IEEE Standard For Flame-Propagation Testing of Wire and Cable

IEEE Standard for Flame-Propagation
STANDARDS
Testing of Wire and Cable
IEEE Power and Energy Society
Developed by the
Insulated Conductors Committee
IEEE Std 1202™-2023

(Revision of IEEE Std 1202-2006)
Authorized licensed use limited to: UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE VALENCIA. Downloaded on April 29,2024 at 12:41:12 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
IEEE Std 1202™-2023
(Revision of IEEE Std 1202-2006)

Developed by the
Insulated Conductors Committee

of the
IEEE Power and Energy Society
Approved 21 September 2023
IEEE SA Standards Board
Abstract: Standardization of cable flame propagation testing is beneficial to cable manufacturers,
distributors, and users. Uniform procedures; consistent, repeatable results; and measurable test
acceptance criteria are required to allow comparisons among competing products and to allow
selection of the correct product for the application. These criteria are detailed in this standard.
Keywords: 20 kW, 20 min, 70 000 BTU/h, after burn, cable, char, charring, flame propagation,
IEEE 1202™, test protocol, vertical cable tray, wire
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Participants
At the time this standard was completed, the Flame Propagation Testing Working Group had the following
membership:
Evangeline Cometa, Chair

Carlie Crawford, Secretary
Keith Bagwell Scott Hall Eric Rasmussen

Michael Bayer Robert Konnik Jeffrey Schroeder
William Bloethe Phil Laudicina Gil Shoshani
James Conrad Andrew Mantey Anthony Tassone
William Crawford John Merando Gabriel Taylor
Larry Cunningham Jan Pirrong Robert Wobick
The following members of the individual Standards Association balloting group voted on this standard.
Balloters may have voted for approval, disapproval, or abstention.
Saleman Alibhay Steven Graham Arthur Neubauer

Keith Bagwell Stuart Hanebuth Joe Nims
Earle Bascom III Hamidreza Heidarisafa Lorraine Padden
Michael Bayer Jean Hernandez-Mejia Bansi Patel
Kenneth Bow Lauri Hiivala Howard Penrose
Koti Reddy Butukuri Werner Hoelzl Jan Pirrong
Thomas Campbell Robert Konnik Eric Rasmussen
Suresh Channarasappa Thomas Koshy Lakshman Raut
Evangeline Cometa Mikhail Lagoda Bartien Sayogo
James Conrad Chung-Yiu Lam Gilad Shoshani
Kurniawan Diharja Philip Laudicina Jerry Smith
Richard Ellis Wang Lei Gabriel Taylor
Carl Fredericks John Merando David Tepen
Shubhanker Garg Daleep Mohla John Vergis
Nadim Giotis Detlef Wald
When the IEEE SA Standards Board approved this standard on 21 September 2023, it had the following
membership:
David J. Law, Chair

Ted Burse, Vice Chair
Gary Hoffman, Past Chair
Konstantinos Karachalios, Secretary
Sara R. Biyabani Joseph S. Levy Paul Nikolich

