SIST EN 50143:2009

• Abstract:

  EN 50143 applies to single core cables of rated voltages up to and including 5/10 kV (Uo/U) used with electric signs and high-voltage luminous-discharge-tube installations. These cables are for use in installations complying with EN 50107. The particular types of cables are specified in Clauses 7 to 10 of this standard.

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 31-Dec-2007
• Publication Date: 09-Jun-2009
• ICS: 29.060.20 - Cables
• Technical Committee: IEKA - Electric cables
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 13-May-2009
• Due Date: 18-Jul-2009
• Completion Date: 10-Jun-2009
• Ref Project: EN 50143:2009 - Cables for signs and luminous-discharge-tube installations operating from a no-load rated output voltage exceeding 1 000 V but not exceeding 10 000 V

• Replaces: SIST EN 50143:1998 - Cables for signs and luminous-discharge-tube installations operating from a no-load rated output voltage exceeding 1 000 V but not exceeding 10 000 V
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2023
• Replaces: SIST EN 50143:1998/A1:2004 - Cables for signs and luminous-discharge-tube installations operating from a no-load rated output voltage exceeding 1 000 V but not exceeding 10 000 V
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2023
• Refers: SIST EN 50363-1:2006 - Insulating, sheathing and covering materials for low voltage energy cables -- Part 1: Cross-linked elastomeric insulating compounds
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 50107-1:2004 - Signs and luminous-discharge-tube installations operating from a no-load rated output voltage exceeding 1 kV but not exceeding 10 kV -- Part 1: General requirements
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 50267-2-1:1999 - Common test methods for cables under fire conditions - Tests on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables - Part 2-1: Procedures - Determination of the amount of halogen acid gas
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 60332-1-2:2005 - Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions -- Part 1-2: Test for vertical flame propagation for a single insulated wire or cable - Procedure for 1 kW pre-mixed flame
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 50395:2005 - Electrical test methods for low voltage energy cables
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 50396:2005 - Non electrical test methods for low voltage energy cables
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN IEC 60684-2:2025 - Flexible insulating sleeving - Part 2: Methods of test (IEC 60684-2:2025)
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 60811-1-1:1999 - Insulating and sheathing materials of electric and optical cables - Common test methods - Part 1-1: General application - Measurement of thickness and overall dimensions - Tests for determining the mechanical properties
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 50363-3:2006 - Insulating, sheathing and covering materials for low voltage energy cables -- Part 3: PVC insulating compounds
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN IEC 60228:2024 - Conductors of insulated cables (IEC 60228:2023)
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 61034-2:2005 - Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions -- Part 2: Test procedure and requirements
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 50363-4-1:2006 - Insulating, sheathing and covering materials for low voltage energy cables -- Part 4-1: PVC sheathing compounds
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026

SIST EN 50143:2009 is the Slovenian standard for cables for signs and luminous-discharge-tube installations operating from a no-load rated output voltage exceeding 1 000 V but not exceeding 10 000 V. It is published by SIST and is identical to EN 50143:2009.

The standard specifies single-core cables up to 5/10 kV (Uo/U) for electric signs and high-voltage luminous-discharge-tube installations, and it is written for use with installations complying with EN 50107. In practice, it tells manufacturers, test laboratories, installers, and buyers which cable constructions, tests, and markings apply to each cable type.

What does SIST EN 50143:2009 specify?

SIST EN 50143:2009 specifies the construction, material, test, and marking requirements for the cable types used in these sign and luminous-discharge applications. The document is organized into general clauses, type-specific clauses for the cable constructions, test methods, marking rules, an informative guide to use, and normative annexes.

The main structure is:

• Clause 1 - scope
• Clause 2 - normative references
• Clause 3 - terms and definitions
• Clause 4 - rated voltage
• Clause 5 - general construction requirements
• Clause 6 - cable types
• Clauses 7 to 10 - requirements for the individual cable types
• Clause 11 - test methods
• Clause 12 - marking
• Clause 13 - guide to use

Annex	What it covers
Annex A	Requirements for halogens
Annex B	Elemental test for halogens
Annex C	Non-electrical tests for type ZM 1 sheath
Annex D	Compatibility test requirements
Annex E	Electrical test methods
Annex F	Non-electrical test methods
Annex G	Non-electrical tests for polyethylene insulation

What are the key requirements of SIST EN 50143:2009?

