IS : 1554( Part 1 ) - 1988

( Reaffirmed 1999 )
Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR
PVC INSULATED ( HEAVY DUTY )
ELECTRIC CABLES
PART 1 FOR WORKING VOLTAGES UP TO AND INCLUDING 1 100V

( Third Revision )

Third Reprint SEPTEMBER 1993

UDC 621’315’211 : 621’315’616’96 [ 678’743’22 ]

Q Copyright 1989

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002

Gr 6 June 1989
 IS : 1554 ( Part: 1 )-- 1988

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATIONFOR
. PVC INSULATED(HEAVY DUTY)
ELECTRIC CABLES
PART 1 FOR WORKING VOLTAGES UP TO AND INCLUDING 1 1OOV

( Third Revision )

0. FOREWORD

0.1 This Indian Standard ( Third Revision ) was standard or through an amendment to this
adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards on 25 standard at a later date.
August 1988, after the draft finalized by Power
Cables Sectional Committee had been approved 0.6 In the preparation of this standard, assistance
by the Electrotechnical Division Council. has been derived from the following:

0.2 The ‘current ratings of cables with genera1 a>IEC Pub 502 ( 1983 ) Extruded solid
purpose insulation covered in this standard are dielectric insulated power cables for rated
given in IS : 3961 ( Part 2 )-1967*. The current
voltage from 1 kV up to 30 kV. Interna-
ratings of HR PVC cables are under preparation. tional Electrotechnical Commission.

0.3 The current ratings of the cables covered by b) BS 6346 : 1969 PVC insulated cables for
$ii7;tandard are covered m IS : 3961 ( Part 2 )- electricity supply * British Standards
Institution.
.

0.4 The short circuit ratings of cables covered by 0.7 For the purpose of deciding whether a parti-
this standard are under preparation. cular requirement of this standard is complied
with, the final value, observed or calculated,
0.5 Work is being taken up separately to identify expressing the result of a test, shall be rounded
requirements and tests for tie retardant low off in accordance with IS : 2-1960*. The number
smoke ( FRLS ) cables. It is intended to bring of significant places retained in the rounded off
out these requirements either as a separate value should be the same as that of the specified
‘value in this standard.
*Recommended current ratings for cables: Part 2
PVC-insulated and PVC-sheathed heavy duty cables. *Rules for rounding off numerical values ( revised ).

SECTION 1 GENERAL ( earthed or unearthed ) systems for rated volt-

ages up to and including 1 100 V. These cables
1. SCOPE may be used on d.c. systems for rated voltages up
to and including 1 500 V to earth.
1.1 This standard ( Part 1 > covers requirements
and tests for armoured and unarmoured single- NOTE-The cables conforming to rhis stalidard
core, twin-core, three-core and multi.-core PVC may be operated continuot:sly at a power frequency
insulated and sheathed cables for electric supply voltage up to 10 percent higher than the rated
voltage.
and control purposes.
1.3 The cables covered in this standard are sui-
1.2 The cables covered in this standard are suit- table for use where the combination of ambient
able for use on ac single phase or three phase temperature and temperature rise due to load

1
IS : 1554 ( Part 1 ) - 1988

results in conductor temperature not exceeding 4.1.1. General Purjose Insulaiion - The insula-
the following: tion shall be of Type A PVC compound conform-
ing to the requirements of IS : 5831-1984*. ‘;
Type of Insulation Normal Short
Continuous Circuit 4.1.2 Heat Resisting Insulation - The insulation
Operation Condition shall be of Type C PVC compound conforming
General purpose 70°C 160°C to the requirements of IS : 5831-1984*.
Heat resisting 85°C 160°C
5. FILLER AND INNER SHEATH
The selection of type of insulation rests with the
purchaser. 5.1 The filler and inner sheath shall be of the
following:
1.4 Armoured cables specified in this standard
are suitable for use in mines also. However, for a) Unvulcanized rubber, or
such cables, additional requirements have been
included wherever necessary [ see 3.1.1, 13.5.2, b) Thermoplastic materiaIs, or
15.3(c) and 17.2 1.
c) Proofed tape ( for inner sheath only ).
2. TERMINOLOGY
5.2 Unvulcanized rubber thermoplastic
2.0 For the purpose of this standard, the follow- material used shall not be hard: than PVC used
ing definitions in addition to those given in for insulation ( 4.1 ) and for outer sheath ( 7.1 ).
IS : 1885 ( Part 32 )-1971*, shall apply. The materials shall be chosen to be compatible
with temperature ratings of the cable and shall
2.1 Routine Tests - Tests made by the manu-
have no deleterious effect on any other component
facturer on all finished cable lengths to demon- of the cable .
strate the integrity of the cable.
2.2 Type Tests - Tests required to be made 6. ARMGURING
before supply on a general commercial basis a
type of cable in order to demonstrate satisfactory 6.1 Armouring shall be of the following:
performance characteristics to meet the intended
application. a) Galvanized round steel wire,
NOTE- These tests are of such a nature that b) Galvanized steel strip, or
after they have been made, they need not be
repeated unless changes are made in the cable mnte-
rials or design which’ might change the performance c) Any metallic non-magnetic wire/strip.
characteristics.
6.2 The galvanized steel wires/strips shall compIy
2.3 Acceptance rests - Tests carried out on with the requirements of IS : 3975-1979t. The
samples taken from a lot for the purpose of requirements of non-magnetic material shall be
acceptance of the lot. as agreed to between the purchaser and the
supplier.
2.4 Optional Tests - Special tests to be carried
out when required, by agreement between the
purchaser and the supplier. 7. OUTER SHEATH

