IEC 61892-6:2013

Mobile and fixed offshore units - Electrical installations - Part 6: Installation

IEC 61892-6:2013 contains provisions for electrical installation in mobile and fixed offshore units including pipeline, pumping or 'pigging' stations, compressor stations and exposed location single buoy moorings, used in the offshore petroleum industry for drilling, processing and for storage purposes. It applies to all installations, whether permanent, temporary, transportable or hand-held, to AC installations up to and including 35 000 V and DC installations up to and including 1 500 V (AC and DC voltages are nominal values). This standard does not apply to electrical installations in rooms used for medical purposes, or in tankers. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition.
a) Table 1, size of earth continuity conductors has been replaced with the table in IEC 61892-4.
b) The requirements for installation of batteries has been rewritten in order to distinguish better between batteries of the vented type and VRLA/sealed type.
c) An informative annex regarding cable termination has been added.
d) The applicability for DC installations has been increased from 750 V to 1 500 V, in accordance with Part 1 of the series.

Unités mobiles et fixes en mer - Installations électriques - Partie 6: Installation

La CEI 61892-6:2013 contient des dispositions concernant l'installation électrique des unités mobiles et fixes en mer, y compris les canalisations, les stations de pompage ou de raclage, les stations de compression et les systèmes d'amarrage à point unique en zone exposée, qui sont utilisées dans l'industrie pétrolière offshore pour le forage, le traitement et le stockage. Elle s'applique à toutes les installations, qu'elles soient permanentes ou provisoires, transportables ou portatives, aux installations en courant alternatif jusqu'à 35 000 V inclus et aux installations en courant continu jusqu'à 1 500 V inclus (les tensions alternatives et continues sont des valeurs nominales). La présente norme ne s'applique pas aux installations électriques présentes dans les salles à vocation médicale ni dans les navires pétroliers. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente.
a) Le Tableau 1, taille des conducteurs de terre, a été remplacé par le tableau présent dans la CEI 61892-4.
b) Les exigences relatives à l'installation des batteries ont été réécrites afin d'opérer une distinction plus claire entre les batteries ouvertes et les batteries de type VRLA/étanches.
c) Une annexe informative sur le raccordement des câbles a été ajoutée.
d) L'applicabilité des installations en courant continu a été étendue de 750 V à 1 500 V, conformément à la Partie 1 de la série.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 12-Dec-2013
• ICS: 29.260.99 - Other electrical equipment for working in special conditions
• ICS: 47.020.60 - Electrical equipment of ships and of marine structures
• Technical Committee: TC 18 - Electrical installations of ships and of mobile and fixed offshore units
• Drafting Committee: MT 18 - TC 18/MT 18
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 09-Apr-2019
• Completion Date: 26-Oct-2025

Relations

• Revised: IEC 61892-6:2019 - Mobile and fixed offshore units - Electrical installations - Part 6: Installation
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 61892-6:2007 - Mobile and fixed offshore units - Electrical installations - Part 6: Installation
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 61892-6:2013 is an internationally recognized standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies comprehensive requirements for electrical installations in mobile and fixed offshore units. These units include pipeline, pumping or pigging stations, compressor stations, and single buoy moorings situated in exposed offshore locations. The standard covers installations used throughout the offshore petroleum industry, encompassing applications for drilling, processing, and storage. It applies to all installation types, whether permanent, temporary, transportable, or hand-held, for AC systems up to 35,000 volts and DC systems up to 1,500 volts (nominal values).

This edition enhances clarity on critical elements such as earth continuity conductor sizes, installation of different types of batteries, and cable terminations. The scope excludes electrical installations in medical rooms and tankers, ensuring specialized environments are addressed by other standards.