SIST EN 50143:2009 sets out both general requirements that apply to all covered cables and detailed requirements that depend on the cable type. The practical result is that a cable must match its intended installation, pass the relevant test set, and carry the correct marking.

Rated voltage and intended use

SIST EN 50143:2009 uses the rated voltage Uo/U as the reference for design and electrical testing. Table 1 links the cable rating to the maximum permitted operating voltage in a.c. systems, so users need to match the cable rating to the system voltage before specifying or installing it.

General construction requirements

SIST EN 50143:2009 requires conductors to comply with EN 60228, with the conductor class defined by the cable type. The insulation and oversheath materials are type-specific and are applied by extrusion; thickness and overall dimensions must stay within the limits given for each cable type.

This matters in practice because the cable must fit the mechanical space, keep the intended insulation performance, and remain removable where the standard requires removal without damage. For cable types C2 and D2, all non-metallic components must be halogen free, and Annex A gives the verification route.

Cable types and their use

SIST EN 50143:2009 defines the available constructions in Clause 6 and then gives the detailed requirements in Clauses 7 to 10. The defined families are:

• silicone rubber insulated cables of types B, C2 and D2
• PVC insulated cables of types E, F and G
• cable type K with composite polyethylene and PVC insulation
• silicone rubber insulated cable type L

The type clauses state the conductor build, insulation system, sheath or screen arrangement where relevant, the dimensional limits, and the maximum continuous conductor temperature for that type. For a buyer or engineer, this is the section that decides whether a cable has the right construction for a screened, sheathed, halogen-free, or unsheathed application.

Type-specific testing and conformity

SIST EN 50143:2009 uses type tests, sample tests, and routine tests, as defined in Clause 3. The test tables in Clauses 7 to 10 show which tests apply to each cable type, and they cover conductor resistance, voltage tests on the complete cable, long-term resistance to breakdown, insulation resistance, absence of faults, construction checks, material tests, compatibility testing, impact at low temperature, fire performance, smoke emission, and halogen assessment.

This is important for qualification and production control. Type tests support design approval, sample tests check production or components, and routine tests verify every production length. Annex E and Annex F give the detailed methods for the electrical and non-electrical tests used in those tables.

Marking and traceability

SIST EN 50143:2009 requires an identification of origin, the cable type, and the rated voltage to be marked on each cable. The marking must remain continuous, durable, and legible, and the name CENELEC must not be directly marked on or in the cable.

In practice, this helps with traceability during installation, inspection, and later maintenance. It also allows a user to confirm that the cable delivered matches the specified type and rating.

What terms does SIST EN 50143:2009 define?

• Type tests (T) - tests made before a cable type is supplied commercially, to show that the design suits the intended application.
• Sample tests (S) - tests made on samples of completed cable, or on components taken from completed cable, to verify the finished product against the design.
• Routine tests (R) - tests made on all production cable lengths to demonstrate integrity.
• Rated voltage - the reference voltage for which the cable is designed and which is used to define the electrical tests.
• Uo/U - the rated voltage expression, where Uo is conductor-to-earth voltage and U is conductor-to-conductor voltage in a single-core system.

Who uses SIST EN 50143:2009?

SIST EN 50143:2009 is used by cable manufacturers, test laboratories, and organizations that specify or buy cables for electric signs and luminous-discharge-tube installations. It is also used by installers, design engineers, and quality managers who need to select the correct cable type, verify conformity, and check marking and test evidence.

What changed in SIST EN 50143:2009 from the previous edition?

SIST EN 50143:2009 supersedes EN 50143:1997 + A1:2003. The revision rationalized the number of cable types, introduced type L, and withdrew types A, C1, D1 and H. The overall purpose remains the same: to standardize safe and reliable cables and the methods used to check conformity.

Which standards are used with SIST EN 50143:2009?

SIST EN 50143:2009 is used together with several referenced standards that provide the installation context, materials, and test methods:

• EN 50107 (series) - the installation standard for the signs and luminous-discharge-tube systems where these cables are used
• EN 60228 - conductor classes and conductor requirements
• EN 50363-1, EN 50363-3, EN 50363-4-1 - compound requirements for insulation and sheathing materials
• EN 50395 and EN 50396 - electrical and dimensional test methods
• EN 60332-1-2 and EN 61034-2 - fire propagation and smoke density tests
• EN 60811 (series) and EN 60684-2 - material and compatibility test methods
• EN 50267-2-1 and EN 50267-2-2 - halogen acid gas and acidity-related tests

What does the SIST EN 50143:2009 document contain?

