Hello Ian,
Ron is correct that there is typically little correlation between UL flammability tests and tests used outside of the United States. I would like to clarify that if you are interested in North American cable flammability standards, UL 94 is not the correct standard. UL 1581 is the standard that has the vertical-tray flammability tests for wires and cables in the U.S. Cables with a “VW-1” rating are tested to this vertical wire test. UL has a nested set of standards for wires and cables. UL 758 is the basic standard for Appliance Wiring Material (AWM) and it references a number of other standards for specific properties. http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/scopes/scopes.asp?fn=0758.html UL 62 is the basic standard for Flexible Cords and Cables containing more than one conductor. http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/scopes/scopes.asp?fn=0758.html Wire and cable flammability tests can be found in UL 1581 and UL 1685. The scopes of these standards are linked at the bottom of the UL 62 scope. When you get to UL 1581, you will find a link to UL 2556 which has the test methods used on wires and cables. General information about wire and cable flammability testing can be found at this link. http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/offe ings/industries/buildingmaterials/fire/communication/wire/ One other note is that these flammability test methods are not all harmonized between the United States and Canada. You will find slightly different test methods and marking for cables tested to Canadian standards. UL 1581 does contain some of the Canadian test methods. Regards, Ted Eckert Compliance Engineer Microsoft Corporation [email protected] The opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer. From: Pickard, Ron [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 7:04 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Equivalent flammability rating Hi Ian, Am I to assume that you’re considering using this military-oriented cable in a commercial application, which was the basis of your question? The flammability characteristics of DEF STAN 61-12 part 4 cable is described in DEF STAN 61-12 part 0 (13.39) and defined in BS 3G 230 Test 28a. I do not have a copy of BS 3G 230 to comment further. But much like with MIL-STD compliant cable, there isn’t a likely direct correlation to the flammability requirements to those of UL 94. Because of that and in my experience, safety agencies like UL do not accept MIL-STD (or other non-UL) ratings without some extra testing, which translates to $$$. And, the Pro-Power 7-2-xxC datasheet does not even indicate a material flammability parameter, so I would suggest that you check with Pro-Power on that. IHTH. Best regards, Ron Pickard [email protected] From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Gordon,Ian Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 7:14 AM To: IEEE EMC & SAFETY PSTC Subject: Equivalent flammability rating All Does anyone know what the equivalent UL flammability rating would be for a cable approved to DEF STAN 61-12 part 4? The cable to which I'm referring is 7-2-xxC made by Pro-Power. Ian Gordon - --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- The contents of this email and any attachments are confidential and are provided solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). 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