BRITISH STANDARD

Electric cables
Thermosetting
insulated,
non-armoured cables
for voltages up to and
including 450/750 V, for
electric power, lighting
and internal wiring,
and having low
emission of smoke and
corrosive gases when
affected by fire

ICS 29.060.20

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:

BS 7211:1998
Incorporating
Amendments Nos. 1
and 2

BS 7211:1998

Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by Technical
Committee GEL/20, Electric cables, to Subcommittee GEL/20/1, Wiring cables,
upon which the following bodies were represented:
Association of Consulting Engineers
Association of Manufacturers Allied to the Electrical and Electronic Industry
(BEAMA Ltd.)
British Approvals Service for Cables
British Cables Association
British Plastics Federation
British Retail Consortium
Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
Department of Trade and Industry (Consumer Safety Unit, CA Division)
Electricity Association
ERA Technology Ltd.
Electrical Installation Equipment Manufacturers Association (BEAMA Ltd.)
Engineering Industries Association
Institution of Incorporated Executive Engineers
Lift and Escalator Industries Association
London Underground Ltd.
Portable Electric Tool Manufacturers Association
Transmission and Distribution Association (BEAMA Ltd.)

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Electrotechnical
Sector Board, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes
into effect on 15 October 1998
BSI 26 April 2005
First published September 1989
Second edition March 1994
Third edition October 1998

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference GEL/20/1
Draft for comment 96/215022 DC

ISBN 0 580 29591 5

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No.

Date

Comments

14201

6 February 2004

Title of standard revised and see foreword

15653

26 April 2005

See foreword

BS 7211:1998

Contents
Committees responsible
Foreword
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Page
Inside front cover
ii

Scope
Normative references
Definitions
Voltage designation
Conductor
Insulation
Core identification
Fillers, tapes and extruded inner covering
Sheath
Marking
Construction and overall dimensions
Schedule of tests
Electrical requirements
Flame propagation
Smoke emission

Annex A (informative) Guide to the use of thermosetting insulated cables

specified in this British Standard
Annex B (normative) Electrical tests
Annex C (normative) Procedure for checking the efficacy of the method of
spark testing
Annex D (normative) Compatibility test

20
20
23
24

Bibliography

25

Figure C.1 Spark test check: removal of insulation (see C.2.2)

Figure C.2 Spark test check: covering with tape

24
24

Table 1 Schedule of tests

Table 2 Selection and arrangement of cables for the smoke emission test
(cables specified in Table 7 only)
Table 3 Thermosetting insulated, non-sheathed, single-core
cables, 450/750 V
Table 4 Thermosetting insulated, non-sheathed, single-core
cables, 300/500 V
Table 5 Thermosetting insulated, single-core, sheathed cables,
450/750 V
Table 6 Thermosetting insulated, twin, 3-core, 4-core and 5-core circular
sheathed cables, 450/750 V
Table 7 Thermosetting insulated, single-core, flat twin and flat 3-core
sheathed cables with circuit protective conductor, 300/500 V
Table 8 List of tests applicable to the various types of cable
Table B.1 Summary of electrical tests
Table B.2 Spark test voltages

BSI 26 April 2005

1
1
2
3
3
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
9
10

8
10
11
13
14
15
17
18
21
22

BS 7211:1998

Foreword
This revised edition of BS 7211 has been prepared by Subcommittee GEL/20/1 in response
to an increasing demand for cable that has reduced emission of smoke and corrosive gases
when affected by fire. It supersedes BS 7211:1994, which is withdrawn.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by
tags !". Tags indicating changes to text carry the number of the amendment. For
example text altered by amendment No. 1 is indicated by !".
This new edition aligns with CENELEC1) HD 22.9 S2 in respect of insulated non-sheathed
single-core cables. In addition, it includes requirements for insulated and sheathed cables
for which there is currently no published European or International Standard. These
additional cables are for operation at voltages up to and including 450/750 V.
The construction of cables specified in this British Standard closely follows that of similar
cables specified in BS 6004, although the materials used may result in different
installation characteristics.
The improved performance under fire conditions is assessed on the basis of tests that
measure the emission of smoke and corrosive gases under defined conditions.
Amendment No.1:2004 implements the changes to the identification of cores by colours, in
accordance with HD 308 S2. The principal identification colours are now:
Single phase Green-and-yellow (Earth); blue (Neutral); brown (Live).
Three phase Green-and-yellow (Earth); blue (Neutral); brown, black, grey (Live).
Users should ensure that any interconnection between cables with these new colours and
those with the pre-existing ones is carried out safely. BS 7671, as amended in parallel with
this standard, gives some guidance in this respect, but does not cover all installation
conditions or cable uses.
The provisions introduced by amendment No. 1:2004 are effective from 1st April 2004. The
original version of this standard remains current until 31st March 2006.
#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.$
Enquiries as to the availability of third-party certification schemes will be forwarded by
BSI to the Association of British Certification Bodies. If a third-party certification scheme
does not already exist, users should consider approaching an appropriate body from the list
of Association members.
Annex A is informative. Annex B, Annex C and Annex D are normative.
WARNING. This standard calls for the use of substances and/or procedures that may be
injurious to health if adequate precautions are not taken. It refers only to technical
suitability and does not absolve the user from legal obligations relating to health and
safety at any stage.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract.
Users are responsible for its 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, pages i and ii, pages 1 to 24,
an inside back cover and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the document was
last issued.

1)

ii

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization.

BSI 26 April 2005

BS 7211:1998

1 Scope
This British Standard specifies requirements for non-armoured cables with thermosetting insulation of
rated voltage up to and including 450/750 V which, when assessed by tests specified in the standard,
produce lower levels of smoke and corrosive gases under exposure to fire compared with corresponding PVC
cables made in accordance with BS 6004.
The types of cable specified in the standard, together with their respective voltage ratings, are as follows:
Thermosetting insulated, non-sheathed, single-core cable
Thermosetting insulated, non-sheathed, single-core cable
Thermosetting insulated, single-core sheathed cable
Thermosetting insulated, twin, 3-core, 4-core and 5-core circular sheathed cables
Thermosetting insulated, single-core, flat twin and flat 3-core sheathed cable with circuit
protective conductor

450/750 V
300/500 V
450/750 V
450/750 V
300/500 V

In this standard, corrosive (and acid) gases are defined as those which are determined either by
measurement of pH and conductivity or as HCl, as appropriate.
NOTE 1

These are indirect assessment methods, and reference should be made to IEC 60695-5-2, 5.1.5 for additional guidance.

The standard specifies construction and test requirements, and includes tests relating to performance
under fire conditions.
NOTE 2 These tests are published in separate British Standards to which reference is made at the appropriate point in the text.
The Scope clauses of these British Standards contain cautionary notes concerning the applicability of such tests, and these should be
taken into account when assessing the suitability of cables specified in this specification for use in a particular application.

