Testing of Cables and Certification

WHY IS CABLE TESTING IS IMPORTANT?

Power cables are widely used in all applications and under diverse operating conditions. Faults in the design or manufacture of cables may cause electrical malfunctions and failures, and the expenditure for replacement can be significant. Safety testing ensures the durability and quality of your power cables.

WHICH CABLE STANDARDS ARE RELEVANT TO YOUR BUSINESS?

There are various types of cables which serve different needs. As such, it is important to understand the requirements of each type of cable and the country's regulations.

In Singapore, fire resistant cables require SS 299:2021 compliance. This standard is a modified adoption of the British Standard BS 6387:2013 (Test method for resistance to fire of cables required to maintain circuit integrity under fire conditions) to the national requirements and the particular needs of the local industry. 

Fire resistant cable is a fire safety product meant to reduce the spread of fire and maintain the circuit integrity in case of fire. It should also reduce flame spread, emit low levels of smoke, and does not emit halogen gases during a fire. Such products are regulated in Singapore and are required to be in the Product Listing Scheme.

The timeline to the implementation date for SS 299 compliance in Singapore is on 1 September 2023:

HOW IS CABLE TESTING PERFORMED?

The following test examples are performed according to SS 299:2021 during cable testing: 

Cable Specifications

The cables shall comprise copper conductor insulated and non-sheathed. The cable shall be type tested in accordance with one of the following cable standards:

• BS 6724
• BS 7846
• BS 8573
• BS 8592
• BS EN 50525-3-41
• IEC 60502-1

• Low Smoke Test

The Low Smoke test measures the smoke density of cables based on IEC 61034-2. Samples of cables are burned by alcohol contained in a metal tray. A photometric system is based on a light source and a photocell placed horizontally in the mid vertical plane of the metal cabinet. The absorbance or light transmission is then measured. 

• Halogen-Free Tests

To determine the halogen acid gas content, the test is conducted according to IEC 60754-1. This cable test determines the hydrochloric acid (HCI) amount. Under the Halogen-free test, the pH and conductivity tests are also conducted based on IEC 60754-2. This testing of cables allows the estimation of corrosiveness against metals of gases released when the cables burn. 

• Flame Spread Tests

The fire propagation test is conducted on both single cable (IEC 60332-1) and bunched cables (IEC 60332-3-24). The cable samples are installed inside a metal cabin and are subjected to the action of a flame for a specific time.

• Circuit Integrity Test 

The Circuit Integrity Test, adopted from BS 6387:2013, is a test method for resistance to fire of cables required to maintain circuit integrity under fire conditions. Under each testing protocol, the cable should be resistant to different circumstances. 

TÜV SÜD offers a wide range of services for cable testing and certification

TÜV SÜD PSB has vast experience in the testing of cables. We are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17065 and is an IECEE CB Scheme recognised laboratory. We are also a designated laboratory under different regulations – ASEAN EE MRA; Japan-PSE; TW-BSMI, etc. 

We provide type testing and inspection services for various government bodies, traders, buyers and manufacturers, locally and overseas.