IEC 62893-2:2017

Overview

IEC 62893-2:2017 - Charging cables for electric vehicles for rated voltages up to and including 0,6/1 kV - Part 2: Test methods - specifies test methods specific to EV charging cables with extruded insulation and sheath. It applies to flexible cables used under harsh conditions for the power connection between the electricity supply point or charging station and the electric vehicle (EV). The standard covers AC cables up to 0,6/1 kV and flexible DC applications up to 1 500 V DC.

Key topics and technical requirements

The document defines general test conditions and a set of laboratory test methods that address electrical, mechanical and environmental resistance of charging cables. Important elements include:

• General test conditions

  • Pre-conditioning: tests conducted not less than 16 h after extrusion.
  • Ambient test temperature: (20 ± 15) °C unless otherwise specified.
  • Test voltage: AC sine wave between 49 Hz and 61 Hz, peak/rms ratio √2 ± 7 % (values quoted are r.m.s.).

• Electrical tests

  • Long-term resistance of insulation to DC: example procedure uses a 5 m sample immersed (240 ± 2 h at 85 ± 2 °C) in 30 g/l NaCl with a 600 V DC negative connection to the conductor and a positive copper electrode in the solution. Requirement: no breakdown and no external insulation damage (discoloration ignored).

• Environmental and mechanical tests

  • Weathering / UV resistance: xenon arc lamp with borosilicate filters, typical irradiance ~43 W/m² ± 15 % (300–400 nm), controlled temperature/humidity and deionized water spray (conductivity ≤ 5 µS/cm).
  • Chemical resistance: testing against defined media and conditions (see table in the standard).
  • Water resistance, tear resistance, saponification value, crush resistance, and cold impact tests - procedures and acceptance criteria are provided or referenced to other IEC/ISO test methods.

Practical applications and target users

This standard is intended for:

• Cable manufacturers designing and qualifying charging cables for AC and high-voltage DC charging.
• Independent test laboratories conducting type approval and routine test programs.
• EV charging equipment suppliers, system integrators and fleet operators who need assurance of cable performance under harsh outdoor and industrial conditions.
• Certification bodies and regulators using harmonized test methods for compliance and safety verification.

By following IEC 62893-2:2017, stakeholders can benchmark durability against recognized test protocols for UV, chemical and mechanical stresses common in EV charging environments.

Related standards

• IEC 62893-1 (General requirements)
• IEC 62893-3 (Particular cable types)
• IEC 60811 series (non‑metallic material test methods)
• ISO 1817 (effect of liquids on rubber), ISO 6722-1, ISO 22241-1

Keywords: IEC 62893-2:2017, charging cables for electric vehicles, EV charging cable test methods, 0.6/1 kV cables, 1500 V DC, cable testing, UV resistance, chemical resistance, crush resistance.