IEC 62153-4-17:2018

Metallic cables and other passive components - Test methods - Part 4-17: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Reduction Factor

IEC 62153-4-17:2018 applies to the testing of the reduction factor of multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control. The described method is generally applicable to all screened metallic cables.
The reduction factor describes the screening effectiveness of a cable screen at frequencies below 1 kHz with a ratio of voltages describing the screened and unscreened situation. During the measurement, the cable under test is connected to a specific current loop arrangement.

Câbles métalliques et autres composants passifs - Méthodes d'essai - Partie 4-17: Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) - Facteur de réduction

L'IEC 62153-4-17:2018 s'applique aux essais sur le facteur de réduction de câbles métalliques à éléments multiples utilisés pour les communications et les commandes analogiques et numériques. La méthode décrite est généralement applicable à tous les câbles métalliques écrantés.
Le facteur de réduction décrit l'efficacité d'un écran de câble à des fréquences inférieures à 1 kHz par un rapport de tensions décrivant la situation écrantée et non écrantée. Pendant la mesure, le câble en essai est raccordé à une boucle de courant spécifique.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Aug-2018
• ICS: 33.120.10 - Coaxial cables. Waveguides
• Technical Committee: TC 46 - Cables, wires, waveguides, RF connectors, RF and microwave passive components and accessories
• Drafting Committee: WG 5 - TC 46/WG 5
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 15-Aug-2018
• Completion Date: 10-Aug-2018

Overview

IEC 62153-4-17:2018, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), establishes standardized test methods to determine the reduction factor of multi-element metallic cables and other passive components with a screen. This standard is a crucial part of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing and is generally applicable to all screened metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control systems. The reduction factor measures the effectiveness of a cable's screen against electromagnetic interference at frequencies below 1 kHz, ensuring reliable data transmission and signal integrity in various electrical and electronic environments.

Key Topics

• Reduction Factor Definition: The reduction factor describes the ratio of voltages measured in screened versus unscreened conditions of a metallic cable, providing a quantifiable measure of the cable screen's effectiveness in attenuating low-frequency electromagnetic fields.
• Test Procedures: IEC 62153-4-17 outlines the setup and execution of tests, including sample preparation, required equipment (such as adjustable AC sources, voltmeters, and current transformers), and measurement steps performed with specific current loop arrangements and controlled environmental conditions.
• Test Conditions and Setup: The test is typically conducted at a room temperature of 20 °C ±10 °C and 55% ±25% relative humidity. Cables under test are placed on a non-conductive table, away from metallic objects, and are demagnetized prior to measurement to avoid interference.
• Expression of Results: Results are evaluated using the voltage ratio (reduction factor) between the internal (screened) and external (unscreened) situations, ensuring that the effectiveness of the screen meets the cable's technical specification requirements.

Applications

IEC 62153-4-17:2018 is widely recognized in fields where electromagnetic compatibility and signal integrity of communication and control cables are critical:

• Communication Infrastructure: Ensures that screened metallic cables used in telecommunication networks and LANs reliably protect data signals against external electromagnetic interference, which is essential for seamless operation in both analogue and digital systems.
• Industrial Automation and Control: Provides a standardized method for verifying the EMC performance of control cables in automated manufacturing environments, minimizing the risk of process interruptions due to electromagnetic disturbances.
• Railways and Power Systems: Used in qualifying cables installed in environments exposed to strong electromagnetic fields, such as electrified railway lines and high-voltage installations, supporting safe and stable communications and control operations.
• Product Type Testing and Quality Assurance: Serves as a type test during cable design, production, and quality control phases, helping manufacturers and engineers demonstrate compliance with EMC regulations and maintain high product reliability.

Related Standards

Several related international and regional standards address aspects of EMC testing and cable screening effectiveness, including:

• IEC 62153 Series: A comprehensive multi-part standard covering test methods for metallic cables and passive components, supporting a consistent approach to EMC testing (see other parts for tests at other frequency ranges or screening methods).
• ITU-T Recommendation K.26: Focuses on the protection of telecommunication lines against adverse effects from electrical power and electrified railways, referencing similar test approaches for reduction factor assessment.
• DIN VDE 0472-507: German standard outlining additional procedures for verifying the reduction factor of cables.
• NF F07-024: French standard specific to the measurement of reduction factor at 50 Hz for railway signal and telecom cables.