Doug Edwards Howard Li Annette D. Reilly
Ramy Ahmed Fathy Johnny Daozhuang Lin Robby Robson
Guido R. Hiertz Gui Lin Lei Wang
Yousef Kimiagar Xiaohui Liu F.Keith Waters
Joseph L. Koepfinger* Kevin W. Lu Karl Weber
Thomas Koshy Daleep C. Mohla Philip B. Winston
John D. Kulick Andrew Myles Don Wright
*Member Emeritus
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Introduction
This introduction is not part of IEEE Std 1202-2023, IEEE Standard for Flame-Propagation Testing of Wire and Cable.
This standard provides a test procedure for determining wire and cable flame propagation characteristics due
to ignition sources either outside of or within the cable system. The purpose of this revision is to update the
standard to current industry practices and to harmonize this document with similar vertical tray flame test
standards, such as UL 1685 and NMX J-556-ANCE-2021/CSA C22.2 No. 2556:21/UL 2556. This standard
is not meant to determine circuit integrity or fire stop capability of wire or cable systems. This standard is also
not meant to determine the protection afforded to cables by tray covers, conduits, or fire barrier materials.
These considerations are covered in other more appropriate standards. This standard may be used to satisfy
wire and cable flame propagation requirements identified in National Electrical Code® (NEC®); NFPA 70-
2020 [B4]; CSA Standard C22.1-21 [B2], Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), Part I; or Mexican NOM-001
(MEC), Aparatos Electronicos de Uso Domestico Alimentados por Diferentes Fuentes de Energia Electrica
[B3]. This standard is referenced in other standards such as IEEE Std 383™-2015 and IEEE Std 1580™-2020.
This standard has been coordinated with Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the Canadian Standards Association
(CSA), and Mexico’s SDO Association of Standardization and Certification (ANCE) as part of the tri-national
harmonization process. Even though the IEEE is not formally part of the harmonization group, the content of
this standard has been reviewed to achieve common technical requirements.
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Contents
1. Overview�� 10
1.1 Scope�� 10
1.2 Word usage�� 10
1.3 Applications�� 10
1.4 Disclaimer�� 10
1.5 Test precautions�� 11
2. Normative references�� 11
3. Definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations�� 11

3.1 Definitions�� 11
3.2 Acronyms and abbreviations�� 11
4. Flame test facility�� 12

4.1 Enclosure�� 12
4.2 Exhaust duct�� 14
4.3 Air movement within the enclosure�� 14
4.4 Cable tray�� 14
4.5 Burner and mixer�� 15
4.6 Flowmeters�� 15
4.7 Supply air�� 16
4.8 Propane�� 16
5. Test sample requirements�� 17

5.1 Cable samples�� 17
5.2 Tests required�� 17
6. Flame test procedure�� 17

6.1 Cable mounting�� 17
6.2 Test procedure�� 19
7. Test evaluation�� 20
7.1 Evaluation of damage�� 20
7.2 Performance criteria�� 21
7.3 Test report�� 21
Annex A (informative) Bibliography�� 22
Annex B (normative) Burner and mixer information�� 23
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1. Overview
1.1 Scope
This standard provides a protocol for exposing cable samples to a theoretical 20 kW (70 000 BTU/h) flaming
ignition source for a 20-min test duration. The test determines the flame propagation tendency of single-
conductor and multi-conductor cables intended for use in cable trays.
1.2 Word usage

The word shall indicates mandatory requirements strictly to be followed in order to conform to the standard
and from which no deviation is permitted (shall equals is required to).6,7
The word should indicates that among several possibilities one is recommended as particularly suitable,
without mentioning or excluding others; or that a certain course of action is preferred but not necessarily
required (should equals is recommended that).
The word may is used to indicate a course of action permissible within the limits of the standard (may equals
is permitted to).
The word can is used for statements of possibility and capability, whether material, physical, or causal (can
equals is able to).
1.3 Applications
This standard shall apply to multi-conductor cables and single insulated conductors that are allowed to be
installed in cable tray, or to other cables and conductors for which a flame rating to the requirements of this
standard is desired.
1.4 Disclaimer
The results obtained using this test do not imply that cables of similar cable construction will necessarily
perform the same way in other cable arrangements, other cable tray configurations, or other environments.
6
The use of the word must is deprecated and cannot be used when stating mandatory requirements; must is used only to describe
unavoidable situations.
7
The use of will is deprecated and cannot be used when stating mandatory requirements; will is only used in statements of fact.
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
IEEE Standard for Flame-Propagation Testing of Wire and Cable
1.5 Test precautions

Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property
shall be employed while conducting these tests.
2. Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document (i.e., they must
be understood and used, so each referenced document is cited in text and its relationship to this document is
explained). For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments or corrigenda) applies.
ASTM C90-21, Standard Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units.8
ASTM D1835-22, Specification for Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases.
CAN/CSGB 3.14-2013 CORR 1, Propane for Fuel Purposes, Canadian General Standards Board.9
IEC 60332-3-10:2000 (withdrawn), Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions—Part 3-10:
Test for vertical flame spread of vertically-mounted bunched wires or cables—Apparatus, First Edition.10
NEMA VE 1-2017/CSA C22.2 No. 126.1-17, Metal cable tray systems.11,12
3. Definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations

3.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. The IEEE Standards Dictionary
Online should be consulted for terms not defined in this clause. 13
sample: The insulated conductor or cable type and construction to be tested.
specimen: The individual length of cable or cable bundle to be placed in the cable tray for testing.
3.2 Acronyms and abbreviations

Acronyms and abbreviations used in this document are defined as follows:
AWG American wire gauge
OD outside diameter
8
ASTM publications are available from the American Society for Testing and Materials (https://www.astm.org/).
9
Canadian General Standards are available from the Canadian General Standards Board (http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/cgsb/home/contact-e
.html).
10
IEC publications are available from the International Electrotechnical Commission (https://www.iec.ch) and the American National
Standards Institute (https://www.ansi.org/).
11
NEMA publications are available from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (https://www.nema.org/).
12
CSA publications are available from the Canadian Standards Association (https://www.csa.ca/).
13
IEEE Standards Dictionary Online is available at: http://dictionary.ieee.org. An IEEE Account is required for access to the dictionary,
and one can be created at no charge on the dictionary sign-in page.
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
4. Flame test facility

4.1 Enclosure
Figure 1 provides a typical example of an enclosure in which the sample is tested. A steel baffle (shown in
Figure 1) shall be included for safety purposes to protect the hood, duct and fan.
The enclosure shown in Figure 1 is recommended for new construction. Other enclosures shall be permitted
to be used if they are shown to provide equivalent results and are of a size such that the internal volume
of the enclosure, exclusive of the pyramid hood, shall not be less than 14.5 m3 (512 ft3) nor greater than
36 m3 (1272 ft3), the floor area shall not be less than 6 m2 (64 ft2) nor greater than 9 m2 (97 ft2), and the
maximum air movement within the enclosure complies with 4.3.
In the event of dispute, the results of tests conducted in an enclosure sized as shown in Figure 1 shall be final.
4.1.1 Enclosure walls
The walls of the enclosure should be constructed of concrete masonry materials complying with
ASTM C90-21.14 The interior surface of the walls shall be painted flat black.
Alternative construction materials are acceptable for the enclosure walls provided the construction materials
are capable of withstanding the high temperatures and open flame within the test enclosure.
4.1.2 Windows
For observation of the fire test, windows should be located in the walls and door, as shown in Figure 1. The
exact location, size, and number of windows are not critical to test performance provided that all windows are
air-tight. It is suggested that the total surface area of the windows should not exceed 1.8 m2 (20.0 ft2). Exercise
caution in selecting the window materials and construction to withstand the high temperatures and open flame
within the test enclosure.
4.1.3 Air intakes
Air intakes shall be provided at the base of two opposite walls. The total cross-sectional area of the air intakes
shall be 1.45 m2 ± 0.03 m2 (15.63 ft2 ± 35 ft2), and the intake areas shall be divided approximately equal.
Figure 1 shows dimensions for the air intakes installed in walls with and without an access door. Air intakes
shall not be permitted in either of the other two walls.
4.1.4 Access door
The enclosure shall contain an access door, typically constructed of steel, located as shown in Figure 1. The
door shall be permitted to be located in any of the four walls. The sides and top of the door shall be adequately
sealed to help prevent drafts. The bottom of the door shall also be sealed to help prevent drafts if it is not
located in a wall containing an air intake.
4.1.5 Exhaust hood
A hood, formed as shown in Figure 1, shall be located on top of the enclosure walls. The area between the hood
and the walls shall be sealed.
14
Information on references can be found in Clause 2.
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
Legend:
1 Enclosure. Concrete blocks, if used, should be the standard commercial size available such as trade size
8 in × 16 in × 6 in or the equivalent in metric trade size such as 200 mm × 400 mm × 150 mm. (The exact block size is not
significant to the test results; however, the air intake opening size is critical.)
2 Steel-framed door with wired-glass window for access and observation. The size of the door should be a standard
commercial door size such as trade size 36 in × 84 in or the equivalent metric trade size such as 1 m × 2 m.
3 Steel-framed wired-glass observation window(s) nominally 450 mm (18 in) square, located on a side wall of the
chamber (see 4.1.2).
4 Truncated-pyramid stainless-steel hood; each side is sloped approximately 40°.
5 Collection box with exhaust duct centered on one side. The box shall be a cube with each face a
910 mm ± 15 mm (36 in ± 0.5 in) square.
6 Tray mounted vertically in the center of the enclosure.
7 Air-intake openings.
8 Steel baffle that is nominally 610 mm × 610 mm (24 in × 24 in) and 3.2 mm (0.125 in) thick.
9 Duct that is 405 mm ± 15 mm (16 in ± 0.5 in) inside diameter.
10 Lighting (optional).
11 Flame height gauge (optional).
12 Temperature probe (Type K thermocouple with inconel sheath).
13 Bidirectional velocity probe.
14 Photoelectric cell and light source for smoke density measurement (optional).
15 Control cabinet(s) for bidirectional velocity probe, thermocouple, light source, and photoelectric cell (optional).
Figure 1—Flame test enclosure
(figure continues on next page)
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
16 Ribbon burner.
Figure 1—Flame test enclosure
4.1.6 Collection box
A 910 mm × 910 mm × 910 mm with tolerance of ± 15 mm on each side (36 in × 36 in × 36 in with a tolerance
of 0.5 in on each side) stainless steel collection box shall be located on top of the exhaust hood as shown in
Figure 1.
4.2 Exhaust duct

