BS 6231 PDF

Specification for
PVC-insulated cables
for switchgear and
controlgear wiring
ICS 29.060.20
NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW
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Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy
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Not for Resale, 08/08/2005 20:45:40 MDT
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BRITISH STANDARD
BS 6231:1998
Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by Technical Committee
GEL/20, Electric cables, to Subcommittee GEL/20/1, Wiring cables, upon which the
following bodies were represented:
Association of Consulting Engineers
Association of Manufacturers Allied to the Electrical and Electronic Industry
(BEAMA Ltd)
British Approvals Service for Cables
British Cable Makers Confederation
British Plastics Federation
British Retail Consortium
Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
Department of Trade and Industry Consumer Safety Unit, C A Division
Electricity Association
ERA Technology Ltd.
Electrical Installation Equipment Manufacturers Association (BEAMA Ltd.)
Engineering Industries Association
Institution of Incorporated Executive Engineers
Lift and Escalator Industries Association
London Underground Ltd.
Portable Electric Tool Manufacturers Association
Transmission and Distribution Association (BEAMA Ltd.)
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This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Electrotechnical
Sector Board, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes into
effect on
15 August 1998
BSI 17 June 2005
First published, as BS 1231,
July 1945
Second edition, November 1958
Third edition, February 1963
Fourth edition, as BS 6231,
August 1969
Fifth edition, May 1978
Sixth edition, December 1981
Seventh edition, October 1990
Eighth edition, August 1998
Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No.
Date
15648
17 June 2005 Certification notice in Foreword changed and deleted

on inside back cover
Text affected
The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference GEL/20/1
Draft for comment 96/215021 DC
ISBN 0 580 29572 9

BS 6231:1998
Contents
Page
Committees responsible
Inside front cover
Foreword
ii
1 Scope
1
2 Normative references
1
3 Definitions
1
4 Temperature ratings
1
5 Voltage designations
1
6 Identification
2
7 Marking
2
8 Conductors
2
9 Insulation
3
10 Construction and overall dimensions
3
11 Dimensional test methods
3
12 Electrical requirements and test methods
3
13 Durability of colours and marking
5
14 Test under fire conditions
5
Annex A (informative) Guidance on installation and operating temperatures
12
Bibliography
Inside back cover
Table 1 Constructional details and maximum resistance for small circular
tinned annealed copper conductors not included in BS 6360
2
Table 2 Spare
4
Table 3 Voltage values for voltage test
4
Table 4 Thermal endurance test voltage
5
Table 5 Types AU and AK PVC-insulated cables
6
Table 6 Types BU and BR PVC-insulated rigid cables
7
Table 7 Type BK PVC-insulated flexible cables
8
Table 8 Types CU and CR PVC-insulated rigid cables
9
Table 9 Type CK PVC-insulated flexible cables
10
Table 10 List of tests applicable to the various types of cable
11
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BSI 17 June 2005

BS 6231:1998
Foreword
This new edition of BS 6231 has been prepared by Technical Subcommittee
GEL/20/1 and supersedes BS 6231:1990 which is withdrawn. It introduces technical
changes but does not reflect a full review or revision of this standard, which will be
undertaken in due course.
As specified in the previous edition, this standard adopts the voltage designation for
some types of harmonized single-core PVC-insulated cables in CENELEC
Harmonization Document HD 21.
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Although CENELEC has now agreed to a 600/1 000 V rating for some cables of the
types specified in BS 6004 when installed inside equipment in protected conditions, the
electrical controlgear industry has requested continuation and revision of BS 6231,
rather than its withdrawal, because some requirements cannot always be fulfilled by
the use of cables conforming to other British Standards.
To meet the requirements of the electrical switchgear and controlgear industry, a new
range of cables, types CR, CU and CK, has been introduced for operation at a
designated temperature of 85 8C. These cables are dimensionally similar to the existing
types BR, BU and BK.
The opportunity has also been taken to align types AU and AK cables contained in this
standard with those of BS 4808-2.
Annex A (informative) gives guidance on installation and operating temperatures.
Cables conforming to this standard are deemed also to conform, for corresponding
sizes, to the requirements of the corresponding classes of BS 4808, BS 6004 and BS
6500. Because of the more stringent requirements of this standard, the converse is
not necessarily true.
Product certification/inspection/testing. Users of this British Standard are
advised to consider the desirability of third-party certification/inspection/testing
of product conformity with this British Standard. Users seeking assistance in
identifying appropriate conformity assessment bodies or schemes may ask BSI to
forward their enquiries to the relevant association.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, page i and ii,
pages 1 to 12 and a back cover.

