IEC 62893-1:2017

Overview - IEC 62893-1:2017 (EV charging cable standard)

IEC 62893-1:2017 defines the general requirements for electric vehicle (EV) charging cables with extruded insulation and sheath rated up to and including 0,6/1 kV AC or up to 1 500 V DC. It covers construction, dimensions and test requirements for flexible cables used under harsh conditions between the electricity supply point of the charging station and the EV or PHEV. The standard applies across charging modes 1–4 (IEC 61851‑1) with ordinary‑duty 300/500 V cables limited to mode 1. Maximum conductor temperature in this part is 90 °C.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Voltage ratings and scope: Up to 0,6/1 kV AC and up to 1 500 V DC, with specific allowances for ordinary‑duty cables and charging modes.
• Cable construction: Requirements for conductors (materials, construction, electrical resistance), insulation, fillers, assembly, optional metallic screens and outer sheath.
• Insulation and sheath materials: Properties and ageing requirements for compounds suitable for harsh, flexible applications.
• Marking & core identification: Durable legibility, origin marking, colour and numeric core identification rules.
• Mechanical and electrical tests: Type and routine tests on completed cables including electrical properties, dimensions, flexibility and mechanical strength.
• Environmental and safety tests: Fire performance (vertical flame propagation), halogen assessment, cold impact, crush resistance, shrinkage and compatibility testing (see Annex A).
• Referenced test methods: Normative references include IEC 62893‑2, IEC 60245‑2, IEC 60332‑1‑2, IEC 62821‑1 (Annex B) and relevant parts of IEC 60811.

Practical applications

• Specifying cables for public and residential EV charging installations.
• Design and development guidance for EV cable manufacturers building flexible, weather‑and‑wear resistant cables.
• Type testing and certification: Provides criteria for conformity testing by laboratories and certification bodies.
• Procurement and safety compliance for charging station OEMs, fleet operators and infrastructure projects ensuring interoperability and safe power delivery.

Who should use this standard

• Cable manufacturers and material suppliers
• Charging station and EV connector designers
• Test laboratories and certification bodies
• Electrical engineers, procurement teams and regulators working on EV infrastructure

Related standards

• IEC 62196 - connectors and plugs for EV charging
• IEC 61851‑1 - electric vehicle conductive charging systems (charging modes)
• IEC 62893‑2 - test methods (normative reference)
• IEC 62893‑3 / IEC 62893‑4 - particular specifications for AC modes 1–3 and DC mode 4 (part 4 planned)
• Other referenced standards: IEC 60245‑2, IEC 60332‑1‑2, IEC 60811, IEC 62821‑1

Keywords: IEC 62893-1, EV charging cable standard, electric vehicle charging cables, 0.6/1 kV, 1500 V DC, cable construction, cable testing, charging modes.