The insulation and other components are suitable to permit operation of the cables at a maximum
sustained conductor temperature of 90 C.
NOTE 3 Limitation on the temperature of the cables may be imposed in situations where they may be touched, or where they may
touch other materials.
NOTE 4 In installations that include wiring accessories, junction boxes and consumer units etc., the performance of these
accessories should be taken into account in deciding the maximum operating temperature of the cable.

A guide to the use of these cables for fixed installations is given in Annex A. Annex B, Annex C and
Annex D give test methods.

2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this British Standard. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any
of these publications do not apply. For undated references, the latest edition of the publication referred to
applies.
!Text deleted"
BS 4727-2-08, Glossary of electrotechnical, power, telecommunication, electronics, lighting and colour
terms Part 2: Terms particular to power engineering Group 08: Electric cable terminology.
BS 5099, Specification for spark testing of electric cables.
BS 6360, Specification for conductors in insulated cables and cords.
!Text deleted"
BS 6469-99.1:1992, Insulating and sheathing materials of electric cables Part 99: Test methods used in
the United Kingdom but not specified in Parts 1 to 5 Section 1: Non-electrical tests.
!Text deleted"
BS 7655-1.3, Specification for insulating and sheathing materials for cables Part 1: Elastomeric
insulating compounds Section 1.3: XLPE.
BS 7655-5.1, Specification for insulating and sheathing materials for cables Part 1: Cross-linked
insulating compounds having low emission of corrosive gases, and suitable for use in cables having low
emission of smoke when affected by fire Section 5.1: Harmonized cross-linked types.

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BS 7211:1998

BS 7655-6.1, Specification for insulating and sheathing materials for cables Part 1: Thermoplastic
sheathing compounds having low emission of corrosive gases, and suitable for use in cables having low
emission of smoke when affected by fire Section 6.1: General application thermoplastic types.
PD 2379, Register of colours of manufacturers identification threads for electric cables and cords.
!BS EN 50265-2-1, Common test methods for cables under fire conditions Test for resistance to vertical
flame propagation for a single insulated conductor or cable Part 2-1: Procedures 1 kW pre-mixed flame.
BS EN 50265-2-2, Common test methods for cables under fire conditions Test for resistance to vertical
flame propagation for a single insulated conductor or cable Part 2-2: Procedures Diffusion flame.
BS EN 50266-2-4, Common test methods for cables under fire conditions Test for vertical flame spread of
vertically-mounted bunched wires or cables Part 2-4: Procedures Category C.
BS EN 50267-2-1, Common test methods for cables under fire conditions Tests on gases evolved during
combustion of material from cables Part 2-1: Procedures Determination of the amount of halogen acid
gas.
BS EN 50267-2-2, Common test methods for cables under fire conditions Tests on gases evolved during
combustion of material from cables Part 2-2: Procedures Determination of degree of acidity of gases for
materials by measuring pH and conductivity.
BS EN 50268-2, Common test methods for cables under fire conditions Measurement of smoke density of
cables burning under defined conditions Part 2: Procedure."
BS EN 60811-1-1:1995, Insulating and sheathing materials for electric cables General application
Measurement of thickness and overall dimensions Tests for determining the mechanical properties.
BS EN 60811-1-2:1995, Insulating and sheathing materials for electric cables General application
Thermal ageing methods.
BS EN 60811-1-3:1995, Insulating and sheathing materials for electric cables General application
Methods for determining the density Water absorption tests Shrinkage test.

3 Definitions
For the purpose of this British Standard, the definitions given in BS 4727-2:Group 08 apply together with
the following.
3.1
rated voltage U0
power-frequency voltage to earth for which the cable is designed
3.2
rated voltage U
power-frequency voltage between conductors for which the cable is designed
3.3
type test
test required to be made before supplying, on a general commercial basis, a type of cable covered by this
standard in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics to meet the intended application
NOTE Type tests are of such a nature that, after they have been made, they need not be repeated unless changes are made in the
cable materials, design, or type of manufacturing process which might change the performance characteristics.

3.4
sample test
test made on samples of completed cable, or components taken from a completed cable adequate to verify
that the finished product meets the design specifications
3.5
routine test
test made on all production cable lengths to demonstrate their integrity

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BS 7211:1998

4 Voltage designation
The rated voltage of a cable is the reference voltage for which the cable is designed, and which serves to
define the electrical tests, and shall be expressed, in volts, by the following expression:
U0/U
where
U0
U

is the r.m.s. value between any insulated phase conductor and earth, or the surrounding medium;
is the r.m.s. value between any two phase-conductors of a multi-core cable or of a system of
single-core cables.

In an alternating current system, the rated voltage of a cable shall be at least equal to the nominal voltage
of the system for which it is intended, and this applies both to the value U0 and to the value U.
In a direct current system, the nominal voltage of the system shall be not higher than 1.5 times the rated
system voltage (U) of the cable.
NOTE 1 The operating voltage of a system may permanently exceed the nominal voltage of such a system by 10 %. A cable can be
used at 10 % higher operating voltage than its rated voltage if the latter is at least equal to the nominal voltage of the system.

The rated voltages recognized for the purposes of this standard are 300/500 V and 450/750 V.
NOTE 2 Cables specified in Table 3 may be suitable for a rated voltage system (U) up to 1 000 V a.c. or 1.5 times higher for d.c.
usage (see A.4).

5 Conductor
5.1 The conductor shall be annealed copper conductor conforming to BS 6360. It shall be permissible for
the wires to be tinned.
5.2 The class of the conductor shall be as specified in Table 3 to Table 7 inclusive. Except for constructions
specified in Table 3b) and Table 4b), conductors shall be circular solid, circular stranded or compacted
circular stranded.

6 Insulation
6.1 Types of insulation
For cables specified in Table 3 and Table 4, the insulation shall be type EI 5 conforming to BS 7655-5.1.
For cables specified in Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7, the insulation shall be either type GP 8, in accordance
with BS 7655-1.3 but further subject to a low temperature bending test as required for EI 5, or type EI 5 in
accordance with BS 7655-5.1.
Where GP 8 insulation is used, the shrinkage of the insulation on a 200 mm sample of core tested
at 130 C 2 C for 1 h in accordance with BS EN 60811-1-3, shall not exceed 4 %.
When the insulation is applied in two layers, (see 6.2), all tests shall be applied to the complete insulation,
which shall be subject to the specified requirements for that insulation type.
When subjected to the compatibility test in accordance with Annex D, the insulation of cables specified in
Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7 shall conform to the following requirements.
Median values after ageing:
EI 5

GP8

a) Tensile strength
Minimum value (N/mm2)
Maximum variation (%)
b) Elongation at break
Minimum value (%)
Maximum variation (%)

10

12.5

30

25

125
30

200
25

NOTE Variation is the difference between the median value after ageing and the median value without ageing, expressed as a
percentage of the latter.

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BS 7211:1998

Conformity shall be checked by performing the appropriate tests listed in Table 1. All tests shall be applied
to the complete insulation.
6.2 Application
The insulation shall be applied by extrusion closely around the conductor. It shall be possible to remove the
insulation without damage to the insulation itself, the conductor or the tin coating, if any.
Conformity shall be checked by visual examination and by a manual test.
NOTE The insulation may consist of one or two layers.