ii

BSI 17 June 2005
BS 6231:1998
1 Scope
This British Standard specifies requirements for
single-core non-sheathed cables, including flexible
cables, used for the wiring of switch, control,
metering, relay and instrument panels of power
switchgear, and for such purposes as internal
connections in rectifier equipment and in motor
starters and controllers.
The types of cable specified in this standard are as
follows:
Type
AU
AK
BR
BU
BK
CR
CU
CK
Form of conductor
Rigid, round,
Flexible
Rigid, round,
Rigid, round,
Flexible
Rigid, round,
Rigid, round,
Flexible
Designated
temperature
70 8C
70 8C
stranded 70 8C
solid
70 8C
70 8C
stranded 90 8C
solid
90 8C
90 8C
solid
Rated
voltage
60 V
60 V
600/1 000 V
600/1 000 V
600/1 000 V
600/1 000 V
600/1 000 V
600/1 000 V
2 Normative references
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The following normative documents contain

provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this British Standard. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of, any of these publications do not apply.
For undated references, the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies.
BS 2011:1981, Environmental testing
Part 2.1T: Test T Soldering.
BS 4066-1, Tests on electric cables under fire
conditions Part 1: Method of test on a single
vertical insulated wire or cable.
BS 4066-2, Tests on electric cables under fire
conditions Part 2: Method of test on a single
small insulated wire or cable.
BS 4727, Glossary of electrotechnical, power,
telecommunication, electronics, lighting and colour
terms Part 2: Terms particular to power
engineering Group 08 Electric cables.
BS 5099, Spark testing of electric cables.
BS 6360, Specification for conductors in insulated
cables and cords.
BS 7655-3.1, Specification for insulating and
sheathing materials for cables Part 3: PVC
insulating compounds Section 3.1: Harmonized
types.

BSI 17 June 2005
BS 7655-3.2, Specification for insulating and

sheathing materials for cables Part 3: PVC
insulating compounds Section 3.2: Hard grade
types.
BS EN 60811-1-1:1995, Insulating and sheathing
materials for electric cables. Common test
methods Part 1-1: General application
Measurement of thickness and overall dimensions.
Tests for determining the mechanical properties.
PD 2379, Register of colours of manufacturers'
identification threads for electric cables and cords .
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard the
definitions relating to electric cables given in
BS 4727 apply.
4 Temperature ratings
The designated temperatures quoted are the
temperatures assigned to the same materials in
BS 6004, BS 6500 and BS 7655. The combination of
ambient temperature and temperature rise due to
load should not result in a conductor temperature
exceeding the designated temperature.
NOTE Attention is drawn to annex A which gives guidance on
installation and operating temperatures.
5 Voltage designations
5.1 Types AU and AK cables shall be designated by
the rated voltage, which is 60 V. They are intended
for use where the operating voltage to earth does not
exceed 60 V. They are suitable for wiring circuits
which are tested with d.c. at a voltage not
exceeding 500 V.
NOTE Where the fault power is low and adequate mechanical
protection is provided, these types may be used at voltages higher
than 60 V by agreement between the purchaser and the
manufacturer.
5.2 Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK cables shall

be designated by the rated voltages U0 and U
expressed in the form U0/U, where U0 is the
power-frequency voltage to earth for which the cable
is designed, and U is the power-frequency voltage
between phase conductors for which the cable is
designed.
The rated voltage for these cables is 600/1 000 V.
These cables are intended for use at alternating
voltages not exceeding 600 V to earth, and direct
voltages not exceeding 1 000 V to earth. They are
suitable for wiring circuits for which the prescribed
alternating test voltage, when installed in the
equipment, does not exceed 4 kV r.m.s. for 1 min.

