This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only.

Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

,6%1
6$16
(GLWLRQ











6287+$)5,&$11$7,21$/67$1'$5'










(OHFWULFIOH[LEOHFDEOHVZLWKVROLGH[WUXGHG
GLHOHFWULFLQVXODWLRQ$PGW



3DUW*HQHUDO























3XEOLVKHGE\6$%66WDQGDUGV'LYLVLRQ
'U/DWHJDQ5RDG*URHQNORRI 3ULYDWH%DJ;3UHWRULD
7HO)D[
ZZZVDEVFR]D
”6$%6


This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

Table of changes

Change No. Date Scope

Amdt 1 2008 Amended to correct the colour of the neutral core in a flexible cord.

Amdt 2 2012 Amended to change the title and to change cores and cords to
cables, to amend the scope and the titles of some annexes, to add
new definitions and renumber them, to clarify the requirements for
drums and reels, to change the requirements for marking and to
include ID threads for cables.

Foreword
This South African standard was approved by National Committee SABS TC 66, Electric cables, in
accordance with procedures of the SABS Standards Division, in compliance with annex 3 of the
WTO/TBT agreement.

This document was published in October 2012.

This document supersedes SANS 1574-1:2008 (edition 1.1).

A vertical line in the margin shows where the text has been technically modified by amendment
No. 2.

This document is referenced in the Compulsory specification for the safety of flexible cords
for electrical appliances (VC 8006), as published by Government Notice No. R.1079
(Government Gazette No. 33763) of 19 November 2010.

SANS 1574 consists of the following parts, under the general title Electric flexible cables with solid
extruded dielectric insulation:

Part 1: General.

Part 2: PVC-insulated flexible cables for domestic, office and similar environment (cords). Amdt 2

Part 3: PVC-insulated cables for industrial use. Amdt 2

Part 4: Rubber-insulated cables for domestic, office and similar environments (cords). Amdt 2

Part 5: Rubber-insulated cores and cables. Amdt 2

Annexes A, B, C and D are for information only.

This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

Contents
Page

Foreword

1 Scope .................................................................................................................................... 3

2 Normative references ............................................................................................................ 4

3 Definitions ............................................................................................................................. 5

4 Packing and marking ............................................................................................................ 7

4.1 Packing ........................................................................................................................ 7
4.2 Marking ........................................................................................................................ 7

Annex A (informative) Notes to purchasers............................................................................ 10

Annex B (informative) Quality verification of flexible cables................................................... 11

...................................................................................................................................... Amdt 2

Annex C (informative) Service conditions of flexible cables ................................................... 11

...................................................................................................................................... Amdt 2

Annex D (informative) System for designation of harmonized cables and cords ................... 12

Bibliography.............................................................................................................................. 13

1
This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

This page is intentionally left blank

2
This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

Electric flexible cables with solid extruded dielectric insulation

Amdt 2

Part 1: General

1 Scope

1.1 This part of SANS 1574 covers general requirements for single-core and multicore flexible
cables of rated operating voltages in the range (Uo/U) 300/300 V to 600/1 000 V, intended for use in
domestic (up to and including 300/500V ) and industrial applications (450/750V and 600/1000V).
Amdt 2

NOTE Specific requirements for electric flexible cables are given in SANS 1574-2, SANS 1574-3,
SANS 1574-4 and SANS 1574-5. Amdt 2

1.2 This part of SANS 1574 covers general requirements for the following flexible cables: Amdt 2

a) PVC-insulated

1) flexible single-core cables, 300/300 V; 300/500 V; 450/750 V and 600/1 000 V; Amdt 2

2) flexible cables, 300/300 V; 300/500 V (H03VV-F, H03VVH2-F, H05VV-F, H05VVH2-F); Amdt 2

3) flexible power cables, 450/750 V (H07VV-F); Amdt 2

4) flexible flat power cables, 450/750 V (H07VVH2-F); and

5) flexible power cables, 600/1 000 V.

b) Rubber-insulated

1) flexible single-core cables, 300/300 V; 300/500 V; 450/750 V and 600/1 000 V; Amdt 2

2) flexible cables, 300/300 V; 300/500 V (H03RR-F, H05RR-F and H05RN-F); Amdt 2

3) flexible power cables, 450/750 V (H07RR-F and H07RN-F); and

4) flexible power cables, 600/1 000 V .