The core insulation shall conform to the requirements for spark testing specified in BS 5099.
6.3 Thickness
The mean value of the thickness of the insulation shall be not less than the value given in Table 3 to
Table 7 for each type and cross-section of cable.
Conformity shall be checked by the method specified in BS EN 60811-1-1, 8.1. For each core to be tested,
one sample of the core shall be taken from each of three places separated by at least 1 m.
The mean of all the values obtained on the three pieces of insulation shall be calculated to two decimal
places and then rounded off to obtain the mean value of insulation thickness. If the calculation gives 5 or
more for the second decimal figure, the first figure shall be raised to the next number; thus, for
example, 1.75 shall be rounded to 1.8 and 1.74 to 1.7.
The smallest of all the values obtained, which shall not fall below the value specified in Table 5, Table 6
and Table 7, as appropriate, by more than 0.1 mm + 10 %, shall be taken as the minimum thickness of
insulation at any place.
6.4 Corrosive and acid gas emission of insulation
When insulation from those cables specified in Table 3 and Table 4 is tested in accordance with
!BS EN 50267-2-2", the resulting value of pH shall be not less than 4.3. The conductivity shall not
exceed 10 S/mm.
When insulation from those cables specified in Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7 is tested in accordance with
!BS EN 50267-2-1", the level of HCl shall be not greater than 0.5 %.

7 Core identification
7.1 General
Each core shall be identified by its colour. The colour shall be either throughout the whole of the insulation
or on the surface of the insulation.
7.2 Colours
The colours of the cores and the sequence of these colours shall be as given in Table 3 to Table 7 as
appropriate.
7.3 Harmonized code designations
!Harmonized code designations apply to the single core non-sheathed cables specified in Table 3 and
Table 4. Such cables shall be permitted to bear the Common Marking (see 10.4), provided that the colours
conform to the following provisions."
a) The colours available shall include the combination green/yellow and the mono-colour blue;
b) For cables specified in Table 3, combinations of colours other than green/yellow and also the colours
green or yellow separately shall not be considered harmonized.
c) For cables specified in Table 4, the mono-colours green and yellow shall be permitted as well as
bi-colour combination of recognized colours in addition to green/yellow.

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BS 7211:1998

Cables specified in Table 3, for which harmonized code designations are given but which have core colours
not in accordance with the above requirements, are not harmonized types and shall not bear the Common
Marking.
NOTE 1 In addition to the combination green/yellow, and the mono-colour blue, the following other mono-colours are recognized as
harmonized: black, brown, grey, orange, pink, red, turquoise, violet and white.
NOTE 2 According to the use to which the cables are put, it may be necessary for the colour of the cables to conform to core colour
requirements specified in BS 7671 and any other applicable British Standard. Attention is drawn to any appropriate regulations or
statutory requirements.

7.4 Bi-colour combination

On the core marked with the bi-colour combination green/yellow, the distribution of these colours shall be
such that for every 15 mm length of core, one of these colours shall cover at least 30 % and not more
than 70 % of the surface of the core, while the other colour covers the remainder of the surface.
!NOTE 1 In cases of dispute regarding the green/yellow combination and where appropriate to the method of colour marking of
the insulation, a suitable test method for checking conformity is given in BS 6469-99.1:1992, Clause 8."
NOTE 2 The colours green and yellow when they are combined as specified above are recognized exclusively as a means of
identification of the core intended for use as earth connection or similar protection.

7.5 Clarity and durability

The colours shall be clearly identifiable and durable.
Conformity shall be checked by trying to remove the colours of the cores by rubbing the core 10 times with
a piece of cotton wool or cloth soaked in water.

8 Fillers, tapes and extruded inner covering

8.1 General
The twisted cores specified in Table 6 shall be covered by either:
a) an extruded inner covering of synthetic material;
b) a separating tape of suitable material, which may be combined with separate synthetic fillers.
The extruded inner covering shall surround the twisted cores and penetrate the space between them, giving
the assembly a practically circular shape. The extruded inner covering shall not adhere to the cores.
The approximate value of thickness of the extruded inner covering shall be as given in Table 6.
8.2 Compatibility
There shall be no harmful interaction between the inner covering and the insulation.
Conformity to the requirements specified in 6.1 shall be checked by using the compatibility test given
in Annex D.
8.3 Corrosive and acid gas emission
When the filler, tape or inner covering taken from the cable is tested in accordance with
!BS EN 50267-2-1", the level of HCl shall be not greater than 0.5 %.

9 Sheath
9.1 Types of sheath
The sheath shall be an extruded layer of synthetic material type LTS 2 or LTS 4 conforming to
BS 7655-6.1 as specified in Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7 as appropriate.
Conformity shall be checked by performing the appropriate tests specified in Table 1 and Table 8.
There shall be no harmful interaction between the sheath and insulation. Conformity to the requirements
specified in 6.1 shall be checked by using the compatibility test given in Annex D.

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BS 7211:1998

9.2 Application
The sheath shall be applied in a single layer:
a) to the core of the single core cables;
b) to the assembly of cores and inner covering (if any) in other cables.
The sheath shall be capable of being removed without damage to the core(s).
9.3 Thickness
The mean value of the sheath thickness shall be not less than the value given for each type and
cross-section of cable specified in Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7, as appropriate.
Where the sheath fills the interstices between the cores of flat cables, the specified thickness shall apply at
the place where the thickness of the sheath is at its minimum.
For cables specified in Table 5 and Table 6, conformity shall be checked using the method specified
in BS EN 60811-1-1, 8.2. For cables specified in Table 7, conformity shall be checked by the method
specified in BS 6469-99.1, Clause 16. One sample of cable shall be taken from each of three places,
separated by at least 1 m.
The mean of all the values obtained on the three pieces of sheath shall be calculated to two decimal places
and rounded to one decimal place as specified in 6.3 to obtain the mean value of sheath thickness.
The smallest of all the values obtained, which shall not fall below the values specified in Table 5, Table 6
and Table 7, as appropriate, by more than 0.1 mm + 15 %, shall be taken as the minimum thickness of
sheath at any place.
9.4 Colour
The colour of the sheath shall be as specified in Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7. !Text deleted"
9.5 Corrosive and acid gas emission of sheath
When sheath taken from the cable is tested in accordance with !BS EN 50267-2-1" the level of HCl
shall be not greater than 0.5 %.

10 Marking
10.1 General

2)

The cable shall be marked with the number of this British Standard, i.e. BS 7211 , on the outer surface by
printing, indenting or embossing.
10.2 Indication of origin
All cables shall be provided with an indication of origin consisting of an identification thread or threads or
the continuous marking of the manufacturers name or trade mark.
If coloured threads are used, the colours shall conform to those registered to PD 2379, where applicable.
The colours shall be easy to recognize or shall become recognizable by cleaning with petrol, or other suitable
solvent, if necessary.