SECTION 2 MATERIALS 7.1 The outer sheath shall be in accordance

3. CONDUCTOR
with 7.1.1 or 7.1.2, as applicable.

3.1 The conductor shall be composed of plain 1.1.1 For Cables with General Purpose InsuIa-
copper or aluminrum wires complying with fion - The outer sheath shall be of Type ST 1
IS : 8130-1984t. PVC compound conforming to the requirements
of IS : 5831-1984*.
3.1.1 Mining cabl& to be used in gassy mines
shall be of copper conductor only. 7.1.2 For Cables with Heat Resisting InsuIa-
4. INSULATION lion - The outer sheath shall be of Type ST 2
PVC compound conforming to the requirements
4.1 The insulation shall be in accordance of IS : 5831-1984*.
with 4.1.1 or 4.1.2, as applicable.

*EIectrotechnkal vocabulary: Part 32 Cables, *Specification for PVC insulation and sheath of
conductors and accessories for electricity supply. electric cables (jirsr revision ).
@pecification for c&ductors for insulated electric tspecification for mild steel wires, strips and tapes
cables and flexible cords (firsr revision ). for armouring of cables (first revision ).

2
 IS : 1554 ( Part 1 ) - 1988

SECTION 3 CONSTRUCTION TABLE 2 THICKNESS OF INSULATION

8. CONDUCTOR [ Clauses 9.2, 9.3 a@ 15.1(c) ]

NOMI~L THICKNESSOF
8.1 The construction of conductor shall be as ~$~/&~.~~ INFLATION
follows: I '--
Single Co& Single Core
“‘c”,gg+ Unarmoured
Nominal Copper Cross- Solid/ Flexibility and Multi-
mmz Sectiona! Stranded Class Ref core Cables
Aluminium to IS : 8130- (‘1 (2) (3)
mm’ 1984* mm2 mm mm
1’5 1’1 0’8
- 1’5 Solid Class 1
2’5 1’2 0’9
1’5 to 6 2’5 to 10 Solid/ Class 1
stranded for solid 4 1’3 1’0
Class 2 6 1’3 1'0
for stranded
10 1’3 1’0
10 and 16 and Stranded Class 2 16 1’3 1’0
above above 25 1’5 1’2
35 1’5 1’2
8.2 Cables with reduced neutral conductor shall
50 1’7 1’4
have sizes as given in Table 1.
70 1’7 1’4
95 1’9 1’6
TABLE 1 CROSS SECTIONAL AREA OF REDUCED
NEUTRAL CONDUCTORS 120 1’9 1’6
150 2’1 1’8
NOMINALCROSSSECTIONAL CROSS SECTIONALAREA
AREA OF MAINCONDUCTOR OFREDUCEDNEUTRAL 185 2’3 2’0
CONDUCTOR 240 2’5 2’2
(1) (2) 300 2’7 2’4
mmr mm* 400 3’0 2’6
25 16 500 3’4 3’0
35 16
630 3’9 3’4
50 25
800 3’9 3’4
70 35
95 50 1 000 3’9 3’4
120 70
9.3 Tolerance on Thickness of Insulation - The
150 70
smallest of the measured values of thickness of
185 95 insulation shall not fall below the nominal value
240 120 (ii in mm ) specified in Table 2 by more than 0’1
300 150 mm SO.1 fi.
400 185
9.4 Application of Insulation - The insulation
500 240
shall be so applied that it fits closely on the
630 300
conductor and it shall be possible to remove it
without damage to the conductor.
9. INSULATION
10. CORE IDENTIFICATION
9.1 The conductor shall be provided with PVC
insulation applied by extrusion. 10.1 Cores shall be identified by different colour-
ing of PVC insulation by adopting the following
9.2 Thickness of Insulation - The average thick- scheme:
ness of insulation shall be not less than the a) I1 Core : red, black,
nominal value ( ii ) specified in Table 2. . . yellow, blue or natural
( non-plgmented 1;
b) 2 Cores : red and black;
*Specification for conductor for insulated electiic
cables and flexible cords (first revision ). c) 3 Cores : red, yellow and blue;