SIST EN 50143:2009 contains the tables that define cable data, construction limits, test applicability, and marking examples for each cable type. It also includes the annexes for halogen assessment, halogen elemental testing, sheath testing, compatibility testing, electrical test methods, non-electrical test methods, and polyethylene insulation testing.

Annex E includes the test arrangements for complete-cable voltage testing and long-term breakdown resistance. Annex F gives the method for measuring metallic tape thickness and the calculation used to assess braid coverage. Annex A, Annex C, and Annex G give the acceptance criteria for the material tests used in the different cable constructions.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2009
Kabli za znake in svetilne naprave, ki delujejo na neobremenjeni nazivni napetosti
nad 1000 V, vendar ne preko 10 000 V
Cables for signs and luminous-discharge-tube installations operating from a no-load
rated output voltage exceeding 1 000 V but not exceeding 10 000 V
Leitungen für Leuchtröhrengeräte und Leuchtröhren-Anlagen mit einer Leerlaufspannung
von über 1 000 V, aber nicht über 10 000 V
Câbles pour installations d'enseignes et de tubes à décharges lumineuses fonctionnant
avec une tension à vide supérieure à 1 000 V mais ne dépassant pas 10 000 V
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50143:2009
ICS:
29.060.20 Kabli Cables
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 50143
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2009
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 29.060.20 Supersedes EN 50143:1997 + A1:2003

English version
Cables for signs and luminous-discharge-tube installations
operating from a no-load rated output voltage
exceeding 1 000 V but not exceeding 10 000 V

Câbles pour installations d'enseignes  Leitungen für Leuchtröhrengeräte
et de tubes à décharges lumineuses und Leuchtröhren-Anlagen
fonctionnant avec une tension à vide mit einer Leerlaufspannung von
supérieure à 1 000 V über 1 000 V, aber nicht über 10 000 V
mais ne dépassant pas 10 000 V

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2009-02-01. CENELEC members are bound to
comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and
notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Central Secretariat: avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

© 2009 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 50143:2009 E
Foreword
This European Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee CENELEC TC 20, Electric cables.
The text of the draft was submitted to the formal vote and was approved by CENELEC as EN 50143 on
2009-02-01.
This European Standard supersedes EN 50143:1997 + A1:2003.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2010-02-01
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2012-02-01
__________
– 3 – EN 50143:2009
Contents
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Rated voltage . 7
5 General requirements for the construction of cables . 8
5.1 Conductors . 8
5.2 Insulation . 8
5.3 Oversheath . 8
5.4 Non-metallic components of halogen free cables . 9
6 Cable types . 9
6.1 G ener al . 9
6.2 Requirements . 10
7 Silicone rubber insulated cables (types B, C2 and D2) . 10
7.1 Construction . 10
7.2 Tests . 10
7.3 Maximum continuous conductor temperature . 11
8 PVC insulated cables (types E, F and G) . 14
8.1 Construction . 14
8.2 Tests . 14
8.3 Maximum continuous conductor temperature . 14
9 Cables with a composite insulation of polyethylene and PVC (type K) . 18
9.1 Construction . 18
9.2 Tests . 18
9.3 Maximum continuous conductor temperature . 18
10 Silicone rubber insulated cables (type L) . 20
10.1 Construction . 20
10.2 Tests . 20
10.3 Maximum continuous conductor temperature . 20
11 Test met hods . 22
11.1 G ener al . 22
11.2 Classification of test according to the frequency with which they are carried out . 22
11.3 Sampli ng . 22
11.4 Pre-conditioning . 22
11.5 Test temperature . 22
11.6 Test voltage . 22
12 M arking . 22
12.1 Indication of or igin . 22
12.2 Indication of cable type and rated voltage . 23
12.3 Continuity of marks . 23
12.4 Additional marking. 23
12.5 Durability . 23
12.6 Legibility . 23
12.7 Use of the name CENELEC . 23
13 Guide to use (informative) . 23