BS 6231:1998
6.1 All cables shall be identified by colour as listed

in Tables 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The colour shall be either
throughout the whole of the insulation or on its
surface.
6.2 For types AU and AK cables, the colours of
bi-colour combinations shall be uniform and the
form shall be either continuous helical marking or
ring marking which, when viewed from any side,
shall be readily identifiable within every 15 mm of
length.
6.3 On types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK cables
marked with the bi-colour combination green/yellow,
the distribution of these colours shall conform to the
following condition.
On the core marked with the bi-colour combination
green/yellow, the distribution of the colours shall be
such that for every 15 mm length of core, one of
these colours shall cover at least 30 % and at
most 70 % of the surface of the core, while the other
colour covers the remainder of the surface.
NOTE 1 In cases of dispute and where appropriate to the
method of colour marking of the insulation, a suitable test for
checking conformity is given in BS 6469-99.1:1992, clause 8.
NOTE 2 Information on the use of the colours green/yellow. It is
understood that the colours green and yellow when they are
combined as specified above are recognized exclusively as a
means of identification of the core intended for use as earth
connection or similar protection.
6.4 The colours of the cables shall be durable and

easily discernible.
Conformity shall be checked by the test described in
clause 13.
7 Marking (not applicable to types AU and AK)

7.1 Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK cables shall
be provided with an indication of origin consisting of
either an identification thread or the continuous
marking of the manufacturer's name or trade mark.
This marking may be by printing, indenting or
embossing.
7.2 If coloured threads are used, the colours shall
be in accordance with those registered in PD 2379.
The colours of identification threads shall be easy to
recognize or shall become recognizable by cleaning
with petrol or any other suitable solvent, if
necessary.
7.3 The designated temperature shall be indicated
on types CU, CR and CK cables in the following
form:
HEAT RESISTING 90
The marking shall be by printing, indenting or
embossing, and shall be legible and easily
discernible.
7.4 Each specified mark shall be regarded as

continuous if the distance between the end of the
mark and the beginning of the next identical mark
does not exceed 275 mm.
7.5 Any marking by printing shall be durable.
Conformity shall be checked by the test prescribed
in clause 13.
8 Conductors
8.1 The conductors shall be circular, plain or
tinned, annealed copper conductors as specified
in 8.2 to 8.6.
8.2 For type AU cables, the conductors shall be
tinned annealed copper conductors. The number and
nominal diameter of wires and the maximum
resistance at 20 8C shall conform to the appropriate
requirements given in Table 1.
8.3 For type AK cables, the conductors shall be
tinned annealed copper conductors. They shall
conform to the appropriate requirements of
BS 6360 for class 5 conductors.
8.4 For types BK and CK cables, the conductors
shall be either plain annealed or tinned annealed
copper conductors. They shall conform to the
appropriate requirements of BS 6360 for
class 5 conductors.
8.5 The conductors of types AU and AK cables, and
of types BK and CK when tinned annealed copper
conductors are used, shall conform to the
requirements for solderability when tested in
accordance with Test Ta, Method 1 : Solder bath
at 235 8C, given in BS 2011-2.1T:1981.
8.6 For all other types of cable the conductors shall
be plain annealed copper conforming to the
appropriate requirements of BS 6360 for class 1 or
class 2 conductors.
Table 1 Constructional details and
maximum resistance for small circular tinned
annealed copper conductors not included in
BS 6360
Nominal
cross-sectional
area
Number and
nominal diameter
of wires
Maximum
resistance of
conductor at 20 8C
mm2
mm
V/km
0.2
0.28
0.5
1/0.50
1/0.60
1/0.80
92.2
64.1
36.0
NOTE This marking may be combined with the marking

specified in 7.1.


