BS 8573:2012

Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Rated voltage
5 Conductors
6 Insulation
7 Identification of cores
8 Laying-up
9 Extruded optional inner covering
10 Sheath
11 Cable marking and additional information
12 Schedule of tests
13 Test conditions
14 Routine tests
15 Sample tests
16 Type tests
Annexes
Annex A (informative) - Guide to use
Annex B (normative) - Test for shrinkage of sheath
        on cable
Annex C (normative) - Compatibility test
Annex D (normative) - Abrasion test
Annex E (informative) - Notes on type tests
Annex F (normative) - Green-and-yellow measurement
        for shaped conductors
Bibliography

Describes requirements and test methods for the construction and performance of non-armoured cables with thermosetting insulation of rated voltages 600/1000 V which, when assessed by the specified tests, produce lower levels of smoke and corrosive products under exposure to fire compared with cables conforming to BS 7889.

This British Standard specifies requirements and test methods for the construction and performance of non-armoured cables with thermosetting insulation of rated voltages 600/1000V which, when assessed by the specified tests, produce lower levels of smoke and corrosive products under exposure to fire compared with cables conforming to BS7889.

NOTE1 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 British Standard for use in a particular application.

Cables specified in this British Standard are intended for use in fixed installations in industrial areas, buildings and similar applications but not for burial in the ground, either directly or in ducts.

The cables specified in this British Standard are all stranded copper conductor, thermosetting insulated, thermoplastic sheathed types. There are single-core types and multi-core types (2-, 3-, 4- and 5-core).

In this standard, the level of corrosive (and acid) gases is determined by measurement of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in accordance with BSEN50267‑2‑1.

NOTE2 These are indirect assessment methods, and reference should be made to IEC/TS60695‑5‑2:2002, 5.1.5, for additional guidance.

The insulation and other components are suitable to permit operation of the cables at a maximum sustained conductor temperature of 90°C and for a maximum short-circuit conductor temperature of 250°C (for a maximum period of 5s).

NOTE3 Limitation on the temperature of the cables may be imposed in situations where they could be touched, or where they could touch other materials.

NOTE4 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.

NOTE5 AnnexA gives guidance on the use of these cables. AnnexB gives the test for shrinkage of sheath on cable. AnnexC gives the compatibility test. AnnexD gives the abrasion test. AnnexE contains notes on type tests, and AnnexF gives green-and-yellow measurement for shaped conductors.