The exhaust duct connected to the collection box on top of the hood shall be a 405 mm ± 15 mm (16 in ± 0.5 in)
nominal inside diameter steel pipe installed horizontally and consist of the following:
a) A variable-speed exhaust fan shall be located at the exhaust end of the duct. The exhaust duct shall be
provided with instruments to measure gas velocity and temperature.
b) A bidirectional probe or an equivalent measuring system shall be used to measure pressure
in the duct. The probe shall be located in the exhaust duct at least 4.9 m (16 ft) but not more than
13.7 m (45 ft) from the centerline of the collection box. The minimum length between any bend and
the probe shall be at least 10 times the inside diameter of the duct. The probe, shown in Figure 2, shall
consist of a stainless steel cylinder with a solid diaphragm in the center that divides the probe into two
chambers. The probe shall have a length nominally two times the outside diameter of the cylinder with
a minimum length of 25.4 mm (1.0 in) and a maximum length of 51 mm (2.0 in). The pressure taps
on either side of the diaphragm support the probe. The axis of the probe shall be along the centerline
of the duct. The taps shall be connected to a pressure transducer that shall be able to resolve pressure
differences of 0.25 Pa (0.001 in of water). Unless otherwise specified, all other dimensions in Figure 2
are nominal.
c) A bare bead, high-temperature Type K thermocouple, 0.51 mm (20 mils) in diameter, shall be located
152 mm (6 in) upstream from the bidirectional probe.
4.3 Air movement within the enclosure

The maximum air movement within the enclosure, with only the intake and exhaust openings open, the
exhaust fan on, if applicable, and the burner off, shall not exceed 1 m/s (3.3 ft/s), as measured by a vane-type
anemometer in the following areas:
a) At the floor level where the burner will be positioned during the test
b) 1.5 m (4.9 ft) above the enclosure floor where the cable tray will be positioned during the test
4.4 Cable tray

A steel ladder cable tray, as shown in Figure 3, shall be used. The cable tray shall comply with
NEMA VE 1-2017 or CSA Standard C22.2, No. 126.1-17. The rungs shall be attached to the inside of the side
channels.
The tray shall be located so the burner flame will impinge on the cable midway between rungs.
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
Figure 2—Bidirectional probe
4.5 Burner and mixer