3
This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

NOTE 1 Requirements to be specified by the purchaser and requirements to be agreed upon between the
manufacturer and purchaser are listed in annex A.

NOTE 2 A guide for the ongoing verification of the quality of flexible cores, cords and cables is given in
annex B.

NOTE 3 Service conditions of flexible cords and cables are given in annex C.

NOTE 4 The system for designation of harmonized cables and cords is given in annex D.

NOTE 5 Due to changes in specification and materials used for electrical appliances, it is recommended that
the use of figure 8 “Ripcord” to connect the equipment to a power source be discontinued for safety reasons.
Flat or circular 2-core sheathed cable should be used in order to comply with safety requirements. Amdt 2

NOTE 6 It is recommended that due to the increased occurrence of the illegal use of copper clad aluminium
(CCA) and copper clad steel (CCS) in the conductors of flexible cables, two simple tests are introduced when
an assessment is carried out in order to verify compliance of the flexible cables that are manufactured to this
standard. In the first test a magnet is used to determine whether or not any of the individual wires in the
conductor is magnetic in nature (CCS). The second test, which makes use of a cigarette lighter or simple gas
burner, heats the individual wires of the conductor, which are opened to a fan shape beforehand to aid heat
distribution in order to show up any wires which crumble as a result of the inner aluminium component melting
(CCA). Conductors manufactured from these materials may still pass the conductor resistance requirement
and therefore the resistance test alone is not sufficient to verify compliance to this specification.
Amdt 2

2 Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. All
normative documents are subject to revision and, since any reference to a normative document is
deemed to be a reference to the latest edition of that document, parties to agreements based on
this document are encouraged to take steps to ensure the use of the most recent editions of the
normative documents indicated below. Information on currently valid national and international
standards can be obtained from the SABS Standards Division.

SANS 1411-1, Materials of insulated electric cables and flexible cords – Part 1: Conductors.

SANS 1411-2, Materials of insulated electric cables and flexible cords – Part 2: Polyvinyl chloride
(PVC).

SANS 1411-3, Materials of insulated electric cables and flexible cords – Part 3: Elastomers.

SANS 1507-1, Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation for fixed installations
(300/500 V to 1 900/3 300 V ) – Part 1: General.

SANS 1507-2, Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation for fixed installations
(300/500 V to 1 900/3 300 V) – Part 2: Wiring cables

SANS 1507-3, Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation for fixed installations
(300/500 V to 1 900/3 300 V) – Part 3: PVC Distribution cables

SANS 10005, The preservative treatment of timber.

4
This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

3 Definitions

For the purposes of this document, the definitions given in SANS 1411-1, SANS 1411-2,
SANS 1411-3, SANS 1507-1, SANS 1507-2, SANS 1507-3 and the following apply.

3.1
acceptable
acceptable to the authority administering this standard or to the parties concluding the purchase
contract, as relevant

3.2
cable Amdt 2
length of one or more flexible cores with or without protective covering for industrial or heavy duty
applications

3.3 Amdt 2
cord
length of one or more flexible cores with or without protective covering for domestic and light duty
applications

3.4
core
single insulated conductor without protective covering

3.5
dielectric
covering of a conductor that is intended to insulate the conductor electrically

3.6
filler
material that fills the interstices of a multicore cable

3.7
fire-retardant cable
cable, cord or core of such modified construction or composition (or both) that its properties are less
affected by fire than the properties of a cord or cable that has not been so modified Amdt 2

3.8
flame propagation
spreading of flame along cable or core under defined conditions Amdt 2

3.9
flexible cable
a length of one or more cores that has flexible conductors with strands of wire not exceeding
0,61 mm, that are assembled together during manufacture with or without a protective outer
covering such that they afford flexibility. Amdt 2