Key Topics

IEC 61892-6:2013 provides detailed guidance on several critical aspects of offshore electrical installations:

• Labelling and Identification: Clear requirements for the labeling of electrical components and installations ensure correct identification and enhanced safety during operation and maintenance.
• Earth Continuity and Bonding: Essential provisions for earthing and equipotential bonding minimize risks of electric shock and corrosion, including application of standards to exposed conductive parts and metal cable coverings.
• Cable Installation: Comprehensive instructions cover cable runs, cleating, termination, and protection to withstand harsh offshore conditions and ensure system reliability.
• Equipment Installation: Guidelines for generators, motors, transformers, switchgear, and controlgear assemblies address correct siting, insulation, and safety clearances.
• Battery Installations: Updated requirements for vented and Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA)/sealed batteries provide safer installation practices and protection against hazards.
• Lighting and Heating Appliances: Specifies protection levels, emergency lighting systems, trace and surface heating installations relevant for offshore safety and functionality.
• Control, Instrumentation, and Communication: Standardizes layouts, color codes, sensor placement, controls, alarms, and communication systems for efficient operations.
• Lightning Protection: Frameworks for primary and secondary lightning damage prevention, including air terminals and down conductors.
• Testing and Documentation: Rigorous inspection and testing protocols for completed installations, along with detailed documentation for maintenance and compliance auditing.

Applications

IEC 61892-6:2013 is essential for engineers, designers, and operators engaged in electrical system installation and maintenance in the offshore petroleum sector. Its practical value includes:

• Designing safe and compliant electrical systems for offshore drilling rigs, fixed platforms, and mobile units.
• Ensuring durable cable installations that resist environmental stresses like moisture and corrosion.
• Implementing effective earthing and bonding to protect personnel and equipment.
• Safely installing and maintaining backup power systems using secondary batteries.
• Providing reliable emergency lighting and control systems critical to offshore safety procedures.
• Reducing risks of electrical failures and safety incidents by following standardized testing and documentation protocols.

By adhering to IEC 61892-6, stakeholders optimize operational safety, reduce downtime, and enhance system longevity in offshore environments.

Related Standards

IEC 61892-6:2013 is part of the broader IEC 61892 series, which addresses electrical installations on mobile and fixed offshore units comprehensively:

• IEC 61892-1: General requirements and definitions for offshore electrical installations.
• IEC 61892-4: Specifies cable types and sizes, including the earth continuity conductor sizing referenced in IEC 61892-6.
• IEC 61892-3: Focuses on electrical equipment and mechanical materials used in offshore units.
• Other parts of IEC 61892 cover specific design, testing, and operational guidelines crucial for offshore electrical systems.

Additionally, related international standards such as IEC 61508 for functional safety, IEC 60079 for hazardous areas, and IEC 60529 on degrees of protection (IP codes) support the implementation of IEC 61892-6 in offshore electrical engineering projects.

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Keywords: IEC 61892-6, offshore electrical installations, mobile offshore units, fixed offshore units, electrical safety offshore, battery installation offshore, cable installation offshore, offshore power systems, electrical earthing offshore, offshore lighting, offshore control systems, offshore industry standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61892-6 ®
Edition 3.0 2013-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations –
Part 6: Installation
Unités mobiles et fixes en mer – Installations électriques –
Partie 6: Installation
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IEC 61892-6 ®
Edition 3.0 2013-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations –

Part 6: Installation
Unités mobiles et fixes en mer – Installations électriques –

Partie 6: Installation
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX X
ICS 29.260.99, 47.020.60 ISBN 978-2-8322-1288-2