BSI 17 June 2005
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6 Identification
BS 6231:1998
9.1 The insulation shall be PVC compound of the

following types as designated in BS 7655 and shall
conform to the appropriate requirements of that
standard, as follows:
Types AU and AK cables: PVC type 2 or type TI 1
conforming to BS 7655-3.2 or -3.1 respectively, as
specified in Table 5.
Types BU, BR and BK cables: PVC type TI 1
conforming to BS 7655-3.1.
Types CU, CR and CK cables, PVC type TI 3
conforming to BS 7655-3.1.
Conformity shall be checked by performing the tests
indicated in the appropriate column of Table 10.
9.2 The insulation shall be closely applied to the
conductor. It shall be possible to remove the
insulation easily without damage to the insulation
itself, to the conductor or to any tin coating.
Conformity shall be checked by examination and by
a manual test.
9.3 For types AU and AK cables, the radial
thickness of insulation shall be not less than the
appropriate minimum value given in Table 5.
For all other types of cable, the mean value of
thickness of insulation shall be not less than the
value specified for each type and cross-sectional
area of cable in Tables 6, 7, 8 and 9. The thickness
at any measured place may be less than the mean
value specified, but the difference shall not
exceed 0.1 mm +10 % of the mean value specified.
Conformity shall be checked by the test method
described in 11.1.
10 Construction and overall

dimensions
10.1 The construction shall be as given in
Tables 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, as appropriate. Conformity
shall be checked by examination and by
measurement.
10.2 The mean overall diameter shall not exceed
the appropriate upper limit given in Table 5, 6, 7, 8
or 9. Conformity shall be checked by the method
prescribed in 11.2.
11 Dimensional test methods

11.1 Measurement of insulation thickness.
Take a sample of cable from three different places,
separated by at least 1 m.
Prepare the samples and take six thickness
measurements on each sample, in accordance with
BS EN 60811-1-1, 8.1, including the minimum
thickness

BSI 17 June 2005
Take the mean of the 18 values, after rounding, as

the mean value of insulation thickness. For a
specified mean thickness of 0.5 mm or above, round
the calculated mean value to one decimal
place, 0.05 being rounded upwards. For a specified
mean thickness of below 0.5 mm, round the
calculated mean value to two decimal
places, 0.005 being rounded upwards.
Take the smallest of the 18 values as the minimum
thickness of insulation at any point.
11.2 Measurement of overall diameter.
Take a sample of cable from three different places,
separated by at least 1 m.
Take diameter measurements in accordance with
BS EN 60811-1-1:1995, 8.3.
For diameters not exceeding 25 mm, take the mean
of the six measurements as the mean overall
diameter
For diameters exceeding 25 mm, take the mean of
the three measurements as the mean overall
diameter.
When embossing in accordance with 7.1 or 7.3 is
used, the points at which measurements are made
shall not coincide with the embossing.
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9 Insulation
12 Electrical requirements and test

methods
12.1 Requirements
12.1.1 Types AU and AK
These cables shall be subjected at the manufacturer's
works to the spark test prescribed in 12.2.2 and
shall withstand the test voltage without failure of the
insulation.
When tested in accordance with 12.2.3, the
insulation shall not break down. When tested in
accordance with 12.2.4, the insulation resistance
shall be not less than the appropriate value given in
Table 5.
These cables shall also be capable of withstanding
the thermal endurance test prescribed in 12.2.6
without breakdown of the insulation.
12.1.2 Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK
These cables shall be subjected at the manufacturer's
works to the spark test prescribed in 12.2.2 and
shall withstand the test voltage without failure of the
insulation.
When tested in accordance with 12.2.3, the
insulation shall not break down. When tested in
accordance with 12.2.4, the insulation resistance
shall be not less than the appropriate value given in
Tables 6, 7, 8 or 9. When tested in accordance
with 12.2.5, the exterior of the insulation shall show
no signs of damage nor suffer electrical breakdown
(discoloration of the insulation shall be ignored).

