VDE 0482-266-2-4 DIN EN 50266-2-4 2001-09 PDF

Full title and description

STB VDE 0482-266-2-4 / DIN EN 50266-2-4:2001-09 — Common test methods for cables under fire conditions — Test for vertical flame spread of vertically-mounted bunched wires or cables — Part 2‑4: Procedures; Category C. This is the German (VDE/DIN) publication of EN 50266-2-4:2001 describing the Category C vertical flame-spread test for vertically mounted, bunched electrical and optical cables.

Abstract

This standard specifies the test procedure (Category C) for assessing vertical flame spread along vertically-mounted bundles of wires or cables when exposed to a defined flame source. It defines sample preparation and mounting, the ignition source and application, observation and measurement of flame propagation, and the required report format used to characterise burning behaviour under the prescribed test conditions. The document was published in September 2001 and has since been withdrawn and superseded by later IEC/EN cable fire-test parts.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded.
• Publication date: September 2001 (DIN EN / VDE edition: 2001-09).
• Publisher: VDE / DIN (German adoption of CENELEC EN 50266 series; VDE Verlag distributes the German version).
• ICS / categories: 13.220.40 (Ignitability and burning behaviour), 29.020 (Electrical engineering in general), 29.060.20 (Cables).
• Edition / version: EN 50266-2-4:2001 (German version published 2001-09).
• Number of pages: Approximately 11–12 pages (published short technical procedure document).

Scope

The standard applies to electrical and optical cables and insulated wires arranged as vertical bundles. It gives the procedural details to determine vertical flame spread under defined laboratory conditions (Category C). The intent is to provide a reproducible method to assess how flame propagates along bunched cables mounted vertically, for use in product assessment, type testing and comparative evaluations. It is part of the EN 50266 series of common test methods for cables under fire conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of test category C (vertical flame spread for vertically-mounted bunched cables) and applicable sample geometry and bundle arrangements.
• Detailed apparatus and fixture requirements (mounting frame, sample spacing, burner/ignition source specification and positioning).
• Specified ignition procedure, exposure time and observation intervals to measure flame propagation and flaming/dripping behavior.
• Acceptance/assessment criteria and required test report content (flame spread observations, damage extent, any afterflame/afterglow).
• Normative references to related EN/IEC test parts and harmonised testing practice for cable fire behaviour.

Typical use and users

Used by cable manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, certification bodies, fire-safety engineers and regulatory authorities to assess and compare vertical flame propagation along bundled cables. Typical applications include product type testing, compliance checks for installations where vertical cable routing is present, and research into cable burning behaviour. Although historically referenced, this particular 2001 edition has been superseded and users normally apply the later IEC/EN 60332-3-24 procedures for Category C testing.

Related standards

Mainly part of the EN 50266 series. This part (2‑4) has been withdrawn and replaced in the consolidated IEC/EN 60332 series — notably EN/IEC 60332-3-24 (vertical flame spread of vertically-mounted bunched wires or cables, Category C) and related parts of the 60332 family covering other categories and test arrangements. National adoptions and replacements include DIN EN 60332-3-24 / VDE 0482-332-3-24 (published around 2010).

Keywords

vertical flame spread, cables under fire conditions, bunched cables, Category C, EN 50266, VDE 0482-266-2-4, cable fire testing, flame propagation, ignition procedure, mounting fixture.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: DIN EN 50266-2-4 (published as VDE 0482-266-2-4:2001-09) is the German adoption of EN 50266-2-4:2001 — a procedural specification for the Category C vertical flame-spread test on vertically-mounted bunched wires or cables.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the test setup, sample mounting, ignition source and application, observation criteria and reporting requirements needed to evaluate vertical flame propagation along bundles of cables mounted vertically (Category C).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Cable manufacturers, independent test laboratories, certification bodies, fire-safety consultants and authorities involved in cable safety and product compliance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2001 edition is withdrawn. It was superseded by later consolidated parts of the IEC/EN 60332 series (for example EN/IEC 60332-3-24). National publications indicate withdrawal/replacement around 2009–2010 with the newer 60332-3-24 series adopted thereafter. Users should apply the current IEC/EN 60332 series text for up-to-date procedures and acceptance criteria.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one part of the EN 50266 series (common test methods for cables under fire conditions). The EN 50266 parts were later consolidated/replaced by the IEC/EN 60332 family covering similar vertical-flame tests and categories.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Vertical flame spread, bunched cables, Category C, cable fire testing, EN 50266, VDE 0482-266-2-4, flame propagation test.