IEC 61138:2007

• Abstract:

  Applies to flexible cables with insulation based on ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or silicone rubber (SiR) for portable earthing and short-circuiting equipment. For this type of cable no rated voltage is given as such cables are exclusively intended for earthing and short-circuiting equipment. The particular types of cable and their code designations are specified in Clause 6 of this standard. The test methods specified in this standard are given in IEC 60227-2, IEC 60245-2, IEC 60811 and IEC 62230. The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows: - extension of the scope to cover silicone rubber as an insulation material; - introduction of a new normative annex for clashing test.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 15-Jul-2007
• ICS: 29.060.20 - Cables
• Technical Committee: TC 20 - Electric cables
• Drafting Committee: WG 17 - TC 20/WG 17
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 16-Jul-2007
• Completion Date: 30-Sep-2007

Overview

IEC 61138:2007 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies requirements for cables used in portable earthing and short-circuiting equipment. This standard applies to flexible cables insulated with ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or silicone rubber (SiR). Unlike general-purpose electrical cables, these cables are exclusively designed for earthing and short-circuiting applications, and therefore no rated voltage is assigned.

The standard provides detailed specifications regarding the construction, material properties, marking, and testing methods for these cables to ensure safety, flexibility, and durability in demanding electrical environments. The third edition of IEC 61138 includes important updates such as the inclusion of silicone rubber insulation and a new clashing test annex.

Key Topics

• Cable Construction
  The standard defines general construction requirements for conductors, insulation, and separators. Conductors must meet strict material and electrical resistance criteria, while insulation materials are required to demonstrate mechanical resilience and stability before and after ageing.

• Insulation Materials
  Insulation options include ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and silicone rubber (SiR), each selected for their electrical and mechanical properties relevant to earthing and short-circuiting equipment.

• Marking and Identification
  Cables must be clearly marked with origin, code designation, and cross-sectional area to facilitate identification and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

• Testing Procedures
  IEC 61138:2007 prescribes rigorous testing protocols based on related IEC standards: IEC 60227-2, IEC 60245-2, IEC 60811, and IEC 62230. Tests include electrical properties verification (voltage and spark tests), overall diameter measurement, flexibility assessments, and the innovative clashing test for mechanical impact resistance.

• Code Designations and Types
  Particular cable types and their code designations are laid out in clause 6, helping manufacturers and end-users select appropriate cables for specific portable earthing and short-circuiting applications.

Applications

IEC 61138 compliant cables are critical in ensuring the safety and protection of electrical personnel and equipment by effectively grounding and short-circuiting electrical systems during maintenance or fault conditions. Key applications include:

• Live Working and Electrical Maintenance
  Providing reliable grounding paths to protect workers dealing with live electrical circuits.

• Fault Protection and Short-Circuiting
  Enabling quick and safe short-circuiting in industrial electrical installations to prevent equipment damage and hazards.

• Portable Earthing Equipment
  Utilized in scenarios requiring flexible, durable cables that can withstand mechanical stresses and environmental factors during repeated handling and use.

By adhering to IEC 61138, manufacturers produce cables that meet international safety standards, ensuring compatibility and trustworthiness in portable earthing and short-circuiting devices globally.

Related Standards

IEC 61138 references multiple complementary IEC standards to support testing and material specifications, including:

• IEC 60227-2: Test methods for polyvinyl chloride insulated cables
• IEC 60245-2: Test methods for rubber insulated cables
• IEC 60811: Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of cables
• IEC 62230: Additional cable testing procedures
• IEC 61230: Live working – Portable equipment for earthing or short-circuiting (for the complete equipment requirements)

These related standards provide comprehensive guidelines that ensure cables meet the rigorous performance, safety, and quality requirements needed in electrical protection applications.

