WCA September 2015

Industry news

Testing to all international cable standards

THE British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC) has announced it will now provide low and medium voltage cable testing to all International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) cable standards. It was a common misconception that BASEC only tested cable to British or European cable standards, however the testing and certification body serves reputable cable manufacturers and standards authorities across the world. When selling cable product worldwide, cable manufacturers need to ensure the product is in accordance with the cable standards set by that country’s regulator, which could be British, European or international standard requirements, and even private or sector standards. Dr Jeremy Hodge, chief executive at BASEC, said: “As our service has become recognised in more territories, we have experienced an increase in the demand for testing to IEC cable standards and therefore we have expanded our cable testing scope to include all low and medium voltage IEC cable standards where previously this was limited to a few key types. “The benefit to cable manufacturers is where they require multiple testing to cover British and European (BS EN) standards and IEC standards, we can test to both standards at the same time where this is permitted. We can then provide a double test report for one cable, and potentially award two certificates.” One of the most common IEC cable standards BASEC tests to is IEC 60502, which is cable intended for fixed installation indoors, outdoors, underground or in the presence of water. When a certificate has been issued, a cable manufacturer can list the standards it has been awarded against the cable product it is selling.

❍ Low and medium voltage cable testing at BASEC

In this instance, a cable manufacturer may describe its cable product to potential customers together with the equivalent British Standards it has achieved, for example: Low voltage power cables with XLPE insulation and PVC sheathing to IEC 60502-1, BS 5476, and BS 7889 or

medium voltage power cables to IEC 60502-2 up to 18/30 (36) kV and to BS 6622 up to 19/33 (36) kV. “Our message to cable buyers is always specify a recognised standard and an independently approved cable, and check the cable markings on delivery and before installation to ensure it meets the criteria for its intended use. If suspicious cable is found, contact BASEC or your local regulatory authority for advice,” added Dr Hodge. BASEC was recently awarded ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation for its world-class cable testing laboratory based in the UK. This is one of the highest levels of recognised quality any testing or calibration laboratory can attain. BASEC – UK Website : www.basec.org.uk

❍ A wide range of springs from Leeco Spring International Leeco springs into action

Leeco Spring International is a full service spring manufacturer that stocks a wide range of both compression springs and extension springs, but also has the capability to custom-make springs for almost any industry or application. The company has an experienced design and engineering staff that can assist with any custom application, and can also offer secondary services and load testing capabilities. General products include compression springs, clock springs, conical springs, extension springs, flat springs, garter springs, instrument springs, leaf springs, motor springs, precision springs, torsion springs, variable rate springs, Belleville washers, cantilever beams, rings, stampings and wire forms. Leeco Spring International – USA Website : www.leecospring.com

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Wire & Cable ASIA – September/October 2015