3
IS : 1551 (Part 1 ) - 1988

d) 4 Cores : red, yellow, blue and black; wrapping. It shall be ensured that the shape is as
circular as possible.
e) 5 Cores : red, yellow, blue, black and grey;
and 12.2 The inner sheath shall be so applied that it
fits closely on the laid up cores and it shall be
f) 6 Cores and above : Two adjacent cores possible to remove it without damage to the
( counting and direction core ) in each insulation.
layer, blue and yellow, remaining cores
grey, or in accordance with the scheme 12.3 Thickness of Inner Sheath - The thickness
given in 10.3. of the inner sheath shall be as given in Table 4.
10.2 For reduced neutral conductors, the insula- Single core cables shall have no inner sheath.
tion colour shall be black. 12.3.1 When one or more layers of binder
10.3 For cables having more than 5 cores, as an tapes are applied dver the laid up cores, the
alternate to the provisions of 10.1, the core thickness of such tapes shall not be construed as
identification may be done by numbers. In that part of the inner sheath.
case, the insulation of cores shall be of the same
colour and numbered sequentially, starting with 13. ARMOURING
number 1 for the inner layer. The numbers shall
be printed in Hindu-Arabic numerals on the outer 13.1 Application
surface of the cores. All the numbers shall be of 13.1.1 Armouring shall be applied over the
the same colour which shall contrast with the insulation in case of single core cables and over
colour of the insulation. The numerals shall be the inner sheath in case of twin-, three-and multi-
legible. core cables.
10.3.1 Arrangement @-Marking - The numbers
13.1.2 The armour wires/strips shall be applied
shall be repeated at regular intervals along the
as closely as practicable.
core’; consecutive numbers being inverted in
relation to each other. 13.1.3 The direction of lay of the armour shall
When the number is a single numeral, a dash be left hand. For double wire/strip armoured
shall be placed underneath it. If the number cables, this requirement shall apply to the inner
consists of two numerals, these shall be disposed layer of wires/strips. The outer layer shall, except
one below the other and a dash placed below the in special cases, be applied in the reverse the
lower numeral. The spacing d between consecutive direction to the inner layer and there shall be a
numbers shall not exceed 50 mm. The arrange- separator of suitable non-hygroscopic material,
mcnt of the marks Is shown in Fig. 1, such as, plastic tape, bitumenized cotton tape,
bitumenized hessian tape, rubber tape, proof tape,
11. LAYING UP OF CORES etc, between the layers of armour wires/strips.

11.1 In twin, three-and multi-core cables. the 13.1.4 A binder tape may be provided on the
cores shall be laid up together with a suitable armour.
Lly; the outermost layer shall have right-hand
lay and the successive layers shall be laid with 13.2 Type of Armour - Where the calculated
opposite lay; where necessary, the interstices shall diameter below armouring does not exceed 13
be tilled with non-hygroscopic material. mm, the armour shall consist of galvanized round
steel wires. Where the calculated diameter below
11.2 The recommended plan for lay-up of cores armouring is greater than 13 mm, the armour
up lo 100 is given in Table 3. shall consist of either galvanized round steel
wires or galvanized steel strips.
12; INNER SHEATH
13.2.1 In the case of single core cables intended
12.1 The laid up cores shall be provided with for use on a.c. systems, the armouring shall be
inner sheath applied either by extrusion or by of non-magnetic material.

r d 1 e-Ht-- P

FIG. 1 CORE IDENTIFICATION BY NUMBERS

 Is:1554(Partl)-1988

TABLE 3 LAY-UP OF CORES

( Clause 11.2)
go&y LAY-UP No. OP LAY-UP No. OF LAY-UP
CORES CORES
(1) (2) (1) (2) (1) (2)
2 2 36 O-6-12-18 70 2-8-14-20-26
3 3 37 l-6-12-18 71 2-8-14-20-27
4 4 38 l-6-12-19 72 2-8-14-21-27
5 5 39 l-6-13-19 73 3-9-l S-20-26
6 6 40 l-7-13-19 74 3-9-15-21-26
7 l-6 41 l-7-13-20 75 3-9-15-21-27
8 1-7 42 2-8-13-19 76 3-9-15-21-28
9 l-8 43 2-8-14-19 77 3-9-l 5-22-28
10 2-8 44 2-8-l 4-20 78 4-10-15-21-28
11 3-8 45 2-8-14-21 79 4-10-16-22-27
12 3-9 46 3-9-l 4-20 80 4-10-16-22-28
13 3-10 47 3-9-l S-20 81 4-10-16-22-29
14 4-10 48 3-9-15-21 82 4-10-16-23-29
15 S-10 49 3-g-15-22 83 4-10-17-23-29
16 5-11 50 3-9-16-22 84 S-11-17-23-28
17 5-12 51 4-10-16-21 85 5-l l-17-L3-29
18 O-6-12 52 4-10-16-22 86 5-l I-17-23-30
19 l-6-1 2 53 4-10-i 6-23 87 5-11-17-24-30
20 l-7-12 54 4-10-17-23 88 S-11-18-24-30
21 l-7-13 55 4-l l-17-23 89 o-6-11-18-24-30
22 2-7-13 56 S-11-17-23 90 o-6-12-18-24-30
23 2-8-li 57 5-11-17-24 91 l-6-12-18-24-30
24 ?-8-14 58 S-11-18-24 92 l-6-12-18-24-31
25 2-8-15 59 5-12-18-24 93 l-6-12-18-25-31
26 3-9-14 60 O-6-12-18-24 94 I-6-12-19-25-31
27 3-9-15 61 l-6-12-18-24 95 l-6-13-19-25-31
28 3-9-16 62 l-6-12-18-25 96 I-7-13-19-25-31
29 4-10-15 63 1-7-12-18-25 97 l-7-13-19-26-31
30 4-10-16 64 1-7.13-18-25 98 2-8-13-19-25-31
31 4-10-l 7 65 l-7-13-19-25 99 2-8-14-19-25-31
32 5-11-16 66 l-7-13-19-26 100 2-8-l 4-20-25-3 1
33 5-11-17 67 2-8-13-19-25
34 5-11-18 68 2-8-14-19-25
35 S-12-18 69 2-8-14-20-25

