| BS 6231:1998

BRITISH STANDARD |
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Specification for |
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PVC-insulated cables |
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for switchgear and |
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controlgear wiring |
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ICS 29.060.20 |
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NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW
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Copyright British Standards Institution
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 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 Ð 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, Amendments issued since publication
July 1945
Second edition, November 1958 Amd. No. Date Text affected
Third edition, February 1963
Fourth edition, as BS 6231,
August 1969
Fifth edition, May 1978
15648 17 June 2005 Certification notice in Foreword changed and deleted
on inside back cover
Sixth edition, December 1981
Seventh edition, October 1990
Eighth edition, August 1998
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

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 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 Ð 1 Constructional details and maximum resistance for small circular
tinned annealed copper conductors not included in BS 6360 2
Table 2 Ð Spare 4
Table 3 Ð Voltage values for voltage test 4
Table 4 Ð Thermal endurance test voltage 5
Table 5 Ð Types AU and AK PVC-insulated cables 6
Table 6 Ð Types BU and BR PVC-insulated rigid cables 7
Table 7 Ð Type BK PVC-insulated flexible cables 8
Table 8 Ð Types CU and CR PVC-insulated rigid cables 9
Table 9 Ð Type CK PVC-insulated flexible cables 10
Table 10 Ð List of tests applicable to the various types of cable 11

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 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.
Although CENELEC has now agreed to a 600/1 000 V rating for some cables of the
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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.

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 BS 6231:1998

1 Scope BS 7655-3.2, Specification for insulating and

sheathing materials for cables Ð Part 3: PVC
This British Standard specifies requirements for
insulating compounds Ð Section 3.2: Hard grade
single-core non-sheathed cables, including flexible
types.
cables, used for the wiring of switch, control,
metering, relay and instrument panels of power BS EN 60811-1-1:1995, Insulating and sheathing
switchgear, and for such purposes as internal materials for electric cables. Common test
connections in rectifier equipment and in motor methods Ð Part 1-1: General application Ð
starters and controllers. Measurement of thickness and overall dimensions.
Tests for determining the mechanical properties.
The types of cable specified in this standard are as
follows: PD 2379, Register of colours of manufacturers'
identification threads for electric cables and cords .
Type Form of conductor Designated Rated
temperature voltage
3 Definitions
AU Rigid, round, solid 70 8C 60 V
For the purposes of this British Standard the
AK Flexible 70 8C 60 V definitions relating to electric cables given in
BR Rigid, round, stranded 70 8C 600/1 000 V BS 4727 apply.
BU Rigid, round, solid 70 8C 600/1 000 V
BK Flexible 70 8C 600/1 000 V 4 Temperature ratings
CR Rigid, round, stranded 90 8C 600/1 000 V The designated temperatures quoted are the
temperatures assigned to the same materials in
CU Rigid, round, solid 90 8C 600/1 000 V BS 6004, BS 6500 and BS 7655. The combination of
CK Flexible 90 8C 600/1 000 V ambient temperature and temperature rise due to
load should not result in a conductor temperature
exceeding the designated temperature.
2 Normative references NOTE Attention is drawn to annex A which gives guidance on
The following normative documents contain installation and operating temperatures.
provisions which, through reference in this text,
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constitute provisions of this British Standard. For 5 Voltage designations

