IEC 60502-2:2014

Overview

IEC 60502-2:2014 (with Amendment 1:2024) is the international standard that defines the construction, dimensions and test requirements for power cables with extruded solid insulation rated from 6 kV (Um = 7.2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) for fixed installations. It covers cable design options (including water-blocking barriers), conductor and insulation materials (e.g., XLPE, EPR/HEPR referenced in test clauses), screening, metal sheaths and armour, oversheaths, and required routine, sample and type tests. This third edition replaces the prior edition and includes technical revisions and the adoption of the modified IEC 60811 test-series structure.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope and exclusions: Intended for distribution networks and industrial fixed installations. Excludes overhead, mining, nuclear containment area, submarine and shipboard cables.
• Cable construction and dimensions: Specifies conductor, insulation, conductor and insulation screens, inner coverings, metal layers, armour, lead/other metal sheaths and oversheaths.
• Insulation and sheath materials: Requirements and tests for extruded solid insulation (XLPE, EPR/HEPR where referenced) and non-metallic sheaths.
• Water ingress mitigation: Includes cable designs with barriers claimed to prevent longitudinal water penetration and associated test methods - users are advised to consider radial water ingress risk for applications.
• Testing regime:
  • Routine tests: Conductor resistance, partial discharge, voltage tests (with modified routine voltage test procedure), and a new routine electrical test on oversheath.
  • Sample and type tests: Dimensional checks, 4-hour voltage test, hot-set and mechanical ageing tests, bending tests, partial discharge, tan δ for higher voltages, impulse tests and heating cycle tests.
  • Post-installation test: Inclusion of a 0.1 Hz test after installation.
• Design calculation and tolerances: Simplified procedures for lead sheath and oversheath thickness; modified tolerances for bending test cylinder; a new clause for determining conductor temperature.
• Standards alignment: Adopted the modified structure of the IEC 60811 series for material and test methods.

Practical applications

• Cable design and manufacture for medium-voltage distribution and industrial power systems.
• Specification and procurement of 6–30 kV extruded-insulation power cables.
• Type approval, factory testing and on-site acceptance testing for utilities, EPC contractors and industrial plant operators.
• Risk assessment for water ingress and selection of water-blocking cable designs.

Who should use this standard

• Cable manufacturers and designers
• Testing laboratories and quality assurance engineers
• Utilities and transmission/distribution planners
• Procurement specialists, installers and inspection authorities

Related standards

• IEC 60502-1 (covers 1 kV up to 6 kV)
• IEC 60811 series (material and test methods for cables)
• Other IEC medium-voltage and cable installation standards for installation practice and accessory requirements

Keywords: IEC 60502-2, power cables with extruded insulation, rated voltages 6 kV to 30 kV, XLPE, EPR, routine tests, type tests, water-blocking, medium-voltage cables.