BS 6231:1998
12.2 Test methods
12.2.4 Insulation resistance test
12.2.1 General
Tests shall be performed at an ambient temperature
of (20 15) 8C unless otherwise specified in the
details for the particular test.
Unless otherwise specified in the particular test, the
frequency of the alternating test voltages shall be in
the range of 49 Hz to 61 Hz. The waveform shall be
substantially sinusoidal.
12.2.4.1 General
When an insulation resistance test is made, it shall
be performed in accordance with 12.2.4.2
or 12.2.4.3, as appropriate. The test given in 12.2.4.2
shall normally be performed with the water at
ambient temperature, but in case of dispute the
temperature of the water shall be (20 5) 8C.
The test given in 12.2.4.3 shall be performed with
the water at a temperature of (70 2) 8C for
types BU, BR and BK, or (90 2) 8C for types CU, CR
and CK.
12.2.2 Spark test

The core insulation shall conform to the
requirements for spark testing given in BS 5099 when
tested in accordance with the a.c. or d.c. test
methods specified in that standard.
Table 2 Spare
12.2.3 Voltage test
12.2.3.1 Types AU and AK.
Immerse in water, for not less than 24 h, a
sample 5 m in length. Earth the water and maintain it
at (20 5) 8C. With the cable still immersed, apply
between the conductor and the water the
appropriate test voltage given in Table 3. Raise the
voltage gradually and maintain it at the full value
for 5 min.
Table 3 Voltage values for voltage test
Type
Nominal
cross-sectional area
Test voltage r.m.s.
mm2
AU
0.2
0.28
0.5
1 000
1 000
1 500
AK
0.22
0.5
0.75
1 000
1 500
2 000
12.2.3.2 Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK

Immerse in water, for not less than 1 h, a sample
between 10 m and 20 m in length. Earth the water.
With the cable still immersed, apply an alternating
voltage of 3 500 V between the conductor and the
water. Raise the voltage gradually and maintain at
the full value for 5 min.
12.2.4.2 Types AU and AK

Immerse a sample, 5 m in length, in water for not
less than 1 h. Allow a length of approximately
250 mm at each end of the sample to project above
the water.
Apply a d.c. voltage of between 80 V and 500 V
between the conductors and the water.
Measure the insulation resistance 1 min after
application of the voltage. Present the value in terms
of MVkm
12.2.4.3 Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK
Immerse for 30 min a loosely coiled sample of the
cable, between 5 m and 10 m in length, in water
previously heated in accordance with 12.2.4.1.
Apply a d.c. voltage of between 80 V and 500 V
between the conductors and the water.
Measure the insulation resistance 1 min after
application of the voltage. Correct the value
to MVkm
12.2.5 Long term resistance of PVC insulation
to d.c. (for types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK,
see 12.1.2)
Immerse a sample, approximately 5 m in length, in an
aqueous solution of sodium chloride of
approximately 10 g/l which has previously been
raised to, and is maintained at, a temperature of
(60 5) 8C. Allow a length of approximately 250 mm
at each end of the sample to project above the
solution.
Connect the negative pole of a 220 V d.c. supply to
the conductor of the sample and the positive pole to
a copper electrode immersed in the solution. Apply
the voltage for a period of 10 days.
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BSI 17 June 2005
BS 6231:1998
12.2.6 Thermal endurance (for types AU and AK,

see 12.1.1)
Wind a sample of cable, without undue tension, for
four turns around and in contact with a metal
mandrel, the diameter of which is approximately
four times the maximum specified overall diameter
of the cable. Maintain the assembly at (85 2) 8C for
not less than 1 000 h. Earth the mandrel and apply
the test voltage given in Table 4 between the
conductor and the mandrel continuously throughout
the period.
Cool the assembly to room temperature and apply
the test voltage given in Table 3 between the
conductor and the mandrel for a further period of
not less than 5 min.
13 Durability of colours and marking

