IEC 60227-6:2001

Overview - IEC 60227-6:2001 (Lift cables and flexible connection cables)

IEC 60227-6:2001 is the International Electrotechnical Commission standard that specifies particular requirements for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulated lift cables and cables for flexible connections with rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V (and 300/500 V for smaller conductors). It is Part 6 of the IEC 60227 series and supplements the general requirements of IEC 60227-1. The standard covers both flat and circular cable constructions, materials (PVC compounds), mechanical layout and mandatory type tests for safe, flexible operation in elevators and other moving applications.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & voltage ratings: Designed for cables used in lifts and flexible connections at rated voltages up to 450/750 V (300/500 V for conductors ≤ 1 mm²).
• Conductor construction: Class 5 flexible conductors per IEC 60228; permitted combinations of conductor numbers and nominal cross-sections for flat cables.
• Insulation & sheath materials: Specifies PVC insulation (PVC/D) for cores and PVC sheath (PVC/ST5) for outer covering with minimum thickness and dimensional tolerance requirements.
• Core arrangements & strain members: Defines allowable parallel or grouped core layouts, clearances and use of textile or metal strain-bearing members (metal members must be covered with abrasion‑resistant non‑conductive material).
• Mechanical and electrical tests: Mandatory tests include pressure test at high temperature for sheaths, impact tests at low temperature, flexing tests, static flexibility tests and flame retardance tests. Test methods reference the IEC 60811 series and IEC 60227-2.
• Construction details: Requirements on avoiding cavities in sheaths, rounded edges for flat cables, and provisions for separable cores (tearing threads when grouped).

Practical applications

• Designed primarily for elevator (lift) wiring, traveling cables for hoists, and flexible power/control leads where repeated flexing, mechanical abrasion and flame safety are concerns.
• Typical users and stakeholders:
  • Cable manufacturers and compound formulators
  • Elevator/OEM designers and installers
  • Building services engineers and facility managers
  • Test laboratories and certification bodies
  • Procurement and compliance officers specifying safe flexible cables

Related standards

• IEC 60227-1 (General requirements for PVC insulated cables)
• IEC 60227-2 (Test methods)
• IEC 60228 (Conductors)
• IEC 60332-1 (Flame tests)
• IEC 60811 series (Material test methods)
• IEC 60096-0-1, IEC 60502-1 (referenced in normative list)

This summary helps you identify whether IEC 60227-6 applies to your lift or flexible-cable product, what construction and test requirements to expect, and which IEC documents to consult for referenced test methods and conductor classes.