IEC 60502

International standard IEC 60502 – Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages from 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) is a primary standard on which several other International and National Standards are based.

Although there are numerically four parts in this series of Standards, currently only 3 parts are in use for IEC 60502, these being:

• Part 1: Cables for rated voltages of 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) and 3 kV (Um = 3,6 kV)
• Part 2: Cables for rated voltages from 6 kV (Um = 7,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV).
• Part 4: Test requirements on accessories for cables with rated voltages from 6 kV (Um = 7,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV)
• Part 3 is reserved for future use.

IEC 60502-1 – Part 1

IEC 60502-1 specifies the construction, dimensions, and test requirements of power cables with extruded solid insulation for rated AC voltages of 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) and 3 kV (Um = 3,6 kV) for fixed installations such as distribution networks or industrial installations.

Two voltage ratings are covered 0.6/1(1.2) kV and 1.8/3(3.6) kV.

Cables made by Tratos of rated AC voltage 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV), designed and tested in accordance with IEC 60502 part 1 standard, can also be used in DC distribution systems having a nominal voltage ≤ 750 V DC (with a maximum of 900 V DC) between a live conductor and neutral/earth, or ≤ 1 500 V DC (with a maximum 1 800 V DC) between two live conductors. Applicable core identification for DC systems are considered in accordance with local installation regulations.

NOTE 1 Recommendations for preferred core colours for line conductors in DC systems are given in IEC 60445. However, local installation regulations for DC systems can already contain specific identification requirements.

Types of conductors include Class 1 (solid) or Class 2 (stranded) of plain or metal-coated annealed copper, plain aluminium or aluminium alloy or Class 5 (flexible) plain or metal coated annealed copper in accordance with IEC 60228. Class 2 stranded conductors can be water blocked if required. The size range includes 1.5mm2 up to and including 1000mm2.

Insulation types covered include PVC/A rated at 70oC, EPR, HEPR and XLPE rated at 90oC. Halogen free versions are available.

Non-metallic sheaths include Thermoplastic sheathing compounds covered include PVC (ST1, ST2), Polyethylene (ST3, ST7) and Halogen free (ST8).

Elastomeric (cross-linked) sheath compounds covered include Polychloroprene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene or similar polymers (SE1).

Part 1 of IEC 60502 Standard covers constructional details for single and multicore cables, cables with metallic layers, concentric conductors, wire or tape armours alternatively unarmoured cables, metallic sheaths of lead or lead alloy are also included

Cables with improved fire performance properties of reduced flame spread, low levels of smoke emission and halogen-free gas emission when exposed to fire are included.

IEC 60502-2 – Part 2

IEC 60502-2 specifies the construction, dimensions, and test requirements of power cables with extruded solid insulation for rated voltages of 6 kV (Um = 7,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) for fixed installations such as distribution networks or industrial installations.

Five voltage ratings are covered 3.6/6(7.2) kV, 6/10(12) kV, 8.7/15(17.5) kV, 12/20(24) kV and 18/30(36) kV.

Types of conductors include Class 1 (solid) or Class 2 (stranded) of plain or metal-coated annealed copper, plain aluminium or aluminium alloy in accordance with IEC 60228. Class 2 stranded conductors can be water blocked if required. The size range includes 10mm2 up to and including 1600mm2.

Insulation types covered include PVC/B (3.6/6kV only) rated at 70oC, EPR, HEPR and XLPE rated at 90oC, conductor and insulation screens are included. Halogen free versions are available.

Non-metallic sheaths include Thermoplastic sheathing compounds covered include PVC (ST1, ST2) and Polyethylene (ST3, ST7) Tratos can also supply cables with a Halogen free (ST8) sheath.

Elastomeric (cross-linked) sheath compounds covered include Polychloroprene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene or similar polymers (SE1).

Part 2 of this Standard covers constructional details for single and multicore cables, cables with metallic layers, concentric conductors, wire or tape armours alternatively unarmoured cables, metallic sheaths of lead or lead alloy are also included

Screening – PVC (3.6/6kV) cables are unscreened. EPR and HEPR (3.6/6kV) cables may be unscreened providing an increased radial thickness of insulation is used, all other cables included in this Part 2 must contain a semiconducting conductor screen and a semiconducting insulation screen plus a metallic layer surrounding the cores, either individually or collectively

Cables with improved fire performance properties of reduced flame spread, low levels of smoke emission and halogen-free gas emission when exposed to fire are included.

Part 2 of this standard contains Current Ratings applicable to the types of cables covered.

Cables for special installation and service conditions are not included, for example cables for overhead networks, the mining industry, nuclear power plants (in and around the containment area), submarine use or shipboard application, or cables directly connected to photovoltaic systems.

IEC 60502-4 – Part 4

IEC 60502-4 specifies the test requirements on accessories for cables with rated voltages from 6 kV (Um = 7,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) complying with IEC 60502-2

Test methods are included in IEC 61442. 

Types of accessories, their voltage designations and maximum conductor temperatures are included as are details of the assembly of the accessories to be tested.

Accessories for special applications, such as aerial cables, submarine or ship cables or hazardous situations (explosive environments, fire-resistant cables or seismic conditions), are not included.