Conformity to the requirements of 6.4 and 7.5 shall
be checked by trying to remove the colours of the
cables, the marking of the manufacturer's name or
trade mark, and the designated temperature, by
rubbing them lightly 10 times with a piece of cloth
soaked in water.
14 Test under fire conditions

Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK shall be tested in
accordance with BS 4066-1 and -2, as applicable, and
shall conform to the requirements of that standard.
Table 4 Thermal endurance test voltage

Test
Nominal
cross-sectional area
Test voltage r.m.s
mm2
AU
0.2
0.28
0.5
750
750
1 000
AK
0.22
0.5
0.75
750
1 000
1 500
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BSI 17 June 2005

BS 6231:1998
Table 5 Types AU and AK PVC-insulated cables

Construction
Tinned annealed copper conductor
Type AK 0.75 mm2 only:
All other cables:
PVC insulation type TI 1;

PVC insulation type 2
Colours
Single colours
Black, blue, brown, cream, green, grey, orange, pink, red, turquoise, violet, white, yellow
Bi-colours
Brown/blue, green/black, green/blue, green/brown, green/red, grey/blue, grey/brown, grey/green,
grey/orange, grey/red, orange/black, orange/blue, orange/brown, orange/green, orange/red, red/black,
red/blue, red/brown, white/black, white/blue, white/brown, white/green, white/grey, white/orange,
white/red, white/violet, white/yellow, yellow/green, yellow/violet
NOTE Base colours are indicated by bold type.
Type
Conductor
Radial thickness of insulation
Nominal
cross-sectional
area
Number/
nominal
diameter of
wires, or class
Nominal
Minimum
mm2
mm
mm
mm
Mean overall
diameter,
upper limit
Minimum
insulation
resistance
at 20 8C
mm
MVkm
AU
0.2
0.28
0.5
1/0.50
1/0.60
1/0.80
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.15
0.15
0.25
0.95
1.05
1.50
50
50
50
AK
0.22
0.5
0.75
class 5
class 5
class 5
0.2
0.3
0.6
0.15
0.25
0.50
1.05
1.65
2.45
50
50
10
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BSI 17 June 2005
BS 6231:1998
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Table 6 Types BU and BR PVC-insulated rigid cables

Construction
Plain annealed copper conductor
PVC insulation type TI 1
Colours
Single colours
Black, blue, brown, grey, red, white, yellow
Bi-colour
Green/yellow (for earthing or similar protection, see 6.3)
Type
Conductor
Radial thickness
of insulation,
mean value
Mean overall
diameter, upper
limit
Minimum
insulation
resistance at 70 8C
mm
mm
MVkm
Class
Nominal
cross-sectional
area
mm2
BU
1.0
1.5
2.5
1
1
1
0.8
0.8
0.8
3.2
3.5
3.9
0.0142
0.0124
0.0103
BR
1.0
1.5
2.5
4
6
10
16
25
35
50
70
95
120
150
185
240
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
1.0
1.0
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
3.3
3.6
4.2
4.8
5.4
6.8
8.0
9.8
11.0
13.0
15.0
17.0
19.0
21.0
23.5
26.5
0.0126
0.0114
0.0094
0.0078
0.0066
0.0064
0.0053
0.0051
0.0044
0.0044
0.0037
0.0036
0.0033
0.0033
0.0033
0.0032

BSI 17 June 2005

BS 6231:1998
Table 7 Type BK PVC-insulated flexible cables

Construction
Tinned or plain annealed copper conductor
Colours
Single colours
Black, blue, brown, grey, red, white, yellow
Bi-colour
Green/yellow (for earthing or similar protection, see 6.3)
Type
Conductor
Radial thickness
of insulation,
mean value
Mean overall
diameter, upper
limit
Minimum
insulation
resistance at 70 8C
mm
mm
MVkm
Class
Nominal
cross-sectional
area
mm2
BK
--``,,,,,,,,,,,,,``,,,,`,,``,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
0.5
0.75
1.0
1.5
2.5
4
6
10
16
25
35
50
70
95
120
150
185
240

