BS6724 Cable
Thermosetting insulated armoured cables - 600/1000V to 1900/3300V - with low emission of smoke and corrosive gases when affected by fire. Manufactured in accordance with British Standard BS6724
BS6724 is a low voltage cable standard in common use in both the UK and internationally. It combines Low Smoke Zero Halogen properties with mechanical protection, making it suitable for internal and external installations.
BS6724 Cable Specification
BS6724 Standard specifies the requirements for low voltage armoured power supply cables with Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE), Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR), or thermosetting polyolefin insulation and an LSZH sheath.
They are designed for use as LSZH armoured mains cables in public areas where there is a need to reduce the risk of harmful smoke and fumes when exposed to fire. Cables manufactured in accordance with BS6724 produce low levels of smoke and corrosive gas when exposed to fire than comparative cables manufactured in accordance with low voltage armoured cable BS5467 and traffic signal cable to BS6346.
As with any armoured cable, the single core variants are mechanically protected with Aluminium Wire (AWA) - being non-magnetic prevents a build up of magnetic currents inside the cable - whilst the multi-core variants have Steel Wire (SWA).
The armour on these cables make it suitable for direct burial installations where there is risk of mechanical damage.
BS6724 cables are subject to compliance with the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) when used in fixed installations in building and constructions.
BS6724 Cable construction
| BS6724 1kV (600/1000V) | BS6724 3.3kV (1900/3300V) | |
|---|---|---|
| Conductors | ||
| Single core | Stranded copper (Class 2) or solid aluminium (Class 1) | |
| Two-core | Stranded copper (Class 2) or solid aluminium (Class 1) | N/A |
| Three-core | Stranded copper (Class 2) or solid aluminium (Class 1) | |
| Four-core | Stranded copper (Class 2) or solid aluminium (Class 1) | N/A |
| Five-core | Stranded copper (Class 2) | N/A |
| Multicore auxiliary-core | Stranded copper (Class 2) | N/A |
| Insulation | GP8, GP6 or EI5 | |
| Bedding | Extruded layer of polymeric material compatible with the operating temperature of the cable. HCI levels are not to exceed 0.5% | |
| Armour | ||
| Single core | Plain aluminium wire | |
| Two-core and above | Galvanised steel wire | |
| Outersheath | Extruded layers of compatible polymeric material conforming to the requirements of LTS 1 specified in BS7655. HCI levels are not to exceed 0.5% | |
BS6724 cable can sometimes be referred to by its construction in international markets - XLPE/LSZH/SWA/LSZH for multicore cables and XLPE/LSZH/AWA/LSZH for the single core cables.
BS6724 Cable Core Identification
| Single core | Brown or Blue |
| Two-core | Brown and Blue |
| Three-core | Brown, Black and Grey |
| Four-core | Blue, Brown, Black and Grey |
| Five-core | Green/Yellow, Blue, Brown, Black and Grey |
In practice, non-standard core colours can be accommodated (on request) to suit specific installation requirements or international wiring regulations, with the cables made 'generally to' BS6724.
BS6724 Cable Datasheets
The technical datasheets provided below contain information to support cable selection, including dimensional data and electrical characteristics to help you ascertain suitability for your installation. These PDF documents can be downloaded as required.
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