IEC 60092-360:2021

Overview

IEC 60092-360:2021 is an IEC international standard that specifies requirements for insulating and sheathing materials used in shipboard and offshore-unit cables - including power, control, instrumentation and telecommunication cables. It defines electrical, mechanical and particular characteristics for materials intended for fixed and mobile offshore units and ships, and groups materials into categories (cross‑linked insulating, cross‑linked sheathing, thermoplastic sheathing).

Key topics and requirements

• Material categories and types: The standard classifies compounds (e.g., EPR, HEPR, XLPE for insulation; SE/SH/SHF2 for cross‑linked sheaths; SHF1/ST2 for thermoplastic sheaths) and lists applicable test categories (see Table 1).
• Electrical and mechanical properties: Sets electrical performance limits and mechanical test requirements for insulation and sheath compounds (referenced in tables such as Table 3, Table 4, Table 6 and Table 8).
• Ageing and environmental resistance: Includes requirements and tests for thermal ageing, oil immersion and resistance to drilling fluids. Specific normative annexes provide methods for:
  • Hardness determination of HEPR insulation (Annex A)
  • Elastic modulus of HEPR insulation (Annex B)
  • Enhanced hot oil immersion test for sheaths (Annex C)
  • Drilling fluid (mud) immersion test for sheaths (Annex D)
• Test methods and references: Normative references to cable test standards (IEC 60811 series, IEC 60092-350, IEC 60754, etc.) define detailed test procedures for thickness, mechanical properties, ozone resistance, loss of mass, hot set, pressure/temperature behavior, and combustion gas analysis.
• Revisions and updates: 2021 edition includes updates such as volume swelling replacement for linear swelling, corrected calculations, and modified time‑under‑load test conditions.

Applications and who uses it

IEC 60092-360 is used by:

• Cable manufacturers specifying materials for shipboard and offshore cables.
• Shipyards and offshore EPCs selecting compliant cables for installations on vessels, platforms and mobile units.
• Design and procurement engineers ensuring material compatibility with marine and offshore environments (oil exposure, drilling fluids, temperature cycling).
• Test laboratories and classification societies performing type testing, qualification and conformity assessments.
• OEMs and system integrators involved in power, control, instrumentation and telecommunication systems for marine/offshore projects.

Practical benefits include improved material selection, predictable long‑term performance in harsh marine environments, and streamlined compliance with maritime electrical installation requirements.

Related standards

• IEC 60092 series - Electrical installations in ships (general context)
• IEC 60092-350 - General construction and test methods for shipboard/offshore cables
• IEC 60811 series - Test methods for non‑metallic cable materials
• IEC 60754 - Tests for gases evolved during combustion of cable materials

Keywords: IEC 60092-360, insulating and sheathing materials, shipboard cables, offshore units, cross‑linked sheathing, thermoplastic sheathing, cable testing, oil resistance, drilling fluid resistance.