dated references, subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. 5.1 Types AU and AK cables shall be designated by
For undated references, the latest edition of the the rated voltage, which is 60 V. They are intended
publication referred to applies. for use where the operating voltage to earth does not
BS 2011:1981, Environmental testing Ð exceed 60 V. They are suitable for wiring circuits
Part 2.1T: Test T Soldering. which are tested with d.c. at a voltage not
exceeding 500 V.
BS 4066-1, Tests on electric cables under fire
NOTE Where the fault power is low and adequate mechanical
conditions Ð Part 1: Method of test on a single protection is provided, these types may be used at voltages higher
vertical insulated wire or cable. than 60 V by agreement between the purchaser and the
BS 4066-2, Tests on electric cables under fire manufacturer.
conditions Ð Part 2: Method of test on a single 5.2 Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK cables shall
small insulated wire or cable. be designated by the rated voltages U0 and U
BS 4727, Glossary of electrotechnical, power, expressed in the form U0/U, where U0 is the
telecommunication, electronics, lighting and colour power-frequency voltage to earth for which the cable
terms Ð Part 2: Terms particular to power is designed, and U is the power-frequency voltage
engineering Group 08 Electric cables. between phase conductors for which the cable is
BS 5099, Spark testing of electric cables. designed.
BS 6360, Specification for conductors in insulated The rated voltage for these cables is 600/1 000 V.
cables and cords. These cables are intended for use at alternating
voltages not exceeding 600 V to earth, and direct
BS 7655-3.1, Specification for insulating and voltages not exceeding 1 000 V to earth. They are
sheathing materials for cables Ð Part 3: PVC suitable for wiring circuits for which the prescribed
insulating compounds Ð Section 3.1: Harmonized alternating test voltage, when installed in the
types. equipment, does not exceed 4 kV r.m.s. for 1 min.

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 BS 6231:1998

6 Identification 7.4 Each specified mark shall be regarded as

continuous if the distance between the end of the
6.1 All cables shall be identified by colour as listed mark and the beginning of the next identical mark
in Tables 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The colour shall be either does not exceed 275 mm.
throughout the whole of the insulation or on its
surface. 7.5 Any marking by printing shall be durable.
Conformity shall be checked by the test prescribed
6.2 For types AU and AK cables, the colours of
in clause 13.
bi-colour combinations shall be uniform and the
form shall be either continuous helical marking or
ring marking which, when viewed from any side, 8 Conductors
shall be readily identifiable within every 15 mm of
length. 8.1 The conductors shall be circular, plain or
tinned, annealed copper conductors as specified
6.3 On types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK cables in 8.2 to 8.6.
marked with the bi-colour combination green/yellow,
the distribution of these colours shall conform to the 8.2 For type AU cables, the conductors shall be
following condition. tinned annealed copper conductors. The number and
nominal diameter of wires and the maximum
On the core marked with the bi-colour combination resistance at 20 8C shall conform to the appropriate
green/yellow, the distribution of the colours shall be requirements given in Table 1.
such that for every 15 mm length of core, one of
these colours shall cover at least 30 % and at 8.3 For type AK cables, the conductors shall be
most 70 % of the surface of the core, while the other tinned annealed copper conductors. They shall
colour covers the remainder of the surface. conform to the appropriate requirements of
NOTE 1 In cases of dispute and where appropriate to the BS 6360 for class 5 conductors.
method of colour marking of the insulation, a suitable test for
checking conformity is given in BS 6469-99.1:1992, clause 8. 8.4 For types BK and CK cables, the conductors
NOTE 2 Information on the use of the colours green/yellow. It is
shall be either plain annealed or tinned annealed
understood that the colours green and yellow when they are copper conductors. They shall conform to the
combined as specified above are recognized exclusively as a appropriate requirements of BS 6360 for
means of identification of the core intended for use as earth class 5 conductors.
connection or similar protection.
8.5 The conductors of types AU and AK cables, and
6.4 The colours of the cables shall be durable and of types BK and CK when tinned annealed copper
easily discernible. conductors are used, shall conform to the
Conformity shall be checked by the test described in requirements for solderability when tested in
clause 13. accordance with Test Ta, Method 1 : Solder bath
at 235 8C, given in BS 2011-2.1T:1981.
7 Marking (not applicable to types AU and AK) 8.6 For all other types of cable the conductors shall
be plain annealed copper conforming to the
7.1 Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK cables shall
appropriate requirements of BS 6360 for class 1 or
be provided with an indication of origin consisting of
class 2 conductors.
either an identification thread or the continuous
marking of the manufacturer's name or trade mark.
Table 1 Ð Constructional details and
This marking may be by printing, indenting or
maximum resistance for small circular tinned
embossing.
annealed copper conductors not included in
7.2 If coloured threads are used, the colours shall BS 6360
be in accordance with those registered in PD 2379.
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Nominal Number and Maximum

