IEC 60754-3:2018

Overview - IEC 60754-3:2018 (ion chromatography, low‑level halogen measurement)

IEC 60754-3:2018 specifies a laboratory method to measure low levels of halogen content released when materials from electric or optical-fibre cable constructions are burned. The method captures combustion gases in water and quantifies chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), fluorine (F) and iodine (I) by ion chromatography (IC). It uses the same heating/combustion procedure as IEC 60754-2 and is intended for materials with an individual halogen content up to 10 mg/g. For precision reasons this method is not recommended for reporting values below 0.1 mg/g.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose: Measurement of individual halogen contents in gases evolved from cable component combustion to verify cable specification limits or “halogen‑free” claims.
• Analytical technique: Ion chromatography of an aqueous solution produced by bubbling combustion effluent through distilled/demineralized water.
• Test apparatus (selected): tube furnace, quartz combustion tube, combustion boat, gas‑bubbling wash bottles, controlled air supply, analytical balance, laboratory glassware and an IC system.
• Test limits: Intended for individual halogen contents ≤ 10 mg/g; not reliable below 0.1 mg/g.
• Normative references and compatibility: Incorporates laboratory water and volumetric glassware standards (ISO 3696, ISO 1042) and aligns with liquid chromatography anion methods (ISO 10304-1).
• Linked procedures: Shares heating/absorption procedure with IEC 60754-2 (pH and conductivity); complements IEC 60754-1 (total halogen acid gas content).

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Cable manufacturers and material suppliers: quality control of individual insulation, sheath or accessory components and verification of low-halogen materials.
• Independent testing laboratories: routine IC analysis for product certification and supplier validation.
• Specification writers and procurement: define acceptance criteria in cable specifications and supplier contracts (e.g., pre-qualification for “halogen‑free” materials).
• Fire safety and electrical engineers: assess potential corrosivity and toxic halogen release (used along with IEC 60754-1/2 and guidance such as IEC 60695-5-1).

Benefits include high analytical accuracy in the low concentration range (thanks to ion chromatography) and direct measurement of individual halogens for detailed material assessment.

Related standards

• IEC 60754-1 - Determination of halogen acid gas content
• IEC 60754-2 - Determination of acidity (pH) and conductivity; same heating procedure
• IEC 60695-5-1 - Guidance on corrosivity of fire effluent
• ISO 10304-1, ISO 3696, ISO 1042 - Relevant analytical and laboratory equipment/water standards

Keywords: IEC 60754-3:2018, ion chromatography, halogen content, cable combustion gases, halogen‑free testing, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, cable testing standards.