BSI BS*6121: PART*2 89 • 1624669 0053904 3 .!

BS 6121 : Part 2 : 1989

UDC 621.315.687.6:621.643.414:
678.7.077-762.44

© British Standards Institution. No part of this publication may be photo«:opied or otherwise reproduced without the prior permission In writing of BSI

British Standard

Mechanical cable glands

Part 2. Specification for polymeric glands

Garnitures mecaniques d'etancheite

Partie 2. Garnitures d'etancheites en polymeres- Specifications

Mechanische Kabelflansche
Teil 2. Kabelflansche aus Polymerwekstoff

British Standards Institution

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Wed Jul 02 16:58:16 2003
 BSI BS*6121: PART*2 89 • 1624669 0053905 5 . ,
BS 6121 :Part 2: 1989

Foreword

This Part of BS 6121 has been prepared under the direction

of the General Electrotechnical Engineering Standards
Policy Committee.
BS 6121 : Part 1 gives requirements and tests for metallic
cable glands.
This Part of BS 6121 specifies a range of polymeric cable
glands dimensionally standardized to a sufficient extent to
ensure the interchangeability of glands of similar type and
size made by different manufacturers. It provides for
mechanical glands with International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) metric threads as specified in
BS 3643 on the threaded fixing component, such as are
used with elastomer-insulated and PVC-insulated cables.
Thread forms based on other International Standards are
accepted. To avoid restricting development, only dimen-
sions essential to interchangeability of the whole gland
are specified, and no attempt has been made to secure
interchangeability of components and cable cutting
dimensions between different makes.
It is intended to publish two further Parts to BS 6121:
Part 3 will be a specification for composite glands manu·
factured from a combination of both metallic and
polymeric components; and Part 4 will provide a code of
practice for all types of mechanical cable glands specified
in Parts 1, 2 and 3.
Attention is drawn to appendix A, which lists the
information to be supplied by the purchaser when ordering
the glands.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself
confer immunity from legal obligations.

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Wed Jul 02 16:58:16 2003
 BSI BS*6121: PART*2 89 II 1624669 0053906 7 II
BS 6121 : Part 2 : 1989

Contents

Page
Foreword Inside front cover
Committees responsible Back cover

Specification
1 Scope 2
2 Definitions 2
3 Types of gland 2
4 Sizes of gland 2
5 Marking 2
6 Materials and construction 4
7 Dimensions 4
8 Type tests 5

Appendices
A Information to be supplied when ordering 7
B Temperature conditioning for tests 7
C Proof torque test 7
D Load test 7
E Seal test for glands of type A2 7
F Radial load torque test 8
G Endurance test 8
H Flammability test 8
Table
1 Glands for unarmoured cables 3

Figures
1 General construction of polymeric cable gland 4
2 Load test 7
3 Radial load torque test 8

1.
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 BSI BS*b121: PART*2 89 II 1624669 0053907 9 II
BS 6121 : Part 2 : 1989

Specification

2.4 threaded fixing component. The part of a cable gland

1 Scope
designed for attaching it to the casing of the apparatus to
This Part of BS 6121 specifies requirements for limiting which the cable is to be connected. It is provided with an
dimensions, marking, materials, construction and type external thread which either engages in a similarly threaded
tests for type A polymeric mechanical cable glands. hole in the casing of the apparatus, or is inserted through a
It provides for interchangeability between complete glands plain hole in the casing and secured by means of a locknut
of different makes, but not between component parts. inside the casing.
The glands are suitable for use with unarmoured cables 2.5 outer sheath of a cable. A polymeric layer applied to
complying with the following British Standards, but the the outside of a cable.
range of glands specified does not completely cover all the
cables included in these standards. 2.6 protrusion. The distance which the gland protrudes
outside the apparatus casing when the gland is assembled
BS 6004 Specification for PVC-insulated cables with the largest cable for which it is designed, and with the
(non-armoured) for electric power and seal compression nut tightened to the proof torque
lighting specified in the appropriate table.
BS 6007 Specification for rubber-insulated cables
for electric power and lighting
BS 6346 Specification for PVC-insulated cables for 3 Types of gland
electricity supply
The basic designations of the glands are as follows.
BS 6500 Specification for insulated flexible cords
and cables Type A 1P. For unarmoured cable with a polymeric
outer sheath, where the function of the gland is to
The glands are also suitable for use with certain cables of
secure the outer sheath of the cable.
generally similar type not included in these British
Standards. Type A2P. As type A 1, but with an IP66 seal between
No provision is included for making electrical connections the outer sheath and gland.
to the gland.
NOTE 1. The information to be supplied by the purchaser when
ordering is given in appendix A. 4 Sizes of gland
NOTE 2. The titles of the publications referred to in this standard
are listed on the inside back cover. The size designations, of which there are 10, and the range
of sizes for each type are shown in table 1, the suffix'S'
denoting smaller bore.

