IEC 60229:2007

Overview

IEC 60229:2007 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the testing requirements for electric cables featuring extruded oversheaths with special protective functions. This standard outlines a comprehensive set of tests designed to verify the integrity and performance of the cable oversheath, which serves critical roles such as corrosion protection and insulation degradation prevention across insulated and uninsulated cable systems.

This third edition revises earlier versions by refining test applications, removing redundant pressure tests, and adding guidance on post-installation testing. The standard is essential for manufacturers, installers, and testing laboratories aiming to ensure the durability, electrical safety, and protective functionality of extruded oversheaths in electric cable installations.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application: Applies to electric cables with extruded oversheaths that serve special protective functions, regardless of insulation type or rated voltage. Covers both insulated and uninsulated cable systems.

• Test Categories:

  • Routine Tests: Include electrical checks such as d.c. voltage and spark tests to assess oversheath integrity.
  • Type Tests: Include abrasion resistance and corrosion spread evaluations, applied based on system and cable construction specifics.
  • Tests After Installation: Electrical post-installation tests ensure oversheath functionality in situ.

• Electrical Routine Tests:

  • D.C. Voltage Test: Application of up to 25 kV d.c. voltage for one minute to test for dielectric breakdown.
  • Spark Test: High voltage a.c. or d.c. spark tests to locate defects in the oversheath.

• Type Tests:

  • Abrasion Test: Simulates mechanical wear during cable laying by repeatedly sliding a weighted steel angle over the cable surface. Electrical tests follow to verify no damage.
  • Corrosion Spread Test: Specific to cables with aluminium metallic screens, this test measures resistance to corrosion spread under defined conditions.

• Guidance on Post-Installation Tests: Included in Annex B to assist in verifying oversheath condition after deployment.

• Technical Updates: Clarifies that oversheath functions are evaluated independently of metallic sheath earthing; updates test applications with precise terminology; removes the high-temperature pressure test now covered in relevant cable standards.

Applications

• Cable Manufacturing: Provides a framework for quality assurance regarding the physical and electrical protection performance of extruded oversheaths.

• Installation and Maintenance: Enables contractors and utilities to perform routine and post-installation tests ensuring cable oversheath integrity and preventing premature degradation in various environments.

• Safety and Reliability Assurance: Supports compliance with international safety standards, reducing cable failures due to abrasion, corrosion, and electrical faults.

• System Design and Specification: Essential reference for specifying cables in systems where oversheaths play critical protective roles beyond conventional insulation functions.

Related Standards

• IEC 60230: Impulse tests on cables and accessories-provides methodologies referenced for impulse voltage testing in IEC 60229.

• IEC 62230: Electric cables – Spark test method-defines the spark testing procedures detailed in routine test requirements.

• Relevant Cable Standards: Pressure tests and other testing practices applicable in conjunction with IEC 60229 to ensure full compliance with cable design and operating requirements.

Keywords: IEC 60229, extruded oversheath tests, electric cable standards, abrasion test, corrosion protection, electrical routine test, spark test, d.c. voltage test, cable installation testing, cable oversheath functionality.