2) Marking BS 7211 on or in relation to a product represents a manufacturers declaration of conformity, i.e. a claim by or on
behalf of the manufacturer that the product meets the requirements of the standard. The accuracy of the claim is solely the
claimants responsibility. Such a declaration is not to be confused with third party certification of the conformity, which may also
be desirable.

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BS 7211:1998

10.3 Continuity of marking

Each specified mark, including the marking of the manufacturers name or trademark, if used, shall be
regarded as continuous if the distance between the end of the mark and the beginning of the next identical
mark does not exceed:
a) 550 mm if the marking is on the outer sheath of the cable;
b) 275 mm if the marking is:
1) on the insulation of an unsheathed cable;
2) on the insulation of a sheathed cable;
3) on a tape or thread within a sheathed cable.
NOTE A specified mark is any mark that constitutes a requirement of this British Standard, or the optional CENELEC Common
Marking as specified in 10.4.

The marking shall be legible.

10.4 CENELEC Common Marking
!Cables to Table 3 and Table 4, for which the core colours conform to 7.3, shall be permitted to carry an
indication that it has been manufactured under a licence issued by one of the approval organizations
subscribing to the CENELEC Agreement on the use of a commonly agreed marking for cables and cores".
If a cable does carry such an indication, it shall be in one of the following forms.
a) The mark of the approvals organization followed by the Common Marking HAR applied in
accordance with 10.3.
b) An identification thread extending throughout the length of the cable indicating the approvals
organization. The base colour shall be yellow and this shall be serially dyed or printed red and black. The
lengths of the coloured sections shall conform to dimensions laid down by CENELEC for that approvals
organisation (see PD 2379).
Recognized national types shall not carry either of these indications.
The name CENELEC, in full or abbreviated, shall not be directly marked on, or in the cable.
10.5 Durability
Any marking by printing shall be durable. Conformity shall be checked by rubbing the marking 10 times
with a piece of cotton wool or cloth soaked in water.
!10.6 Marking of CENELEC harmonized code designation
Harmonized cables in Table 3 and Table 4 shall be marked on the insulation with the CENELEC
harmonized code designation, as given in the applicable construction table.
The marking shall be continuous as specified in 10.3.
Conformity shall be checked by measurement."

11 Construction and overall dimensions

11.1 Construction
The construction of the cables shall be as given in Table 3 to Table 7, as appropriate.
Conformity shall be checked by visual examination and measurement.
11.2 Mean overall dimensions
The mean overall dimensions of the cables shall be within the limits given in Table 3 to Table 7, as
appropriate.
NOTE For cables specified in Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7, the lower limit is an indicative value and is not a requirement of this
standard.

Conformity shall be checked using the method given in BS EN 60811-1-1, 8.3.

One sample of cable shall be taken from each of three places, separated by at least 1 m.

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BS 7211:1998

For flat cable, the mean of the three determinations of each of the major and minor axes shall be taken as
the mean overall dimension.
For other cable, the mean of the six values obtained shall be taken as the mean overall diameter.
11.3 Ovality
The difference between any two values of the overall diameter of circular sheathed cables at the same
cross-section (i.e. the degree of ovality) shall not exceed 15 % of the upper limit for the mean overall
diameter given in Table 5 and Table 6, as appropriate.
Conformity shall be checked using the method described in BS EN 60811-1-1, 8.3.
One sample of cable shall be taken from each of three places, separated by at least 1 m.
Two measurements shall be taken at the same cross-section of the cable covering the maximum and
minimum values.

12 Schedule of tests
The range of tests applicable to the cables specified in this British Standard shall be as listed in Table 1.
NOTE The last column of Table 1 shows the category of each test, i.e. type test (symbol T), sample test (symbol S) or routine test
(symbol R), as defined in 3.3 to 3.5 respectively.

Table 1 Schedule of tests

Test

Conductor
Construction
Insulation
Material
Application
Spark test
Thickness
Corrosive and acid gas:
Insulation of unsheathed cables
Insulation of sheathed cables
Core identification
Laid up cores
Filler, tapes and extruded inner
covering
Application
Corrosive and acid gas:
Fillers and tapes
Extruded inner covering
Sheath
Material
Application
Thickness
Corrosive and acid gas

Requirement
given in clause

Test method

Category

BS 6360

6.1
6.2
6.2
6.3

BS EN 60811, BS 7655
Visual examination
BS 5099
BS 60811-1-1, 8.1

T
S
R
S

6.4
6.4
7
7.2

!BS EN 50267-2-2"
!BS EN 50267-2-1"
Visual examination
Visual examination

S
T
S
S

8.1

Visual examination

8.3
8.3

!BS EN 50267-2-1"
!BS EN 50267-2-1"

T
S

9.1
9.2
9.3

BS EN 60811, BS 7655
Visual examination
BS EN 60811-1-1, 8.2 or

T
S
S

9.5

BS 6469-99.1, 16
!BS EN 50267-2-1"

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BS 7211:1998

Table 1 Schedule of tests (continued)

Test

Tests on complete cables

Compatibility test
Cable markings
Conductor resistance
Voltage test on complete cable
Voltage test on cores
Insulation resistance
Absence of faults on insulation
Shrinkage test on insulation
Construction and overall dimensions
Tests under fire conditions
Fire test on single cable
Fire test on multiple cables
Smoke emission
NOTE

Requirement
given in clause

6.1
10
13.2
13.3
13.4
13.5
6.1
11
14.1
14.2
15

Test method

Category

Annex D
Visual examination and measurement
BS 6360
Annex B
Annex B
Annex B
Annex B
BS EN 60811-1-3
BS EN 60811-1-1, 8.3

T
S
S
S
S
S
R
T
S

!
BS EN 50265-2-1 or -2-2, as specified
BS EN 50266-2-4
BS EN 50268-2"

S
T
S

Tests classified as sample (S) or routine (R) may be required as part of a type approval scheme.

13 Electrical requirements
13.1 Conductor resistance
The d.c. resistance of each conductor, measured on a sample of cable at least 1 m in length, shall conform
to BS 6360.
13.2 Voltage test on complete cable
When the cable is tested in accordance with B.1 and B.2, no breakdown of insulation shall occur.
13.3 Voltage test on cores
When the core is tested in accordance with B.1 and B.3 no breakdown of the insulation shall occur.
13.4 Insulation resistance
When the cable is tested in accordance with B.1 and B.5, the insulation resistance shall be not less than
the minimum value specified in Table 3 to Table 7, as appropriate.
13.5 Test to check the absence of faults on insulation
When the cable is tested in accordance with B.1 and B.5, it shall withstand the applied voltage without
failure of the insulation.

14 Flame propagation
14.1 Flame propagation on single vertical cables
!Cables specified in Table 3, Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7 shall be tested in accordance with
BS EN 50265-2-1. The test shall be carried out on a sample of completed cable. After the test, the cable
shall conform to the performance recommendations given in BS EN 50265-2-1, Annex A.
Cables specified in Table 4 shall be tested in accordance with BS EN 50265-2-2. The test shall be carried
out on a sample of completed cable. After the test, the cable shall conform to the performance
recommendations given in BS EN 50265-2-2, Annex A."