---

Keywords: IEC 61138, portable earthing cables, short-circuiting cables, flexible insulated cables, EPR insulation, PVC insulation, silicone rubber cable, electrical safety standards, live working equipment, cable testing methods

INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD
CEI
NORME
Third edition
INTERNATIONALE
Troisième édition
2007-07
Cables for portable earthing and
short-circuiting equipment
Câbles d’équipements portables de mise
à la terre et de court-circuit

Reference number
Numéro de référence
IEC/CEI 61138:2007
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INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD
CEI
NORME
Third edition
INTERNATIONALE
Troisième édition
2007-07
Cables for portable earthing and
short-circuiting equipment
Câbles d’équipements portables de mise
à la terre et de court-circuit
PRICE CODE
T
CODE PRIX
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
International Electrotechnical Commission
МеждународнаяЭлектротехническаяКомиссия
For price, see current catalogue
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur

– 2 – 61138 © IEC:2007
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.4

1 Scope.6
2 Normative references .6
3 Terms and definitions .7
4 General requirements for the construction of cables .8
4.1 Conductors.8
4.1.1 Material .8
4.1.2 Construction .8
4.1.3 Check of construction .8
4.1.4 Electrical resistance .8
4.2 Separator between conductor and insulation .8
4.3 Insulation .8
4.3.1 Material .8
4.3.2 Colour of insulation.9
4.3.3 Application to the conductor .9
4.3.4 Thickness .9
4.3.5 Mechanical properties before and after ageing .9
4.4 Marking .9
4.4.1 Indication of origin .9
4.4.2 Indication of code designation and cross-sectional area of the
conductor .9
4.4.3 Continuity of marks.10
4.4.4 Durability.10
4.4.5 Legibility.10
5 Tests on completed cables .10
5.1 Electrical properties .10
5.1.1 General .10
5.1.2 Voltage test .10
5.1.3 Spark test.10
5.2 Overall diameter.11
5.3 Flexibility test .11
5.3.1 General .11
5.3.2 Test for cables with copper conductors.11
5.3.3 Test for cables with aluminium conductors.12
5.4 Optional clashing test.13
6 Particular specifications.13
6.1 General .13
6.2 Code designation .13
6.3 Rated voltage.13
6.4 Construction.13
6.4.1 Conductors.13
6.4.2 Insulation.13
6.4.3 Overall diameter .14
6.5 Tests.14
7 Guide to the use of the cables .14

61138 © IEC:2007 – 3 –
Annex A (normative) Clashing test .23

Figure 1 – Flexing apparatus .12
Figure A.1 – Impact test apparatus (vertical impact) .24

Table 1 – Requirement for test voltages.11
Table 2 – Requirements for the static flexibility test .12
Table 3 – General data for Types 61138 IEC 60110, 60150, 60155, 60165 .15
Table 4 – General data for Types 61138 IEC 60210, 60250, 60255 and 60265 .15
Table 5 – Tests for Types 61138 IEC 60110 and 60210 (EPR insulation).16
Table 6 – Tests for Types 61138 IEC 60150, 60155, 60250 and 60255 (PVC
insulation).17
Table 7 – Requirements for the non-electrical tests for PVC/ST 11 insulation .18
Table 8 – Tests for types 61138 IEC 60165 and 60265 (SiR insulation) .20
Table 9 – Requirements for the non-electrical tests for SiR insulation .21
Table A.1 – Height of fall .23

– 4 – 61138 © IEC:2007
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
CABLES FOR PORTABLE EARTHING AND
SHORT-CIRCUITING EQUIPMENT
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61138 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 20: Electric
cables.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 1994 and constitutes a
technical revision.
The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows:
– extension of the scope to cover silicone rubber as an insulation material;
– introduction of a new normative annex for clashing test.

61138 © IEC:2007 – 5 –
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
20/881/FDIS 20/898/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.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result 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.
– 6 – 61138 © IEC:2007
CABLES FOR PORTABLE EARTHING AND
SHORT-CIRCUITING EQUIPMENT
1 Scope
This International Standard applies to flexible cables with insulation based on ethylene
propylene rubber (EPR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or silicone rubber (SiR) for portable earthing
and short-circuiting equipment.
For this type of cable no rated voltage is given as such cables are exclusively intended for
earthing and short-circuiting equipment.
The particular types of cable and their code designations are specified in Clause 6 of this
standard.
The test methods specified in this standard are given in IEC 60227-2, IEC 60245-2,
IEC 60811 and IEC 62230.
NOTE In addition to the requirements given in this standard, mechanical requirements and requirements for the
marking for the complete equipment should be taken into account. These requirements can be found in IEC 61230.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
NOTE One or more references to the standard below are in respect of a specific subdivision of that standard, for
instance a clause, a table, a class or a type. Cross-references to these standards are undated and, at all times, the
latest version should be applied.
IEC 60227-1, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V – Part 1: General requirements
IEC 60227-2, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750 V – Part 2: Test methods
IEC 60228, Conductors of insulated cables
IEC 60245-2, Rubber insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V –
Part 2: Test methods
IEC 60502-1, Extruded solid dielectric insulated power cables for rated voltages from 1 kV up
to 30 kV
IEC 60811-1-1, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric and
optical cables – Part 1-1: Methods for general application – Measurement of thickness and
overall dimensions – Tests for determining the mechanical properties
IEC 60811-1-2, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric and
optical cables – Part 1-2: Methods for general application – Thermal ageing methods
IEC 60811-1-3, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric and