2 Definitions
NOTE. See figure 1. 5 Marking
For the purposes of this Part of BS 6121, the definitions
An appropriate part of the gland shall be legibly and
given in BS 4727 :Part 2 : Group 08 apply, together with
permanently marked with the following particulars:
the following.
(a) the manufacturer's identification, e.g. name or
2.1 polymeric cable gland. A device manufactured in trade mark;
polymeric material designed to attach and secure the end
(b) the size designation of the gland (see clause 4);
of an unarmoured cable to the equipment by means
suitable for the type and description of cable for which (c) whenever possible, the type of the gland.
it is designed. All identification labels used for packaging shall carry the
NOTE. These glands may also be used for securing and/or sealing number of this British Standard, i.e. BS 6121 :Part 2*.
cables passing through either bulkheads or gland plates. Where printing is used for marking the gland, the perma-
2.2 mechanical cable gland. A cable gland in which the nency of identification shall be checked by inspection
cable is secured. and by rubbing the mark by hand for 15 s with a piece of
cloth soaked with water and again for 15 s with a piece
2.3 sealed gland. A gland having a seal so constructed as of cloth soaked with petroleum spirit.
to exclude dust and water under the conditions prescribed
in appendix E (IP66 test).

*Marking BS 6121 :Part 2 on or in relation to a product represents a manufacturer's declaration of conformity, i.e. a claim by or on
behalf of the manufacturer that the product meets the requirements of the standard. The accuracy of the claim is therefore solely the
responsibility of the person making the claim. Such a declaration is not to be confused with third party certification of conformity,
which may also be desirable.

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e e e e.
Table 1. Glands for unarmoured cables

Size designation 10 12 16* 20St 20t 25 32 40 50S 50

Thread size X 1.5p'- Sg, mm M10* M12 M16 M20 M20 M25 M32 M40 M50 M50

Minimum length of thread on threaded fixing component, mm. 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 15 15 15

co
Minimum bore (threaded fixing component), mm 5.0 6.5 8.5'. 10.5 13.5 18.3 25.3 32.0 38.0 44.0 V1
H
Maximum protrusion from mounting face. mm 20 20 25 25 30 30 35 40 50 50 co
V1
Gland maximum diameter, mm 19 19 26 32 38 51 55 70 97 97
*
IT'
1:-'
Maximum diameter of cable, mm 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 13.2 18.0 25.0 31.5 37.0 43.0 ru
Proof torque, N·m 5 5 7 10 10 15 25 30 45 45 ..
1:-'

"lJ
Diameter of test mandrel§ >
and minimum diameter of cable clamp/outer seal, mm 1.5 2.5 4.0 7.5 9.5 13.0 17.5 24.5 31.0 36.5 ::::0
-'l
Load test load. N 20 20 20 20 20 30 35 40 45 50 *
ru
Radial load test torque, N · m 30 30 30 30 30 30 40 90 120 120 (]:I
..JJ

w *This size gland is available with a M20 entry thread (designated 16/20).
tThis size gland is available_with a M25 entry thread (designated 20/25).
*Pitch 1.0 for M1 0 thread.
I
§Subject to tolerances of +0.5 mm for glands of all sizes. 1:-'
IT'
ru
...c:-
IT'
IT'
..JJ

c:J
c:J
l..n
w
..JJ
c:J
(]:I

OJ c:J
en
0>
_..
1\)
I
_..
..
"'tJ
Q)

