Overview
IEC 60189-3:2007 - part of the IEC 60189 series - is the international standard for PVC-insulated equipment wires (singles, pairs and triples) used for internal wiring of telecommunication, industrial and consumer electronic equipment. This fourth edition (2007) defines construction, material, mechanical, thermal and electrical requirements for low-frequency wires with PVC insulation and PVC sheath.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Applies to solid or stranded conductors, PVC insulated, in single, paired or triple configurations for internal equipment wiring.
- Conductor material & type:
- Annealed copper in accordance with IEC 60028; very small gauges (0.12 mm, 0.15 mm diameters and 0.035 mm2 area) may be copper alloy.
- Solid (single strand) or stranded (concentric or bunching) conductors permitted.
- Conductor finish: plain or tinned.
- Joints allowed only when necessary; joint breaking strength must be ≥ 85% of unjointed conductor. Joints in complete stranded conductors are not permitted.
- Insulation:
- Material: PVC (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl‑chloride/vinyl‑acetate copolymers).
- Thickness: minimum values defined in Annex A; maximum insulated wire diameter calculated per Annex C.
- Insulation must fit closely without adhering to conductor; stripping must be possible without damage.
- Colour and identification:
- Colours follow IEC 60304 standard colours; two-colour marking (rings/helices) rules and minimum marking dimensions specified.
- Note: YELLOW‑GREEN reserved for protective earth.
- Assembly:
- Configurations: single, pair or triple; maximum lay length for twisted pairs/triples ≤ 120 mm.
- Tests and performance:
- Mechanical: conductor elongation, insulation physical integrity.
- Thermal and climatic: insulation shrinkage after overheating, cold bend, heat shock.
- Fire/climate: resistance to flame propagation.
- Electrical: conductor resistance (IEC 60028), dielectric strength, insulation resistance.
- Delivery: on reels or coils with suitable protection.
Applications and who uses this standard
- Cable and wire manufacturers for product design and quality control.
- OEMs and equipment designers (telecommunications, consumer electronics, industrial controls) specifying internal wiring.
- Procurement and compliance teams writing technical specifications and acceptance tests.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies conducting mechanical, thermal and electrical verification.
Related standards
- IEC 60189-1 (general test and measuring methods)
- IEC 60028 (copper resistance standards)
- IEC 60304 (standard colours for insulation)
- IEC 60344, IEC 60649, ISO 105 (referenced for calculation methods and colour fastness)
Keywords: IEC 60189-3, PVC insulated wires, equipment wires, low-frequency cables, internal wiring, conductor specifications, wire colour codes, electrical testing.
Open preview (PDF)Low-frequency cables and wires with PVC insulation and PVC sheath - Part 3: Equipment wires with solid or stranded conductor wires, PVC insulated, in singles, pairs and triples
