IEC 62821-3:2015

Overview

IEC 62821-3:2015 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies requirements for flexible electric cables (cords) designed for connection to appliances. These cables are insulated and sheathed with halogen-free thermoplastic compounds, ensuring low smoke emission and minimal release of corrosive gases during fire exposure. The standard addresses flexible cables with rated voltages up to and including 300/500 V, covering both circular and flat cable types.

This publication is part of the IEC 62821 series and should be read in conjunction with IEC 62821-1, which specifies general requirements for this family of cables. The focus on halogen-free low smoke cables responds to increasing demands for enhanced fire safety and environmental performance in electrical installations.

Key Topics

• Halogen-Free, Low Smoke Materials
  The standard specifies that both insulation and sheath must be made of halogen-free thermoplastic compounds. This reduces the emission of toxic and corrosive gases in fire, essential for safety in public and enclosed environments.

• Flexible Cable Construction
  Provisions for both circular and flat cable construction are included:

  • Circular flexible cables (types 62821 IEC 101 and 102)
  • Flat flexible cables (types 62821 IEC 101f and 102f) The cables must meet requirements for flexibility, mechanical strength, and assembly consistency.

• Performance Requirements
  Key aspects covered:

  • Minimum light transmittance of 60% during smoke emission tests (per IEC 61034-2)
  • Compliance with prescribed dimensional limits and insulation resistance values
  • Surface resistance minimum and mechanical compatibility through aging and heat tests

• Testing and Marking
  Testing methods are standardized, referencing IEC 60227, IEC 60228, IEC 60332-1-2, IEC 60811, and more. Cables must be clearly marked in compliance with IEC 62821-1 for traceability and correct usage.

Applications

IEC 62821-3:2015 flexible halogen-free, low smoke cables are suited for a wide range of applications, especially where fire safety and reduced toxicity are critical:

• Appliance Connections
  Designed for safe connection of domestic and industrial appliances with rated voltages up to 300/500 V.
• Public Buildings and Infrastructure
  Ideal for use in schools, hospitals, offices, and transport hubs, where low smoke and low toxicity during fire incidents are crucial for evacuation safety and minimizing equipment damage.
• Enclosed Spaces
  Particularly suitable for installations in confined spaces where corrosion from gas emissions must be minimized, such as control rooms and technical enclosures.
• General Low Voltage Installations
  Applicable for flexible connections in household, commercial, and light industrial environments requiring compliance with strict fire safety standards.

Related Standards

For comprehensive compliance and best practice, the following related standards should also be referenced:

• IEC 62821-1:2015 – General requirements for halogen-free, low smoke thermoplastic insulated and sheathed cables.
• IEC 62821-2 – Test methods relevant for cables under this standard.
• IEC 61034-2 – Procedures and requirements for smoke density measurement.
• IEC 60227-2 – Test methods for PVC-insulated cables (reference for general test procedures).
• IEC 60228 – Standard for conductors of insulated cables.
• IEC 60332-1-2 – Fire testing for single insulated wires and cables.
• IEC 62440 – Guidance for the safe use of cables with rated voltage up to 450/750 V.

Practical Value

Adopting IEC 62821-3:2015 ensures enhanced safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance in electrical system design and installation. Use of halogen-free, low smoke flexible cables helps protect occupants and assets during fire events, supports environmental goals, and aligns with modern building codes and risk management strategies.

Keywords: halogen-free cables, low smoke cables, flexible electric cables, IEC 62821-3, appliance cables, fire safety cables, low smoke insulation, cable standards, international cable standards, electrical safety.