VDE 0604-2-100 DIN EN 50642 2019-05 PDF

Full title and description

STB VDE 0604-2-100 / DIN EN 50642:2019-05 — "Cable management systems — Test method for content of halogens". German adoption of EN 50642:2018 providing a combustion/analytical test method (combustion in a closed oxygen‑containing system followed by ion chromatography) to determine halogen content in polymeric or composite components of cable management systems (CMS).

Abstract

This document specifies the laboratory procedure to quantify halogen content (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine) in solid polymeric CMS components by combustion and subsequent ion chromatography, defines sample preparation and reporting rules, sets detection limits and criteria for declaring a CMS product "halogen‑free", and clarifies the method’s intended application and limitations (it does not assess toxicity or corrosivity of fire products).

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded (replaced by updated 2023 editions).
• Publication date: 2019-05 (DIN EN 50642:2019-05; VDE 0604-2-100:2019-05).
• Publisher: VDE / DIN (German version of EN 50642 published as a VDE/DIN adoption).
• ICS / categories: Electrical engineering — cable management / conduits (e.g., ICS 29.120.10).
• Edition / version: VDE 0604-2-100:2019-05 (German version of EN 50642:2018).
• Number of pages: 18 pages (original 2019 German publication).

Scope

The standard applies to solid components and products of cable management systems made from polymeric or composite materials. It defines a quantitative test method — combustion in a closed oxygen‑containing vessel (bomb) with subsequent analysis of the combustion products by ion chromatography — to determine individual and total halogen content and to decide whether a CMS product may be declared "halogen‑free". The method has a practical detection limit (reported at about 0.025 g halogen per kg sample) and is intended for combustible materials; it is not a test of fire toxicity or corrosivity of combustion gases.

Key topics and requirements

• Test principle: combustion of sample in a closed oxygen‑containing bomb and analysis of combustion products by ion chromatography.
• Reporting of individual halogen concentrations (F, Cl, Br, I) and total halogen content; criteria for "halogen‑free" declaration.
• Typical detection limit and minimum reportable content (method sensitivity ca. 0.025 g/kg).
• Sample preparation, representativity and rules for transferring test results to identical material formulations or product components.
• Limitations: not to be used as a measure of toxicity, corrosivity or smoke behaviour in fires.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of cable management systems and polymeric CMS components, independent testing laboratories, product certifiers, specifiers and procurement teams (architects, installers, building owners) and regulatory authorities use this standard to verify and document halogen content for safety/contractual requirements, to support "halogen‑free" product claims, and to ensure compliance with installation standards that require halogen‑free systems.

Related standards

Superseding/related documents include the 2023 updated German adoptions (DIN EN 50642:2023-08 / VDE 0604-2-100:2023-08, which incorporates EN 50642:2018 + A1:2022) and the related IEC-based adoption DIN EN IEC 63355:2023-08 (VDE 0604-2-101:2023-08) that update or replace the 2019 publication. The document also sits in the broader series of cable management and installation standards (DIN/VDE series covering CMS, conduit and installation-system testing).

Keywords

halogen-free; cable management systems; CMS; halogen content; ion chromatography; combustion bomb; test method; VDE 0604-2-100; DIN EN 50642; low-halogen; detection limit.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is the German adoption VDE 0604-2-100 / DIN EN 50642:2019-05 titled "Cable management systems — Test method for content of halogens", specifying a laboratory combustion/analysis method to determine halogen content in polymeric CMS materials.

Q: What does it cover?

A: The document covers sample selection and preparation, combustion of solid samples in a closed oxygen environment, analysis of combustion products by ion chromatography, reporting rules, detection limits (around 0.025 g/kg), and criteria for declaring CMS components "halogen‑free". It does not assess fire toxicity, corrosivity or smoke behaviour.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Product manufacturers, materials engineers, independent test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, specifiers, and procurement/installation professionals who need to verify or require halogen‑free cable management products.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2019-05 edition has been superseded by updated German adoptions published in August 2023 (DIN EN 50642:2023-08 / VDE 0604-2-100:2023-08 and the related DIN EN IEC 63355:2023-08 / VDE 0604-2-101:2023-08). For current test procedures and amended requirements consult the 2023 editions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the DIN/VDE cable management and electrical installation standards series (VDE 0604 / DIN EN 50642 family), covering test methods and requirements for CMS components; related parts and later IEC-based adoptions continue to refine the halogen test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Halogen-free, cable management systems, halogen content, ion chromatography, combustion bomb, VDE 0604-2-100, DIN EN 50642, test method, detection limit.