IEC 60189-1:2018

Overview

IEC 60189-1:2018 is the international test-methods standard for low-frequency cables and wires with PVC insulation and PVC sheath. Part 1 of the IEC 60189 series defines general mechanical, electrical and climatic test and measuring methods used for cables and wires intended for telecommunication inside plants and equipment and for electronic devices using similar techniques. This fourth edition (2018) revises the previous edition (2007), updating referenced test methods and aligning references with the renumbered IEC 60811 series.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard focuses on standardized procedures rather than product design limits. Key technical topics include:

• Sample selection and preparation: rules for insulation, sheath and finished cable/wire specimens prior to testing.
• Dimensional measurements: minimum and mean insulation/sheath thickness and finished cable diameters.
• Mechanical tests: tensile testing (conductors, insulation, sheath), cross-sectional area measurement, stripping properties.
• Thermal and climatic tests: accelerated ageing, pressure tests at high temperature, heat shock, cold bend, combined shrinkage/heat-shock, and measurement of insulation shrinkage.
• Fire and safety tests: resistance to flame propagation for wires and cables (references to IEC 60332 series).
• Electrical tests: conductor resistance, dielectric strength, insulation resistance, mutual capacitance and capacitance unbalance.
• Special tests: solderability test on tinned conductors and mandrel-based sheath flexibility tests.
• Normative references: updated references to current standards such as IEC 60811, IEC 60068, IEC 60332, IEC 60227-2 and IEC 60028 for related procedures and measurements.

Notable technical updates in the 2018 edition:

• Previously referenced dielectric strength and insulation resistance methods were withdrawn and replaced by references to current standards.
• References to the IEC 60811 series were updated to reflect the series’ renumbering.

Practical applications and users

IEC 60189-1:2018 is used by:

• Cable and wire manufacturers for type testing, R&D and production quality control.
• Independent test laboratories performing conformity and safety tests.
• Product designers and engineers specifying cables for telecommunication and electronic equipment.
• Procurement and quality assurance teams defining acceptance criteria and supplier contracts.
• Certification bodies and regulators relying on standardized methods to assess compliance and safety.

Typical uses include design validation, routine QC, specification writing, failure investigation and documentation for regulatory or customer compliance.

Related standards

• IEC 60811 series - common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials
• IEC 60068 series - environmental testing
• IEC 60332 series - flame propagation tests for single wires and cables
• IEC 60227-2 - PVC insulated cables (test methods)
• IEC 60028 - standard of resistance for copper

Keywords: IEC 60189-1:2018, low-frequency cables, PVC insulation, PVC sheath, test methods, mechanical tests, electrical tests, climatic tests, IEC 60811, dielectric strength, insulation resistance.