BS 8573:2012

This British Standard specifies requirements and test methods for the construction and performance of non-armoured cables with thermosetting insulation of rated voltages 600/1 000 V which, when assessed by the specified tests, produce lower levels of smoke and corrosive products under exposure to fire compared with cables conforming to BS 7889.

NOTE 1 These tests are published in separate British Standards to which reference is made at the appropriate point in the text. The Scope clauses of these British Standards contain cautionary notes concerning the applicability of such tests, and these should be taken into account when assessing the suitability of cables specified in this British Standard for use in a particular application.

Cables specified in this British Standard are intended for use in fixed installations in industrial areas, buildings and similar applications but not for burial in the ground, either directly or in ducts.

The cables specified in this British Standard are all stranded copper conductor, thermosetting insulated, thermoplastic sheathed types. There are single-core types and multi-core types (2-, 3-, 4- and 5-core).

In this standard, the level of corrosive (and acid) gases is determined by measurement of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in accordance with BS EN 50267‑2‑1.

NOTE 2 These are indirect assessment methods, and reference should be made to IEC/TS 60695‑5‑2:2002, 5.1.5, for additional guidance.

The insulation and other components are suitable to permit operation of the cables at a maximum sustained conductor temperature of 90 °C and for a maximum short-circuit conductor temperature of 250 °C (for a maximum period of 5 s).

NOTE 3 Limitation on the temperature of the cables may be imposed in situations where they could be touched, or where they could touch other materials.

NOTE 4 In installations that include wiring accessories, junction boxes and consumer units etc., the performance of these accessories should be taken into account in deciding the maximum operating temperature of the cable.

NOTE 5 Annex A gives guidance on the use of these cables. Annex B gives the test for shrinkage of sheath on cable. Annex C gives the compatibility test. Annex D gives the abrasion test. Annex E contains notes on type tests, and Annex F gives green-and-yellow measurement for shaped conductors.