Annex A (normative) Requirements for halogens . 24
Annex B (normative) Determination of halogens- Elemental test. 26
Annex C (normative) Requirements for the non-electrical tests for type ZM1 sheath . 28
Annex D (normative) Requirements for the compatibility test . 30
Annex E (normative) Electrical test methods . 31
Annex F (normative) Non-electrical test methods. 33
Annex G (normative) Requirements for the non-electrical tests for polyethylene
insulation . 34
Figures
Figure 1 - Example of marking used on the outer surface of a cable . 23
Figure E.1 - Cable trough . 32
Figure E.2 - Test arrangement for resistance to long term breakdown . 32
Tables
Table 1 - Maximum permitted voltages against rated voltage of cable in an a.c. system . 7
Table 2 - General data for cables type B, C2 and D2 to EN 50143 . 11
Table 3 - Tests for cables type B, C2 and D2 to EN 50143 . 12
Table 4 - List of applicable tests for cables type B, C2 and D2 . 13
Table 5 - General data for cables type E, F and G to EN 50143 . 15
Table 6 - Tests for cables type E, F and G to EN 50143 . 16
Table 7 - List of applicable tests for cables type E, F and G. 17
Table 8 - Dimensions of cables type K to EN 50143 . 18
Table 9 - Tests for cables type K to EN 50143 . 19
Table 10 - General data for cables type L to EN 50143 . 20
Table 11 - Tests for cables type L to EN 50143 . 21
Table A.1 - Test method, measurement, requirements . 24
Table A.2 - Sequential test programme . 25
Table C.1 . 28
Table D.1 - Requirements . 30
Table G.1 . 34

– 5 – EN 50143:2009
Introduction
This revision of EN 50143 is made at the request of the European Sign Federation (ESF). It supports
EN 50107.
By comparison with EN 50143:1997 the number of cable types has been rationalised. One new type (type L)
has been introduced, and four types (types A, C1, D1 and H) withdrawn.
The object of the European Standard remains unchanged, namely:
- to standardise cables and cords that are safe and reliable when properly used in relation to the technical
requirements of the installation of which they form a part;
- to state the characteristics and manufacturing requirements directly or indirectly bearing on safety; and
- to specify methods for checking conformity with those requirements.

1 Scope
EN 50143 applies to single core cables of rated voltages up to and including 5/10 kV (U /U) used with electric
o
signs and high-voltage luminous-discharge-tube installations. These cables are for use in installations
complying with EN 50107.
The particular types of cables are specified in Clauses 7 to 10 of this standard.
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.
EN 50107 (series) Signs and luminous-discharge-tube installations operating from a no-load
rated output voltage exceeding 1 kV but not exceeding 10 kV
EN 50267-2-1 Common test methods for cables under fire conditions - Tests on gases
evolved during combustion of materials from cables - Part 2-1: Procedures -
Determination of the amount of halogen acid gas
EN 50267-2-2 1998 Common test methods for cables under fire conditions - Tests on gases
evolved during combustion of materials from cables - Part 2-2: Procedures -
Determination of degree of acidity of gases for materials by measuring pH
and conductivity
EN 50363-1 2005 Insulating, sheathing and covering materials for low voltage energy cables -
Part 1: Cross-linked elastomeric insulating compounds
EN 50363-3 2005 Insulating, sheathing and covering materials for low voltage energy cables -
Part 3: PVC insulating compounds
EN 50363-4-1 2005 Insulating, sheathing and covering materials for low voltage energy cables -
Part 4-1: PVC sheathing compounds
EN 50395 2005 Electrical test methods for low voltage energy cables
EN 50396 2005 Non electrical test methods for low voltage energy cables
EN 60228 Conductors of insulated cables (IEC 60228)
EN 60332-1-2 Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions -
Part 1-2: Test for vertical flame propagation for a single insulated wire or
cable - Procedure for 1 kW pre-mixed flame (IEC 60332-1-2)
EN 60684-2 Flexible insulating sleeving - Part 2: Methods of test (IEC 60684-2)
EN 60811 (series) Insulating and sheathing materials of electric and optical cables - Common
test methods (IEC 60811 series)
EN 61034-2 Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions -
Part 2: Test procedure and requirements (IEC 61034-2)