The ribbon burner shall be a nominal 254 mm (10 in) strip- or ribbon-type propane-gas burner with an air/gas
venturi mixer as shown in Annex B or IEC 60332-3-10.15
The burner shall be mounted on a stand and placed 20° ± 2° from the horizontal with the burner ports up (see
Figure 3). The top of the burner shall be located 305 mm ± 25 mm (12 in ± 1 in) above the base of the cable tray
and parallel to the cable tray rungs.
A guide shall be attached to the burner or stand so the leading edge of the burner face can be accurately placed
76 mm ± 5 mm (3 in ± 0.2 in) horizontally from the nearest surface of the cables.
4.6 Flowmeters
A flowmeter shall be located in the propane line and in the air line feeding the burner to measure the flow
rates of these gases during the test. The propane flowmeter shall be capable of measuring a flow rate of
230 cm3/s (29 ft3/h). The air flowmeter shall be capable of measuring a flow rate of 1360 cm3/s (173 ft3/h).
Measurements shall be accurate within 3%. A mass flow controller with an output that can be recorded should
be used; however properly calibrated volumetric flow meters are also acceptable.
15
See Annex B for information on burner and mixer.
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
Figure 3—Cable tray, specimen, and burner details
4.7 Supply air

The air supplied to the burner shall be compressed air, either bottled or supplied through a compressed air
system. The air supply shall be filtered, when necessary, to eliminate contaminants that could affect the test
results.
4.8 Propane
The propane gas supplied to the burner shall be equivalent to Propane HD-5 as specified in ANSI/ASTM
D1835-2022 or CAN/CGSB 3.14-13 CORR 1 (Grade 1). The gas shall have a nominal heating value of
93.0 MJ/m3 (2500 BTU/ft3). The temperature of the propane gas shall be 25 °C ± 5 °C (77 °F ± 9 °F).
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
5. Test sample requirements

5.1 Cable samples
Unless otherwise specified by the user, recognized testing laboratory, or the inspection authority having
jurisdiction, the minimum conductor size construction for each cable design shall be tested to qualify all larger
sizes using identical materials. Addition or deletion of a cable component or a change in material(s) shall
constitute a new cable design, except that deletion of fillers or a strand separator shall not constitute a new
cable design for power or control cable that has metal conductors.
Cable constructions shall consist of single-insulated conductors or multi-conductor cables within all applicable
voltage classes, as follows:
a) Multi-conductor cables: The smallest conductor size in the cable design with the fewest conductors,
e.g., 2 conductor 18 American wire gauge (AWG) (0.823 mm2).
b) Single-insulated conductors: The smallest single conductor in the cable design.
NOTE—Practical experience within the cable industry has shown that passing the test with the smallest conductor qualifies
larger conductors within the same voltage class of the same cable design.16
5.2 Tests required

Each cable design shall be subjected to two flame tests. A third and final test shall be performed if one of the
first two tests results in a failure.
6. Flame test procedure

6.1 Cable mounting
The length of each cable specimen or each cable bundle shall be 2.4 m ± 0.1 m (8 ft ± 0.3 ft). Depending on
the outside diameter of the individual cable, the test specimen shall be either an individual length or a bundle
of individual lengths. The specimens or specimen bundles shall be centered between the side rails in a single
layer. The lower end of each specimen or specimen bundle shall be located not more than 100 mm (4 in) above
the bottom end of the cable tray. Each specimen or specimen bundle shall be separately attached to each rung
of the cable tray using one wrap of a copper or steel wire tie not larger than 14 AWG (2.08 mm2).
6.1.1 Cables smaller than 13.0 mm (0.512 in)
For cables smaller in diameter than 13.0 mm (0.512 in), the specimens shall be grouped into untwisted bundles
(nominally circular) as specified in Table 1. The bundles shall be spaced one-half bundle diameter apart on the
cable tray as measured at the point of attachment to the cable tray.
NOTE—For the purposes of this standard, a cable is any single-insulated conductor or assembly of insulated conductors.
The cable OD is the outside diameter of a cable including any overall jacket or sheath.
16
Notes in text, tables, and figures are given for information only and do not contain requirements needed to implement the standard.
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
Table 1—Tray loading for circular cables smaller than