61138 © IEC:2007 – 7 –
optical cables – Part 1-3: Methods for general application – Methods for determining the
density – Water absorption tests – Shrinkage test
IEC 60811-1-4, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric and
optical cables – Part 1-4: Methods for general application – Tests at low temperature
IEC 60811-2-1, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric and
optical cables – Part 2-1: Methods specific to elastomeric compounds – Ozone resistance,
hot set and mineral oil immersion tests
IEC 60811-3-1, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric and
optical cables – Part 3-1: Methods specific to PVC compounds – Pressure test at high
temperature – Tests for resistance to cracking
IEC 60811-3-2, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric and
optical cables – Part 3-2: Methods specific to PVC compounds – Loss of mass test – Thermal
stability test
IEC 61230, Live working – Portable equipment for earthing or earthing and short-circuiting
IEC 62230, Electrical cables – Spark-test method
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply.
3.1
type tests
symbol T
tests required to be made before supplying a type of cable covered by this standard on a
general commercial basis in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics to
meet the intended application
NOTE These tests are of such a nature that, after they have been made, they need not be repeated unless
changes are made in the cable materials, design or type of manufacturing process which might change the
performance characteristics.
3.2
sample tests
symbol S
tests made on samples of completed cable, or components taken from a completed cable,
adequate to verify that the finished product meets the design specifications
3.3
routine tests
symbol R
tests made on all production cable lengths to demonstrate their integrity

– 8 – 61138 © IEC:2007
4 General requirements for the construction of cables
4.1 Conductors
4.1.1 Material
The conductor shall consist of annealed copper, aluminium or aluminium alloy in accordance
with IEC 60228. The wires of copper conductors may be plain or tinned. Tinned wires shall be
covered with an effective layer of tin.
4.1.2 Construction
The maximum diameter of the conductor wires is specified in Table 3 and Table 4.
4.1.3 Check of construction
Compliance with the requirements of 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 shall be checked by visual inspection
and by measurement.
4.1.4 Electrical resistance
The d.c. resistance of copper conductors at 20 °C is specified in IEC 60228 Class 6.
The d.c. resistance of aluminium conductors at 20 °C is specified in Table 4 of this standard.
The test shall be carried out in accordance with IEC 60228, Annex A.
The current density shall not exceed 1 A/mm² to avoid any significant increase of temperature
during the test.
4.2 Separator between conductor and insulation
A separating tape made of suitable material may be placed between the conductor and the
insulation.
4.3 Insulation
4.3.1 Material
The insulation shall be one of the following types specified for each type of cable in Clause 6:
– an elastomeric insulation compound based on a cross-linked ethylene propylene rubber
(EPR) or similar (EPM or EPDM);
– a general purpose thermoplastic insulation compound based on polyvinylchloride (PVC);
– a cold-resistant thermoplastic insulation compound based on polyvinylchloride (PVC);
– a cross-linked silicone rubber insulation compound (SiR).
For the requirements of these compounds, see 4.3.5.
The temperature limits for cables insulated by the above compounds are given in Clause 7.

