AS NZS 1660.1-1998 (2017) PDF

Full title and description

AS/NZS 1660.1:1998 (Reconfirmed 2017) — Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors — Method 1: Conductors and metallic components. This standard specifies test methods for conductors, metallic sheath and armour used in insulated electric cables and flexible cords.

Abstract

Provides procedural details for mechanical and metallurgical tests on conductor materials and metallic components of cables and cords — including tensile and elongation tests, wrapping tests, continuity and plating tests, coating mass determinations and dimensional measurements of sheaths and wires. The document establishes specimen selection, test temperature and test procedures but does not give performance acceptance criteria (those are found in individual cable product standards).

General information

• Status: Current — reconfirmed (R2017) and retained as the valid method for conductors and metallic components.
• Publication date: 5 March 1998 (original publication); reconfirmation noted in 2017.
• Publisher: Standards Australia in cooperation with Standards New Zealand (joint AS/NZS publication).
• ICS / categories: Electrical wires and cables in general (ICS 29.060.01 / related 29-series categories).
• Edition / version: 1st edition (1998); Reconfirmed 2017 (R2017).
• Number of pages: 7.

Scope

This part of the AS/NZS 1660 series specifies test methods applicable to conductors, metallic sheath and armour of insulated electric cables and flexible cords. It covers selection and preparation of specimens, testing temperature, mechanical tests (tensile strength and elongation), wrapping tests, metal‑plating continuity tests (tin, silver, nickel), measurement of coating mass, and dimensional measurement procedures for metallic sheaths and wires. It is intended as a methods reference; acceptance criteria are given in individual product standards where applicable.

Key topics and requirements

• Specification of specimen selection and conditioning, including testing temperature.
• Tensile strength and elongation tests for conductors, armour and tinsel conductors.
• Wrapping test procedures for strand integrity.
• Metal plating tests: continuity procedures for tin, silver and nickel platings and methods for determining mass of coating on armour wires.
• Measurement methods for metallic sheath thickness and wire diameters.
• Appendix listing related test methods (references to other AS/AS/NZS test-method standards).

Typical use and users

Used by cable and flexible cord manufacturers, materials suppliers, independent testing laboratories, product compliance and certification bodies, electrical engineers and standards committees to establish and perform standardised tests on metallic components of cables and cords. Also referenced by regulators and procurement specifications where standardised test methods are required.

Related standards

Part of the AS/NZS 1660 series of test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors (other parts include methods covering insulation and sheaths, electrical tests and fire/flammability tests). Cross-referenced standards include AS/NZS 1660.2.1:1998, AS/NZS 1660.3:1998 and related test-method standards such as AS 2331.2.1 (coating mass/thickness methods) and AS 2706 (numerical rounding and interpretation rules).

Keywords

AS/NZS 1660.1, conductors, metallic sheath, armour, electric cables, flexible cords, test methods, tensile test, plating test, coating mass, wire measurement, cable testing, EL/3 (technical committee).

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS/NZS 1660.1:1998 (R2017) is a standards-method document that specifies laboratory test procedures for conductors and metallic components used in insulated electric cables and flexible cords.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen selection and conditioning, tensile and elongation tests, wrapping tests, metal‑plating continuity and mass/coating tests, and dimensional measurements for metallic sheaths and wires. It defines test methods rather than acceptance criteria.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Cable and cord manufacturers, materials suppliers, independent test laboratories, certification and compliance bodies, electrical engineers, and standards committees use it to perform standardised tests on metallic cable components.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document was originally published 5 March 1998 and was formally reconfirmed in the AS/NZS review process in 2017 (R2017). It is listed as current/reconfirmed; users should verify any referenced documents for later amendments or newer editions before relying on criteria from referenced standards.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1 of the AS/NZS 1660 series of test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors; other parts of the series cover insulation and sheaths, electrical tests and various fire and combustion-related tests.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Conductors, metallic sheath, armour, cable test methods, plating tests, tensile and elongation, coating mass, dimensional measurement, AS/NZS 1660.