IEC 60092-350:2020

Overview

IEC 60092-350:2020 - part of the IEC 60092 series - defines the general constructional requirements and test methods for copper-conductor power, control and instrumentation cables intended for fixed shipboard and offshore installations up to and including 18/30(36) kV. The standard covers cables for fixed systems that may be exposed to ship or platform movement or vibration, but excludes cables intended for frequent flexing and several cable types (see Related Standards). The fifth edition (2020) is a technical revision with more detailed test procedure descriptions (notably clauses 7.7.6 and 7.7.7) and clarifies the relationship between Annex A and Annex D.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope and voltage designation: copper conductors for fixed marine/offshore electrical systems up to 18/30(36) kV.
• Constructional requirements:
  • Conductor material, class and form, and resistance limits.
  • Insulation systems: permitted materials and insulation thickness rules.
  • Screens/shields for low- and high-voltage cables.
  • Cabling arrangements, fillers, inner coverings and inner sheath.
  • Metal braid armour, outer sheath materials (including halogen-free options) and dimensional limits.
  • Core identification, marking and voltage designations.
• Test methods:
  • Routine tests: conductor resistance, voltage tests, partial discharge checks.
  • Sample tests: insulation/sheath thickness, hot-set, insulation resistance.
  • Type tests (electrical): insulation resistance at ambient and max temperatures, high-voltage sequence tests, partial discharge, tan δ (dissipation factor) vs. temperature/voltage, impulse withstand and 4-hour HV tests.
  • Type tests (non-electrical): mechanical properties before/after ageing, hot oil immersion, low/high temperature behaviour, ozone resistance, galvanizing and compatibility tests.
• Exclusions: optical fibre, subsea and umbilical cables, data/communication and coaxial cables.

Practical Applications and Who Uses This Standard

IEC 60092-350 is used to:

• Specify and procure shipboard and offshore power, control and instrumentation cables.
• Guide cable manufacturers in design and factory testing to meet marine requirements.
• Provide acceptance criteria for classification societies, shipbuilders, naval architects, offshore EPC contractors, procurement teams, testing laboratories, and marine surveyors.
• Support maintenance, retrofits and compliance documentation for maritime electrical installations.

Keywords: IEC 60092-350, shipboard cables, offshore cables, power cables, control cables, instrumentation cables, marine cable test methods, halogen-free sheath, high-voltage marine cabling.

Related Standards

• IEC 60092 (other parts) - broader electrical installations in ships.
• IEC 60227 and IEC 60245 - cables designed for frequent flexing (portable equipment/domestic appliances).
• National rules and classification society regulations often reference IEC 60092 series for shipboard cable approval.