"""
r+
1\)
.._..
(0
CXI
(0
 BSI BS*6121: PART*2 89 II 1624669 0053909 2 II
BS 6121 :Part 2: 1989

6 Materials and construction (see figure 1) 6.2.2 Sealing devices. Sealing devices shall consist of an
elastomeric compound complying with 8.5. When used
6.1 Materials with a gland and cable of the appropriate size, the sealing
All parts of the gland shall be made of a polymeric material device shall not damage the insulation or sheath of the
except the skid washer which shall be made of metallic, cable.
polymeric or fibrous material. No restriction is placed on
the kind of polymer used, provided that the gland is
capable of meeting the requirements of this standard. 7 Dimensions
NOTE. Attention is drawn to the fact that no polymeric material
is completely resistant to solvents, oil and greases. 7.1 Threaded fixing component
7.1.1 Thread The thread on the threaded fixing compo-
6.2 Construction
nent shall be the ISO metric thread in accordance with
6.2.1 General. Those parts of the gland that have to be BS 3643 for all sizes of gland, but other forms complying
tightened or held during installation shall be hexagonal or with national or international standards (e.g. DIN 40 430*,
have hexagons formed on them. Fed- Std H.28*) are permissible provided the glands meet
All externally projecting edges and corners of gland all the other requirements of this standard.
components shall be rounded or chamfered to reduce the The nominal size of the thread shall be one of the values
danger of injury in handling or after installation. given in table 1.
Each gland shall be capable of being attached to the appro- 7.1.2 Length. The length of thread from the face of the
priate apparatus through a single clearance or threaded gland on the threaded fixing component shall be not less
circular hole of the appropriate diameter. than the appropriate value given in table 1.
The use of skid washers is permitted.
The face of the gland which is to be clamped against the
7.2 Minimum bore
apparatus casing shall be machined normally to the axis The minimum bore diameter of the threaded fixing
of the gland. component shall be in accordance with table 1. A plug-
NOTE. A locknut is not normally regarded as part of a cable gland. gauge of a size not less than the maximum diameter of the
When locknuts are supplied the combined gland and locknut cable shall pass through the gland with the seal
assembly should comply with this Part of BS 6121. uncompressed.

Seal compression Skid washer

nut
Threaded fixing
component

Seal

Protrusion

NOTE. This figure illustrates the terms used in this standard and does not represent an actual design of gland.

Figure 1. General construction of polymeric cable gland

*Available from EiSI Sales Department, BSI, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6LE.

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 BSI BS*6121: PART*2 89 .. 1624669 0053910 9 ..

BS 6121 : Part 2: 1989

7.3 Protrusion 8.4 Load test

The protrusion from the mounting surface shall not exceed Both types of gland shall undergo this test.
the appropriate maximum value given in table 1, when the The distance through which the mandrel moves shall not
cable gland is assembled on the plug-gauge or a mandrel exceed 6 mm when the gland has been tested as described
of the same diameter as the maximum cable size and the in appendix D.
threaded fixing component is tightened to the proof NOTE. This test is intended to ensure that the gland will secure
torque. the cable effectively, not to demonstrate that the gland will sustain
a load of the test value.
7.4 Gland maximum diameter across corners
The diameter of an imaginary cylinder, coaxial with the 8.5 Tests on sealing devices
gland and enclosing it, shall not exceed the appropriate 8.5.1 Seal test. Prepare and test gland type A2P in
maximum value given in table 1. accordance with appendix E, and BS 5490 or BS 5420
for IP66 degree of protection.
7.5 Dimensions across flats of hexagons
The requirements for IP66 in BS 5490 orBS 5420 shall be
Every hexagonal part shall fit one of the spanners listed met for seal. When tested in accordance with 8.9 of
in BS 192. BS 5490 : 1977, there shall be no ingress of water.

7.6 Cable overall diameter 8.5.2 Compression set. When tested in accordance with
The gland shall be capable of accommodating cable of the BS 903 : Part A6, using a method A, type 1 test piece,
appropriate maximum overall diameter as shown in table 1. a temperature of 70 ± 1 °C during the compression period,
and a recovery period of 10 min, the compression set shall
be not greater than 25 %.