– 7 – EN 50143:2009
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and 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
4 Rated voltage
The rated voltage of a cable is the reference voltage for which the cable is designed, and which serves to
define the electrical tests.
The rated voltage is expressed by the combination of two values U /U, expressed in volts:
o
- U being the r.m.s. value between any insulated conductor and "earth" (metal covering of the cable or the
o
surrounding medium);
- U being the r.m.s. value between any two phase-conductors of a system of single-core cables.
In an alternating current system, the rated voltage of a cable shall be at least equal to the nominal voltage of
the system for which it is intended.
This condition applies both to the value U and to the value U.
o
In a direct current system, the maximum permanent operating voltage of the system is stated in
Table 1.
Table 1 - Maximum permitted voltages against rated voltage of cable in an a.c. system
Rated voltage of cable Maximum permanent permitted operating
voltage (a.c.) of the system
(U /U)
(Conductor-earth)
kV kV max.
2,5/5 2,75
3/6 3,3
5/10 5,5
5 General requirements for the construction of cables
5.1 Conductors
5.1.1 Construction
The classes of the conductors relevant to the various types of cables are given in Clauses 7 to 10.
5.1.2 Check of construction
Compliance with the requirements of 5.1.1, including the requirements of EN 60228, shall be checked by
inspection and by measurement.
5.1.3 Electrical resistance
The resistance of each conductor at 20 °C shall be in accordance with the requirements of EN 60228 for the
given class of conductor.
Compliance shall be checked by the test given in Clause 5 of EN 50395.
5.2 Insulation
5.2.1 Material
The insulation shall be a compound as specified for each type of cable in Clauses 7 to 10.
The test requirements for these compounds are specified for the particular cable.
Maximum material operating temperatures are stated in the relevant part of EN 50363.
5.2.2 Application to the conductor
The insulation may consist of one or more bonded layers. The insulation shall be so applied that it fits closely
on the conductor and it shall be possible to remove the insulation without damage to the remaining insulation,
to the conductor, or to the tin coating. If required, compliance shall be checked by inspection and by manual
test. The insulation shall be applied by an extrusion process, cross-linked where required, and shall form a
compact and homogeneous body.
5.2.3 Thickness
The mean value of the thickness of insulation shall not be less than the specified value for each type and size
of cable.
However, the thickness at any one place may be less than the specified value provided that the difference
does not exceed 0,1 mm + 10 % of the specified value.
Compliance shall be checked by the test given in 4.1 of EN 50396.
5.3 Oversheath
5.3.1 Material
The oversheath shall be a compound of the type specified for each type of cable in Clauses 7 to 10.
The test requirements for these compounds are specified for the particular cable.
5.3.2 Application
The oversheath shall be extruded.

– 9 – EN 50143:2009
5.3.3 Thickness
The mean value of the thickness of the oversheath shall not be less than the specified value for each type
and size of cable.
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 4.2 of EN 50396.
5.3.4 Overall dimensions
The mean overall dimensions of the cable shall be within the limits specified in the tables for each type and
size of cable in Clauses 7 to 10.
The difference between any two values of the overall diameter of sheathed circular 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 4.4 of EN 50396.
5.4 Non-metallic components of halogen free cables
All non-metallic components of cable types C2 and D2 shall be halogen free. This shall be checked by the
procedure given in Annex A, unless otherwise specified for the particular cable.
6 Cable types
6.1 General
Cables to this European Standard shall be one of the following types:
a) Cables with a rated voltage 5 kV/10 kV
B Silicone rubber insulated cable, unscreened, unsheathed
C2 Silicone rubber insulated cable, unscreened and halogen-free sheathed
D2 Silicone rubber insulated cable, screened and halogen-free sheathed
E PVC insulated cable, screened with drain wire and with PVC sheath
F PVC insulated cable, PVC sheathed, or PVC insulated cable with flexible protective conductor
and PVC sheathed
G PVC insulated cable, unscreened, unsheathed

b) Cables with a rated voltage 2,5 kV/5 kV
K Cable with a reduced thickness composite insulation of polyethylene and PVC

c) Cables with a rated voltage 3 kV/6 kV
L Silicone rubber insulated cable, unscreened, unsheathed

6.2 Requirements
The cables shall meet the general requirements of Clause 5 and the requirements given in Clauses 7 to 10
for the particular cable.
7 Silicone rubber insulated cables (types B, C2 and D2)
7.1 Construction
7.1.1 Conductor
Number of conductors: 1
The conductors shall comply with the requirements of EN 60228, for class 5 conductors.
The wires shall be tinned annealed copper.
7.1.2 Insulation
The insulation shall be silicone rubber compound of type EI 2 to EN 50363-1 applied around the conductor by
extrusion.
The thickness of the insulation shall comply with the specified value given in Table 2, column 2.
7.1.3 Braided screen
When a braided screen is required (cable type D2) it shall consist of tinned annealed copper wires of 0,2 mm
nominal diameter.
The braid shall cover at least 84 % of the surface area of the core.
NOTE A separator tape of suitable material may be used under and/or over the braid.
7.1.4 Sheath
The sheath of type C2 and D2 cables shall be a halogen-free compound type ZM 1, complying with the
requirements given in Annex C, applied around the core by extrusion in a single layer.
The thickness of sheath shall comply with the specified value given in Table 2, column 5.
The sheath shall be capable of being removed without damage to the core insulation or metallic screen.
7.1.5 Overall diameter
The mean overall diameter shall be within the limits given in Table 2, columns 6 and 7.
7.2 Tests
7.2.1 General
Compliance with the requirements of 7.1 shall be checked by inspection and by the tests given in Tables 3
and 4.
The requirements to be met for the compatibility test shall be as given in Annex D.