NOTES - The figures indicate the number of cores in each successive layer, for example, 5-11-18 means,
5 cores in the first, 11 cores in the second and 18 cores in the third layer, etc.
NOTES - This table is for guidance only.
 TABLE 4 THICKNESS OF INNER SHEATH armour shall be measured. The result, when
( c1l7uses 12.3 and 15.1( c ) ]
corrected to 2O”C, shall comply with the appro-
priate values given in Table 6.
All dimensions in millimetres.
CAIAXJLATED DIAMETEROVER THICKNESS
OP 13.5.2 In case of cables for use in mines, the
LAID up CORES INNER SHEAR
[ REP IS : 10462 ( PART 1 )-1983* ] ( MINIMUM)
resistance of armour shall not exceed that of
, the conductor as specified in IS : 8130-1984* by
Over up to and more than 33 percent. To satisfy this, substitu-
Including tion of galvanized steel wires/strips in armburing
(1) (2) (3) by the required number of tinned copper wires/
- 2s 0’3 strips is permissible.
25 35 0’4
35 45 0’5 14. OUTER SHEATH
45 55 0’6
55 - 0’7 14.1 The outer sheath shall be applied by
*Fictitious calculation method for determination extrusion. It shall be applied:
of dimensions of protective coverings of cables:
;;;iesl Elastomeric and thermoplastic insulated a) over the insulation in case of unarmoured
single-core cables;
13.3 Dimensions - The dimensions of galvanized b) over the inner sheath in case of unarmoured
steel wires and strips shall be as specified in twin, three-and multi-core cables; and
Table 5.
c) over the armouring in case of armoured
cables.
TABLE 5 DIMElVSIONS OF ARMOUR - ROUND
WIRES AND STRIPS
14.2 The outer sheath shall be so applied that if
All dimensions in millimetres. fits closely over insulation inner sheath/armouring.
CALCULATED;DIAMETER NOMINAL NOMINAL It shall be possible to remove it without damage
UNDER ARMOUR THICKNESS DIAMETER to the insulation/inner sheath.
t REF IS :\10462 OF STEEL 0~ ROUND
( PART l )-1983’ ] STRIP WIRt? 14.3 The colour of the outer sheath shall be
--- black, unless any other colour is agreed to bet-
Over Up to and
including ween the purchaser and the supplier.
(1) (2) (3) (4)
-
14.4 Thickness of Outer Sheath
a) For all diameters in 0’8
excess of 13 14.4.1 Unarmowed Cables - The average
or thickness of PVC outer She&h of unarmoured
13 - 1’40
b) - cables shall be not less than the nominal value
13 25 0’8 1’60 specified under co1 3 of Table 7 and the smallest
25 40 0’8 2’00 of the measured values shall not be less than the
40 55 1’4 2’50 minimum value specified in co1 4 of Table 7.
55 70 1’4 3’15
70 - 1’4 4’00 NOTE- In case of multi-core unarmoured cables,
it is permissible to supply the inner and outer
NOTE - (a) and ( b) indicate the methods of sheaths in a single extrusion out ofthe material
practice in the application of armouring. intended for outer sheath. The thickness of such
*Fictitious calculation method for determination extruded sheath shall be not less than the sum of the
of dimensions of protective coverings of cables: Part inner sheath thickness specified in Table 4 and the
1 Elastomeric and thermoplastic insulated cables. nominal outer sheath thickness specified in co1 3 of
Table 7 and the smallest of the measured values
shall not be less than the sum of the inner sheath
13.4 Joints - The joints in armour wires/strips thickness soecified in Table 4 and the minimum
shall be ma& by brazing or welding and the value of oiter sheath thickness specified in co1 4 of
Table 7.
surface irregularities shall be removed. A joint in
any wire/strip shall be at least 300 mm from the 14.4.2 Armoured Cables - The minimum
nearest joint in any other wire/strip in the thickness of FVC outer sheath of armoured cables
completed cable. shall not fall below the nominai value ( ts ) speci-
13.5 Resistance fied in Table 7 by more than O-2 mm i 0’2 tS.

13.5.1 If specified by the purchaser, the d.c. *Specification for conductor for insulated electric
resistance of the galvanized steel wire/strip zables and flexible cords (first revision ).

