electric cables under fire conditions – Circuit integrity as follows;

• Part 1: Test method for fire with shock at a temperature of at least 830 °C for cables of rated voltage up to and including 0,6/1,0 kV and with an overall diameter exceeding 20 mm;
• Part 2: Test method for fire with shock at a temperature of at least 830 °C for cables of rated voltage up to and including 0,6/1,0 kV and with an overall diameter not exceeding 20 mm;
• Part 3: Test method for fire with shock at a temperature of at least 830 °C for cables of rated voltage up to and including 0,6/1,0 kV tested in a metal enclosure;
• Part 11: Apparatus – Fire alone at a flame temperature of at least 750 °C;
• Part 21: Procedures and requirements – Cables of rated voltage up to and including 0,6/1,0 kV;
• Part 23: Procedures and requirements – Electric data cables
• Part 25: Procedures and requirements – Optical fibre cables

Who is BS EN IEC 60331-1-Tests for electric cables for? 

BS EN IEC 60331-1 on tests for electric cables is most relevant to:

• Electric cable manufacturers
  
• Test and certification houses
• Electrical Design engineers