13.0 mm (0.512 in) in diameter (continued)
Table 1—Tray loading for circular cables smaller than 13.0 mm (0.512 in) in diameter
Cable diameter Number of cables Number of bundles
mm (in) in each bundle in the tray
From But less than
— 3.0 (0.118) 19 13
3.0 (0.118) 5 (0.197) 19 8
5 (0.197) 6 (0.236) 7 9
6 (0.236) 9 (0.354) 3 10
9 (0.354) 11 (0.433) 3 8
11 (0.433) 13 (0.512) 3 7
6.1.2 Cables 13.0 mm (0.512 in) and larger
For cables 13.0 mm (0.512 in) in diameter and larger, the individual specimens shall be attached to the cable
tray with a separation of one-half cable diameter or 15.0 mm (0.591 in), whichever is less. The tray loading
shall comply with Table 2.
NOTE—For the purposes of this standard, a cable is any single-insulated conductor or assembly of insulated conductors.
The cable OD is the outside diameter of a cable including any overall jacket or sheath.
Table 2—Tray loading for cables 13.0 mm (0.512 in) in diameter and larger
Cable diameter Number of cables in tray
mm (in)
From But less than
13 (0.512) 15 (0.591) 11
15 (0.591) 19 (0.748) 9
19 (0.748) 21 (0.827) 8
21 (0.827) 26 (1.024) 7
26 (1.024) 28 (1.102) 6
28 (1.102) 39 (1.535) 5
39 (1.535) 52 (2.047) 4
52 (2.047) 73 (2.874) 3
73 (2.874) 120 (4.724) 2
6.1.3 Flat cables
For flat cables, the equivalent cable diameter shall be calculated using Equation (1) as follows:
_
D = 1 . 128 √ TW (1)
where
D is the calculated cable diameter, mm (in)

T is the thickness or minor axis of the cable, mm (in)
W is the width or major axis of the cable, mm (in)
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
For ribbon cables, the spacing between adjacent cables shall not be less than 3.2 mm (1/8 in). The full width of
the tray may be used.
6.2 Test procedure

