BS EN IEC 60228-2024 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS EN IEC 60228-2024 — Conductors of insulated cables. British adoption of EN IEC 60228:2024 (identical to IEC 60228 fourth edition) specifying nominal conductor sizes, constructions and electrical resistance requirements for conductors used in power cables and cords.

Abstract

This standard defines nominal cross-sectional areas, conductor classes and constructional requirements for solid and stranded conductors (including Milliken) made of copper, aluminium and aluminium alloy for power cables and flexible conductors. It gives requirements for numbers and sizes of wires, dimensional limits and electrical resistance values (reference temperature and measurement guidance), plus informative annexes with temperature correction factors and dimensional guidance.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (British adoption)
• Publication date: 26 November 2024
• Publisher: British Standards Institution (BSI) — adoption of EN IEC 60228:2024
• ICS / categories: 29.060.20 — Cables
• Edition / version: 2024 (BS EN IEC 60228:2024 — adoption of IEC 60228:2023, Edition 4)
• Number of pages: 30 (typical official pagination)

Scope

Specifies nominal cross-sectional areas from 0.5 mm² up to 3 500 mm² for conductors used in electric power cables and cords. Applies to solid, stranded and Milliken conductors made of copper, aluminium and aluminium alloy for fixed installations and to flexible copper conductors. Gives requirements for numbers and sizes of wires, conductor classes, electrical resistance values (reference temperature and tolerances) and dimensional limits. Does not apply to conductors for telecommunication purposes; applicability to specific cable types is determined by the relevant cable standard.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of nominal cross-sectional areas (0.5 mm² to 3 500 mm²) and appropriate rounding conventions.
• Conductor classes and constructions (solid, stranded, Milliken) and strand-count/size requirements for each nominal area.
• Electrical resistance requirements at reference temperature (and permissible tolerances) for copper and aluminium conductors.
• Dimensional limits and tolerances for circular conductors and guidance for non-circular sections.
• Specification of test methods, including resistance measurement and temperature correction factors (informative annex).
• Marking and identification recommendations for conductor types and classes where applicable.
• Compatibility statements indicating this is a horizontal (generic) publication to be used with specific cable-type standards.

Typical use and users

Used by cable and conductor manufacturers, electrical designers and specifiers, installation contractors, testing and inspection laboratories, standards committees and regulators. It is referenced when specifying conductor sizes/constructs for power distribution, industrial cabling and flexible cords, and when verifying conductor resistance and construction during manufacturing and quality control.

Related standards

IEC 60228 (base international standard — fourth edition / 2023); EN IEC 60228 (European adoption); national transpositions (e.g. BS EN IEC 60228). Frequently referenced by cable-type standards (for example standards for power cables, low-voltage and medium-voltage cable specifications) and by national wiring regulations that rely on standard conductor sizes and resistance values.

Keywords

conductors, insulated cables, nominal cross-sectional area, copper conductor, aluminium conductor, stranded conductor, Milliken conductor, electrical resistance, conductor classes, dimensional limits, cable design

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: BS EN IEC 60228:2024 is the British adoption of EN IEC 60228:2024 (identical to IEC 60228 fourth edition) that specifies nominal conductor sizes, constructions and resistance requirements for conductors used in power cables and cords.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers nominal cross-sectional areas (0.5 mm² to 3 500 mm²), conductor constructions (solid, stranded, Milliken), strand counts and sizes, resistance values at reference temperature, dimensional limits and test/measurement guidance for copper and aluminium conductors used in electrical power cables and flexible copper conductors.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Cable and conductor manufacturers, electrical engineers and specifiers, installation contractors, testing laboratories and standards bodies use it for product specification, design verification and quality control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published on 26 November 2024, BS EN IEC 60228:2024 is the current British adoption. It supersedes earlier national/adopted editions of EN/BS EN 60228 (and their amendments) and implements the content of the latest IEC edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a horizontal (generic) conductor standard in the IEC/EN 60228 family and is commonly referenced by specific cable-type standards and national wiring regulations. It corresponds to IEC 60228 and is typically used alongside standards for particular cable constructions and voltage ratings.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Conductors, nominal cross-sectional area, copper, aluminium, stranded, Milliken, electrical resistance, conductor classes, cable design.