6
 TABLE 6 ARMOUR RESISTANCE OF CABLES
( CIause 13.5.1 )
NOMINAL MAXIMUMd.c. RESISTANCE
OFARMOUROFCABLEAT20°C
ARE.4 OF , * 1
CONDUCTOR Two Core Three Core Four Core Four Core wi:zeduced Neutral
* L .
I --
f
Round Strip Round Strip a Round Strip ’ ‘Round Strip ’
wire wire A_ wire A wire _
r
‘4.0 x 0.8 6’1 x I.4 ’ 4.0 x 0.8 6.1 x 1.1 4% x 0.8 6.1 x 1.4’ ’ 4’0 x 0.8 61 x 1?4
mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13)
mm2 ohm/km ohm/km ohm/km ohm/km ohm/km ohm/km ohm/km ohm/km ohm/km ohm/km ohm/km ohm/km
1’5 6’37 6’02 - - 5’52 - - - -
2’5 5.54 - - 5’22 - - 4’77 - - - -
4 4’83 - - 4’54 - - 4’14 - - - -
6 4’40. - 4’14 - - 3’76 - - -
10 3’86 - - 3’62 - - 2’84 4’68 - - - -
16 2’85 4’69 - 2’67 4’40 - 2’42 3’99 - -
25 2’77 4’58 - 2’49 4’11 - 2’14 3’53 - 2’21 3’64
4 35 2-61 4’41 - 2’35 3’88 - 1’99 3’28 - 2’05 3’38 -
50 2’26 3’73 - 2’03 3’35 - 1’39 2’92 - 1’84 3’04 -
IO 2’04 3’36 - 1’41 2’96 1’18 2’47 - 1’23 2’57 -
95 1’41 2’95 - 1’22 2’54 - 1’05 2’18 - 1’10 2’39 -
120 1’30 2’71 - 1’11 2’32 - 0’962 2’01 - 1’05 2’20 -
150 1’19 2’49 - 1’00 2’09 - 0’703 1’86 1’02 0’959 2’00 -
185 1’08 2’26 - 0’733 1’93 1’06 0’623 1’64 0’902 0’684 1’80 0’990
240 0’749 1’38 1’08 0’642 1’69 0’930 0’563 1’48 0’816 0’596 1’56 0’863
300 0’684 1.80 0’990 0’586 1’54 0’850 0’389 1’30 0’719 0’429 1’44 0’793
400 0’464 1’56 0’860 0’408 1’36 0’755 0’361 1’20 0’666 0’367 1’22 0’679 .z.
500 0’397 1’33 0’734 0’359 1’20 0’663 0’233 0’992 0’552 0’264 1’13 0’627 t:
630 0’274 1’17 0’651 0’248 1’06 0’589 0’203 0’861 0’480 0’227 0’967 0’538 2
h
NOTE l- The resistance of armour for single core cables has not been covered since such cables are generally armoured with non-magnetic 2
materials ( see 13.2 ).
X
Nom2- The resistance of the armour may be measurea at room temperature and corrected to 20°C by means of correction factors given in Y
IS : 10810 ( Part 42 )-1984*. V
*Methods of tests for cables: Part 42 Resistivity test of armour wires and strips and conductance test of armour wires/strips.
W:1554(ParCl)-1988

TABLE 7 THICKNESS OF OUTER SHEATH

[ Clauses 14.4.1, 14.4.2 and 15-l(c) ]
All dimensions in millimetres.
CALCULATED DIAMETER MINIMUM THICKNESS
UNDER THE OUTER SHEATH THICKNESSOF OUTER OF OUTER SHEATH
1 REP IS : 10462 ( PART 1 ) - 1983* ] SHEATHFORUNARMOUREDCABLES FOR ARMOUREDCABLES
, * 1 -- 7
Over Up to and Nominal Minimum
Including
(I) (2) (3) (4) (5)
15 1.8 1.24 1.24
15 25 2.0 1.40 1.40
25 35 2.2 1.56 1.56
35 40 2.4 1.72 1.72
40 45 2.6 1.88 1.88
45 50 2.8 2.04 2.04
50 5s 3.0 2.20 220
55 60 3.2 2.36 2.36
60 6S 3.4 2.52 2.52
65 70 3.6 2.68 268
70 75 3.8 2.84 2.84
75 4.0 3.00 3.00
*Fictitious calculation method for determination of dimensions of protective coverings of cables: Part 1
Elastomeric and thermoplastic insulated cables.

SECTION 4 TESTS 15.1 Type Tests - The following shall constitute

type tests:
15. CLASSIFICATION OF TESTS

Tests Ear Requirements, For Test Method,

Ref to Ref to Part No. of
IS : 10810*
a) Tests on conductor:
1) Annealing test ( for copper ) IS : 8130-1984f 1
2) Tensile test ( for aluminium ) IS : 8130-1984t 2
3) Wrapping test ( for aluminium 1 IS : 8130-1984t 3
4) Conductor resistance test IS : 8130-1984t 5
b) Test for armouring wires/strips Table 5 and 36 to 42
IS : 3975,.1979$
4 Test for thickness of insulation 9, 12, 14, 6
and sheath Table 2, Table 4
and Table 7
4 Physical tests for insulation and
outer sheath:
1) Tensile strength and elongation IS : 5831-19849 7
at break
2) Ageing in air oven IS : 5831-19841 11
3) Shrinkage test IS : 5831-1984s 12
4) Hot deformation IS : 5831-19848 15
*Methods of test for cables.
t8pecification for conductors for insulated electric cables and flexible cords ( first revision ).
tspecification for mild steel wires, strips and tapes for armouring of cables (first revision ).
gSpeci6cation for PVC insulation and sheath of electric cables ( first revision ).

8
 IS : 1554 ( Part 1 ) - 1988

Tests For Requirements, For Test Method,

Ref to Ref to Part No. of
IS : 10810*
5) Loss of mass in air oven IS : 5831-1984t 10
6) Heat shock test IS : 5831-1984t 14
7) Thermal stability IS : 5831-19847 See Note
e) Insulation resistance test IS : 5831-1984t 43
f) High voltage test ( water 16’3 45
immersion test )
g) High voltage test at room 16’2 45
temperature
h) Flammability test 16’4 53
NOTE--Under preparation. In the meantime, test method in IS : 5831-1984t shall be followed.
*Methods of test for cables.
tSpecification for PVC insulation and sheath of electric cables (fjrst revision ).