– 2 – 61892-6 © IEC:2013
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6

INTRODUCTION . 8

1 Scope . 9

2 Normative references . 9

3 Terms and definitions. 10

4 General requirements . 12

4.1 Labelling . 12

4.2 Labels . 12
4.3 Protection from condensation . 12
4.4 Protection during installation period . 12
5 Equipment earthing and bonding . 12
5.1 General . 12
5.2 Earthing of exposed conductive parts . 13
5.3 Equipotential bonding . 14
5.4 Bonding connections . 15
5.5 Connections to the unit structure . 15
5.6 Protection against galvanic corrosion . 15
5.7 Metal coverings of cables . 15
5.8 Cable racks and cable trays . 16
5.9 Ductings of heating, ventilation, air-condition (HVAC) and vessels . 17
6 Cables and wiring . 17
6.1 General . 17
6.2 Installation . 17
6.3 Cable-runs . 18
6.4 Cable cleating and strapping . 18
6.5 Joints and tappings . 19
6.6 Cable ends . 19
6.7 Cable termination . 20
6.8 Cable ladders and trays . 21
6.9 Cables and wiring for interconnection of equipment . 22
7 Generators and motors . 22
7.1 General . 22

7.2 Installation . 22
8 Transformers . 22
8.1 Installation and location . 22
8.2 Isolation of windings . 23
9 Switchgear and controlgear assemblies . 23
9.1 Location . 23
9.2 Insulating mats . 23
9.3 Passageways in front of switchgear and controlgear assemblies . 24
9.4 Space at the rear and passageways . 24
9.5 Positions of section and distribution boards . 24
10 Semiconductor converters . 24
11 Secondary cells and batteries . 25
11.1 Location . 25
11.2 Electrical installation in secondary battery compartments . 26

61892-6 © IEC:2013 – 3 –
11.3 Protection against corrosion . 26

11.4 Fixing and supports . 27

11.5 Protection of circuits from secondary batteries . 27

11.6 Additional requirements for valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) type
batteries . 27

11.7 Protection against electric shock . 27

11.8 Identification labels or marking . 28

12 Luminaires . 28

12.1 Degree of protection and safety requirements . 28

12.2 Emergency and escape lighting . 29

12.3 Navigation aid system . 29
13 Heating and cooking appliances . 29
13.1 Guarding of combustible materials . 29
13.2 Position of controlgear and switchgear. 29
13.3 Mounting of space-heating appliances . 29
14 Trace and surface heating. 29
14.1 General . 29
14.2 Trace heating cables . 29
14.3 Marking . 30
14.4 Protection . 30
14.5 Requirements for installation in hazardous areas . 30
14.6 Mechanical protection. 30
14.7 Junction boxes . 30
15 Control and instrumentation . 30
15.1 General . 30
15.2 Layout . 30
15.3 Display colours . 31
15.4 Protection against fluid leakage . 31
15.5 Sensors . 31
15.5.1 Location of sensors . 31
15.5.2 Temperature sensors . 31
15.5.3 Pressure sensors . 31
15.5.4 Enclosure . 31
15.5.5 Testing and calibration . 31
15.6 Measurements and indications . 31

15.6.1 Instrument similarity . 31
15.6.2 Scale division . 32
15.6.3 Automatic control sequence . 32
15.6.4 Centralized control . 32
15.7 Controls . 32
15.7.1 Direction of motion . 32
15.7.2 Control levers . 32
15.7.3 Identification . 32
15.8 Alarm system . 32
16 Communication . 32
17 Lightning protection . 33
17.1 Protection against primary structural damage . 33
17.2 Air terminals . 33
17.3 Down conductors . 33

– 4 – 61892-6 © IEC:2013
17.4 Protection against secondary damage . 34

18 Test of completed installation . 34

18.1 Inspections and tests. 34

18.2 Insulation testing instruments . 35

18.3 Insulation resistance . 35

18.3.1 Wiring . 35

18.3.2 Generators and motors . 36

18.3.3 Switchboards, section boards and distribution boards . 36

18.4 Generators . 36

18.5 Switchgear . 36
18.6 Lighting, heating and galley equipment . 37
18.7 Communication systems . 37
18.8 Emergency and safety systems . 37
18.9 Earthing . 37
18.10 Voltage drop. 37
18.11 Requirements of international conventions and regulations . 37
19 Documentation . 37
19.1 General . 37
19.2 Equipment . 37
19.3 Testing . 38
19.4 Maintenance . 38
Annex A (informative) Performance test . 39
A.1 Switchgear . 39
A.2 Generator. 39
A.3 Motor . 39
A.4 Circuits . 40
A.5 Communication, control and alarm systems . 40
A.6 Statutory requirements . 40
A.7 Interference . 40
A.8 Batteries . 40
A.9 Ventilation of battery installations . 40
Annex B (informative) Examples of cable termination . 41
Bibliography . 45