61138 © IEC:2007 – 9 –
4.3.2 Colour of insulation
There is no preferred colour for the insulation. The colour of the insulation shall be achieved
by the use of coloured compounds or other suitable method.
The insulation, whether coloured or not, may be transparent.
4.3.3 Application to the conductor
The insulation shall be closely applied to the conductor or separator. It shall be possible to
remove the insulation without damage to the insulation itself, to the conductor, or to the tin
coating if any. Compliance shall be checked by inspection and by manual test.
4.3.4 Thickness
The mean value of the thickness of the insulation shall be not less than the specified value in
Table 3 and Table 4.
However, the thickness at any place may be less than the specified value, provided that the
difference does not exceed 0,1 mm + 15 % of the specified value. Compliance shall be
checked by the test given in 1.9 of IEC 60227-2 or IEC 60245-2.
4.3.5 Mechanical properties before and after ageing
The insulation shall have adequate mechanical strength and elasticity within the temperature
limits to which it may be exposed in normal use.
Compliance shall be checked by carrying out the tests specified for each type of insulation in:
– IEC 60502-1, Table 15 for EPR or similar; in addition, cables covered by this type of
compound shall be subjected to a cold bending or elongation test at –50 °C;
– IEC 60227-1, Table 2 (PVC/ST 5) as a general purpose compound;
– Table 7 of this standard for PVC/ST 11 as a cold-resistant compound;
– Table 9 of this standard for cross-linked silicone rubber compound.
The applicable test methods and the results to be obtained for each type of insulation are also
specified in the above-mentioned tables.
4.4 Marking
4.4.1 Indication of origin
Cables shall be provided with an indication of origin consisting of either
– the manufacturer's identification thread; or
– the continuous marking of the manufacturer's name or trade mark, by printing, or by
indenting or embossing on the insulation.
4.4.2 Indication of code designation and cross-sectional area of the conductor
Cables shall be provided with an indication of the code designation according to 6.2 and the
". (See Table 3 and Table 4).
cross-sectional area of the conductor ". mm
This shall be made by printing or by indenting or embossing on the insulation.

– 10 – 61138 © IEC:2007
4.4.3 Continuity of marks
The distance between the end of one complete set of marks and the beginning of the next
shall not exceed 550 mm.
4.4.4 Durability
Printed markings shall be durable. Compliance with this requirement shall be checked by the
test given in 1.8 of IEC 60227-2 or IEC 60245-2.
4.4.5 Legibility
All marking shall be legible.
The colours of the identification threads shall be easy to recognize or easily made
recognizable if necessary, by cleaning with petrol or other solvent.
5 Tests on completed cables
5.1 Electrical properties
5.1.1 General
The cables shall have adequate dielectric strength.
Compliance shall be checked by carrying out the following tests.
5.1.2 Voltage test
A sample of cable shall be immersed in water and then the voltage specified below shall be
applied between the conductor and the water, with the following test conditions:
– minimum length of sample: 10 m
– minimum period of immersion in water: 1 h
– temperature of water: 20 °C ± 5 °C
– voltage applied (a.c.): 1 000 V
– duration of application of voltage, minimum: 5 min
– result to be obtained: during test no breakdown shall occur
5.1.3 Spark test
The integrity of the insulation shall be verified by compliance with IEC 62230.

61138 © IEC:2007 – 11 –
Table 1 – Requirement for test voltages
Tabulated radial thickness of Test voltage
layer under test kV
mm
from up to a.c. d.c. h.f. pulse
a
1,01 1,25 9 13 10 13
a
1,26 1,50 10 15 11 15
a
1,51 1,75 12 17 13 17
a
1,76 2,00 13 20 14 20
a
2,01 2,25 14 22 15 -
a
2,26 2,50 16 24 17 -
a
2,51 2,75 17 26 18 -
a
2,76 3,00 19 28 20 -
a
h.f. Voltage testing for layer thickness greater than 1,0 mm should be limited to frequencies between 500 Hz
and 4 kHz
The insulation shall exhibit no fault when tested with the above mentioned test method.
5.2 Overall diameter
The mean overall diameter of the cables shall be within the limits specified in Table 3 and 4.
The difference between any two values of the overall diameter of the cables at the same
cross-section (ovality) shall not exceed 15 % of the upper limit specified for the mean overall
diameter.
Compliance shall be checked by the test given in 1.11 of IEC 60227-2 or IEC 60245-2.
5.3 Flexibility test
5.3.1 General
The cables shall be sufficiently flexible in normal use.
5.3.2 Test for cables with copper conductors
Compliance shall be checked by carrying out the test specified in 3.2 of IEC 60245-2.
Before the test, the samples shall be conditioned at 20 °C ± 5 °C for 24 h in a vertical
position, after which the test shall be carried out within the same temperature limits.
The mean of the two values of /′ (see Figure 2 in IEC 60245-2) shall not exceed the values
specified in Table 2.
– 12 – 61138 © IEC:2007
Table 2 – Requirements for the static flexibility test
Nominal Max distance l′
cross-sectional area EPR, PVC and SiR insulation
of conductor
m
mm²
16 0,45
25 0,45
35 0,50
50 0,50
70 0,55
95 0,60
120 0,65
150 0,65
5.3.3 Test for cables with aluminium conductors
The test shall be carried out by means of an apparatus shown in Figure 1. This apparatus has
a carrier C supporting two pulleys A and B arranged so that the cable is horizontal between
the pulleys. The carriers make backward and forward movements over a distance of 1 m, at
an approximately constant speed of 0,33 m/s (see also IEC 60227-2 or IEC 60245-2).
A sample of flexible cable about 5 m long shall be stretched over the pulleys, as shown in
Figure 1, each end being loaded with a weight having a mass of 10 kg. The diameter of the
pulleys A and B shall be 120 mm.
The pulleys have a semi-circular shaped groove, the diameter of which is 30 mm. An electrical
current of 5 A shall be applied to the sample; the voltage shall be about 230 V, the frequency
of which shall be between 48 Hz and 62 Hz.
A total of 2 000 movements (1 000 in each direction) shall be made.