– 11 – EN 50143:2009
7.2.2 Smoke emission of cable
When tested in accordance with the method and procedure given in EN 61034-2, cables of types C2 and D2
shall exceed 60 % light transmittance throughout the test.
7.3 Maximum continuous conductor temperature
For type B cable the maximum continuous conductor temperature in operation is 180 °C.
For cables type C2 and D2 the maximum continuous conductor temperature in operation is 90 °C.
NOTE  Where cables type C2 and D2 are installed with the sheath removed, the temperature may be raised to 180 °C.

Table 2 - General data for cables type B, C2 and D2 to EN 50143
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Cable Nominal Thickness Screen Thickness Overall diameter Insulation
type cross- of of sheath resistance
sectional insulation at 20 °C
area of minimum
conductor
Diameter min. max.
of braid
wire
mm² mm mm mm mm mm MΩ.km
B 1,0 2,5 - - 6,0 7,2 7 500
C2 1,0 2,5 - 0,9 7,8 9,0 7 500
D2 1,0 2,5 0,2 0,9 8,8 10,2 7 500

Table 3 - Tests for cables type B, C2 and D2 to EN 50143
1 2 3 4 5
Ref. Tests Category Test method described in
no. of test
EN (Sub)clause
1 Electrical tests
1.1 Resistance of conductors T, S 50395 5
1.2 Voltage test on completed cable at 15 kV for 5 min:
- screened T, S 50143 E.1.1 & E.1.2
- unscreened T, S 50143 E.1.1 & E.1.3
1.3 Long term resistance to breakdown at 20 kV and at T 50143 E.2
–20 °C
1.4 Insulation resistance at 20 °C T, S 50395 8.1
1.5 Absence of faults on insulation R 50395 10
1.6 Absence of faults on sheath R 50395 10
2 Provisions covering constructional and
dimensional characteristics
2.1 Checking of compliance with constructional T, S 50143 Inspection and
provisions manual tests
2.2 Measurement of insulation thickness T, S 50396 4.1
2.3 Percentage cover of braid T, S 50143 F.2
2.4 Measurement of sheath thickness T, S 50396 4.2
2.5 Measurement of overall diameter:
2.5.1 - mean value T, S 50396 4.4
2.5.2 - ovality T, S 50396 4.4
a
3 Insulation material tests T 50363-1 -
4 Sheath material tests T 50143 Annex C
5 Compatibility test T 60811-1-2 8.1.4
6 Impact test at low temperature T 60811-1-4 8.5
7 Tests under fire conditions
7.1 Test on single vertical cable T 60332-1-2 -
7.2 Smoke emission T 61034-2 -
8 Assessment of halogens for all non-metallic T, S 50143 Annex A
materials
a
This European Standard includes all the test methods and requirements for the material. Material to be tested is taken
from the finished cable.
– 13 – EN 50143:2009
Table 4 - List of applicable tests for cables type B, C2 and D2
1 2 3 4 5
Ref. Tests Applicability of
no. test
Cable type
B C2 D2
1 Electrical tests
1.1 Resistance of conductors X X X
1.2 Voltage test on complete cable at 15 kV for 5 min:
- screened - - X
- unscreened X X -
a
1.3 Long term resistance to breakdown at 20 kV and - X X
–20 °C
1.4 Insulation resistance at 20 °C X X X

1.5 Absence of faults on insulation X X X
1.6 Absence of faults on sheath - X X
2 Constructional and dimensional tests

2.1 Checking of compliance with constructional X X X
provisions
2.2 Measurement of thickness of insulation X X X
2.3 Percentage cover of braid - - X
2.4 Thickness of sheath - X X
2.5 Measurement of overall diameter X X X
3 Insulation material tests X X X
4 Sheath material tests
- X X
5 Compatibility test - X X
6 Impact test
6.1 - at -5 °C X - -
6.2 - at -25 °C - X X
7 Tests under fire conditions
7.1 Te
...