Figure 1 – Recommended arrangement for installation of single core cables – flat
configuration . 18
Figure 2 – Recommended arrangement for installation of single core cables – trefoil
configuration . 18
Figure B.1 – Equipment with through gland . 41
Figure B.2 – Equipment for voltage above 30 V AC or 50 V DC with Ex d armour
clamping gland . 42
Figure B.3 – Equipment for voltage 30 V AC, 50 V DC and below with Ex d armour
clamping gland – termination of instrument cable . 43
Figure B.4 – Equipment for voltage above 30 V AC or above 50 V DC with Ex d armour
clamping gland – termination of power cable . 44
Figure B.5 – Detail of heat shrink isolation between outer braid and screen . 44

Table 1 – Sizes of earth continuity conductors and equipment earthing connections . 14

61892-6 © IEC:2013 – 5 –
Table 2 – Enclosure-gland type . 19

Table 3 – Location of batteries versus charging power – vented cell type . 25

Table 4 – Location of batteries versus charging power– VRLA or sealed cell type . 26

Table 5 – Test voltages . 35

– 6 – 61892-6 © IEC:2013
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
MOBILE AND FIXED OFFSHORE UNITS –

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 6: Installation
FOREWORD
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International Standard IEC 61892-6 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 18:
Electrical installations of ships and of mobile and fixed offshore units.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2007. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition.
a) Table 1, size of earth continuity conductors has been replaced with the table in
IEC 61892-4.
b) The requirements for installation of batteries has been rewritten in order to distinguish
better between batteries of the vented type and VRLA/sealed type.
c) An informative annex regarding cable termination has been added.

61892-6 © IEC:2013 – 7 –
d) The applicability for DC installations has been increased from 750 V to 1 500 V, in

accordance with Part 1 of the series.

The text of this standard is based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting
18/1351/FDIS 18/1360/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on

voting indicated in the above table.

This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of the IEC 61892 series, under the general title Mobile and fixed offshore
units – Electrical installations, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 8 – 61892-6 © IEC:2013
INTRODUCTION
The IEC 61892 series of International Standards is intended to ensure safety in the design,

selection, installation, maintenance and use of electrical equipment for the generation, storage,

distribution and utilization of electrical energy for all purposes in offshore units which are used

for the exploration or exploitation of petroleum resources.

This part of IEC 61892 series also incorporates and co-ordinates, as far as possible, existing

rules and forms a code of interpretation, where applicable, of the requirements laid down by the

International Maritime Organization, and constitutes a guide for future regulations which may

be prepared and a statement of practice for offshore unit owners, constructors and appropriate

organizations.
This standard is based on equipment and practices which are in current use, but it is not
intended in any way to impede development of new or improved techniques.
The ultimate aim has been to produce a set of International Standards exclusively for the
offshore petroleum industry.
61892-6 © IEC:2013 – 9 –
MOBILE AND FIXED OFFSHORE UNITS –

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 6: Installation
1 Scope
This part of IEC 61892 contains provisions for electrical installation in mobile and fixed offshore

units including pipeline, pumping or 'pigging' stations, compressor stations and exposed
location single buoy moorings, used in the offshore petroleum industry for drilling, processing
and for storage purposes.
It applies to all installations, whether permanent, temporary, transportable or hand-held, to AC
installations up to and including 35 000 V and DC installations up to and including 1 500 V (AC
and DC voltages are nominal values).
This standard does not apply to electrical installations in rooms used for medical purposes, or
in tankers.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
IEC 60092-350:2008, Electrical installations in ships – Part 350: General construction and test
methods of power, control and instrumentation cables for shipboard and offshore applications
IEC 60447, Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification –
Actuating principles
IEC 60623, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes –
Vented nickel-cadmium prismatic rechargeable single cells
IEC 60825 (all parts), Safety of laser products