A
B
C
D
D
IEC  1252/07
Figure 1 – Flexing apparatus
61138 © IEC:2007 – 13 –
At the conclusion of the flexing movements no crack shall appear on the insulation.
Furthermore, the value of the electrical resistance at the end of the test shall not vary by more
than 10 % from the electrical resistance at the beginning of the test.
5.4 Optional clashing test
This test is optional and limited only on PVC insulated cables and carried out according to
special national rules or customers requirement.
Cable satisfying the clashing test shall be identified by the manufacturer by printing of the
words “Clashing test” on the insulation.
Test shall be carried as described in Annex A.
6 Particular specifications
6.1 General
Each cable shall comply with the appropriate requirements given in Clauses 4 and 5 and the
particular requirements of this Clause 6.
6.2 Code designation
Type of insulation and of conductor Code designation
EPR – Copper 61138 IEC 60110
EPR – Aluminium 61138 IEC 60210
PVC/ST 5 – Copper 61138 IEC 60150
PVC/ST 5 – Aluminium 61138 IEC 60250
PVC/ST 11 – Copper 61138 IEC 60155
PVC/ST 11 – Aluminium 61138 IEC 60255
SiR – Copper 61138 IEC 60165
SiR – Aluminium 61138 IEC 60265

6.3 Rated voltage
Not specified, see Clause 1.
6.4 Construction
6.4.1 Conductors
Number of conductors: 1.
The conductor shall comply with the requirements given in Table 3 and 4, column 2.
6.4.2 Insulation
Conductor and separator if any shall be protected by an insulation as specified in 4.3.
The thickness of insulation shall comply with the specified value given in Table 3 and 4,
column 3.
– 14 – 61138 © IEC:2007
6.4.3 Overall diameter
The mean overall diameter shall be within the limits given in Table 3 and 4, columns 4
and 5.
6.5 Tests
Compliance with the requirements of 6.4 shall be checked by inspection and by the tests
given in Table 5 for EPR insulated cables, in Table 6 for PVC insulated cables, and in Table 8
for SiR insulated cables.
7 Guide to the use of the cables
These cables shall be exclusively used for portable earthing and short-circuiting equipment
(see IEC 61230).
These cables are suitable for indoor and outdoor use within the following temperature limits:
EPR: –40 °C to + 70 °C
PVC/ST 5: –5 °C to + 70 °C
PVC/ST 11: –25 °C to + 55 °C
SiR: –40 °C to + 70 °C
61138 © IEC:2007 – 15 –
Table 3 – General data for Types 61138 IEC 60110, 60150, 60155, 60165
1 2 3 4 5
Thickness
of insulation
Mean overall diameter
Nominal
Nominal
Maximum
specified
cross-
diameter
value
sectional
of wires in
area of
EPR SiR Lower limit Upper limit
conductor
conductor
and PVC EPR SiR EPR PVC SiR
and
PVC
mm² mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
COPPER
7,5 8,9 8,6 9,5
16 0,21 1,2 1,4 7,1
25 0,21 1,2 1,4 8,4 8,8 10,6 10,2 11,2
35 0,21 1,2 1,4 9,7 10,1 12,1 11,7 12,7
50 0,31 1,5 1,6 11,7 11,9 14,6 14,2 15,2
70 0,31 1,8 2,1 13,4 14,6 16,8 16,2 17,4
1,8 2,3 15,5 16,5 19,3 18,7 19,9
95 0,31
120 0,31 1,8 2,7 17,1 18,9 21,4 20,6 22,0
150 0,31 1,8 2,8 18,6 20,6 23,3 22,5 24,0