6.2.1 Cables and cable tray
The cables mounted on the cable tray shall be conditioned at a temperature of 25 °C ± 5 °C (77 °F ± 9 °F) for at
least 3 h immediately before commencing the test. The dew point of the air inside the enclosure does not need
to be measured.
The prepared cable tray shall be positioned vertically in the enclosure (as shown in Figure 1) so that the rungs
of the cable tray are parallel to the walls containing the ventilation openings. The lower end of the cable
specimens shall be positioned so that the bottom of the specimens is at least 203 mm (8 in) below the top of the
burner. The cable tray shall be firmly fixed in position.
6.2.2 Exhaust duct flow rate
The initial volumetric flow rate of air through the duct shall be 0.65 m3/s ± 0.05 m3/s (23 ft3/s ± 1.8 ft3/s). The
volumetric flow rate of the air in the duct shall be calculated from Equation (2) (Crocker [B1]). Once the initial
flow rate has been established, the fan speed shall not be reduced. The fan speed shall be increased if the flow
rate falls below the initial set value to maintain the initial volumetric flow rate.
_
√
2 Δ  T _
VS  = C V kA   ρ     ×  _   = 0 . 069685 kA √ Δ p T m 3/s (metric)
_p
O TO 
√
2 Δ p T _
VS  = C V kA _
  ρ     ×  _   = 0 . 005002 kA √ Δ p T ft 3/s (English) (2)
O TO 
where
CV is 0.926 which is the calibration factor for bidirectional probe based on air velocities in excess of
3.0 m/s (10 ft/s) in a 405 mm ± 2 mm (16 in ± 0.06 in) diameter duct
k is the ratio of the average duct gas mass flow per unit area, as determined by measuring the velocity
and temperature profiles across the stack, and the velocity and temperature at the center line where
the bidirectional probe is located during the test
A is the cross-sectional area of the duct at the location of the probe, m2 (in2)
Δp is the differential pressure measured with the probe, Pa (psi)
ρΟ is 1.1845 kg/m3 (4.2793 × 10−5 lbsm/in3)—the density of air in the exhaust duct at the reference
temperature To
T is the duct gas temperature, K (°R)
TΟ is the reference temperature—298.15 K (536.7 °R)
NOTE—Care is advised when applying Equation (2) to use correct units in either the metric or the English versions.
6.2.3 Burner
The burner shall be ignited, and gas flows shall be adjusted to the values specified below. The burner, at an
angle of 20° from the horizontal, shall be positioned in front of the cable tray and 75 mm ± 5 mm (3 in ± 0.2 in)
from the nearest cable surface as shown in Figure 3.
The propane flow rate shall be 220 cm3/s ± 8 cm3/s (28 ft3/h ± 1 ft3/h) when corrected to standard temperature
and pressure 20 °C, 101 kPa (68 °F, 14.6 psia). This propane flow rate provides a theoretical heat output of
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
20 kW (70 000 BTU/h). The actual heat output may be less, due to incomplete combustion of the propane at
the burner.
When propane other than the grade specified in 4.8 is used, the propane flow rate shall be adjusted to maintain
the 20 kW (70 000 BTU/h) heat input. In the event of dispute, the test results obtained using the propane
specified in 4.8 shall be final.
6.2.4 Airflow and air temperature
The airflow rate shall be 1280 cm3/s ± 8 cm3/s (163 ft3/h ± 10 ft3/h) when corrected to standard temperature and
pressure. The temperature of the air feeding the burner shall be 25 °C ± 5 °C (77 °F ± 9 °F). The dew point of
the air shall not be greater than 0 °C (32 °F).
The temperature of the ambient air entering and inside the enclosure shall be greater than 5 °C (41 °F). The
dew point of the air does not need to be measured.
6.2.5 Test duration
The burner flame shall impinge on the specimens for a continuous period of 20 min.
At the end of the 20-min period, the burner flame shall be extinguished and the cable fire (if any) allowed to
self-extinguish. The time of after burn shall be recorded.
6.2.6 Supplemental information
During the flame exposure, visual flame height may be recorded for informational purposes.
Pictures or video of the flame propagation testing may be made for informational purposes.
7. Test evaluation
7.1 Evaluation of damage
After burning has ceased, the cables shall be wiped clean, and the maximum extent of cable damage shall be
determined. Soot that can be removed with a cloth shall be ignored. It is not necessary to require the cable tray
assembly to cool to room temperature before evaluating flame propagation or taking measurements of cable
damage. However, proper safety precautions shall be taken.
7.1.1 Cable char damage
The limit of charring shall be determined by pressing against the cable surface with a sharp object. In places
where the surface of the cable changes from a resilient to a brittle or crumbling surface, the limit of charring
has been identified. Cable damage shall then be documented by measuring the distance of the charred height
on the most centrally located specimens above the horizontal line from the lower edge of the burner face to the
nearest 25 mm (1 in).
7.1.2 Non-cable char damage
Certain cable constructions may not “char” upon exposure to flame due to the characteristics of jacket/
insulation compounds used. For these constructions, the limit for the affected cable damage shall be defined
as the point where the overall diameter is visibly reduced or increased. Affected cable damage shall then be
documented by measuring the distance from this point to the horizontal line at the lower edge of the burner
face to the nearest 25 mm (1 in).
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
In addition, other cable degradation evidence such as melting or blistering maybe recorded for informational
purposes.
7.2 Performance criteria

The sample shall have complied with this standard and met the performance criteria if the length of cable
damage does not exceed 1.5 m ± 25 mm (4.9 ft ± 1 in), when measured in accordance with 7.1, in two tests.
7.3 Test report