Practical Value

Adherence to IEC 62153-4-17:2018 ensures that manufacturers, system integrators, and operators can select and validate cables that meet rigorous EMC requirements, reducing risks of signal degradation and electromagnetic interference in mission-critical environments. This contributes directly to the reliability and performance of modern communication, automation, and safety systems, underlining the importance of standardized test methods for metallic cable screening effectiveness. For those involved in electrical engineering, cabling infrastructure, and EMC compliance, understanding and applying this standard is essential for product development, procurement, and quality assurance.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62153-4-17 ®
Edition 1.0 2018-08
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Metallic cables and other passive components – Test methods –
Part 4-17: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Reduction Factor

Câbles métalliques et autres composants passifs – Méthodes d'essai –
Partie 4-17: Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) – Facteur de réduction

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IEC 62153-4-17 ®
Edition 1.0 2018-08
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Metallic cables and other passive components – Test methods –

Part 4-17: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Reduction Factor

Câbles métalliques et autres composants passifs – Méthodes d'essai –

Partie 4-17: Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) – Facteur de réduction

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.120.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-5918-4

– 2 – IEC 62153-4-17:2018 © IEC 2018
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Test procedure . 5
4.1 General . 5
4.2 Test samples . 6
4.3 Test sample preparation . 6
4.4 Test equipment . 6
4.5 Test setup . 7
4.6 Testing . 7
4.7 Expression of test results . 8
5 Requirement . 8
Annex A (normative) Verification of feeding loop inductance . 9
Bibliography . 10

Figure 1 – Test configuration for reduction factor . 6
Figure A.1 – Set-up for inductance measurement of feeding loop . 9

IEC 62153-4-17:2018 © IEC 2018 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
METALLIC CABLES AND OTHER PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
TEST METHODS –
Part 4-17: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Reduction Factor

FOREWORD
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patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62153-4-17 has been prepared by technical committee 46: Cables,
wires, waveguides, RF connectors, RF and microwave passive components and accessories.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
46/689/FDIS 46/694/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

– 4 – IEC 62153-4-17:2018 © IEC 2018
A list of all parts in the IEC 62153 series, published under the general title Metallic cables and
other passive components test methods, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IEC 62153-4-17:2018 © IEC 2018 – 5 –
METALLIC CABLES AND OTHER PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
TEST METHODS –
Part 4-17: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Reduction Factor

1 Scope
Multi-element metallic communication and control cables are often designed with metallic
screen against harmful effects of electromagnetic fields e.g. generated in the environment of
electric power and electrified railway lines [1] .
This part of IEC 62153 applies to the testing of the reduction factor of multi-element metallic
cables used in analogue and digital communication and control. The described method is
generally applicable to all screened metallic cables.
The reduction factor describes the screening effectiveness of a cable screen at frequencies
below 1 kHz with a ratio of voltages describing the screened and unscreened situation. During
the measurement, the cable under test is connected to a specific current loop arrangement.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp

3.1
reduction factor
voltage ratio describing the effectiveness of a screen by relating the screened and
unscreened situation using a specific current loop
3.2
metallic screen
interconnection of all electric and magnetic screens, where applicable
4 Test procedure
4.1 General
The general test set-up is shown in Figure 1. Test is performed under following conditions:
Temp = 20 °C ± 10 °C, RH = 55 % ± 25 %

Figures in square brackets refer to the Bibliography.