8 Typetests 8.5.3 Hardness. The change in hardness between the

values obtained before and after accelerated ageing shall
8.1 General be not greater than 15 %when conditioned and tested
No gland shall be adjusted during the test. as follows.
NOTE. The type tests are for proving the design. Age the material under test in an oven with air circulation
such that the test pieces are heated for 7 days at 100 ± 2 o C.
8.2 Temperature conditioning Prepare the test pieces in accordance with BS 903: Part A26.
Prior to proceeding with the tests detailed in 8.3 to 8.6, Condition the aged pieces at 20 ± 2 °C for 24 hand test
a quantity of glands of each size and type sufficient to in accordance with BS 903 : Part A26.
meet the test series shall be subjected to temperature
conditioning as described in appendix B. 8.6 Radial load torque test
NOTE. Temperature conditioning considerably reduces the water There shall be no damage to the gland on dismantling
absorption characteristics of tt.e specimen, and produces a proof
condition for the tests specified in this standard.
after the gland has been tested as described in appendix F.
The tests specified in 8.3 to 8.6 shall be carried out 8.7 Endurance test
within 48 h of this temperature conditioning. NOTE 1. This test is intended to provide an indication of minimum
service life of a cable gland when subjected to normal oxidative
8.3 Proof torque test degradation in the presence of ultraviolet radiation and humidity.
8.3.1 General. The proof torque test is in two parts:
8. 7.1 General. The glands shall be considered satisfactory
specimens of both types of gland shall undergo testing at
if, after ageing as described in G.2, all samples comply with
an ambient temperature of 23 ± 5 o C and, subsequently, 8.7.2 to 8.7.4.
at a temperature of - 5 o C. -
NOTE 1. Any distortion of the seals can be ignored for the 8.7.2 Proof torque. The gland shall withstand the appro·
purpose of this test. priate proof torque given in table 1 and shall meet
NOTE 2. This test is designed t6 prove that the mechanical strength the requirements given in 8.3.
of the gland is adequate to meet conditions encountered in use.

8.3.2 At ambient temperature. There shall be no damage 8.7.3 Load. The gland shall meet the requirements
to the threads and no detrimental effect to the hexagon given in 8.4.
on dismantling after the gland has been tested as described
8.7.4 Radial load torque. The gland shall meet the require-
in appendix C.
ments given in 8.6.
8.3.3 At low temperature. There shall be no damage to NOTE 2. The endurance test is not intended to reflect the reduction
the threads and no detrimental effect to the hexagon in working life resulting from environmental pollution by atmos·
on dismantling after the gland has been tested as described pheric chemicals.
in appendix Cat a temperature of -5 °C.

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 BSI BS*6121: PART*2 89 II 1624669 0053911 0 II·
BS 6121 :Part 2: 1989

8.8 Flammability test (c) have any specimens that burn with flaming or
NOTE 1. This test is intended solely to measure and describe the glowing combustion up to the holding clamp.
flammability properties of the material used in the cable gland in NOTE 2. Specimens are permitted to drip flaming particles which
response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions. burn only briefly.
When a set of five specimens of each size is prepared, If only one specimen from a set of five specimens fails to
conditioned and flame tested as described in appendix H, comply with these requirements, or if the total number
the material shall not: of seconds of flaming is in the range of 251 s to 255 s,
(a) burn with flaming combustion for more than 30 s an additional five specimens shall be tested, and all
after either application of the test flame; specimens from this second set of tests shall comply
(b) have a total flaming combustion time exceeding with (a) to (c).
250 s for the 10 flame applications for each set of five
specimens;

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 BSI BS*6121: PART*2 89 II 1624669 0053912 2 II,
BS 6121 : Part 2 : 1989

e Appendices

Appendix A Information to be supplied torque equal to 50 %of the proof torque specified in
table 1. The mandrel, which shall be clean, dry and
when ordering polished, shall carry a platform on which weights may be
When ordering, purchasers should give the following placed.
information: Mark the mandrel so that any movement relative to the
(a) the number of this British Standard, gland can easily be detected. Load the mandrel with
i.e. BS 6121 : Part 2; weights until the total tensile load of the mandrel, platform
and weights is in accordance with table 1. Maintain the
(b) the type and size of gland (see clauses 3 and 4);
load for 6 h. Measure at the end of this period, the distance,
(c) the number of the British Standard cable if any, through which th~ mandrel has moved relative to
specification, if applicable; the gland. -
(d) the type, size and voltage rating of the cable;
(e) the actual diameter of the cable;
(f) details of any special environmental conditions, Locknut
including enclosure material;
(g) whether a size 16 gland with M20 thread is
acceptable, or a size 20S or 20 gland with M25 thread
-is acceptable.

