IEC 60684-3-247:2019

Overview

IEC 60684-3-247:2019 specifies the requirements for two types of heat-shrinkable, polyolefin sleeving that are dual wall, not flame retarded, and available in both medium and thick wall forms. Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard addresses flexible insulating sleeving designed for electrical insulation purposes, especially where mechanical protection and environmental sealing are required. The sleeving features a nominal shrink ratio of 3:1 and is typically supplied in black. It is suitable for applications up to 100 °C, making it ideal for a range of electrical and electronic installations.

Key Topics

• Product Types:
  • Type A (Medium wall): Internal diameter up to 200.0 mm.
  • Type B (Thick wall): Internal diameter up to 200.0 mm.
• Material Characteristics:
  • Heat-shrinkable, polyolefin-based dual wall construction.
  • Not flame retarded.
  • Provides robust environmental and electrical insulation.
• Performance Requirements:
  • Compliance with established physical and electrical property levels.
  • Specific requirements for flexibility at low temperatures (-20 °C), tensile strength, elongation, volume resistivity, breakdown voltage, and resistance to selected fluids.
• Customizable Sizing:
  • Wide range of sizes and wall thicknesses, detailed in Annex A.
  • Actual sizing is agreed upon between supplier and user for the intended application.
• Recent Revisions:
  • Removal of colour fastness to light test (now determined via carbon black content).
  • Improved alignment with related test methods (e.g., low temperature flexibility).
  • Removal of fungus resistance test as not considered relevant.
  • Updated conditioning temperature for peel strength test.

Applications

IEC 60684-3-247:2019-compliant sleeving is widely used in applications where mechanical protection, insulation, and environmental sealing are critical. Its use spans various industrial and electrical sectors:

• Cable Joints and Terminations: Provides insulation and strain relief for power and communication cables.
• Wire Harness Protection: Shields wiring bundles in automotive, electrical panel, and industrial settings.
• Environmental Sealing: Dual wall construction offers moisture resistance and protection from chemicals when the inner adhesive layer is present.
• Repair and Maintenance: Ideal for retrofitting or repairing damaged insulation on wires and cables.
• General Electrical Insulation: Applied wherever reliable electrical and mechanical separation is required at operating temperatures up to 100 °C.

The product’s versatility and adaptability, with its broad range of diameters and wall thicknesses, make it suitable for both new installations and field repairs.

Related Standards

Organizations referencing IEC 60684-3-247:2019 may also consider:

• IEC 60684-1: Flexible insulating sleeving - Part 1: Definitions and general requirements.
• IEC 60684-2: Flexible insulating sleeving - Part 2: Methods of test.
• IEC 60502-1: Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages from 1 kV up to 30 kV.
• IEC 60757: Code for designation of colours.
• ISO 868 & ISO 11357-3: Methods for evaluating hardness and thermal properties of plastics used in sleeving.

Practical Value

The implementation of this standard supports:

• Consistency and Reliability: Ensures uniform performance parameters for heat-shrinkable polyolefin sleeving worldwide.
• Suitability Assessment: Users can assess appropriate sleeving for specific environmental or mechanical demands, referencing established performance benchmarks.
• Customization and Scalability: Facilitates agreements between users and suppliers for tailored sizes and thicknesses to match real-world applications.
• Global Trade and Compliance: Adoption of IEC standards aids manufacturers and users in demonstrating conformity in international markets.

Keywords: IEC 60684-3-247, heat-shrinkable sleeving, polyolefin sleeving, dual wall, electrical insulation, medium wall sleeving, thick wall sleeving, cable protection, non-flame retarded, mechanical protection, environmental sealing, international standard.