The colours of identification threads shall be easy to cross-sectional nominal diameter resistance of
area of wires conductor at 20 8C
recognize or shall become recognizable by cleaning
with petrol or any other suitable solvent, if mm2 mm V/km
necessary. 0.2 1/0.50 92.2
7.3 The designated temperature shall be indicated 0.28 1/0.60 64.1
on types CU, CR and CK cables in the following 0.5 1/0.80 36.0
form:
HEAT RESISTING 90
The marking shall be by printing, indenting or
embossing, and shall be legible and easily
discernible.
NOTE This marking may be combined with the marking
specified in 7.1.

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 BS 6231:1998

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

the mean value of insulation thickness. For a
9.1 The insulation shall be PVC compound of the specified mean thickness of 0.5 mm or above, round
following types as designated in BS 7655 and shall the calculated mean value to one decimal
conform to the appropriate requirements of that place, 0.05 being rounded upwards. For a specified
standard, as follows: mean thickness of below 0.5 mm, round the
Types AU and AK cables: PVC type 2 or type TI 1 calculated mean value to two decimal
conforming to BS 7655-3.2 or -3.1 respectively, as places, 0.005 being rounded upwards.
specified in Table 5. Take the smallest of the 18 values as the minimum
Types BU, BR and BK cables: PVC type TI 1 thickness of insulation at any point.
conforming to BS 7655-3.1.
11.2 Measurement of overall diameter.
Types CU, CR and CK cables, PVC type TI 3
Take a sample of cable from three different places,
conforming to BS 7655-3.1.
separated by at least 1 m.
Conformity shall be checked by performing the tests
Take diameter measurements in accordance with
indicated in the appropriate column of Table 10.
BS EN 60811-1-1:1995, 8.3.
9.2 The insulation shall be closely applied to the For diameters not exceeding 25 mm, take the mean
conductor. It shall be possible to remove the of the six measurements as the mean overall
insulation easily without damage to the insulation

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diameter
itself, to the conductor or to any tin coating.
For diameters exceeding 25 mm, take the mean of
Conformity shall be checked by examination and by the three measurements as the mean overall
a manual test. diameter.
9.3 For types AU and AK cables, the radial When embossing in accordance with 7.1 or 7.3 is
thickness of insulation shall be not less than the used, the points at which measurements are made
appropriate minimum value given in Table 5. shall not coincide with the embossing.
For all other types of cable, the mean value of
thickness of insulation shall be not less than the 12 Electrical requirements and test
value specified for each type and cross-sectional
area of cable in Tables 6, 7, 8 and 9. The thickness
methods
at any measured place may be less than the mean 12.1 Requirements
value specified, but the difference shall not
exceed 0.1 mm +10 % of the mean value specified. 12.1.1 Types AU and AK
Conformity shall be checked by the test method These cables shall be subjected at the manufacturer's
described in 11.1. works to the spark test prescribed in 12.2.2 and
shall withstand the test voltage without failure of the
insulation.
10 Construction and overall When tested in accordance with 12.2.3, the
dimensions insulation shall not break down. When tested in
accordance with 12.2.4, the insulation resistance
10.1 The construction shall be as given in
shall be not less than the appropriate value given in
Tables 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, as appropriate. Conformity
Table 5.
shall be checked by examination and by
measurement. These cables shall also be capable of withstanding
the thermal endurance test prescribed in 12.2.6
10.2 The mean overall diameter shall not exceed without breakdown of the insulation.
the appropriate upper limit given in Table 5, 6, 7, 8
or 9. Conformity shall be checked by the method 12.1.2 Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK
prescribed in 11.2. 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
11 Dimensional test methods insulation.
11.1 Measurement of insulation thickness. When tested in accordance with 12.2.3, the
Take a sample of cable from three different places, insulation shall not break down. When tested in
separated by at least 1 m. accordance with 12.2.4, the insulation resistance
Prepare the samples and take six thickness shall be not less than the appropriate value given in
measurements on each sample, in accordance with Tables 6, 7, 8 or 9. When tested in accordance
BS EN 60811-1-1, 8.1, including the minimum with 12.2.5, the exterior of the insulation shall show
thickness no signs of damage nor suffer electrical breakdown
(discoloration of the insulation shall be ignored).