Cable gland
Appendix B. Temperature conditioning for
tests
Place all the glands in an oven and maintain at 120 ± 2 °C
for 2 h. Remove and allow to cool to room temperature.
NOTE. Remove seal and skid washer, if present, prior to
temperature conditioning.

Appendix C. Proof torque test

Test one gland of each size and type. The gland shall be
clean, new and without lubricant.
Screw the threaded fixing component of the gland into a
suitable tapped hole in a substantial block of non-ferrous
Weight
metal. The thickness of the block shall be greater than the
length of the thread on the component, and the hole shall c:::t:+±==::r--- Pia t form
pass right through the block. Where a locknut is provided,
carry out the tests with the gland mounted on a drilled
gland plate of appropriate thickness.
NOTE. It is important that the hole is bored square to the face
of the block. Figure 2. Load test
Assemble the gland on a mandrel of the appropriate
diameter given in table 1. Tighten the gland with a
manually operated torque spanner to the appropriate proof
torque given in table 1; apply the spanner first to the main
body of the gland and then to the seal compression nut. Appendix E. Seal test for glands of type A2
Dismantle the gland and examine it.
Test one gland of each size. The gland shall be clean,
new and without lubricant.
Appendix D. Load test Fit the gland into a suitable enclosure, and seal the inter·
face between the gland and the enclosure using a suitable
Test one gland of each size and type. The gland shall be washer or thread sealant. Seal into the gland a polished
clean, new and without lubricant. cylindrical metal mandrel, of the appropriate diameter
Mount the gland as shown in figure 2. Secure a cylindrical specified in table 1, by tightening the gland to 50 %of
non-ferrous metal mandrel, of the diameter specified in the relevant proof torque.
table 1 and any convenient length, in the gland; do this Test the gland in accordance with BS 5490 or BS 5420.
by tightening the gland with a torque spanner to a value of

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 BSI BS*b121: PART*2 89 II 1624669 0053913 4 II
BS 6121 : Part 2 : 1989

Appendix F. Radial load test torque G.3 Proof torque test

Test one gland of each size and type. Mount the gland on a non-ferrous block and assemble on
Mount the gland in a suitable rigid support (gland plate) a mandrel of the appropriate diameter as given in table 1.
as shown in figure 3. Fasten the gland to the gland plate Tighten the gland with a manually-operated torque spanner
using the correct gland nut. Insert into the gland a mandrel to the appropriate proof torque as given in table 1.
with a diameter approximately equal to the maximum
diameter of the cable, (see table 1). ensuring that the G.4 Test load
mandrel end does not enter the plane of the rigid support
Mount the gland on a suitable rigid support as shown in
(gland plate). Make arrangements to suspend weights from
figure 2, and tighten to 50 % of the appropriate proof
the mandrel.
torque value as given in table 1. Subject the gland to the
Apply the radial load torque given in table 1 to the gland. load test as described in appendix D.
When calculating the radial load torque to be applied,
assume that the weight of the mandrel itself acts halfway G.5 Radial load torque test
along its length. Apply the load for not less than 5 min.
Finally, dismantle the assembly and inspect the gland Mount the gland on a suitable non-ferrous rigid support
for signs of damage. (gland plate) as shown in figure 3. Subject the gland to the
radial load torque test as described in appendix F.

Appendix G. Endurance test

Appendix H. Flammability test
G.1 General
H.1 Principle
Select for the series of tests described in G.3 to G.5 two
glands, which shall be the largest and smallest for which This test is intended to be performed on materials used to
approval is sought. manufacture polymeric glands and is intended to serve as
an indication of the acceptability of the material with
respect to flammability.
G.2 Ageing
Place the glands in a UV weatherometer. Incline the glands H.2 Apparatus
to allow water to drain. Subject the glands to 500 alternate
4 h cycles of ultraviolet light and 100% humidity at H.2.1 Test chamber, fitted with a laboratory hood or
temperatures of 70 °C and 40 °C respectively. The spectral similar enclosure to exclude forced or induced draught.
energy distribution of the lamps shall be as given for lamp E NOTE. An enclosed laboratory hood with a heat resistant glass
in BS 2782 : Part 5 : Method 5408. window, and an exhaust fan for removing the products of
combustion are recommended.

Rigid support
(gland plate)
Insulated adaptor Mandrel
Hook

Weight

Platform

NOTE. The mandrel shall not enter the plane of the rigid support.