15.2 Acceptance Tests - The following shall 16. DETAILS OF TESTS

constitute acceptance tests: 16.1 General - Unless otherwise stated, the
a) Annealing test ( for copper ), tests shall be carried out in accordance with the
appropriate part of IS : 10810*; taking into
b) Tensile test ( for aluminium ), account additional information given in this
standard.
c) Wrapping test ( for aluminium ),
16.2 High Voltage Test at Room Temperature -
d) Conductor resistance test, The cable shall withstand an a.c. voltage of 3 kV
( rms ) or a dc voltage of 7’2 kV. The duration
4 Test for thickness of insulation and sheath, of test shall be 5 minutes for each connection.
16.3 High Voltage Test ( Water Immersion Test )
f) Tensile strength and elongation at break
of insulation and sheath, 16.3.1 a.c. Test - The core or cores ( not
exceeding five cores in the case of multicore
g) Insulation resistance test, and cables ) shall be carefully removed from a sample
approximately 3 m long taken from the finished
h) High voltage test at room temperature. cable. They shall be SO immersed in water bath
15.2.1 A recommended sampling plan for that their ends protrude at least 200 mm above
acceptance tests is given in Appendix A. the water level. The temperature of the water
bath shall be 6Oi:3”C for cores with general
15.3 Routine Tests - The following shall consti- purpose PVC insulation and 70-&3”C for cores
tute routine tests: with heat resisting PVC insulation. After 24
hours, a voltage of 3 kV ( rms ) shall be applied
a) Conductor resistance test, between the conductors and water. This voltage
shall be raised to 6 kV ( rms ) within 10 seconds
b) High voltage test at room temperature, and held constant at this value for 5 minutes. If
and the sample fails in this test, one more sample
shall be subjected to this test. There shall be no
c) Armour resistance test ( for mining failure in the repeat test.
cables ). 16.3.2 d.c. Test - The cores which have passed
15.4 Optional Tests - The following shall the preliminary test in 16.3.1 shall be subse-
constitute optional tests: quently tested with a d.c. voltage of 1’2 kV in the
same water bath at the same temperature. The
a) Cold bend test, core shall withstand this voltage for 240 hours
without breakdown.
b) Cold impact test, and NOTE-The selected cores shall represent all
colours included.
c) Armour resistance test ( for other than
mining cables ). *Methods of test for cables.

9
IS : 1554 ( Part 1) - 1988

16.4 Flammability Test - Period of burning after IS : 10418-1972* ) of suitable size and packed.
removal of the flame shall not exceed 60 seconds The ends of the cable shall be sealed by means of
and the unaffected ( uncharred ) portion from the non-hygroscopic sealing material.
lower edge of the top clamp shall be at least
50 mm. 18.2 The cable shall carry the following informa-
tion stencilled on the drum:
SECTION 5 IDENTIFICATION, PACKING
AND MARKING a) Reference to this Indian Standard, for
example, Ref IS : 1554 ( Part 1 );
17. IDENTIFICATION
17.1 Manufacturer’s Identification - The manu- b) Manufacturer’s name, brand name or
trade-mark;
facturer shall be identified throughout the length
of the cable by means of a tape bearing the c) Type of cable and voltage grade;
manufacturer’s name or trade-mark, or by
manufacturer’s name or trade-mark being indent- d) Number of cores;
ed, printed or embossed on the cable. In case 4 Nominal cross-sectional area of the
none of these methods can be employed, or if the conductor;
purchaser so desires, colour identification threads
in accordance with a scheme to be approved by f) Cable code;
the Bureau of Indian Standards shall be employ- 8) Colour of cores ( in case of single core
ed. The indentation, printing or embossing shall cables );
be done only on the outer sheath.
h) Length of the cable on the drum;
17.2 Cable Identification - In order to distin-
guish these electric cables from telephone cables, 3 Number of lengths on drum ( if more than
one );
the word ‘ELECTRIC’ shall be indented, printed
or embossed throughout the length of the cable. k) Direction of rotation of drum ( by means
In case of cables intended for use in mines, the of an arrow );
word ‘MINING’ also shall be indented, printed
or embossed throughout the length of the cable. 4 Approximate gross mass;
The indentation, printing or embossing shall be d Running end of cable;
done only on the outer sheath.
P) Country of manufacture; and
17.2.1 Cables with heat resisting insulation
suitable for 85’C conductor temperature shall be 4) Year of manufacture.
identified by the letters ‘HR 85’ marked on it in 18.2.1 The cable ( drum ) may also be marked
any of the manner specified in 17.2. with the Standard Mark.
17.3 Cable Code - The following code shall be NOTE - The use of the Standard Mark is governed
used for designating the cable: by the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards
Act 1986 and the Rules and Regulations made
Constituent Code Letter thereunder. The Standard Mark on products covered
by an Indian Standard conveys the assurance that
Aluminium conductor they have been produced to comply with the
PVC insulation $ requirements of that standard under a well defined
Steel round wire armour W system of inspection, testing and quality control
Steel strip armour which is devised and supervised by BIS and operated
by the producer. Standard marked products are also
Steel double round wire armour Ww” continuously checked by BIS for conformity to that
Steel double strip armour FF standard as a further safeguard. Details of condi-
PVC outer sheath Y tions under which a licence for the use of the
Standard Mark may be granted to manufacturers or
NOTE - No &ode letter for conductor is required producers may be obtained from the Bureau of
when the conductor material is copper. Indian Standards.
18. PACKING AND MARKING
18.1 The cable shall be wound on a drum ( tee *Specification for drums for electric cables.