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 BS 6231:1998

12.2 Test methods 12.2.4 Insulation resistance test

12.2.1 General 12.2.4.1 General
Tests shall be performed at an ambient temperature When an insulation resistance test is made, it shall
of (20 ± 15) 8C unless otherwise specified in the be performed in accordance with 12.2.4.2
details for the particular test. or 12.2.4.3, as appropriate. The test given in 12.2.4.2
Unless otherwise specified in the particular test, the shall normally be performed with the water at
frequency of the alternating test voltages shall be in ambient temperature, but in case of dispute the
the range of 49 Hz to 61 Hz. The waveform shall be temperature of the water shall be (20 ± 5) 8C.
substantially sinusoidal. The test given in 12.2.4.3 shall be performed with
the water at a temperature of (70 ± 2) 8C for
12.2.2 Spark test types BU, BR and BK, or (90 ± 2) 8C for types CU, CR
The core insulation shall conform to the and CK.
requirements for spark testing given in BS 5099 when
tested in accordance with the a.c. or d.c. test 12.2.4.2 Types AU and AK
methods specified in that standard. 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
Table 2 Ð Spare the water.
Apply a d.c. voltage of between 80 V and 500 V
12.2.3 Voltage test between the conductors and the water.
12.2.3.1 Types AU and AK. Measure the insulation resistance 1 min after
application of the voltage. Present the value in terms
Immerse in water, for not less than 24 h, a of MV⋅km
sample 5 m in length. Earth the water and maintain it
at (20 ± 5) 8C. With the cable still immersed, apply 12.2.4.3 Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK
between the conductor and the water the Immerse for 30 min a loosely coiled sample of the
appropriate test voltage given in Table 3. Raise the cable, between 5 m and 10 m in length, in water
voltage gradually and maintain it at the full value previously heated in accordance with 12.2.4.1.
for 5 min. Apply a d.c. voltage of between 80 V and 500 V
between the conductors and the water.
Table 3 Ð Voltage values for voltage test
Measure the insulation resistance 1 min after
Type Nominal Test voltage r.m.s.
cross-sectional area
application of the voltage. Correct the value
to MV⋅km
mm2 V
12.2.5 Long term resistance of PVC insulation
AU 0.2 1 000 to d.c. (for types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK,
0.28 1 000 see 12.1.2)
0.5 1 500 Immerse a sample, approximately 5 m in length, in an
aqueous solution of sodium chloride of
AK 0.22 1 000
approximately 10 g/l which has previously been
0.5 1 500 raised to, and is maintained at, a temperature of
0.75 2 000 (60 ± 5) 8C. Allow a length of approximately 250 mm
at each end of the sample to project above the
12.2.3.2 Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK solution.
Immerse in water, for not less than 1 h, a sample Connect the negative pole of a 220 V d.c. supply to
between 10 m and 20 m in length. Earth the water. the conductor of the sample and the positive pole to
With the cable still immersed, apply an alternating a copper electrode immersed in the solution. Apply
voltage of 3 500 V between the conductor and the the voltage for a period of 10 days.
water. Raise the voltage gradually and maintain at
the full value for 5 min.

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 BS 6231:1998

12.2.6 Thermal endurance (for types AU and AK, 13 Durability of colours and marking
see 12.1.1)
Conformity to the requirements of 6.4 and 7.5 shall
Wind a sample of cable, without undue tension, for be checked by trying to remove the colours of the
four turns around and in contact with a metal cables, the marking of the manufacturer's name or
mandrel, the diameter of which is approximately trade mark, and the designated temperature, by
four times the maximum specified overall diameter rubbing them lightly 10 times with a piece of cloth
of the cable. Maintain the assembly at (85 ± 2) 8C for soaked in water.
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 14 Test under fire conditions
the period. Types BU, BR, BK, CU, CR and CK shall be tested in
Cool the assembly to room temperature and apply accordance with BS 4066-1 and -2, as applicable, and
the test voltage given in Table 3 between the shall conform to the requirements of that standard.
conductor and the mandrel for a further period of
not less than 5 min.