Figure 3. Radial load torque test

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 BSI BS*6121: PART*2 89 II 1624669 0053914 6 II·
BS 6121 : Part 2: 1989

.
H.2.2 Bunsen burner or Tim ill burner, having a tube with be limited only to the material in the colours, melt flows,
a length of80 mm to 100 mm and an inside diameter of and reinforcement contents tested, or additional specimens
9.5 mm. The tube shall not be equipped with end attach- in intermediate colours, melt flows, and reinforcement
ments (e.g. a stabilizer). contents are to be provided for tests.
H.2.3 Ring stand, with clamps or equivalent and adjustable H.3.3 Number
for vertical positioning of the specimens. Prepare two sets of five specimens for each size and type
H.2.4 Gas supply, with suitable regulator and meter for of material to be tested.
uniform gas flow.
NOTE. Natural gas having a heat content of approximately H.4 Conditioning
37 X 106 J/m 3 has been found to give satisfactory results.
Prior to testing, condition the specimens as follows:
H.2.5 Stopwatch, or other suitable timing device. (a) condition one set of each size and type of material
H.2.6 Desiccator, containing anhydrous ca.lcium chloride. in a conditioning chamber (H.2.7) for a minimum
duration of 48 hat 23 ± 2 °C and relative humidity
H.2.7 Conditioning chamber, capable of being maintained of 50± 5 %;
at 23 ± 2 °C and a relative humidity of 50± 5 %.
(b) condition one set of each size and type of material
H.2.8 Circulating air oven, capable of being maintained in a circulating air-oven (H.2.8) for a duration of 168 h
at 70 ± 1 °C. at 70 ± 1 °C and then cool the specimens in the
desiccator (H.2.6), for a minimum duration of 4 h at
H.3 Specimens room temperature.

H.3.1 Size H.5 Procedure

Test specimens, 125 mm in length by 12.5 mm in width
in the maximum and minimum thicknesses covering the H.5.1 Place the ring stand and specimen in the test
range to be considered, shall be tested. Specimens tested chamber (H.2.1).
by this method are limited to a maximum thickness of H.5.2 Secure the specimen, with the longitudinal axis
12.5 mm. Specimens in intermediate thicknesses are also vertical, to the ring stand (H.2.3) so that the lower end of
to be provided and may be tested if the results obtained the specimen is 9 mm above the top of the burner
on the maximum and minimum thickness indicate a need. tube (H.2.2). Ensure that the clamp or equivalent securing
Intermediate thicknesses are not to exceed increments of device is attached to the upper 6 mm of the specimen.
3 mm. The specimens are to comply with the following:
H.5.3 Remove the burner from the specimen, ignite it
(a) maximum width of 13 mm;
and then adjust it to produce a blue flame 19 mm high.
(b) maximum radius on the corners of 1.25 mm; NOTE. The flame may be obtained by first adjusting the gas supply
(c) the edges are to be smooth. and the air ports of the burner until a 19 mm yellow-tipped blue
flame is produced and then increasing the air supply until the
yellow tip disappears. Measure-the height of the flame once again
H.3.2 Type and correct, if necessary.
If the material to be considered is in a range of colours,
H.5.4 Place the flame centrally under the lower end of
melt flows, or reinforcement contents, specimens repre-
the specimen and allow to remain for 10 s. Withdraw the
senting those ranges are to be provided. Specimens in the
flame to a minimum distance of 150 mm. Use the stop-
natural (if used in this colour) and in the most heavily
watch (H.2.5) to note the duration of flaming of the
pigmented light and dark colours are to be provided and
specimen. When flaming of the specimen ceases,
considered representative of the colour range, if the
immediately place the·flame under the specimen again.
burning characteristics are essentially the same. An addi-
After 10 s, withdraw the flame again and note the
tional set of specimens is to be provided in the heaviest
duration of flaming and glowing.
organic pigment loading, unless the most heavily pigmented
light and dark colours include the highest organic pigment H.5.5 If the specimen drops·molten or flaming material
level. When certain colour pigments (e.g. red or yellow) during either flame application, tilt the burner to an angle
are known by experience to have particularly critical up to 45 ° and also slightly withdraw the flame from the
effects, they are also to be provided. Specimens in the specimen to avoid material dripping into the tube of the
extremes of the melt flows and reinforcement contents burner. The 9 mm distance between the bottom of the
are to be provided and considered representative of the specimen and the top of the burner tube is to be main-
range, if the burning characteristics are essentially the same. tained during the flame application. Any molten strings
If the burning characteristics are not essentially the same of the material are to be ignored, and the flame is to be
for all specimens representing the range, evaluation is to applied to the major portion of the specimen.

