IEC 60092-379:2024

Overview

IEC 60092-379:2024 - "Electrical installations in ships - Part 379: Symmetrical category cables with transmission characteristics up to 1 000 MHz" specifies requirements for shipboard and offshore Ethernet (category) cables with extruded solid or foamed insulation intended for fixed installations. The standard covers cable types (Clause 4), construction requirements (Clause 5), special application constructions (Clause 6) and test methods and requirements (Clause 7). All cables described are halogen-free and the document aligns constructional requirements and test methods with IEC 60092-350 unless otherwise stated. Fire-resistant cables (6.1) and cables for explosive atmospheres (6.2) are explicitly included.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and cable types: Defines symmetrical (balanced) Ethernet category cables with transmission characteristics up to 1 000 MHz for shipboard and offshore use (Clause 4).
• Construction requirements: Materials and layering (cores, insulation, inner sheath, armour, outer sheath), conductor types and cabling methods (Clause 5).
• Special applications: Requirements for fire resistant cables and for installation in or between explosive-atmosphere zones (Clause 6).
• Testing and conformity: Test methods and acceptance criteria are given (Clause 7), including additional tests for low-smoke, fire performance and explosive-atmosphere suitability. Test tables and requirements (e.g., insulation and functional integrity) are provided to demonstrate conformity.
• Marking and installation: Marking, core identification and installation guidance (Annex A) to ensure correct selection and safe installation on ships and offshore units.
• Alignment with other IEC standards: Construction and testing are harmonized with IEC 60092-350 and reference related documents for materials and installation practice.

Practical applications and users

Who uses IEC 60092-379:

• Shipbuilders, naval architects and offshore platform designers specifying on-board Ethernet cabling.
• Cable manufacturers designing and certifying category cables for marine and offshore service.
• Marine electrical engineers, integrators and installers selecting cables for fixed installations.
• Classification societies, procurement teams and certification bodies assessing compliance for safety and functionality.

Typical applications:

• Onboard Ethernet networks (data, control, instrumentation) requiring up to 1 000 MHz performance.
• Installations demanding halogen-free, low-smoke, fire-resistant or armoured cables - e.g., engine rooms, accommodation spaces, exposed decks and explosive-atmosphere zones.

Related standards

• IEC 60092-350 (construction & test methods for shipboard cables)
• IEC 60092-352 (choice and installation of cables)
• IEC 60092-360 (insulating & sheathing materials)
• IEC 60092-401 (installation & testing of completed installations)
• IEC 60079-14 (explosive atmospheres)
• IEC 60331 series (circuit integrity fire tests)

IEC 60092-379 is essential when specifying reliable, safety-compliant Ethernet cabling for marine and offshore environments where transmission performance, fire integrity and explosive-atmosphere suitability are required.