Table 4 Ð Thermal endurance test voltage

Test Nominal Test voltage r.m.s
cross-sectional area
mm2 V

AU 0.2 750
0.28 750
0.5 1 000
AK 0.22 750
0.5 1 000
0.75 1 500

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 BS 6231:1998

Table 5 Ð Types AU and AK PVC-insulated cables

Construction

Tinned annealed copper conductor

Type AK 0.75 mm2 only: PVC insulation type TI 1;

All other cables: 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 Mean overall Minimum
diameter, insulation
upper limit resistance
Nominal Number/ Nominal Minimum at 20 8C
cross-sectional nominal
area diameter of
wires, or class
mm2 mm mm mm mm MV⋅km
AU 0.2 1/0.50 0.2 0.15 0.95 50
0.28 1/0.60 0.2 0.15 1.05 50
0.5 1/0.80 0.3 0.25 1.50 50
AK 0.22 class 5 0.2 0.15 1.05 50
0.5 class 5 0.3 0.25 1.65 50
0.75 class 5 0.6 0.50 2.45 10

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 BS 6231:1998
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Table 6 Ð 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 Mean overall Minimum

of insulation, diameter, upper insulation
mean value limit resistance at 70 8C
Nominal Class
cross-sectional
area
mm2 mm mm MV⋅km

BU 1.0 1 0.8 3.2 0.0142

1.5 1 0.8 3.5 0.0124
2.5 1 0.8 3.9 0.0103
BR 1.0 2 0.8 3.3 0.0126
1.5 2 0.8 3.6 0.0114
2.5 2 0.8 4.2 0.0094
4 2 0.8 4.8 0.0078
6 2 0.8 5.4 0.0066
10 2 1.0 6.8 0.0064
16 2 1.0 8.0 0.0053
25 2 1.2 9.8 0.0051
35 2 1.2 11.0 0.0044
50 2 1.4 13.0 0.0044
70 2 1.4 15.0 0.0037
95 2 1.6 17.0 0.0036
120 2 1.6 19.0 0.0033
150 2 1.8 21.0 0.0033
185 2 2.0 23.5 0.0033
240 2 2.2 26.5 0.0032

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 BS 6231:1998

Table 7 Ð Type BK PVC-insulated flexible cables

Construction

Tinned or 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 Mean overall Minimum

of insulation, diameter, upper insulation
mean value limit resistance at 70 8C
Nominal Class
cross-sectional
area
mm2 mm mm MV⋅km

BK 0.5 5 0.8 3.0 0.0161

0.75 5 0.8 3.2 0.0141
1.0 5 0.8 3.4 0.0128
1.5 5 0.8 3.7 0.0111
2.5 5 0.8 4.2 0.0094
4 5 0.8 4.8 0.0077
6 5 0.8 6.3 0.0059
10 5 1.0 7.8 0.0058
16 5 1.0 9.0 0.0048
25 5 1.2 11.5 0.0047
35 5 1.2 13.0 0.0040
50 5 1.4 15.0 0.0039
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70 5 1.4 17.5 0.0033

95 5 1.6 19.5 0.0032
120 5 1.6 21.5 0.0029
150 5 1.8 24.0 0.0029
185 5 2.0 26.5 0.0029
240 5 2.2 30.0 0.0028

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 BS 6231:1998

Table 8 Ð Types CU and CR PVC-insulated rigid cables

Construction

Plain annealed copper conductor

PVC insulation type TI 3

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 Radial thickness Mean overall Minimum

of insulation mean diameter, upper insulation
value limit resistance at 90 8C
Nominal Class
cross-sectional
area
mm2 mm mm MV⋅km

CU 1.0 1 0.8 3.2 0.0142

1.5 1 0.8 3.5 0.0124
2.5 1 0.8 3.9 0.0103
CR 2.5 2 0.8 4.2 0.0094
4 2 0.8 4.8 0.0078
6 2 0.8 5.4 0.0066
10 2 1.0 6.8 0.0064
16 2 1.0 8.0 0.0053
25 2 1.2 9.8 0.0051
35 2 1.2 11.0 0.0044
50 2 1.4 13.0 0.0044
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70 2 1.4 15.0 0.0037