IEC 60896-11, Stationary lead-acid batteries – Part 11: Vented types – General requirements
and methods of tests
IEC 61892-1, Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations – Part 1: General
requirements and conditions
IEC 61892-2:2012, Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations – Part 2: System
design
IEC 61892-3, Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations – Part 3: Equipment
IEC 61892-4:2007, Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations – Part 4: Cables
IEC 61892-7, Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations – Part 7: Hazardous
areas
– 10 – 61892-6 © IEC:2013
ISO 8468, Ships and marine technology – Ship's bridge layout and associated equipment –

Requirements and guidelines
SOLAS 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, Consolidated edition 2009

IMO, MODU code, Code for the construction and equipment of mobile offshore drilling units

IMO, Code on Alerts and Indicators, 2009

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document the terms and definitions given in IEC 61892-1 as well as
the following apply.
3.1
battery compartment
compartment comprising dedicated rooms, dedicated lockers and dedicated boxes for
installation of batteries
3.2
equipotential bonding
provision of electric connections between conductive parts, intended to achieve
equipotentiallity
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-195:1998, 195.01.10]
3.3
cable tray system
cable ladder system
assembly of cable supports consisting of cable tray lengths or cable ladder lengths and other
system components
[SOURCE: IEC 61537:2006, 3.1]
3.4
surface heating
trace heating
heat generated in the surface layer of a body to be heated by electrical means in order to raise
or maintain its temperature
3.5
exposed conductive part
conductive part which can readily be touched and which is not normally alive, but which may
become alive under fault conditions
Note 1 to entry: Typical exposed conductive parts are walls of enclosures, operating handles, etc.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-441:1984, 441.11.10]
3.6
extraneous-conductive-part
conductive part not forming a part of the electrical installation and liable to introduce an electric
potential, generally the potential of a local earth
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-195:1998, 195.06.11]

61892-6 © IEC:2013 – 11 –
3.7
primary structural damage
damage which can result from lightning strike to units which do not provide a path of low

resistance to earth for the passage of lightning currents

EXAMPLE Units of non-metallic construction or those having substantial non-metallic members.

3.8
extra-low voltage
ELV
voltage which does not exceed 50 V AC r.m.s. between conductors, or between any conductor

and earth
Note 1 to entry: The voltage limit should not be exceeded, either at full load or no load, but it is assumed, for the
purpose of this definition, that any transformer or converter is operated at its rated supply voltage.
Note 2 to entry: Information about protection by extra-low voltage is given in IEC 60364-4-41.
3.9
sealed cell
cell which remains closed and does not release either gas or liquid when operated within the
limits specified by the manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: A sealed cell may be equipped with a safety device to prevent a dangerously high internal
pressure and is designed to operate during its life in its original sealed state.
[SOURCE IEC 60050-482:2004: 482.05.17)
3.10
secondary damage
damage to units or to their electrical installations, which can result as an indirect consequence
of a lightning strike to a unit or to its immediate vicinity
Note 1 to entry: A path to earth of low resistance may not prevent secondary damage, which may occur as a result
of high values of induced, or resistance drop voltages produced by the passage of lightning currents.
3.11
superstructure
any additional structure which is above a baseline
EXAMPLE Hull.
3.12
support device
system component designed to provide mechanical support and which may limit movement of a
cable runway
[SOURCE: IEC 61537:2006, 3.7]
3.13
system component
part used within the system as cable tray length or cable ladder length, cable tray fitting or
cable ladder fitting, support device, mounting device and system accessory
Note 1 to entry: System components may not necessarily be included together in a system. Different combinations
of system components may be used.
[SOURCE: IEC 61537:2006, 3.2]
– 12 – 61892-6 © IEC:2013
3.14
valve regulated lead acid battery

VRLA
secondary battery in which cells are closed but have a valve which allows the escape of gas if

the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value

Note 1 to entry: The cell or battery cannot normally receive addition to the electrolyte.