5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
1.0
1.0
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
3.0
3.2
3.4
3.7
4.2
4.8
6.3
7.8
9.0
11.5
13.0
15.0
17.5
19.5
21.5
24.0
26.5
30.0

0.0161
0.0141
0.0128
0.0111
0.0094
0.0077
0.0059
0.0058
0.0048
0.0047
0.0040
0.0039
0.0033
0.0032
0.0029
0.0029
0.0029
0.0028
BSI 17 June 2005
BS 6231:1998
Table 8 Types CU and CR PVC-insulated rigid cables

Construction
Plain annealed copper conductor
Colours
Single colours
Black, blue, brown, grey, red, white, yellow, orange, pink, violet, turquoise, green and cream
Bi-colour
Green/yellow (for earthing or similar protection, see 6.3).
Conductor
Radial thickness
of insulation mean
value
Mean overall
diameter, upper
limit
Minimum
insulation
resistance at 90 8C
mm
mm
MVkm
Class
Nominal
cross-sectional
area
mm2
CU
1.0
1.5
2.5
1
1
1
0.8
0.8
0.8
3.2
3.5
3.9
0.0142
0.0124
0.0103
CR
2.5
4
6
10
16
25
35
50
70
95
120
150
185
240
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
0.8
0.8
0.8
1.0
1.0
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
4.2
4.8
5.4
6.8
8.0
9.8
11.0
13.0
15.0
17.0
19.0
21.0
23.5
26.5
0.0094
0.0078
0.0066
0.0064
0.0053
0.0051
0.0044
0.0044
0.0037
0.0036
0.0033
0.0033
0.0033
0.0032

BSI 17 June 2005

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Type
BS 6231:1998
Table 9 Type CK PVC-insulated flexible cables

Construction
Tinned or plain annealed copper conductor
Colours
Single colours
Black, blue, brown, grey, red, white, yellow, orange, pink, violet, turquoise, green and cream
Bi-colour
Green/yellow (for earthing or similar protection, see 6.3).
Type
Conductor
--``,,,,,,,,,,,,,``,,,,`,,``,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Minimum
insulation
resistance at 90 8C
mm
mm
MVkm
mm2
0.5
0.75
1.0
1.5
2.5
4
6
10
16
25
35
50
70
95
120
150
185
240

10
Mean overall
diameter, upper
limit
Class
Nominal
cross-sectional
area
CK
Radial thickness
of insulation,
mean value
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
1.0
1.0
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
3.0
3.2
3.4
3.7
4.2
4.8
6.3
7.8
9.0
11.5
13.0
15.0
17.5
19.5
21.5
24.0
26.5
30.0

0.0161
0.0141
0.0128
0.0111
0.0094
0.0077
0.0059
0.0058
0.0048
0.0047
0.0040
0.0039
0.0033
0.0032
0.0029
0.0029
0.0029
0.0028
BSI 17 June 2005
BS 6231:1998
Table 10 List of tests applicable to the various types of cable

Clause
number
Test description
Table number
5
8
12.2.2
12.2.3.1
12.2.3.2
12.2.4.2
12.2.4.3
12.2.4.3
12.2.5
12.2.6
Electrical tests
Conductor resistance
Spark test
Voltage test on cables types AU and AK
Voltage test on cables at 3500 V
Insulation resistance test at 20 8C
Long term resistance of PVC insulation to d.c.
Thermal endurance
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
10.1
11.1
11.2
Constructional and dimensional tests

Check on construction
Measurement of insulation thickness
Measurement of overall diameter
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Mechanical properties of insulation