3.10
flexible cord
a flexible cable where the nominal cross sectional area of individual conductors does not exceed
4 mm2 and each conductor consists of strands of wire of diameter less than 0,31 mm. Amdt 2

5
This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

3.11
harmonized code Amdt 2
code that describes the characteristics of a cable that has been adopted by the member states of
the European Community (see annex D)

3.12
heat-resistant cable
cable insulated with insulation material and where applicable, constructed using other materials for
sheathing, braiding, etc., that can operate and withstand elevated temperatures (above 70 ºC)
Amdt 2

3.13
lay ratio
ratio of the axial length of a complete turn of the helix formed by an individual core in a multicore
cable to the pitch circle diameter of the helix formed by the same core Amdt 2

3.14
operating voltage Amdt 2
relationship of Uo/U, where Uo is the power frequency r.m.s. (root mean square) voltage between
the phases and neutral or earth, and U is the power frequency r.m.s. voltage between phases

3.15
protective covering
material that is applied over the dielectric to form the finished cable Amdt 2

3.16
routine test
test conducted at the manufacturer’s works on all cable lengths during manufacture, or in the
completed state, as appropriate Amdt 2

3.17
sample test Amdt 2
test conducted on a regular basis at the manufacturer’s works or on representative samples taken
by the manufacturer, or as requested by the purchaser at the time of enquiry of the order

3.16
sheath
extruded or other final outer protective covering applied to a cable Amdt 2

3.17
type test
test conducted before a type of cable covered by this part of SANS 1574 is supplied on a general
commercial basis, in order to demonstrate that the cable has the necessary performance
characteristics for the intended application. Amdt 2

NOTE 1 A certificate of type testing signed by the representative of a competent witnessing body, or a report
by the manufacturer giving the test results and signed by the appropriate personnel of the witnessing
organization should be accepted as evidence of type testing. Amdt 2

NOTE 2 The type test is of such a nature that, after it has been successfully completed, it need not be
repeated unless changes are made to the cable materials or design that might change the performance
characteristics of the cable. Amdt 2

6
This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

4 Packing and marking

4.1 Packing

4.1.1 General

Flexible cables shall be packed in coils, or on reels, or on drums. Amdt 2

4.1.2 Drums and reels

The moisture content of the wood from which a wooden drum or reel is manufactured shall not
exceed 20 %. When wooden drums or reels are required to be resistant to biological attack, the
wood shall have been impregnated (by pressure or in a hot/cold open tank) in accordance with
SANS 10005, with a class C preservative or with chromated copper arsenate. Amdt 2

4.1.3 Cable ends Amdt 2

Each end of a cable shall, before being secured to the drum, be sealed by an acceptable method.
The outer end shall be secured to the drum, and the inner end shall be protected in an acceptable
manner against mechanical damage. Amdt 2

4.2 Marking

4.2.1 Marking of cables Amdt 2

4.2.1.1 Indication of origin and properties

Each flexible cable shall bear the following information in legible marking: Amdt 2

a) the manufacturer’s name, trade name, or trademark;

b) the operating voltage (U) for which the cable has been designed, given in volts (e.g. 300 V,
500 V, 750 V or 1 000 V); Amdt 2

c) when applicable, identification of special properties in accordance with the details given in
column 3 of table 1 (optional additional marking can be done in accordance with column 2 of
table 1);

d) if coloured tapes or ID threads are used, the colours shall comply with those registered with an
applicable authority1). ID threads are used in small cables where threads will not affect the
thickness of the insulation. The colours shall be easy to recognize or shall become recognizable
by cleaning, if necessary, with petrol or other suitable solvent; and Amdt 2

e) if so required, a mark that indicates the cross-sectional area of the cable, and the number of
cores; and Amdt 2

f) the specification to which the cable was manufactured. Amdt 2

1) Information on the colours is obtainable from the cable testing facility of the SABS.