Note 2 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.

[SOURCE IEC 60050-482:2004, 482.05.15]

3.15
vented cell
secondary cell having a cover provided with an opening through which products of electrolysis
and evaporation are allowed to escape freely from the cell to the atmosphere
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482.05.14]
4 General requirements
4.1 Labelling
Each control panel, subpanel, indicating instrument, control handle, alarm, signal lamp,
recording instrument, etc. shall be clearly and systematically identified by means of self-
explanatory and unambiguous labels.
4.2 Labels
Labels shall be permanently secured, placed consistently relative to instruments, etc. and shall
be made of durable material, bearing clear and indelible characters and numbers.
The labels shall be engraved or embossed on plastic-laminated or metallic material and be
permanently fixed.
If other fixing means than screws or rivets are used, they shall provide an equivalent level of
reliability.
4.3 Protection from condensation
As far as practicable, arrangements shall be made to prevent condensation in enclosures.

4.4 Protection during installation period
Electrical equipment shall be well protected during the installation period to prevent damage
from welding, caulking, painting and similar injurious operations.
5 Equipment earthing and bonding
5.1 General
5.1.1 All metallic parts of a unit, that are not normally current-carrying parts, shall be
designated as either an exposed conductive part or an extraneous-conductive-part.
a) Exposed conductive parts shall be connected to earth under the specific conditions for
each type of system earthing:
– for IT-systems, the exposed conductive parts shall be connected directly to earth;

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– for TN-S systems, the exposed conductive parts shall be connected to the protective

conductor, which is connected to earth at the neutral point of the distribution system.

b) Extraneous-conductive-parts shall be connected to an equipotential bonding system.

For units that have separate modules and/or concrete structures, equipotential bonding
shall be installed between extraneous-conductive-parts.

It shall be ensured that there is no detrimental mutual influence between the different

protective measures applied in the same installation or in part of an installation.

Earth or an equipotential bonding system may be the steel structure or the hull of a unit.

For the definition of IT- and TN-S system, and requirements to earthing of system neutral
points, see IEC 61892-2.
For earthing and bonding requirements in hazardous areas, see IEC 61892-7.
5.1.2 Earth bars, when provided, shall be easily accessible for usage, inspection and
maintenance. All earthing bars and terminals shall be visible and possible to be checked also
after termination of cables. Separate connections shall be used for each individual earth
conductor.
5.2 Earthing of exposed conductive parts
5.2.1 Unless specifically included in the following exemptions, all exposed conductive parts
shall be earthed.
Exemption:
– lamp caps;
– shades, reflectors and guards, supported on lampholders or luminaires constructed of, or
shrouded in, non-conducting material;
– metal parts on non-conducting material, or screws in or through, non-conducting material,
which are separated by such material from current-carrying parts, and from earthed non-
current-carrying parts in such a way that in normal use they cannot become live or come
into contact with earthed parts;
– portable appliances which have a double and/or supplementary insulation (see
lEC 61892-1) provided that the appliances conform with recognized safety requirements;
– bearing housings which are insulated in order to prevent the circulation of current in the
bearings;
– clips for fluorescent lighting tubes;