Table 4 – General data for Types 61138 IEC 60210, 60250, 60255 and 60265
1 2 3 4 5 6
Thickness Maximum
of insulation conductor
Nominal Maximum Mean overall diameter
resistance
cross- diameter
Nominal
Lower limit Upper limit at 20 °C
sectional of wires in
specified
area of conductor
value
conductor
EPR SiR EPR SiR EPR PVC SiR
and and
PVC PVC
mm² mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm Ω/km
ALUMINIUM
35 0,46 1,2 1,4 9,7 10,1 12,1 11,7 12,7 0,886
50 0,46 1,5 1,6 11,7 11,9 14,6 14,2 15,2 0,616
70 0,46 1,8 2,1 13,4 14,6 16,8 16,2 17,4 0,440
95 0,46 1,8 2,3 15,5 16,5 19,3 18,7 19,9 0,326
120 0,46 1,8 2,7 17,1 18,9 21,4 20,6 22,0 0,254
150 0,46 1,8 2,8 18,6 20,6 23,3 22,5 24,0 0,208

– 16 – 61138 © IEC:2007
Table 5 – Tests for Types 61138 IEC 60110 and 60210 (EPR insulation)
1 2 3 4
Reference Test Category Test method
No. of test described in
IEC Clause
publication or sub-
clause
1 Electrical tests
1.1 Resistance of conductors T, S 60245-2 2.1
1.2 Voltage test on completed cable at 1 000 V T, S 60245-2 2.2
1.3 Absence of faults in insulation R 62230
2 Provisions covering constructional and dimensional
characteristics
2.1 Checking of compliance with constructional provisions T, S 61138 4
2.2 Measurement of thickness of insulation T, S 60245-2 1.9
2.3 Measurement of overall diameter
2.3.1 Mean value T, S 60245-2 1.11
2.3.2 Ovality T, S 60245-2 1.11
3 Insulation material tests T 60502-1 Tables
15 and
a
4 Elasticity at low temperature
O
4.1 Bending test for insulation at – 50 C T 60811-1-4 8.2
O
b
4.2 T 60811-1-4 8.4
Elongation test for insulation at low temperature – 50 C
5 Flexibility test
5.1 Cables with copper conductor T 61138 5.3.2
5.2 Cables with aluminium conductor T 61138 5.3.3
a
These tables includes all the test methods and requirements for the material. Material to be tested is taken from the
finished cable.
b
Only applicable if the overall diameter of the cable exceeds the limit specified in the test method.