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 BSI BS*6121: PART*2 89 II 1624669 0053915 8 II
BS 6121 :Part 2: 1989

H.6 Test report

The report should include the following observations:
(a) duration of flaming after first flame application;
(b) duration of flaming after second flame application;
(c) duration of flaming plus glowing after second flame
application;
(d) whether or not specimens burn up to the holding
clamp.

.•

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 BSI BS*6121: PART*2 89 • 1624669 0053916 T . ,
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is blank

Publications referred to
BS 192 Specification for open-ended wrenches
BS903 Methods of testing vulcanized rubber
Part A6 Determination of compression set after constant strain
Part A26 Determination of hardness
BS 2782 Methods of testing plastics
Part 5 Optical and colour properties, weathering
Method 5408 Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources, (xenon arc lamp, enclosed carbon arc lamp,
open-flame carbon arc lamp, fluorescent tube lamps)
BS 3643 ISO metric screw threads
BS 4727 Glossary of electrotechnical, power, telecommunication, electronics, lighting and colour terms
Part 2 Terms particular to power engineering
Group 08 Electric cable terminology
BS 5420 Specification for degrees of protection of enclosures of switchgear and controlgear for voltages up to and
including 1000 V a.c. and 1200 V d.c.
BS 5490 Specification for classification of degrees of protection provided by enclosures
BS 6004 Specification for PVC-insulated cables (non-armoured) for electric power and lighting
BS 6007 Specification for rubber-insulated cables for electric power and lighting
BS 6346 Specification for PVC-insulated cables for electricity supply
BS 6500 Specification for insulated flexible cords and cables
*DIN 40 430 Steel conduit thread dimensions
*Fed- Std H.28 Screw thread standards for Federal Services

*Available from BSI Sales Department, BSI, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6LE.

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Wed Jul 02 16:58:16 2003
 BSI BS*6121: PART*2 89 II 1624669 0053917 1 II

BS 6121 · Part 2 · 1 989

This British Standard, having been prepared under the direction implementing the standard, of necessary details such as symbols and
of the General Electrotechnical Engineering Standards Policy size, type or grade designations. Enquiries should be addressed to
Committee, was published under the authority of the Board of BSI the Publications Manager, BSI, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes
and comes into effect on 31 August 1989 MK14 6LE. The number for telephone enquiries is 0908 220022
©British Standards Institution, 1989 and for telex 825777.
ISBN 0 580 17247 3 Contract requirements. A British Standard does not purport to
include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users of British
The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard: Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Committee reference GEL/3 Draft for comment 87/30058 DC

Revision of British Standards. British Standards are revised, when

British Standards Institution. Incorporated by Royal Charter, BSI is necessary, by the issue either of amendments or of revised editions.
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Committees responsible for this British Standard

Tho preparation of this British Standard was !Intrusted by thfl Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales
General Electrotechnical Engineering Standards Policy Committee Engineering Equipment and Materials Users' Association
(GEL/-) to Technical Committee GEL/3, upon which the ERA Technology Ltd.
following bodies were represented: Institution of Electrical Engineers
Aluminium Federation London Regional Transport
Association of Consulting Engineers
Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Electrical Appliances The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the
British Approvals Service for Electric Cables standard, through subcommittees and panels:
British Cable Makers' Confederation Association of Supervisory and Executive Engineers
British Plastics Federation Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications and Plumbing Union
British Railways Board Electrical Installation Equipment Manufacturers' Association
British Shipbuilders (BEAMA Ltd.)
British Steel Industry Engineering Industries Association
British Telecommunications pic Gland Manufacturers' Technical Committee
Department of Energy (Electricity Division) Health and Safety Executive
Department of the Environment (Property Services Agency) Lighting Industry Federation Ltd.
Department of Trade and Industry (Consumer Safety Unit,
CA Division)

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Amd. No. Date of issue Text affected

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Copyright by the British Standards Institution

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