7
This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

Table 1 — Marking of cables Amdt 2

1 2 3
Property Mark Colour of stripe
General purpose – No stripe
Reduced smoke emission LS No stripe
Reduced halogen emission LH No stripe
No halogen emission NH No stripe
Reduced flame propagation FR Red
Reduced halogen emission and LHFR Blue
reduced flame propagation
No halogen, reduced smoke emission NHLSFR White
and reduced flame propagation

4.2.1.2 Method of marking

Marking shall be done by one of the following three alternate methods:

a) by printed tape or ID thread included within the core, cable or cord; or Amdt 2

b) by printing, indenting or embossing the insulation of at least one core (the core coloured blue, if
there is one); or

c) by printing, indenting or embossing the sheath, if there is one.

4.2.1.3 Size of marking

Where the external surface of the finished core, cord or cable bears the information, the letters and
numerals shall be upright characters of maximum height 13 mm and minimum height 3 mm. In the
case of cables that have an overall diameter of less than 6 mm, the height of the characters may be
less than 3 mm, provided that the legend is acceptably legible.

4.2.1.4 Continuity of marking

Each specified mark shall be regarded as continuous if the distance between the end of the mark
and the beginning of the next identical mark does not exceed

a) 550 mm, if the marking is on the outer sheath of the cable;

b) 275 mm, if the marking is

1) on the insulation of an unsheathed cable; or

2) on the insulation of a sheathed cable; or

3) on tape included within the sheathed cable.

4.2.2 Marking of coils

Each coil package shall bear the following information in legible and indelible marking:

a) the manufacturer’s trade name or trademark, or both;

8
This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

b) the rated voltage (Uo/U), the cross-sectional area of the phase conductor(s), and the number of
cores; and

c) the length of the cable Amdt 2

4.2.3 Marking of drums or reels

Each drum or reel shall bear the following information in legible and indelible marking:

a) the information required in 4.2.2 above;

b) a brief description of the cord or cable;

c) the gross mass of the drum or reel;

d) an identifying serial number;

e) unless the manufacturer guarantees that the drum or reel may be laid flat without damage to the
cable, the words “NOT TO BE LAID FLAT” (in capital letters), or a suitable pictogram;

f) unless the manufacturer guarantees that the drum or reel may be rolled in either direction
without damage to the cable, an arrow or the words “ROLL THIS WAY” (in capital letters, to
indicate the direction in which the drum or reel is to be rolled in order to prevent the cable from
unwinding); and

g) if the wood of the drum or reel has been treated, a capital letter “T” of approximate height 50 mm
surrounded by a circle of approximate outside diameter 65 mm.

9
This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

Annex A
(informative)

Notes to purchasers

A.1 Tender invitation requirements

A.1.1 General

Before the purchaser orders cores, cords or cables produced in accordance with this part of
SANS 1574, it is suggested that the requirements in A.1.2 to A.1.4 be considered.

A.1.2 Identification of cores

The identification of cores should preferably be done by colour coding. Identification by numbers is
also acceptable. All cables intended for domestic, office and similar environments and which
contain up to 7 cores shall be identified by colour coding. The neutral in cords should always be
blue or carry the number - 0 -, or both. Particular care should be taken to select the correct colour
when a three-core or four-core cable intended for use on single-phase circuits is being ordered.
Amdt 1; amdt 2
A.1.3 Current rating
The current rating of the cord or cable and the applicable de-rating factors for a particular
application should be ascertained from the cable manufacturer. This information is also given in
SANS 10142-1.

A.1.4 Type of cord or cable

Careful consideration should be given to the type of cord or cable to be used for a particular
application. The degree and frequency of flexing, abrasion and mechanical deformation should be
considered.

A.2 Requirements to be specified

It is recommended that the following requirements be specified in tender invitations and in each
order or contract:

a) the maximum permissible operating voltage;

b) the conditions of service of the cable;

c) the conductor material (copper or tinned copper) and the type of conductor (class 5 or class 6);

d) the type of insulation material;

e) colour coding or numbering of cores;

f) the type of material of the sheath;

g) whether fire-retardant properties are required;

h) whether oil-resistant properties are required;

10
This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

i) the maximum operating temperature of the cable; Amdt 2

j) in the case of cables packed on wooden drums, whether the wood of the drums is to be
resistant to biological attack; and Amdt 2

k) whether the number of cores and the cross-sectional area are to be indicated on the cord or
cable.

