ISO 4141-3:2019

Overview

ISO 4141-3:2019 - Road vehicles - Multi-core connecting cables - Part 3 - specifies the construction, dimensions and marking of unscreened sheathed low-voltage multi-core cables used for electrical connections between towing and towed vehicles. The standard applies to cables suitable for the temperature class A and class B ranges defined in ISO 6722‑1:2011. It defines physical cable geometry, coil (spiral) dimensions, minimum sheath thickness and marking conventions to ensure mechanical compatibility and clear functional identification.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope and performance linkage
  • Multi-core cables for basic and high performance must also meet ISO 4141‑1 and ISO 4141‑2 respectively.
• Single-core arrangement
  • Positions of individual cores shall align with contact positions of relevant connectors (e.g., ISO 1185, ISO 1724, ISO 11446 series, ISO 12098, ISO 25981) so wiring matches plugs and sockets.
• Sheath dimensions
  • Minimum sheath thickness: 1.0 mm (measured per ISO 4141‑1).
  • Outside diameter: varies by connector application - typically 8.0 mm to 17.0 mm depending on connector type and number of cores; ovality must not exceed 10%.
• Coil (spiral) dimensions
  • Three defined coil types with specified retracted (block) length, working length and maximum admitted extension (e.g., Type 1: Bmax 500 mm, W ≤ 1 750 mm, Emax 3 000 mm; Type 3: Bmax 600 mm, W ≤ 3 000 mm, Emax 4 500 mm).
• Marking and identification
  • Cores identified by insulation colour or printed numerals (contrasting colour). Table mappings cover common colours (yellow, blue, white, green, brown, red, black, etc.) to connector contact numbers.
  • Outer sheath must carry manufacturer ID and application characters (e.g., 12N, 12S, 24N, 24S, ABS, EBS, 12-8 … 12-12, 24-8 … 24-15). Sheath marking also indicates the end matching plug contact positions.

Applications and Who Uses It

• Intended for vehicle OEMs, trailer and caravan manufacturers, cable suppliers, system integrators and test laboratories working on towing/trailer electrics.
• Practical uses:
  • Designing and manufacturing trailer cables and coiled lead assemblies that mate reliably with standardized connectors.
  • Ensuring interchangeability, safety and correct functional allocation (lighting, braking, charging systems) across suppliers and fleets.
  • Defining manufacturing and QA checks (diameter, sheath thickness, marking, coil behavior) for procurement and compliance.

Related Standards

• ISO 4141‑1 (basic performance), ISO 4141‑2 (high performance)
• ISO 6722‑1 (temperature classes)
• Connector standards: ISO 1185, ISO 1724, ISO 3731/3732, ISO 7638‑1/‑2, ISO 11446‑1/‑2, ISO 12098, ISO 25981

Keywords: ISO 4141-3:2019, multi-core connecting cables, unscreened sheathed low-voltage cables, towing and towed vehicles, cable marking, coil dimensions, sheath thickness.