61138 © IEC:2007 – 17 –
Table 6 – Tests for Types 61138 IEC 60150, 60155, 60250
and 60255 (PVC insulation)
1 2 3 4
Reference Test Category Test method
No. of test described in
IEC Clause
publication or sub-
clause
1 Electrical tests
1.1 Resistance of conductors T, S 60227-2 2.1
1.2 Voltage test on completed cable at 1 000 V T, S 60227-2 2.2
1.3 Absence of faults in insulation R 62230
2 Provisions covering constructional and
dimensional characteristics
2.1 Checking of compliance with constructional provisions T, S 61138 4
2.2 Measurement of thickness of insulation T, S 60227-2 1.9
2.3 Measurement of overall diameter
2.3.1 Mean value T, S 60227-2 1.11
2.3.2 Ovality T, S 60227-2 1.11
3 Insulation material tests
a
3.1 - ST 5 (cable types 60150 and 60250) T 60227-1 Table 2
a
3.2 - ST 11 (cable types 60155 and 60255) T 61138 Table 7
4 Flexibility test
4.1 Cables with copper conductor T 61138 5.3.2
4.2 Cables with aluminium conductor T 61138 5.3.3
5 Clashing test (if required) T 61138 Annex A
a
These tables include all the test methods and requirements for the material. Material to be tested is taken from the
finished cable.
– 18 – 61138 © IEC:2007
Table 7 – Requirements for the non-electrical tests for PVC/ST 11 insulation
1 2 3 4 5 6
Type of Test method
compound described in
Reference
PVC/ST 11
Test Unit
No.
Requirements IEC Sub-
publication clause
1 Tensile strength and elongation-at-break  60811-1-1 9.2
1.1 Properties in the state as delivered
1.1.1 Values to be obtained for the tensile strength: N/mm² 7,5
– median, min.
1.1.2 Values to be obtained for the elongation-at-
break:
– median, min. % 125
1.2 Properties after ageing in air oven  60811-1-2 8.1
and
60811-1-1 9.2
1.2.1 Ageing conditions:
– temperature °C 70 ± 2
– duration of treatment h 7 × 24
1.2.2 Values to be obtained for the tensile strength:
– median, min. N/mm² 7,5
a
% ±20
– variation , max.
1.2.3 Values to be obtained for the elongation-at-
break:
– median, min. % 125
a
% ±20
– variation , max.
2 Loss of mass test  60811-3-2 8.2
2.1 Ageing conditions
– temperature °C
70 ± 2
– duration of treatment h
7 × 24
2.2 Values to be obtained for the loss of mass, mg/cm²
max.
3 Heat shock test  60811-3-1 9.2
3.1 Test conditions:
– temperature °C 150 ± 3
– duration of treatment h 1
3.2 Results to be obtained Absence
of cracks
4 Pressure at high temperature  60811-3-1 8.2
4.1 Test conditions:
– force exerted by the blade  60811-3-1 8.2.4
– duration of heating under load  60811-3-1 8.2.5
– temperature °C
60 ± 2
4.2 Results to be obtained
– median of the depth of penetration, max. % 50

61138 © IEC:2007 – 19 –
Table 7 (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Reference Test Unit Type of Test method
No. compound described in
PVC/ST 11
Requirements IEC Sub-
publication clause
5 Bending test at low temperature  60811-1-4 8.2
5.1 Test conditions:
– temperature °C
– 35 ± 2
– period of application of low temperature  60811-1-4 8.2.3
5.2 Results to be obtained Absence of
cracks
6 Elongation test at low temperature  60811-1-4 8.3
6.1 Test conditions:
– temperature °C
– 35 ± 2
– period of application of low temperature  60811-1-4 8.3.4
and 8.3.5
6.2 Results to be obtained
– elongation without break, min. % 30
7 Impact test at low temperature  60811-1-4 8.5
7.1 Test conditions:
– temperature
– 35 ± 2
– period of application of low temperature  60811-1-4 8.5.5
– mass of hammer  60811-1-4 8.5.4

