IEC 62932-2-1-2020 PDF

Full title and description

St IEC 62932-2-1-2020 — Electric cables — Non-halogen low smoke cables used in photovoltaic power system installations — Part 2-1: Test methods and requirements for DC cables with thermoplastic insulation

Abstract

This standard specifies tests and requirements for non-halogen, low smoke DC cables intended for use in photovoltaic (PV) power system installations. It covers construction, electrical and mechanical performance, and fire performance characteristics for thermoplastic insulated DC cables for photovoltaic systems. The standard defines the test methods to verify suitability for DC voltages and PV-specific installation conditions.

General information

• Status: Published/Current (2020)
• Publication date: 2020
• Publisher: IEC (adopted as national/sector version St IEC)
• ICS / categories: 29.060.20 (Electric cables), 27.060 (Photovoltaic systems)
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2020)
• Number of pages: Approximately 30–40 pages (typical for IEC part-level test method documents)

Scope

This document specifies test methods and requirements for single-core and multi-core non-halogen, low smoke DC cables with thermoplastic insulation intended for use in photovoltaic power system installations. It addresses electrical, mechanical and fire safety characteristics relevant to DC operation in PV systems, including insulation resistance, voltage test, temperature cycling, bending/elongation, resistance to sunlight and ozone, and smoke/non-halogen fire performance. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the general product specification (Part 1) and other parts of the IEC 62932 series where applicable.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and construction requirements for non-halogen, low smoke thermoplastic DC cables for PV installations.
• Electrical performance tests: insulation resistance, DC voltage withstand, conductor resistance, and continuity.
• Mechanical tests: tensile, elongation, bending, abrasion and impact resistance where applicable.
• Environmental ageing tests: UV/sunlight resistance, thermal cycling, humidity and ozone exposure to simulate PV field conditions.
• Fire performance: tests for low smoke and non-halogen behaviour under fire conditions, including limited flame spread as applicable for PV rooftop and building-integrated installations.
• Marking, identification and documentation requirements to ensure traceability and correct application in PV systems.
• Specific test sequences and acceptance criteria tailored for DC operation and long-term outdoor exposure in photovoltaic applications.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of PV DC cables, testing laboratories, certification bodies, system designers, EPC contractors and installers working on photovoltaic power systems use this standard to specify, test and verify cable performance and safety. Utilities and building owners may reference it when procuring cables for PV installations to ensure compliance with PV-specific durability, electrical and fire safety requirements.

Related standards

IEC 62932-1 (general product specification and requirements for PV DC cables), IEC 60227 / IEC 60364 (electrical installations), IEC 60754 and IEC 61034 (test methods for halogen acid gas emission and smoke density), IEC 60332 (test for vertical flame propagation), and relevant regional/national wiring regulations and PV installation standards.

Keywords

PV cables, DC cables, non-halogen, low smoke, thermoplastic insulation, photovoltaic, cable test methods, fire performance, UV resistance, PV system cabling

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is the IEC test-methods and requirements document (Part 2-1) for non-halogen low smoke DC cables with thermoplastic insulation intended specifically for photovoltaic power system installations, published in 2020.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers construction characteristics, electrical and mechanical tests, environmental ageing tests and fire/smoke related test methods and acceptance criteria tailored to DC PV cable applications.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Cable manufacturers, testing and certification laboratories, PV system designers, installers, EPC contractors and procurement/specification teams for PV projects.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Published in 2020, it is the first edition for this part. Users should check with their national standards body or the IEC for any amendments or newer editions, but it is treated as current unless superseded.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 62932 series addressing non-halogen low smoke cables for photovoltaic power system installations; Part 1 covers general requirements and other parts cover additional cable types and materials.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: PV dc cables, non-halogen, low smoke, thermoplastic insulation, cable test methods, photovoltaic installations, UV resistance, fire performance.