ISO 4141-1:2019

Overview

ISO 4141-1:2019 - Road vehicles - Multi-core connecting cables - Part 1 specifies test methods and performance requirements for basic-performance multi-core sheathed cables used to connect towing and towed vehicles (for example, vehicle-to-trailer connections). The standard covers cables suitable for the temperature class A and class B ranges as defined in ISO 6722‑1:2011, Table 1, and defines laboratory tests, pass/fail criteria and dimensional limits to ensure safety and durability in automotive environments.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 4141-1:2019 focuses on measurable test methods and acceptance requirements, including:

• Dimensions: outside cable diameter, ovality, sheath thickness and lay length - defined test samples, apparatus and measurement procedures.
• Electrical characteristics: continuity, withstand voltage and capacitance measurements (sample prep, instrumentation, procedures and limits).
• Mechanical characteristics: pressure testing at high temperature, adhesion of the sheath, and cyclic bending tests to assess flex life.
• Low-temperature performance: winding and impact tests to verify flexibility and mechanical integrity at cold temperatures.
• Durability and resistance: abrasion resistance, heat ageing (long term 3 000 h and short term 240 h), fluid/chemical compatibility, durability of sheath marking, and ozone resistance.
• Safety tests: resistance to flame propagation and artificial weathering to evaluate UV and environmental degradation.
• Test procedures are described in detail (sample preparation, apparatus, procedure) and include explicit requirements or pass/fail criteria for each test type.

Practical applications

• Ensures that multi-core sheathed connecting cables for towing/towed vehicle connections meet consistent safety and performance benchmarks.
• Guides product development and validation for automotive cable manufacturers designing trailer/lighting harnesses and inter-vehicle connectors.
• Provides test protocols for independent test laboratories and in-house QA teams to verify conformance during production and qualification.
• Supports procurement and compliance checks for vehicle OEMs, tier suppliers, fleet operators and regulators who require documented cable performance across temperature classes.

Who should use this standard

• Cable designers and manufacturers
• Automotive OEMs and tier-1 suppliers
• Test laboratories and quality assurance engineers
• Regulatory bodies and procurement teams specifying connector/cable performance

Related standards

• ISO 6722‑1:2011 - Temperature classes (Class A and B) referenced by ISO 4141-1
• Other parts of the ISO 4141 series (see ISO website for the full list)

Keywords: ISO 4141-1, multi-core connecting cables, sheathed cables, towing and towed vehicles, test methods, automotive cable standards, temperature class A, temperature class B, ISO 6722-1.