BS EN 50200:2015

What is BS EN 50200 – Test method for cables about?  

BS EN 50200 is a European Standard that specifies the test method for cables designed to have intrinsic resistance to fire and intended for use as emergency circuits for alarm, lighting, and communication purposes. 

BS EN 50200 is applicable to cables for emergency circuits of rated voltage not exceeding 600 V/1 000 V, including those of rated voltage below 80 V and optical fibre cables. 

NOTE: When the test method is used in support of EN 13501–3, it only applies to cables of less than 20 mm diameter, and, for metallic conductor cables, to those with conductor sizes up to and including 2,5 mm2. For optical cables, only the less than 20 mm diameter limit applies. 

Who is BS EN 50200 - Test method for cables for? 

BS EN 50200 on test method for cables is relevant to: 

• Manufacturers of electrical applications  
• Cable manufacturers 
• Optical fibre cable manufacturers 
• Mechanical industries 
• Electrical engineers 

Why should you use BS EN 50200 - Test method for cables? 

The test shall be carried out in a draught-free environment within a suitable chamber, of minimum volume 20 m3, with facilities for disposing of any noxious gases resulting from the burning. 

BS EN 50200 includes the field of direct application and rules for extended application of test results (EXAP). Provides details regarding classification using data from this test and Information regarding classification is given in Annex D. 

BS EN 50200 also provides guidance regarding test environment, test apparatus, verification procedure for the source of heat, test sample, cable test procedure, and test report that ensure the quality of cables. 

With standardized specifications of test methods, you can demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics of small cables to meet the intended application need.   

Overall, compliance with BS EN 50200 you can ensure high efficiency and resistance to fire. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 50200:2015 supersedes EN 50200:2006. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: 

• Detailed procedures for metallic data cables and for optical fibre cables have been removed as they are now given in the relevant standards of CLC/TC 46X and CLC/TC 86A. These standards refer to 50200 for the basic test method 
• Recasting and extension of the existing Annex D into two new Annexes, Annex B “Field of direct application and extended application of test results (Electric power and control cables with rated voltage up to and including 600 V/1 000 V) and Annex D “Information regarding classification”