95 2 1.6 17.0 0.0036
120 2 1.6 19.0 0.0033
150 2 1.8 21.0 0.0033
185 2 2.0 23.5 0.0033
240 2 2.2 26.5 0.0032

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 BS 6231:1998

Table 9 Ð Type CK PVC-insulated flexible cables

Construction

Tinned or plain annealed copper conductor

PVC insulation type TI 3

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 Radial thickness Mean overall Minimum

of insulation, diameter, upper insulation
mean value limit resistance at 90 8C
Nominal Class
cross-sectional
area
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mm2 mm mm MV⋅km

CK 0.5 5 0.8 3.0 0.0161

0.75 5 0.8 3.2 0.0141
1.0 5 0.8 3.4 0.0128
1.5 5 0.8 3.7 0.0111
2.5 5 0.8 4.2 0.0094
4 5 0.8 4.8 0.0077
6 5 0.8 6.3 0.0059
10 5 1.0 7.8 0.0058
16 5 1.0 9.0 0.0048
25 5 1.2 11.5 0.0047
35 5 1.2 13.0 0.0040
50 5 1.4 15.0 0.0039
70 5 1.4 17.5 0.0033
95 5 1.6 19.5 0.0032
120 5 1.6 21.5 0.0029
150 5 1.8 24.0 0.0029
185 5 2.0 26.5 0.0029
240 5 2.2 30.0 0.0028

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 BS 6231:1998

Table 10 Ð List of tests applicable to the various types of cable

Clause Test description Table number
number 5 6 7 8 9

Electrical tests
8 Conductor resistance X X X X X
12.2.2 Spark test X X X X X
12.2.3.1 Voltage test on cables types AU and AK X Ð Ð Ð Ð
12.2.3.2 Voltage test on cables at 3500 V Ð X X X X
12.2.4.2 Insulation resistance test at 20 8C X Ð Ð Ð Ð
12.2.4.3 Insulation resistance test at 70 8C Ð X X Ð Ð
12.2.4.3 Insulation resistance test at 90 8C Ð Ð Ð X X
12.2.5 Long term resistance of PVC insulation to d.c. Ð X X X X
12.2.6 Thermal endurance X Ð Ð Ð Ð
Constructional and dimensional tests
10.1 Check on construction X X X X X
11.1 Measurement of insulation thickness X X X X X
11.2 Measurement of overall diameter X X X X X
Mechanical properties of insulation
9.1 Tensile strength without ageing X X X X X
Elongation at break without ageing X X X X X
Cold bend test X X X X X
Cold elongation test Ð X X X X
Cold impact test Xa X X Ð Ð
Tensile strength after ageing in air Xa X X X X
Elongation at break after ageing in air Xa X X X X
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Loss of mass test X X X X X

Hot deformation test Xb Ð Ð Ð Ð
Hot pressure test Xa X X X X
Heat shock test X X X X X
Thermal stability test at 200 8C Ð Ð Ð X X
13 Durability of colours and marking X X X X X
14 Test under fire conditions Ð X X X X
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
b Type 2 insulation only

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 BS 6231:1998

Annex A (informative) Bibliography

Guidance on installation and operating BS 6004, PVC-insulated cables (non-armoured) for
electric power and lighting.
temperatures
BS 6469-99:1992, Insulating and sheathing materials
The electrical properties of PVC compounds are not
of electric cables Ð Part 99: Test methods used in the
adversely affected by low temperatures, but these
United Kingdom but not specified in BS EN 60811 or
compounds become increasingly stiff and brittle at
other Parts of BS 6469.
temperatures about 0 8C. These cables should not be
manipulated or left unsupported at these, or lower BS 6500, Insulated flexible cords and cables.
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

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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.

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 --``,,,,,,,,,,,,,``,,,,`,,``,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

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 BS 6231:1998

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