10
 IS : 1554 ( Part 1) - 1988

APPENDIX A
( Clause 152.1 )
SAMPLING OF CABLES

A-I. LOT A-2.2.1 In order to ensure the randomness of

selection, random number tables shall be used (see
A-l.1 In any consignment, the cables of same size IS : 4905-1968* ).
manufactured under essentially similar conditions
of production shall be grouped together to consti- A-3. NUMBER OF TESTS AND CRITERION
tute a lot. FOR CONFORMITY
A-2. SCALE OF SAMPLING
A-3.1 Suitable length of test sample shall be taken
A-2.1 Samples shall be taken and tested from from each of the drums selected. These test
each lot for ascertaining the conformity of the lot samples shall be subjected to each of the accep-
to the requirements of the specification. tance tests ( see 15.2 ). A test sample is called
defective if it fails in any of the acceptance tests.
A-2.2 The number of samples to be selected shall If the number of defectives is less than or equal
depend on the number of drums in the lot as to the corresponding permissible number given
indicated below. These samples shall be taken at in A-2.2 the lot shall be declared as conforming to
random: the requirements of acceptance tests; otherwise
Number of. Drums Number of Drums Permissible not.
in th,e Lot to be Taken Number of
as Sample Defectives
N n a

101 to 300 0
301 to 500 :o’
501 and above 32 : *Methods for random sampling.

11
Bureau of Indian Standards

BIS is, a statutory institution established under the Bureau of /n&an Sfandards Act, 1986 to promote
harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and qualitycertification of
goods and attending to connected matters in the country.

Copyright

BIS has the copyright of all its publications. No part of these publications may be reproduced in
any form without the prior permission in writing of BIS. This does not preclude the free use, in the
course of implementing the standard, of necessary details, such as symbols and sizes, type or grade
designations. Enquiries relating to copyright be addressed to the Director (Publications), BIS.

Revision of Indian Standards

Indian Standards are reviewed periodically and revised, when necessary and amendments, if any, are
issued from time to time. Users of Indian Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of
the latest amendments or edition. Comments on this Indian Standard may be sent to BIS giving the
following reference:

Amca$ments Issued Since Publication

Aanend No. Date of Issue Text Affected

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

Headquarters I
Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002
Telephones : 331 01 31, 331 13 75 Telegrams : Manaksanstha
( Common to all Offices )

Regional Offices : Telephone

Central : Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg r331 01 31

NEW DELHI 110002 1331 1375

Eastern : l/14 C. I. T. Scheme VII M, V. I. P. Road, Maniktola 37 86 62

CALCUTTA 700054

Northern : SC0 445-446, Sector 35-C, CHANDIGARH 160036 53 38 43

Southern : C. I.T. Campus, IV Cross Road, MADRAS 600113 2350216

Western : Manakalaya, E9 MIDC, Marol, Andheri ( East ) 632 92 95

BOMBAY 400093

Branches : AHMADABAD. BANGALORE. BHOPAL. BHUBANESHWAR. COIMBATORE.

FARIDABAD. GHAZIABAD. GUWAHATI. HYDERABAD. JAIPUR. KANPUR.
PATNA. TRIVANDRUM.

Printed at Simco Printino Press, Delhi, India

 AMENDMENT NO. 1 JUNE 1994
TO
IS 1554 ( Part 1) : 1988 SPECIFICATION FOR PVC
INSULATED ( HEAVY DUTY) ELECTRIC CABLES
PART 1 FOR WORKING VOLTAGES UP TO AND
INCLUDING 1 iO0 V
( Third Revision)

( Page 1, clause 0.3 ) - Delete this clause and renumber the subsequent
clauses.
(Page 1, clause 0.5 ) -Substitute the following for the existing clause:
‘0.4 A special category of cables with improved fire performance has been
included in this staudard. Classification of such cables is given in Appendix A.’
( Puge 1, c/ruse 1.1 ) - Insert the following new clause 1.2 after 1.1 and
renumber the subsequent clauses:
‘1.2 This standard also covers cables with improved fire performance,
categories Cl and C2, as given in Appendix A. For such cables additional
requirements have been included wherever necessary in 7.13, 15.1.1, 15.2.1 and
17.2.2 ).
NOTE - Normal cables IO this standard can be classified as meeting the requirements of
category 01.’

1Page 2, clurrse 6.1 (b) ] - Substitute ‘formed wire’for ‘strip’.

( Purge2, clause 6.2 ) - Replace first sentence by the following:
‘The galvanized steel wires/formed wires/tapes shall comply with the
requirements of IS 3975 : 1988, except that the provisions of 3.3.1 and 3.33 of
IS 3975 shall not apply.’
( Page 2, clause 7.1.2 ) - Insert the following new clause 7.13 after 7.13:
‘7.1.3 For cables with improved fire performance, the outer sheath shall, in
addition, meet the requirement of tests applicable for the required category
(see 15.1.1 and 15.2.1).