A test record data sheet shall be completed for each flame test. The following information shall be recorded for
each test:
a) Date of testing
b) Location of testing
c) Test number
d) Test leader/supervisor
e) Test observer(s), if any
f) Inside dimensions of enclosure, if not in accordance with this standard
g) Cable manufacturer’s name
h) Cable identification/type and catalog number
i) Complete description of the cable construction, including outside diameter
j) NEC, CEC, or MEC type designation, as applicable
k) Number of cable specimens or bundles in the cable tray
l) Temperature of air outside enclosure
m) Temperature inside enclosure prior to starting test
n) Airflow rate at the floor level
o) Airflow rate at 1.5 m (4.9 ft) above the floor
p) Propane flow rate
q) Airflow rate into the burner
r) Airflow rate through the exhaust duct
s) Maximum length of cable damage
t) Time of after burn
u) Test results—pass or fail
v) Comments
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
Annex A
(informative)
Bibliography
Bibliographical references are resources that provide additional or helpful material but do not need to be
understood or used to implement this standard. Reference to these resources is made for informational use
only.
[B1] Crocker, S., Piping Handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1945.
[B2] CSA Standard C22.1-21, Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations,
25th ed.
[B3] Mexican NOM-001 (MEC), Aparatos Electronicos de Uso Domestico Alimentados por Diferentes
Fuentes de Energia Electrica.
[B4] NFPA 70-2020, National Electrical Code®(NEC®).17
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
Annex B
(normative)
Burner and mixer information

The burner number 10L1155 and venturi mixer number 14-18 for use in this standard is as shown in Figure A.1.
Figure A.1—Burner and mixer configuration
The ribbon burner shall have a flame-producing surface (face) consisting of a flat metal plate that is
341 mm (13 and 7/16 in) long and 30 mm (1 and 5/32 in) wide. The plate shall have an array of 242
holes drilled in it (see Figure A.2). All dimensions are nominal. Holes shall be centered on the plate and
1.35 mm [0.052 in (No. 55 drill)] in diameter.
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IEEE Std 1202-2023
Figure A.2—Burner hole arrangement
NOTE—At the time of publication of this standard, the information provided in this annex regarding the burner and mixer
numbers is based on information provided by the users of this standard, and it is shown for the convenience of the users of
this standard and does not constitute an endorsement by the IEEE. Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown
to yield the same results.
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IEEE Standard for Flame-Propagation

IEEE Power and Energy Society

IEEE Std 1202™-2023

IEEE Standard for Flame-Propagation

Insulated Conductors Committee

Approved 21 September 2023

IEEE SA Standards Board

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

Copyright © 2023 by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

PDF: ISBN 978-8-8557-0219-4 STD26544

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1.2 Word usage

1.5 Test precautions

ASTM C90-21, Standard Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units.8

ASTM D1835-22, Specification for Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases.

NEMA VE 1-2017/CSA C22.2 No. 126.1-17, Metal cable tray systems.11,12

3. Definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations

sample: The insulated conductor or cable type and construction to be tested.

3.2 Acronyms and abbreviations

4. Flame test facility

4.1.1 Enclosure walls

4.1.3 Air intakes

4.1.4 Access door

4.1.5 Exhaust hood

Figure 1—Flame test enclosure

4.1.6 Collection box

4.2 Exhaust duct

4.3 Air movement within the enclosure

4.4 Cable tray

Figure 2—Bidirectional probe

4.5 Burner and mixer

Figure 3—Cable tray, specimen, and burner details

4.7 Supply air

5. Test sample requirements

5.2 Tests required

6. Flame test procedure

6.1.1 Cables smaller than 13.0 mm (0.512 in)

Table 1—Tray loading for circular cables smaller than

6.1.2 Cables 13.0 mm (0.512 in) and larger

6.1.3 Flat cables

D is the calculated cable diameter, mm (in)

6.2 Test procedure

6.2.2 Exhaust duct flow rate

6.2.4 Airflow and air temperature

6.2.5 Test duration

6.2.6 Supplemental information

7.1.1 Cable char damage

7.1.2 Non-cable char damage

7.2 Performance criteria

7.3 Test report