Tensile strength without ageing
Elongation at break without ageing
Cold bend test
Cold elongation test
Cold impact test
Tensile strength after ageing in air
Elongation at break after ageing in air
Loss of mass test
Hot deformation test
Hot pressure test
Heat shock test
Thermal stability test at 200 8C
Durability of colours and marking
Test under fire conditions
X
X
X
Xa
Xa
Xa
X
Xb
Xa
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
9.1
--``,,,,,,,,,,,,,``,,,,`,,``,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
13
14
NOTE ``X'' indicates that the particular test is applicable to the cables in the table shown at the head of the column.
a
Type TI 1 insulation only
Type 2 insulation only

BSI 17 June 2005

11
BS 6231:1998
The electrical properties of PVC compounds are not

adversely affected by low temperatures, but these
compounds become increasingly stiff and brittle at
temperatures about 0 8C. These cables should not be
manipulated or left unsupported at these, or lower
temperatures.
It is recommended that the cables should be installed
only when both the cable and the ambient temperature
are above 0 8C and have been so for the previous 24 h,
or where special precautions have been taken to
maintain the cable above this temperature.
Once installed, types AU and AK are suitable for use at
a minimum ambient temperature of 215 8C and types
BU, BR and BK at a minimum ambient temperature
of 220 8C. These cables are suitable for use where the
combination of ambient temperature and temperature
rise due to load results in a conductor temperature not
exceeding 70 8C. This is termed the designated
temperature.
Types CR, CU and CK cables, once installed, are
suitable for a limited degree of movement at a
minimum ambient temperature of 215 8C. They are
suitable for use where the conductor temperature does
not exceed the designated temperature of 90 8C.
However, adjacent to high temperature zones, cables
which are not subject to flexing or other mechanical
stresses, are suitable for 15 000 h of cumulative
operation at a temperature of 105 8C, provided that the
direct contact temperature does not exceed 85 8C. In
certain favourable conditions of service it may be
possible to operate the cables for periods longer
than 15 000 h, but attention should be paid to the
following points:
a) the possible effects of high temperature on the
softening of insulation and on its dielectric
properties, and
b) some insulants can break down chemically after
prolonged exposure to high temperatures. When this
occurs, corrosive substances are formed, which
attack the cable conductor or even the metal of
nearby enclosures, especially if moisture from
condensation is present when the circuit cools after
normal operation.

12
Bibliography
BS 6004, PVC-insulated cables (non-armoured) for
electric power and lighting.
BS 6469-99:1992, Insulating and sheathing materials
of electric cables Part 99: Test methods used in the
United Kingdom but not specified in BS EN 60811 or
other Parts of BS 6469.
BS 6500, Insulated flexible cords and cables.
--``,,,,,,,,,,,,,``,,,,`,,``,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Annex A (informative)
Guidance on installation and operating
temperatures

BSI 17 June 2005
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blank
BS 6231:1998
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The following BSI references

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The following normative documents contain

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BSI 17 June 2005

BS 7655-3.2, Specification for insulating and

5.2 Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK cables shall

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6.1 All cables shall be identified by colour as listed

6.4 The colours of the cables shall be durable and

7 Marking (not applicable to types AU and AK)

7.4 Each specified mark shall be regarded as

NOTE This marking may be combined with the marking

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9.1 The insulation shall be PVC compound of the

10 Construction and overall

11 Dimensional test methods

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BSI 17 June 2005

Take the mean of the 18 values, after rounding, as

12 Electrical requirements and test

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12.2 Test methods

12.2.4 Insulation resistance test

12.2.2 Spark test

Test voltage r.m.s.

12.2.3.2 Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK

12.2.4.2 Types AU and AK

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12.2.6 Thermal endurance (for types AU and AK,

13 Durability of colours and marking

14 Test under fire conditions

Table 4 Thermal endurance test voltage

Test voltage r.m.s

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Table 5 Types AU and AK PVC-insulated cables

PVC insulation type TI 1;

Radial thickness of insulation

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Table 6 Types BU and BR PVC-insulated rigid cables