BSI 26 April 2005

BS 7211:1998

14.2 Flame propagation on multiple cables

!Cables specified in Table 6 shall be tested in accordance with BS EN 50266-2-4. The test shall be
carried out on a sample of completed cable. After the test, the cable shall conform to the performance
recommendations given in BS EN 50266-2-4, Annex B."

15 Smoke emission
15.1 Cables specified in Table 3 to Table 6
When completed cables specified in Table 3, Table 4, Table 5 and Table 6 are tested in accordance
with !BS EN 50268-2", the minimum light transmittance shall be 60 %. The cables or bundles shall be
tested as a flat horizontal formation.
15.2 Cables specified in Table 7
When completed cables specified in Table 7 are tested in accordance with !BS EN 50268-2", the
minimum light transmittance shall be 60 %.
The cables shall be tested as a flat horizontal unit, and flat twin and flat three-core sheathed cables shall
be arranged in such a manner that the minor axis of each cable is presented to the fire source. Single-core
sheathed cables shall be tested in bundles. Each bundle shall consist of seven cables twisted together with
a lay length between 20 D and 30 D, and bound with two turns of approximately 0.5 mm diameter wire in
the centre and at every 100 mm each side from the centre. The number of cables or bundles shall be as
given in Table 2.
Table 2 Selection and arrangement of cables for the smoke emission test
(cables specified in Table 7 only)
Number of cores and conductor area

Number of samples of cables tested

mm2

1 1.0
1 1.5
2 1.0
2 1.5
2 2.5
24
26
2 10
2 16
3 1.0
3 1.5
3 2.5
34
36
3 10
3 16

10

3 bundles of 7 cables
3 bundles of 7 cables
10 cables
9 cables
8 cables
7 cables
6 cables
5 cables
5 cables
9 cables
8 cables
7 cables
6 cables
6 cables
5 cables
5 cables

BSI 26 April 2005

BS 7211:1998

!
Table 3 Thermosetting insulated, non-sheathed, single-core cables, 450/750 V
a) Rigid copper conductor
Harmonized code designation

H07Z-U
H07Z-R

Construction
Annealed copper conductor, class 1 solid conductor and class 2 stranded conductor, as specified below.
A separator may be applied around the conductor.
Thermosetting insulation EI 5.
Colours for cable identification: green/yellow, blue or other colours
Nominal
cross-sectional area
for conductor

Class of
conductor

Radial thickness of
insulation

mm2

1.5
1.5
2.5
2.5
4
4
6
6
10
10
16
25
35
50
70
95
120
150
185
240
300
400
500
630

Mean overall diameter

lower limit

mm

1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

0.7
0.7
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
2.4
2.6
2.8
2.8

upper limit

mm

2.6
2.7
3.2
3.3
3.6
3.8
4.1
4.3
5.3
5.6
6.4
8.1
9.0
10.6
12.1
14.1
15.6
17.3
19.3
22.0
24.5
27.5
30.5
34.0

Minimum insulation
resistance at 90 C

mm

3.3
3.4
4.0
4.1
4.6
4.7
5.2
5.4
6.6
7.0
8.0
10.1
11.3
13.2
15.1
17.6
19.4
21.6
24.1
27.5
30.6
34.3
38.2
42.5

M7km

0.011
0.010
0.010
0.009
0.0085
0.0077
0.0070
0.0065
0.0070
0.0065
0.0050
0.0050
0.0043
0.0043
0.0035
0.0035
0.0032
0.0032
0.0032
0.0032
0.0030
0.0028
0.0028
0.0025
"

BSI 26 April 2005

11

BS 7211:1998

Table 3 Thermosetting insulated, non-sheathed, single-core cables, 450/750 V (continued)

b) Flexible copper conductors
Harmonized code designation
H07Z-K
Construction
Annealed copper conductor, class 5 flexible conductor.
A separator may be applied around the conductor.
Thermosetting insulation type EI 5.
Colours for cable identification: green/yellow, blue or other colours.
Nominal cross-sectional area
of conductor

Radial thickness of
insulation

mm2

mm

1.5
2.5
4
6
10
16
25
35
50
70
95
120
150
185
240

12

0.7
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

Mean overall diameter

lower limit

upper limit

mm

mm

2.8
3.4
3.9
4.4
5.7
6.7
8.4
9.7
11.5
13.2
15.1
16.7
18.6
20.6
23.5

3.5
4.3
4.9
5.5
7.1
8.4
10.6
12.1
14.4
16.6
18.8
20.9
23.3
25.8
29.4

Minimum insulation
resistance at 90 C
Mkm

0.010
0.009
0.007
0.006
0.0056
0.0046
0.0044
0.0038
0.0037
0.0032
0.0032
0.0029
0.0029
0.0029
0.0028

BSI 26 April 2005

BS 7211:1998

Table 4 Thermosetting insulated, non-sheathed, single-core cables, 300/500 V

a) Rigid copper conductor
Harmonized code designation
H05Z-U
Construction
Annealed copper conductor, class 1 solid conductor.
A separator may be applied around the conductor.
Thermosetting insulation type EI 5.
Colours for cable identification: the mono-colours green and yellow are permitted as well as bi-colour
combination of recognized colours in addition to green/yellow, blue or other colours.
Nominal
cross-sectional area of
conductor

Radial thickness of
insulation

mm2

mm

Mean overall diameter

lower limit

upper limit

mm

mm

Minimum insulation
resistance at 90 C
Mkm

0.5
0.6
1.9
2.4
0.015
0.75
0.6
2.1
2.6
0.012
1.0
0.6
2.2
2.8
0.011
b) Flexible copper conductor
Harmonized code designation
H05Z-K
Construction
Annealed copper conductor, class 5 flexible conductor.
A separator may be applied around the conductor.
Thermosetting insulation type EI 5.
Colours for cable identification: the mono-colours green and yellow are permitted as well as bi-colour
combination of recognized colours in addition to green/yellow, blue or other colours.
Nominal
cross-sectional area of
conductor

Radial thickness of
insulation

mm2

0.5
0.75
1.0

BSI 26 April 2005

Mean overall diameter

lower limit

mm

0.6
0.6
0.6

upper limit

mm

2.1
2.2
2.4

Minimum insulation
resistance at 90 C

mm

2.6
2.8
2.9

Mkm

0.013
0.011
0.010

13

BS 7211:1998

Table 5 Thermosetting insulated, single-core, sheathed cables, 450/750 V

National type
Construction
Annealed copper conductor, class 1 solid conductor and class 2 stranded conductor, as shown below.
Thermosetting insulation either type EI 5 or type GP 8.
Colours for core identification: !brown or blue"
Synthetic sheath type LTS 4
Colour of sheath: !white (other colours may be used by agreement between manufacturer and
customer)."
Nominal
cross-sectional
area of conductor

Class of
conductor

Radial
thickness of
insulation

mm2

1 1.0
1 1.5
1 2.5
14
16
1 10
1 16
1 25
1 35
a

Radial
thickness of
sheath

mm

1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
2

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.9
0.9

Mean overall diameter

lower limita

mm

0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
1.0
1.1

upper limit

mm

3.9
4.0
4.2
4.3
4.6
4.7
5.0
5.3
5.7
5.9
6.7
7.6
9.4
10.6

mm

4.8
4.9
5.0
5.2
5.5
5.6
6.0
6.4
6.8
7.1
8.1
9.2
11.4
12.8

Minimum insulation
resistance at 90 C
Mkm

0.011
0.011
0.011
0.010
0.0092
0.0084
0.0077
0.0070
0.0065
0.0059
0.0047
0.0039
0.0039
0.0034

See Note to 11.2.

