BS 6726-1998 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS 6726-1998 — Specification for festoon and temporary lighting cables and cords. This document is the STB-designated version of the British Standard BS 6726:1998 and specifies construction, marking, electrical and mechanical requirements and test methods for cables and cords intended for festoon and other types of temporary lighting installations.

Abstract

This standard sets out general requirements (scope, definitions, voltage designation, core identification and marking), construction and overall dimensions, electrical and mechanical performance requirements, fire-test requirements and specific provisions for rubber‑insulated and PVC‑insulated cables and cords used for temporary lighting (festoon installations). It is primarily a product specification and test schedule intended to ensure safety and performance of temporary lighting cables.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (withdrawn 1 August 2003).
• Publication date: 15 September 1998.
• Publisher: British Standards Institution (BSI).
• ICS / categories: Cables — ICS 29.060.20 (cable product category).
• Edition / version: 1998 edition (adopted/published as STB BS 6726-1998 where listed by document resellers/catalogues).
• Number of pages: 28 pages.

Scope

BS 6726:1998 covers specification and test requirements for festoon and temporary lighting cables and cords intended for use in temporary lighting installations. The standard addresses general requirements, marking and identification, conductor and insulation construction, sheath requirements and tests for electrical, mechanical and fire performance. Separate sections give detailed requirements for rubber‑insulated and PVC‑insulated constructions. It is aimed at ensuring safe, durable cables for intermittent or temporary use rather than permanently buried or fixed mains installations.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope, normative references and definitions for temporary/festoon lighting cables.
• Voltage designation and core identification / colour coding.
• Marking requirements (cable identification and manufacturer marking).
• Construction and overall dimensions for conductors, insulation and sheath.
• Electrical performance requirements including conductor continuity and insulation resistance tests.
• Mechanical strength requirements and tests for flexing, abrasion and mechanical endurance suitable for temporary use.
• Fire test requirements relevant to temporary lighting applications.
• Specific requirements for rubber‑insulated and PVC‑insulated variants (conductors, insulation, core identification and sheath characteristics).

Typical use and users

Typical users include cable and cord manufacturers, event and entertainment rigging companies, temporary lighting installers and hirers (festoon and marquee lighting), safety and testing laboratories, and specifiers procuring temporary lighting systems for events, construction sites or emergency/temporary installations. The standard is used to define product requirements, acceptance testing and procurement specifications for temporary-lighting cables.

Related standards

When BS 6726 was withdrawn there was no direct one‑for‑one replacement; similar product types and test methods can be found in various CENELEC and cable product documents (for example HD21.8 / HD22.8 and other cable product specifications). Users should consult current CENELEC/EN and national standards for up‑to‑date requirements for temporary and festoon lighting cables.

Keywords

festoon lighting, temporary lighting, lighting cables, cords, cable marking, cable construction, rubber‑insulated cable, PVC‑insulated cable, electrical tests, mechanical tests, fire test, BS 6726, STB adoption.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: STB BS 6726-1998 is the STB-designated listing of British Standard BS 6726:1998, titled "Specification for festoon and temporary lighting cables and cords", which sets product and test requirements for cables used in temporary/festoon lighting.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers scope and definitions, voltage designation and core identification, marking, construction and dimensions, electrical and mechanical requirements, fire testing and specific provisions for rubber and PVC insulated cables and cords intended for temporary lighting.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Cable manufacturers, event/lighting contractors, procurement/specification teams for temporary installations, and test laboratories use this standard to specify and verify the performance of festoon and temporary‑lighting cables.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: BS 6726:1998 was withdrawn (withdrawal recorded 1 August 2003). There is no single direct replacement number; related cable requirements may be found in CENELEC/HD documents and other current EN/cable standards — users should consult current national and EN standards for up‑to‑date requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: BS 6726 is a product specification within the broader family of cable and wiring product standards. It sits alongside other cable standards and test documents rather than being part of a multi‑part BS series with directly numbered parts. For comparable or overlapping requirements consult related cable product standards and CENELEC HD documents.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Festoon, temporary lighting, cable, cord, marking, insulation, sheath, rubber‑insulated, PVC‑insulated, electrical test, mechanical strength, fire test, BS 6726.