Gtl 1
 ( Page 3, clause 8.1,Informal
table, captions for co1 1 and 2 ) - Substitute
the following for the existing:
‘Nominal Cross SectihaIArea
I I
tipper Aluminium
mm2 mm2

( Page 4, clause 10.3.1, para 2 ) - Delete letter ‘d’ in line five; also delete
the last sentence.

(Page 4, Fig. 1 ) - Delete.

( Page 6, clause 14.4.2 ) - Substitute the following for the existing:
‘14.4.2 Armoured Cables - The thickness of outer sheath shall be not less than
the minimum value specified in co1 5 of Table 7.’
(Page 8, clause 15.1 ) - Insert the following new clause 15.1.1after 15.1:
‘15.1.1 The following shall constitute additional type tests for cables with
improved fire performance as per the categories given in Appendix A:

Category Tests For require- For Test Methods, Ref.

ment, Ref Part No. of IS loSl0

(1) (2) (3) (4)

01 No Additional tests - -

Cl a) Oxygen index test 16.5 58 (Under preparation)

6) Flame retardance 16.6 61

test on single cable

c) Flame retardance 16.7 62

test on bunched cables

d) Temperature index 16.10 Under consideration

c2 a) Oxygen index test 16.5 58 (Under preparation)

b) Flame retardance 16.6 61

test on single cable

c) Flame retardance 16.7 62

test on bunched cables
2
c:
r
__.
-_-

4 Test for specific 16.8 Under Consideration

optical density of smoke

4 Smoke density 16.11 63

0 Test for halogen acid 16.9 59 ,,.

gas evolution

d Temperature index 16.10 Under consideration

NOTES:
1. For category Cl, tests (a) and (d) are to be performed on
samples taken from outer sheath, as applicable, and prepared in the manner given in the
relevant test method.

2. For categpry C2, tests (a), (e), (f) and (g) are to be performed on samples taken
from outer sheath, as applicable, and prepared in the manner given in the relevant test
method.

( Page 9, clause 15.2 ) - Add clause 152.1: and renumber the existing
clause as 15.2.2.
‘15.2.1 The following shall constitute additional acceptance tests for cables with
improved fire performance as per the categories given in Appendix A:
Category Test
01 No additional Test

Cl a) Oxygen index test

b) Flame retardance test on

single cable

c2 a) Oxygen index test

b> Flame retardance test on

single cable

4 Test for specific optical

density of smoke

d) Test for halogen acid gas

evolution

e> Test for smoke density

3
 kqsuap ayours 103wq. (a
uo!yjoAa
~128p!3e ua801eq~03isaL (P
‘UC;ICSL un sampres OItnner/outer sheath (as applicable) shall be done at
27 f 2’C. The oxygen index shall not be less than 29. 1.

16.6 Flutue Retatdnuea Test on Single Cnblas

After the test, there should be no visible damages on the test specimen within 300 (m
mm from its upper end. Marks from fixing devices, soot or chsnging of the colow renumber
ate not considered damages.
16.7 Flnae Retasdnaee Test on Buuehed Cables
After butning has ceased; the cables should be wipe4 clean and the chatted or
C
affected pottion should not have reached a height exceeding 2.5 m above the
bottom edge of the burner,measuted at the front and tear of the cable assembly.
NOTE - Rcquiremcn~ for this test 8Ic split in 3 categories i.e. 4 B and C as described in
IS 10810 ( Part 62 ) : 1993. For Ibc purpose of this standard, category B and C test Category
methods shall be used. la the abseace of any special requirements for method B, method C
shall bs used for bolh the calegoria Cl mndC2. / 01

16.tt Test for Speeifk Opt&al Jkusity of Smoke

j
Under Consideration.
I Cl
16.9 Test for Aawn Acid Gas Evolutioa
The level of HCl evolved shall not exceed 20 percent by weight.
16.N Test for Temperature Index
/ c2
l’be measuredvalue of TemperatureIndexshall be 21 at a temperatureof 25O’C.
16.11 Smoke Dan&y
Under considetation.’
(Page 10, clause 17.2.1) - Add new clause:
‘17.2.2 The following special cables shall be identified by indenting, embossing
or printing the appropriatelegend on the outet sheath throughout the cable length,
in addition to the existing marking requirements.’

(ETD09)
4
 Type of Cable Legend

i) Improved fire performance FR

or Category Cl

ii) Improved fire performance FR-LSH

for Category C2
( Pnge 11, Appendix A ) - Insert the following new ‘Appendix A’ and
100
renumber the existing ‘Appendix A’ as ‘Appendix B’:
Iut

APPENDIX A

( Clauses 0.4, 1.2 and 15.1.3 )

Of
CLASSIFICATION OF CABLES FOR IMPROVED FIRE
the
PERFORMANCE

II
Category Environment Description Type Cable Definition
I -
01 Cables in open areas Flame retardent, Single
cable self-extinguishing,
does not propagate flame

Cl Cables in constrained areas FR Flame retardent, Does not

propagate fire even when
installed in groups in
vertical ducts

c2 Cables in constrained areas FR-LSH Flame retardent cables with

C. with limited human activity reduced halogen evolution and
and/or presence of sophisticated smoke
systems

ing
rth,

(ETD09)
Reprography Unit, BIS, New Delhi, India