Annex B
(informative)

Quality verification of flexible cables Amdt 2

When a purchaser requires ongoing verification of the quality of extruded solid dielectric cables, it is
suggested that, instead of concentrating solely on evaluation of the final product, he also direct his
attention to the manufacturer’s quality system. In this connection it should be noted that SANS 9001
covers the provision of an integrated quality system. Amdt 2

Annex C
(informative)

Service conditions of flexible cables

C.1 Although cables that comply with this part of SANS 1574 are designed to withstand a
certain amount of abrasion and bending (flexing), demanding applications or severe flexing should
be considered carefully before ordering. Amdt 2

C.2 Applications where flexible cables are subjected to immersion in oil could lead to earlier
failure of the sheathing material. Amdt 2

C.3 Care should be taken to protect flexible cables from mechanical impact or pressure when
they are used as extension leads. Amdt 2

11
This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

Annex D
(informative)

System for designation of harmonized cables and cords

12
This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SANS 1574-1:2012
Edition 1.2

Bibliography

SANS 1574-2, Electric cables with solid extruded dielectric insulation – Part 2: PVC insulated
flexible cables for domestic, office and similar environment (cords)..……………………… Amdt 2

SANS 1574-3, Electric flexible cores, cords and cables with solid extruded dielectric insulation –
Part 3: PVC-insulated cores and cables..……………………………………………………. Amdt 2

SANS 1574-4, Electric flexible cores, cords and cables with solid extruded dielectric insulation –
Part 4: Rubber-insulated cores and cables.………………………………………………….. Amdt 2

SANS 1574-5, Electric flexible cores, cords and cables with solid extruded dielectric insulation –
Part 5: Rubber-insulated cores and cables. ................................................... Amdt 2

SANS 9001/ISO 9001,Quality management systems – Requirements.

SANS 10142-1,The wiring of premises – Part 1: Low-voltage installations.

 SABS

13
This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

This page has been left blank intentionally

This (non-printable) standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.

SABS – Standards Division

The objective of the SABS Standards Division is to develop, promote and maintain South African
National Standards. This objective is incorporated in the Standards Act, 2008 (Act No. 8 of 2008).

Amendments and Revisions

South African National Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of South African
National Standards should ensure that they possess the latest amendments or editions.

The SABS continuously strives to improve the quality of its products and services and would
therefore be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using this standard would
inform the secretary of the technical committee responsible, the identity of which can be found in
the foreword.

The SABS offers an individual notification service, which ensures that subscribers automatically
receive notification regarding amendments and revisions to South African National Standards.
Tel: +27 (0) 12 428 6883 Fax: +27 (0) 12 428 6928 E-mail: [email protected]

Buying Standards

Contact the Sales Office for South African and international standards, which are available in both
electronic and hard copy format.
Tel: +27 (0) 12 428 6883 Fax: +27 (0) 12 428 6928 E-mail: [email protected]
South African National Standards are also available online from the SABS website
http://www.sabs.co.za

Information on Standards

The Standards Information Centre provides a wide range of standards-related information on both
national and international standards. The Centre also offers an individual updating service called
INFOPLUS, which ensures that subscribers automatically receive notification regarding
amendments to, and revisions of, international standards.
Tel: +27 (0) 12 428 7911 / 0861 27 7227 Fax: +27 (0) 12 428 6928 E-mail: [email protected]

Copyright

The copyright in a South African National Standard or any other publication published by the SABS
Standards Division vests in the SABS or, in the case of a South African National Standard based on
an international standard, in the organization from which the SABS adopted the standard under
licence or membership agreement. In the latter case, the SABS has the obligation to protect such
copyright. Unless exemption has been granted, no extract may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the SABS
Standards Division. This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the
standard, of necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any purpose other than implementation, prior written permission must be
obtained.

Details and advice can be obtained from the Manager – Standards Sales and Information Services.
Tel: +27 (0) 12 428 6883 Fax: +27 (0) 12 428 6928 E-mail: [email protected]