– 6 – IEC 62153-4-17:2018 © IEC 2018
The cable is set up on a non-conductive and non-metallic table and at least 1 m away from
any metallic part. The cable shall be demagnetised. The test method described in this
document is intended, in the first instance, to be used as type test.
It is possible to use a sample length different from 1 m as described in DIN VDE 0472-507 [2],
e.g. 2 m as described in NF F07-024 [3]. In this case, the inductance of the feeding loop shall
be verified according to the method described in Annex A.
Feeding loop
d
Measuring
d
1 conductor
Other conductors
insulated in relation
to the sheath and
L1
one another
L2
IEC
Key
L1 magnetic screen (armouring) of the cable under test of 1,00 m or 2,00 m length
L2 electric screen (screen) of the cable under test of approximately 1,2 m or 2,2 m length
a  distance to the feeding loop to the centre of the cable under test of 0,40 m
d  distance between the test points of the metallic screen and the centre of the ring electrode of 0,02 m
Figure 1 – Test configuration for reduction factor
4.2 Test samples
A cable sample of about 1,5 m or 2,5 m length shall be taken from the cable under test.
4.3 Test sample preparation
The test current is injected into the metallic screen via two ring electrodes at a centre
distance of 1,0 m or 2,0 m. Flexible copper conductor strands of at least 25 mm
cross-sections circular enclosing the metallic screen or equivalent ring electrodes concepts
may be used for that. The ring electrode shall be connected in such a way that the contact
resistance between the ring electrode and the electric screen, as well as to the armouring if
any, is negligible compared to the test result.
Metal sheath applied as electric screen (or aluminium tape in case of aluminium laminated
polyethylene sheath construction) shall protrude approximately 0,10 m over the ring
electrodes resulting in a total length of 1,20 m or 2,20 m. Screening wires or tapes applied as
electric screen or to improve the reduction factor of a metal sheath shall be also well
conducting connected to the ring electrodes in such a way that the contact resistance is
negligible compared to the test result.
All other parts protruding over the ring electrodes shall be kept as short as possible.
4.4 Test equipment
The test equipment consists of:
a
IEC 62153-4-17:2018 © IEC 2018 – 7 –
• adjustable AC power source for the specified frequency (e.g. 16,7 Hz, 50 Hz, 60 Hz,
400 Hz or 800 Hz),
• current transformer (optional),
• voltmeter with RMS display,
• amperemeter with RMS display (optional).
It is important to ensure that a sinusoidal voltage is effective in the feeding loop under all
current load conditions, whereas a voltage curve is considered sufficient sinusoidal if no
instantaneous value deviates more than 10 % from the instantaneous value of the same
phase of the fundamental wave (1st harmonic).
The test equipment shall be such that the reduction factor can be determined with a tolerance
of 5 % of the measured value + 0,01.
4.5 Test setup
The test setup consists of the feeding loop and the prepared cable sample, where they shall
be laid together with the measuring conductor as close as possible such that they form a
nearly closed rectangle as shown in Figure 1.
An appropriate feeding loop conductor for currents up to 250 A may be a 19 strand, 50 mm²
copper conductor, with one wire of the outer layer replaced by an insulated measuring
conductor.
For currents up and above 250 A, the feeding loop conductor may consist of two parallel flat
copper bars whose mutual distance equals the thickness of the bars and with a measuring
conductor (2) lying centrally in-between.
With a centre distance of 0,40 m between the cable sample and the long side of the feeding
loop the test setup emulates the mean value of the inductivity of the external earth return
current of the cable, which is assumed to be 2 mH/km.
In case of other conductor designs for the feeding loop, the centre distance 0,40 m may be
adjusted accordingly to obtain the same value for the external inductance of the metallic
sheath to earth loop of 2 mH/km. In case of doubt and for initial calibration purposes, it is
recommended to perform an inductance measurement of the feeding loop as per test method
described in Annex A.
The distance between the test points of the metallic screen and the centre of the ring
electrode shall be 0,02 m on both sides of the test sample to enable the measurement of the
metallic sheath voltage U representing the unscreened situation.
(2)
An arbitrary core of the cable may be selected as measuring conductor (1) to measure the
voltage U representing the screened situation. One end of the conductor shall be connected
(1)
with low contact resistance to the nearest test point of the metallic screen and the other end
shall be connected to the voltmeter on the shortest possible path. All other conductors of the
cable shall be isolated against each other and the metallic screen.
4.6 Testing
The test sample shall be measured at ambient temperature, which shall be kept largely stable
throughout the test. A speedy measurement progression is recommended to limit heating of
the circuit.
With measuring conductor (2) connected to the voltmeter, the AC power generator shall be
adjusted to the required test voltages U . Afterwards the measuring conductor (1) shall be
(2)
– 8 – IEC 62153-4-17:2018 © IEC 2018
connected to the voltmeter to measure the corresponding voltage U of the screened
(1)
conductor.
This procedure shall be repeated for all test voltages U defined by the cable specification.
(2)
NOTE 1 To eliminate remanent magnetism, an initial ramp-up to the maximum current followed by a decrease to
the lowest needed for measurement can be considered.
4.7 Expression of test results
of the cable is given by the ratio of the associated voltage values U
The reduction factor r
k (1)
and U measured at the specified frequency
(2)
U
U
()1
I
r (1)
k
UU
()2E
where U refers to the internal (screened) voltage and U to the external EMF in the external
I E
(unscreened) circuit of the cable.
Depending on the requirements of the cable specification, it might be expedient to plot a
Reduction factor-Field strength-diagram where the field strength is calculated from U
(2)
normalized to V/km and a logarithmic scale is used.
5 Requirement
The value of the reduction factor shall comply with the value indicated in the relevant cable
specification.
==
...