IEC 60092-376:2025

Overview

IEC 60092-376:2025 - Electrical installations in ships - Part 376: Cables for control and instrumentation circuits 150/250 V (300 V) specifies requirements for screened and unscreened marine cables used in fixed control and instrumentation circuits on ships and offshore units. This fourth edition (2025) replaces the 2017 edition and aligns construction and test methods with IEC 60092‑350 unless otherwise stated. It covers extruded solid-insulation cables with a 150/250 V (300 V) voltage rating and defines types, materials, marking and testing needed for safe, reliable installations.

Significant technical updates in this edition:

• Addition of a colour code for wires and tapes for unit identification
• Core numbering for multicore cables
• New design and test requirements for cables intended for explosive atmosphere areas
• Requirements for cables installed between areas with and without explosive atmospheres

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and application: Screened and unscreened multicore and single-core cables for fixed control/instrumentation circuits on ships and offshore units.
• Rated voltage and marking: Voltage identification, continuity of marking and clear core identification (colour code and core numbering).
• Construction elements: Conductor materials, insulation (extruded solid), inner covering, screening (individual and collective), braid armour, inner and outer sheaths and specified thicknesses and materials.
• Cabling and core arrangements: Guidance on pair/triple/quad units, fillers and maximum/core counts.
• Tests and type approval: Electrical, mechanical and environmental tests; additional tests for halogen-free, low-smoke and fire‑resistant variants are indicated. Specific new tests address safe use in explosive atmospheres and for cables installed across hazardous/non-hazardous boundaries.
• Alignment with IEC 60092‑350: Construction and test methodologies are harmonized with Part 350 where applicable.

Applications and who uses this standard

IEC 60092-376:2025 is essential for:

• Shipbuilders and offshore platform designers specifying control and instrumentation wiring
• Cable manufacturers and suppliers producing marine-rated screened/unscreened cables (150/250 V (300 V))
• Electrical engineers and naval architects ensuring compliance with marine installation rules
• Classification societies, inspectors and procurement teams assessing conformity and safety
  Practical use cases include control circuits for automation, instrumentation, alarm systems, and cabling in hazardous zones where cables must meet explosion-hazard requirements.

Related standards

• IEC 60092 series - Electrical installations in ships (general framework)
• IEC 60092‑350 - Cable test methods and construction guidance (referenced alignment)
• IEC 60092‑352 - Installation requirements for marine cables (installation compliance)

This standard helps ensure consistent, safe, and testable cable construction for maritime control and instrumentation circuits, improving interoperability, inspection, and regulatory compliance.