– equipment supplied at extra-low voltage (safety voltage);
– cable clips;
– equipment of "all-insulated" construction in which the insulation enclosing the equipment is
durable and continuous;
– fixed equipment or parts of equipment which, although not shrouded in insulation material,
are nevertheless protected in such a way that they cannot be touched and cannot come into
contact with exposed metal;
– equipment located in special earth-free rooms.
5.2.2 Metal parts of portable appliances, other than current-carrying parts and parts
exempted in 5.2.1, shall be connected to earth by means of a conductor in the flexible cable or
cord, which complies with Table 1 and which is connected, for example, through the associated
plug and socket-outlet.
– 14 – 61892-6 © IEC:2013
Table 1 – Sizes of earth continuity conductors and equipment earthing connections

Arrangement of earth conductor Cross-section Q of associated Minimum cross-section

current-carrying conductor of earth conductor
(one phase or pole)
mm
1 i) Insulated earth conductor in Q
Q ≤ 16
cable for fixed installation.
ii) Copper braid of cable for fixed
installation according to 4.8 of

IEC 60092-350:2008.
iii) Separate, insulated earth

conductor for fixed installation in
50 % of the current-carrying
pipes in dry accommodation
Q > 16 conductor, but not less than
spaces, when carried in the
16 mm
same pipe as the supply cable.
iv) Separate, insulated earth
conductor when installed inside
enclosures or behind covers or
panels, including earth conductor
for hinged doors.
2 Uninsulated earth conductor in cable 1 mm
Q ≤ 2,5
for fixed installation, being laid
1,5 mm
2,5 < Q ≤ 6
under the cable's armour or copper
braid and in metal-to-metal contact
Not permitted
Q > 6
with this.
3 Separately installed earth conductor Same as current-carrying
Q < 2,5
for fixed installation other than conductor subject to min.
specified in 1 iii) and 1 iv). 1,5 mm for stranded earthing
connection or 2,5 mm for
unstranded earthing connection
50 % of current-carrying
2,5 < Q ≤ 120
conductor, but not less than
4 mm
Q > 120 70 mm
4 Insulated earth conductor in flexible Same as current-carrying
Q ≤ 16
cable. conductor
50 % of current-carrying
Q > 16
conductor, but minimum
16 mm
Refer also to 4.3.1 of IEC 61892-4:2007 for method based on rating of fuses or circuit protective device.
For earthed distribution systems, the size of the earthing conductor is to be not less than 50 % of the phase
conductor, with a minimum of 4 mm .

5.2.3 Secondary windings of instrument transformers shall be earthed.
5.2.4 The earthing shall be such as to give a substantially equal potential and a sufficiently
low earth-fault loop impedance to ensure correct operation of protective devices.
5.3 Equipotential bonding
5.3.1 Extraneous-conductive-parts shall be connected to the equipotential bonding system
as described in 5.4.
5.3.2 Metal frames or enclosures of equipment mounted in direct metallic contact with the
unit structure need no supplementary bonding, provided that the surfaces in contact are clean
and free from rust, scale or paint when installed and are firmly bolted together. Alternatively,
they may be connected to the unit structure by a connection complying with 5.4.

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5.3.3 Removable gland plates shall be separately bonded to the parent equipment, unless

the connection between the gland plate and the parent equipment complies with the

requirement of 5.3.2.
Enclosures of high-voltage equipment located in hazardous areas shall be connected to PE

and bonded to the main structure.

5.4 Bonding connections
5.4.1 Every bonding connection to earth shall be of copper or other corrosion-resistant

material and shall be securely installed and protected where necessary against damage and

also against galvanic corrosion. Connections shall be secured against becoming loose due to
vibration.
5.4.2 The nominal cross-sectional area of every copper bonding connection shall be not
less than required in Table 1. Every other bonding connection shall have a conductance not
less than that specified for a copper bonding connection.
5.4.3 Equipotential bonding connections for extraneous-conductive-parts shall have a cross-
sectional area of at least 6 mm .
5.5 Connections to the unit structure
5.5.1 The bonding shall be achieved by means of a separate bonding conductor unless the
parts under consideration are installed in accordance with 5.3.2.
5.5.2 Every connection of an e
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