14

BSI 26 April 2005

BS 7211:1998

Table 6 Thermosetting insulated, twin, 3-core, 4-core and 5-core circular sheathed
cables, 450/750 V
National type
Construction
Annealed copper conductor, class 1 solid conductor and class 2 stranded conductor as shown in the table
below.
Thermosetting insulation, either type EI 5 or type GP 8.
The cores shall be twisted together. A centre filler may be used.
The twisted core shall be covered by an extruded inner covering or separating tape, as specified in 8.1. It
shall be possible to separate the cores easily.
Synthetic sheath, LTS 4
NOTE

The thickness of the inner covering, given for guidance, is not measured.

Colours for core identification

!Twin:
brown and blue
3-core:
brown, black and grey
4-core:
blue, brown, black and grey
5-core:
green/yellow, blue, brown, black and grey
Colour of sheath
White"
Nominal
cross-sectional
area of
conductor

Class of
Radial
Approximate
conductor thickness of thickness of
insulation
inner
covering

mm2

2 1.0
2 1.5
2 2.5
2 4.0
2 6.0
2 10
2 16
2 25
2 35
3 1.0
3 1.5
3 2.5
3 4.0
a

mm

1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.9
0.9
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

Radial
thickness
of sheath

mm

0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.6
0.6
0.8
0.8
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4

mm

1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2

Mean overall diameter

lower limita upper limit
mm

7.9
8.1
8.4
8.5
9.1
9.3
10.0
10.3
10.9
11.3
12.9
13.8
15.6
19.2
21.5
8.3
8.8
8.8
9.0
9.6
9.8
10.5
10.8

mm

9.5
9.7
10.1
10.3
11.0
11.3
12.1
12.4
13.2
13.7
15.5
16.7
18.8
23.2
26.0
10.0
10.2
10.6
10.9
11.6
11.9
12.7
13.1

Minimum insulation
resistance at 90 C

Mkm

0.011
0.011
0.011
0.010
0.0092
0.0084
0.0077
0.0070
0.0065
0.0059
0.0053
0.0047
0.0039
0.0039
0.0034
0.011
0.011
0.011
0.010
0.0092
0.0084
0.0077
0.0070

See Note to 11.2.

BSI 26 April 2005

15

BS 7211:1998

Table 6 Thermosetting insulated, twin, 3-core, 4-core and 5-core circular sheathed
cables, 450/750 V (continued)
Nominal
cross-section
al area of
conductor

Class of
conductor

Radial
thickness of
insulation

mm2

3 6.0
3 10
3 16
3 25
3 35
4 1.0
4 1.5
4 2.5
4 4.0
4 6.0
4 10
4 16
4 25
4 35
5 1.0
5 1.5
5 2.5
5 4.0
5 6.0
5 10
5 16
5 25
5 35
a

Approximate
thickness of
inner
covering

mm

1
2
1
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
2

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.9
0.9
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.9
0.9
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.9
0.9

Radial
thickness of
sheath

mm

0.4
0.4
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.8
0.8
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.8
1.0
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.0

Mean overall diameter

lower limita

mm

1.2
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.6
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.6

upper limit

mm

11.8
12.4
14.0
14.6
16.5
20.4
22.9
8.9
9.5
9.5
9.7
10.4
10.6
11.4
11.6
13.0
13.8
15.2
15.9
18.0
22.7
25.4
9.6
10.2
10.2
10.5
11.2
11.5
12.8
13.6
14.5
15.0
16.5
17.3
20.0
25.2
27.8

mm

14.0
15.0
16.9
17.5
19.9
24.7
27.6
11.2
11.5
11.4
11.7
12.6
12.8
13.8
14.0
15.7
16.7
18.4
19.2
21.8
27.5
30.7
11.5
11.9
12.3
12.6
13.6
13.9
15.5
16.4
17.5
18.1
20.0
20.9
24.2
30.5
33.6

Minimum
insulation
resistance
at 90 C
Mkm

0.0065
0.0059
0.0053
0.0047
0.0039
0.0039
0.0034
0.011
0.011
0.011
0.010
0.0092
0.0084
0.0077
0.0070
0.0065
0.0059
0.0053
0.0047
0.0039
0.0039
0.0034
0.011
0.011
0.011
0.010
0.0092
0.0084
0.0077
0.0070
0.0065
0.0059
0.0053
0.0047
0.0039
0.0039
0.0034

See Note to 11.2.

16

BSI 26 April 2005

BS 7211:1998

Table 7 Thermosetting insulated, single-core, flat twin and flat 3-core sheathed cables with
circuit protective conductor, 300/500 V
National type
Construction
Annealed copper conductor, class 1 solid and class 2 standed conductor as shown in the table below.
Thermosetting insulation either type EI 5 or type GP 8.
The core or cores shall be laid parallel with the uninsulated circuit protective conductor.
Colours for core identification
!Single core: brown or blue
Twin: brown and blue, or, for 2 1.0 and 2 1.5 cables, brown and brown
3-core: brown, black (centre core) and grey
Position of circuit protective conductor
Twin: centrally placed between cores in same plane
3-core: centrally placed between black and grey cores in same plane
Synthetic sheath type LTS 2
Colour of sheath
White"
Nominal
Class of
Radial
Radial
Mean overall dimensions
cross-sectional conductor thickness thickness
lower limit upper limit
area of
of
of sheath
conductor
insulation

mm2

1 1.0
1 1.5
2 1.0
2 1.5
2 2.5
24
26
2 10
2 16
3 1.0
3 1.5
3 2.5
34
36
3 10
3 16
a

mm

1
1
1
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
2

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

mm

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
0.9
0.9
1.0
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3

mm

4.1 5.2
4.4 5.4
4.1 7.6
4.2 7.8
4.4 8.1
4.5 8.3
4.9 9.3
5.0 9.5
5.5 10.4
6.2 12.0
7.3 14.5
8.4 17.0
4.1 10.0
4.4 10.7
4.9 12.0
5.5 14.0
6.2 16.2
7.3 19.5
8.4 22.8

Circuit
Class of
protective
circuit
conductor:
protective
minimum
conductor
nominal
cross-sectional
area

mm

5.0 6.3
5.3 6.6
5.0 9.1
5.1 9.4
5.3 9.7
5.4 10.0
6.0 11.2
6.1 11.4
6.7 12.6
7.5 14.6
8.8 17.6
10.1 20.5
5.1 12.1
5.3 12.9
6.0 14.6
6.7 16.9
7.5 19.5
8.8 23.6
10.1 27.6

mm2

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.5
1.5
1.5
2.5
4
6
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.5
2.5
4
6

Minimum
insulation
resistance
at 90 C

Mkm

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
2

0.011
0.011
0.011
0.011
0.011
0.011
0.0092
0.0084
0.0070
0.0059
0.0047
0.0039
0.011
0.011
0.0092
0.0070
0.0059
0.0047
0.0039

See Note to 11.2.

