IEC 62821-1:2015

Overview

IEC 62821-1:2015 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies general requirements for halogen-free, low smoke, thermoplastic insulated and sheathed electric cables with rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V. This standard applies to cables used primarily in power installations where low smoke emission and reduced release of corrosive gases are critical during fire conditions. Cables conforming to this standard ensure improved safety and environmental performance in electrical installations.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  The standard covers cables insulated and sheathed with halogen-free thermoplastic compounds. These cables are designed for nominal AC voltages not exceeding 450/750 V, suitable for a wide range of power distribution and building infrastructure needs.

• Materials and Construction Requirements
  The cables feature conductors made from specified materials with set electrical and mechanical properties. Insulation and sheathing materials must be halogen-free and exhibit low smoke emission and corrosion when exposed to fire. Thickness, durability, and mechanical strength before and after aging are standardized.

• Identification and Marking
  Clear and durable marking requirements, including cable origin and identification, must be met. There are detailed guidelines for core identification by colours or numbers to ensure safe and correct installation.

• Testing Procedures
  The standard calls for rigorous electrical, mechanical, and fire performance tests on completed cables. This includes verification of insulation resistance, mechanical strength, and fire-related characteristics such as smoke density and corrosivity of gases emitted.

• Safety and Environmental Performance
  Halogen-free materials significantly reduce hazardous gas emissions compared to traditional cable compounds, enhancing safety for both users and systems in case of fire. Low smoke emissions preserve visibility, aiding evacuation and firefighting.

Applications

IEC 62821-1:2015 cables are commonly used in:

• Power installations in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings where low smoke and halogen-free requirements enhance fire safety.
• Public infrastructure and transportation facilities that demand strict fire performance standards.
• Environments with high fire hazard risk, such as tunnels, hospitals, and schools, where toxic and corrosive gas reduction is essential.
• Sustainable and green building projects, owing to the environmentally friendlier cable materials.

These cables ensure enhanced safety, reduced maintenance costs, and better compliance with fire safety regulations globally.

Related Standards

• IEC 60332 (Fire resistance tests for electric cables) – focusing on flame propagation.
• IEC 60754 (Test on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables) – assessing halogen and acid gas emissions.
• IEC 61034 (Measurement of smoke density from cables) – detailing smoke emission testing methods.
• IEC 62821 series – other parts addressing specific cable types or additional requirements beyond general specifications.

For comprehensive implementation, IEC 62821-1 should be used alongside these standards to ensure full compliance in design, manufacture, and installation of halogen-free, low smoke thermoplastic cables.

Keywords: IEC 62821-1, halogen-free cables, low smoke cables, thermoplastic insulated cables, 450/750 V rated voltage, fire safety cables, electrical cable standards, cable marking, halogen-free thermoplastic sheathing, power installation cables.