7.2 Results to be obtained Absence of 60811-1-4 8.5.6
cracks
8 Clashing test (if required) Absence of 61138 Annex A
cracks
a
Variation: difference between the median value after ageing and the median value without ageing, expressed as a
percentage of the latter.
– 20 – 61138 © IEC:2007
Table 8 – Tests for Types 61138 IEC 60165 and 60265 (SiR insulation)
1 2 3 4
Test method
described in
Category
Reference
Test of
IEC Clause
No.
test
publication or sub-
clause
1 Electrical tests
1.1 Resistance of conductors T, S 60245-2 2.1
1.2 Voltage test on completed cable at 1 000 V T, S 60245-2 2.2
1.3 Absence of faults in insulation R 62230
2 Provisions covering constructional and
dimensional characteristics
2.1 Checking of compliance with constructional provisions T, S 61138 4
2.2 Measurement of thickness of insulation T, S 60245-2 1.9
2.3 Measurement of overall diameter
2.3.1 Mean value T, S 60245-2 1.11
2.3.2 Ovality T, S 60245-2 1.11
a
3 Insulation material tests T 61138 Table 9
O
4 T 60811-1-4 8.5
Impact test at –50 ± 2 C
5 Flexibility test
5.1 Cables with copper conductor T 61138 5.3.2
5.2 Cables with aluminium conductor T 61138 5.3.3
a
This table includes all the test methods and requirements for the material. Material to be tested is taken from the
finished cable.
61138 © IEC:2007 – 21 –
Table 9 – Requirements for the non-electrical tests for SiR insulation
1 2 3 4 5 6
Reference Test Unit Requirements Test method
No. described in
IEC Clause or
publication subclause
1 Tensile strength and elongation-at-break  60811-1-1 9.2
1.1 Properties in the state as delivered
1.1.1 Values to be obtained for the tensile strength: N/mm² 5,0
– median, min.
1.1.2 Values to be obtained for the elongation-at-
break:
– median, min. % 150
1.2 Properties after ageing in air oven  60811-1-2 8.1
and
60811-1-1 9.2
1.2.1 Ageing conditions:
– temperature °C 200 ± 2
– duration of treatment h
10 × 24
1.2.2 Values to be obtained for the tensile strength:
– median, min. N/mm² 4,0
a
%
– variation , max.
1.2.3 Values to be obtained for the elongation-at-
break:
– median, min. % 120
a
%
– variation , max.
2 Hot set test  60811-2-1 9
2.1 Test conditions:
– temperature °C
250 ± 3
– time under load mn 15
- mechanical stress N/cm² 20
2.2 Results to be obtained
Maximum elongation under load % 100
Maximum elongation after unloading % 25
3 Bending test at low temperature  60811-1-4 8.2
3.1 Test conditions:
– temperature °C
– 50 ± 2
– period of application of low temperature  60811-1-4 8.2.3
3.2 Results to be obtained Absence of
cracks
4 Elongation test at low temperature  60811-1-4 8.3
4.1 Test conditions:
– temperature °C
– 50 ± 2
– period of application of low temperature  60811-1-4 8.3.4
and 8.3.5
– 22 – 61138 © IEC:2007
Table 9 (continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Reference Test Unit Requirements Test method
No. described in
IEC Clause or
publication subclause
4.2 Results to be obtained
- elongation without break, min. % 30
a
Variation: difference between the median value after ageing and the median value without ageing, expressed as a
percentage of the latter.
61138 © IEC:2007 – 23 –
Annex A
(normative)
Clashing test
A.1 Preparation of test pieces
Three pieces of complete cable each having a length with a minimum of 150 mm shall be
taken.
A.2 Apparatus and test conditions
The apparatus to be used for the test is represented in Figure A.1.
The steel intermediate piece has a radius of 0,8 mm.
The apparatus should be placed on a pad of sponge rubber about 40 mm thick.
The test temperature should be 23 °C ± 3 °C.
The mass of the hammer should be 5 kg or 10 kg depending of the cross-section. See Table
A.1.
Table A.1 – Height of fall
Nominal cross-section Mass of the hammer Height S
mm² kg mm
16 5 150
25 5 150
35 5 200
50 5 300
70 5 400
95 10 200
120 10 250
150 10 300
A.3 Procedure
Each test piece shall be placed in position as shown in Figure A.1 and the hammer shall be
allowed to fall from the height S.
The test piece shall then be examined for cracks and breaks in the insulation. The action of
applying torsion to the sample assists in the examination and should be used whenever
possible.
If however, it is not possible to apply torsion to the samples in this way, the insulation shall
then be cut open in the direction of the axis of the cable. The inside and outside of the
insulation shall then be examined.

– 24 – 61138 © IEC:2007
A.4 Expression of results
Three test pieces shall show no cracks when examined with normal or corrected vision
without magnification.
If only one of the three shows cracks, then the test may be repeated on three further test
pieces and, if none of these shows cracks the requirements of the test are met, but if any one
of the three shows cracks, then the cable or sheath does not comply with the test
requirements.
∅10,5
A A
8,6
8,6
8,6
Section A-A IEC  1253/07
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 hammer
2 steel intermediate piece L= 40 x 40 x 5
3 test piece
4 steel base
Figure A.1 – Impact test apparatus (vertical impact)

___________
40 S
– 26 – 61138 © CEI:2007
SOMMAIRE
AVANT-PROPOS.28

1 Domaine d'application .30
2 Références normatives.30
3 Termes et définitions .31
4 Exigences générales de construction des câbles .32
4.1 Ames conductrices .
...