BSI 26 April 2005

17

BS 7211:1998

Table 8 List of tests applicable to the various types of cable

Clause number

Test description

Table number
3

13.1
13.2
13.2
13.3
13.3
13.4
13.5
11.1
6.3
9.3
11.2
11.3
6.1

6.4

8.1
8.3
9.1

9.5
a
b
c

Electrical tests
Conductor resistance
Voltage test on complete cable at 2000 V
Voltage test on complete cable at 2500 V
Voltage test on cores at 2000 V
Voltage test on cores at 2500 V
Insulation resistance at 90 C
Check on absence of faults on insulation
Constructional and dimensional tests
Check on construction
Measurement of insulation thickness
Measurement of sheath thickness
Measurement of overall dimensions
Measurement of ovality
Properties of insulation
Tensile strength before and after ageing
Elongation at break before and after ageing
Compatibility testa
Cold bend test
Cold elongation test
Cold impact test
Ozone resistance test
Hot set test
Pressure test at high temperature
Water absorption test
Corrosive and acid gas emission
Measurement of HCl evolution
Measurement of pH and conductivity
Fillers, tapes and extruded inner covering
Check on construction
Corrosive and acid gas emission
Properties of sheath
Tensile strength before ageing
Elongation at break before ageing
Tensile strength after ageing in air
Elongation at break after ageing in air
Pressure test at high temperature
Cold bend test
Cold elongation test
Cold impact test
Water immersion test
Corrosive and acid gas emission

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
x
x

xb
x
xb
xc

x
x
x
x

xb
x
xb
xc

x
x
x
x
xb
x
xb
xc

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

Measured on the insulation taken from an aged cable.

Only applicable to cables with EI 5 insulation.
Only applicable to cables with GP 8 insulation.

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BS 7211:1998

Table 8 List of tests applicable to the various types of cable (continued)

Clause number

Test description

Table number
3

14.1
14.2
15
a
b
c

Tests under fire conditions

Flame propagation of single cable
Flame propagation of bunched cables
Smoke emission

x
x
x

Measured on the insulation taken from an aged cable.

Only applicable to cables with EI 5 insulation.
Only applicable to cables with GP 8 insulation.

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BS 7211:1998

Annex A (informative)
Guide to the use of thermosetting insulated cables specified in this
British Standard
IMPORTANT. The details given in this annex are intended only as general technical guidance
and not as interpretation of any UK statutory requirements.
A.1 Cables supplied in accordance with this British Standard are intended for installation in air (which
includes installation in conduit or other closed system). When cables are to be laid in any other
environment, reference should be made to the cable manufacturer.
The cables are suitable for use where the combination of ambient temperature and temperature rise due
to load results in a conductor temperature not exceeding 90 C, and in the case of a short-circuit (maximum
allowable time 5 s) the maximum conductor temperature does not exceed 250 C.
A.2 The short-circuit temperature is based on the intrinsic properties of the insulating material. It is
essential that the accessories that are used in the cable system with mechanical and/or soldered
connections are:
a) suitable for the temperature adopted for the cable; and
b) able to accommodate a cable conductor operating temperature of 90 C.
A.3 Installation requirements and current ratings are detailed in BS 7671, or in individual equipment
specifications.
A.4 Typical uses of the cable are given in BS 7540.
The maximum permitted conductor temperature for cables in normal use is 90 C. Skin contact should be
avoided when operating at this temperature.
!These cables are not intended to provide circuit integrity in case of fire.
Meeting the requirements of BS EN 50265-2-1 or 2-2 does not imply a similar performance from bunched
wires. However, cables in accordance with Table 6 are required to meet the requirements of
BS EN 50266-2-4. The defined tests for flame propagation, smoke and corrosive gas emission relate only to
the cables, and not to cable and conduit together.
Cables to Table 3a) and Table 3b) are suitable for fixed protected installation in, or on, lighting and control
gear for voltages up to 1 000 V a.c. or up to 750 V d.c. to earth."

Annex B (normative)
Electrical tests
B.1 Test conditions
Unless otherwise specified, tests shall be performed at ambient temperature using alternating voltages of
approximately sine-wave form, which have a frequency in the range 49 Hz to 61 Hz, and of the r.m.s.
values specified in Table B.1. The ratio peak value/r.m.s. value shall be equal to 2 with a tolerance
of 7 %.
B.2 Voltage test on complete cable
B.2.1 Test sample
Take a sample of cable, as delivered, of length specified in Table B.1.
B.2.2 Procedure
Immerse the sample of cable in water at the temperature specified in Table B.1. Ensure that the ends of
the cores protrude above the water by a distance sufficient to prevent excessive surface leakage when the
test voltage is applied.
Earth the protective conductor (where provided) but do not include it in the conductors to be tested.

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BS 7211:1998

Apply the voltage specified in Table B.1, between each conductor in turn and all the other conductors
connected together and to the water, and between all the conductors connected together and the water, for
the time specified in Table B.1.
B.3 Voltage test on cores
B.3.1 Test sample
Prepare a sample of core, of the length specified in Table B.1, by carefully removing the sheath and any
other covering or filling from a length of complete cable.
B.3.2 Procedure
Immerse the core in water at the temperature specified in Table B.1, and apply the voltage specified
in Table B.1 between the conductor and the water for the time specified in Table B.1. Ensure that the ends
of the cores protrude above the water by a distance sufficient to prevent excessive surface leakage when
the test voltage is applied.
Table B.1 Summary of electrical tests
Test

Conductor resistance (see 13.1)

Length of sample (min.)
Voltage test on complete cable
(see 13.2)
Length of sample (min.)
Period of immersion (min.)
Temperature of water
Applied voltage (a.c.)
Time of application
Voltage test on cores (see 13.3)
Length of sample
Period of immersion (min.)
Temperature of water
Applied voltage (a.c.)
Time of application
Insulation resistance (see 13.4)
Length of sample
Period of immersion (min.)
Temperature of water

Unit

Table 3

Table 4

Table 5

Table 6

Table 7

450/750 V

300/500V

450/750 V

450/750 V

300/500 V

m
h
C
V
min

20
1
20 5
2 500
15

20
1
20 5
2 000
15

20
1
20 5
2 500
15

20
1
20 5
2 500
15

20
1
20 5
2 000
15

m
h
C
V
min

20
1
20 5
2 500
5

20
1
20 5
2 500
5

20
1
20 5
2 000
5

m
h
C

5
2
90 2

5
2

5
2
90 2

5
2
90 2

5
2
90 2

Check on the absence of faults

on insulation (see 13.5)
Spark test
Result to be obtained
Voltage test
Applied voltage a.c.
V
Applied voltage d.c. (min)
V
Duration of test
min
Result to be obtained

90 2

No failure No failure No failure

2 000
5 000
5
No breakdown

2 500
5 000
5
No breakdown

B.4 Insulation resistance

B.4.1 Test sample
Perform the test on a core sample, of the length specified in Table B.1, that has previously been submitted
to the test specified in B.3, or, if this is not applicable, to the test specified in B.2.

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BS 7211:1998

B.4.2 Procedure
Immerse the sample in water previously heated to the temperature given in Table B.1 with a length of
about 250 mm at each end of the sample projecting above the water, for the time specified in Table B.1.
Apply a d.c. voltage of between 80 V and 500 V between the conductor and the water.
Measure the insulation resistance 1 min after application of the voltage. Record the value in Mkm.
B.5 Test to check the absence of faults on insulation
B.5.1 Test cable
Take all cable that is in the final stage of manufacture (either in delivery lengths or in manufacturing
lengths prior to being cut into delivery lengths).
B.5.2 Procedure
B.5.2.1 General
Test single-core cables, including sheathed circular single-core cables specified in Table 5, in accordance
with the spark test specified in B.5.2.2. Test multicore cables and all sheathed flat cables specified
in Table 7 in accordance with the voltage test specified in B.5.2.3.
B.5.2.2 Spark Test
B.5.2.2.1 Apparatus
The spark test equipment shall provide a magnitude and presence of the voltage that, together with the
electrode system employed and the speed of passage employed for the passage of the cable through the
equipment, is capable of detecting a puncture in the insulation having a diameter equal to or greater than
half of the specified insulation thickness. The recovery time of the spark tester shall be not greater than 1 s.
NOTE The voltage applied by the spark tester may be d.c or power frequency a.c.

When spark test equipment is tested as specified in Annex C, all the faults shall be registered by the
equipment.
When sheathed single-core cables are tested in accordance with this subclause, the efficacy of the spark
testing equipment shall be determined by reference to the thickness of insulation only.
For the purpose of testing sheathed single-core cables, all references in Annex C to insulation, except for
the determination of the diameter of the calibration hole, shall be interpreted as meaning the combination
of insulation and sheathing.
B.5.2.2.2 Procedure
Test the cable by applying a voltage and speed of cable passage such as to fulfil the criteria of B.5.2.2.1.
NOTE Further guidance as to suitable procedure may be obtained by reference to BS 5099 and to the test voltages recommended
in Table B.2.

B.5.2.3 Voltage test

With the cable in the dry state and at room temperature, apply a voltage of the magnitude specified
in Table B.1, derived either from an a.c. source or from a d.c. source, between each conductor and all the
other conductors connected to earth. Increase the voltage gradually and maintain it at the full value for the
time specified in Table B.1.
Table B.2 Spark test voltages
Tabulated radial thickness of insulation

0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5

Test voltage

Above

Up to and including

a.c. r.m.s.

mm

mm

kV

1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5

6
10
15
20
25

d.c.
kV

9
15
23
30
38

NOTE This guidance may be instituted by the manufacturer at his option, and should not be regarded as a requirement of this
British Standard.

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BS 7211:1998

Annex C (normative)
Procedure for checking the efficacy of the method of spark testing
C.1 Principle
The principle of this method is to standardize the method by which manufacturers may demonstrate that
their spark testing method is effective in detecting faults in the insulation as specified in B.5.2.2.
It is imperative that the manufacturers instructions for production and control of procedures provide that
cable for which spark testing is required is effectively tested in practice.
C.2 Selection and preparation of test pieces
C.2.1 Sampling
Prepare two test lengths of cable, one with the smallest insulation thickness for the relevant types of cable.
C.2.2 Preparation of punctures
Prepare the punctures in the insulation of the two test-lengths as follows.
a) Remove the insulation from the cable for a length of about five times the nominal insulation thickness.
b) From the piece of insulation that has been removed, remove a segment of about 30. Then replace the
remaining piece of the insulation on the conductor (see Figure C.1).
c) Over the replaced piece of insulation, place one layer of adhesive tape, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate,
with a length of at least ten times the nominal insulation thickness, in a longitudinal direction, with an
overlap. Situate this overlap on the side of the cable opposite the position where the insulation was
removed (see Figure C.2).
d) In this layer, in the middle of the place where the insulation has been removed, use a hot needle to
punch a hole in the tape with a diameter equal to half of the allowed minimum insulation thickness.
C.3 Procedure
C.3.1 Efficacy of detecting
Pass the prepared test pieces through the spark test equipment at the highest speed for which the
equipment is intended, the voltage applied between the electrode and the conductor being that normally
used.
C.3.2 Recovery time
Pass at least two faults through the spark test equipment at the highest actual operating line speed to be
used in service. The distance between the two faults shall be not greater than that travelled in 1 s.

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BS 7211:1998

Figure C.1 Spark test check: removal of insulation (see C.2.2)

Figure C.2 Spark test check: covering with tape

Annex D (normative)
Compatibility test
Using the equipment described in BS EN 60811-1-2:1995, Clause 8, subject three pieces of completed cable,
each about 200 mm long and taken from at least 1 m from the other two, to accelerated ageing treatment
in the equipment for 7 days at 100 C 2 C.
The cable pieces shall occupy not more than 2 % of the volume of the oven.
Immediately after completion of the treatment, remove the cable pieces from the oven and leave them at
room temperature, away from direct sunlight, for at least 16 h. Prepare test pieces of cable as described
in BS EN 60811-1-1:1995, Clause 9.
Determine the median values of the tensile strength and elongation at break of insulation as described in
of BS EN 60811-1-1:1995, Clause 9. Compare these values with the median values obtained in the test
pieces taken from the 100 mm lengths which have not been subjected to ageing.

24

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BS 7211:1998
Bibliography
BS 6004, Specification for PVC-insulated cables (non-armoured) for electric power and lighting.
BS 7671, Requirements for electrical installations. IEE Wiring Regulations. Sixteenth edition.
BS 7540, Guide to use of cables with a rated voltage not exceeding 950/750 V.
!HD 308 S2, Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords."
IEC 60695-5-2:1994, Fire hazard testing Part 5: Assessment of potential corrosion damage by fire
effluent Section 2: Guidance on the selection and use of test methods.
HD 22.9 S2, Rubber insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V Part 9: Single core
non-sheathed cables for fixed wiring having low emission of smoke and corrosive gases.

#Text deleted$

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BS 7211:1998

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