Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Org (SASO)  
 
 
 
 
FINAL DRAFT  
 
 
 
SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 IEC 60227 -2:2003   
Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and 
including 450/750 V - Part 2:  Test methods  
 
 
ICS:  29.060.20   
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT SAUDI STANDARD CIRCULATED FOR 
COMMENT. IT IS, THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY NOT 
BE REFERRED TO AS A SA UDI STANDARD  UNTIL APPROVED BY 
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
1 
  Foreword   
Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has adopted Standard 
No. (IEC 60227 -2:2003 ) “Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to 
and including 450/750 V - Part 2: Test methods " issued by (IEC) in English. This 
standard has been approved as a Saudi Standard with national modifications.  
 
This SASO IEC 60227 -2:2020 standard is a modified adoption of International 
Standard IEC 60227 -2:2003, ( Polyvinyl chloride  insulated cables of rated voltages up 
to and including 450/750 V - Part 2: Test methods ). Standard has been varied as 
indicated to take account of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia conditions. The modifications 
are specified in Annex AA.  
 
 
 SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
2 
 CONTENTS  
FOREWORD  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  3 
 
1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  4 
1.1 General requirements  ................................ ................................ ..............................  4 
1.2 Applicable tests  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......  4 
1.3 Classification of tests according to the frequency  
with which they are carried out  ................................ ................................ .................  4 
1.4 Sampling  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  4 
1.5 Pre-conditioning  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 4 
1.6 Test temperature  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 4 
1.7 Test voltage  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  5 
1.8 Checking of the durability of colours and markings  ................................ ...................  5 
1.9 Measurement of insulation thickness  ................................ ................................ ........  5 
1.10 Measurement of sheath thi ckness  ................................ ................................ ............  5 
1.11 Measurement of overall dimensions and ovality  ................................ ........................  6 
2 Electrical tests  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  6 
2.1 Electrical resistance of conductors  ................................ ................................ ...........  6 
2.2 Voltage test carried out on completed cables  ................................ ...........................  6 
2.3 Voltage test on cores  ................................ ................................ ...............................  7 
2.4 Insulation resistance  ................................ ................................ ................................  7 
3 Tests of mechanical strength of completed flexible cables  ................................ .................  8 
3.1 Flexing test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  8 
3.2 Bending test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  11 
3.3 Snatch test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  12 
3.4 Test for separation of cores  ................................ ................................ ...................  12 
3.5 Static flexibility t est ................................ ................................ ................................  13 
3.6 Tensile strength of the central heart of lift cables  ................................ ...................  13 
 
Figure 1 – Flexing apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 8 
Figure 2 – Bending test appar atus ................................ ................................ .........................  12 
Figure 3 – Static flexibility test  ................................ ................................ ...............................  14 
 
Table 1 – Mass of weight and diameter of pulleys  ................................ ................................ .. 10 
 SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
3 
 INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNIC AL COMMISSION  
––––––––– - 
 
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE INSULATED CABLES  
OF RATED VOLTAGES UP TO AND INCLUDING 450/750 V – 
 
Part 2: Test methods  
 
FOREWORD  
1) The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprisin g 
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the IEC is to promote 
international co -operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To 
this end and in addition to other a ctivities, the IEC publishes International Standards. Their preparation is 
entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may 
participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non -gove rnmental organizations liaising 
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. The IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization 
for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two 
organization s. 
2) The formal decisions or agreements of the IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an 
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation 
from all interested National Committee s. 
3) The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in the form 
of standards, technical specifications, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National 
Committees in that sense.  
4)  In order t o promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC International 
Standards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Any 
divergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding  national or regional standard shall be clearly 
indicated in the latter.  
5)  The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any 
equipment declared to be in conformity with one of its standards.  
6)  Attention i s drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject 
of patent rights. The IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.   
 
International Standard IEC 60227 -2 has been prep ared by subcommittee 20B: Low -voltage 
cables, of IEC technical committee 20: Electric cables.  
This consolidated version of IEC 60227 -2 consists of  the second edition (1997) [documents 
20B/249/FDIS and 20B/258/RVD], its amendment  1 (2003) [documents 20/560/ CDV and 
20/606/RVC] and the corrigendum of April 1998.  
The technical content is therefore identical to the base edition and its amendment and has 
been prepared for user convenience.  
It bears the edition number 2.1.  
A vertical line in the margin shows where  the base publication has been modified by 
amendment 1.  
The committee has decided that the contents of the base publication and its amendment 1 will 
remain unchanged until 2007. At this date, the publication will be  
• reconfirmed;  
• withdrawn;  
• replaced b y a revised edition, or  
• amended.  SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
4 
 POLYVINYL CHLORIDE INSULATED CABLES  
OF RATED VOLTAGES UP TO AND INCLUDING 450/750 V – 
 
Part 2: Test methods  
 
 
 
1 General  
1.1 General requirements  
The methods of carrying out the tests specified in all parts of IEC 60227 are gi ven in this part 
and the following publications:  
IEC 60227 -1:1993, Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including 
450/750 V – Part 1: General requirements  
IEC 60332 -1:Tests on electric cables under fire conditions – Part 1: Test on a single vertical 
insulated cable  
IEC 60811 -1-1:1993, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electrical 
cables – Part 1: Methods for general application – Section 1: Measurement of thickness and 
overall dimensions – Test for deter mining the mechanical properties  
1.2 Applicable tests  
The tests applicable to the types of cables are given in the particular specifications (IEC  60227 -3, 
IEC 60227 -4, etc.).  
1.3 Classification of tests according to the frequency with which they are carried out  
The tests specified are type tests (symbol T) and/or sample tests (symbol S) as defined in 2.2 
of IEC 60227 -1. 
The symbole T and S are used in the relevant tables of the particular specifications (IEC  60227 -3, 
IEC 60227 -4, etc.).  
1.4 Sampling  
If a marking is in relief in the insulation or sheath, the samples used for the tests shall be taken 
so as to include such marking.  
For multicore cables, except for the test specified in 1.9, not more than three cores (of different 
colours, if applicable) shall be tested unl ess otherwise specified.  
1.5 Pre-conditioning  
All the tests shall be carried out not less than 16 h after the extrusion of the insulating or 
sheathing compounds.  
1.6 Test temperature  
Unless otherwise specified, tests shall be made at ambient temperature.  SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
5 
 1.7 Test vol tage  
Unless otherwise specified, the test voltages shall be a.c. 49 Hz to 61 Hz of approximately 
sine-wave form, the ratio peak value/r.m.s. value being equal to 
2  with a tolerance of ±7 %.  
The values quoted are r.m.s. values.  
1.8 Checkin g of the durability of colours and markings  
Compliance with this requirement shall be checked by trying to remove the marking of the 
manufacturer's name or trade mark and the colours of cores or numerals by rubbing lightly ten 
times with a piece of cotton wool or cloth soaked in water.  
1.9 Measurement of insulation thickness  
1.9.1  Procedure  
The thickness of insulation shall be measured in accordance with 8.1 of IEC 60811 -1-1. One 
sample of cable shall be taken from each of three places, separated by at least 1 m.  
Com pliance shall be checked on each core of cables having up to five cores, and on any five 
cores of cables with more than five cores.  
If withdrawal of the conductor is difficult, it shall be stretched in a tensile machine or the piece 
of core shall be loose ned by stretching or some other suitable means that does not damage the 
insulation.  
1.9.2  Evaluation of results  
The mean of the 18 values (expressed in millimetres) obtained from the three pieces of 
insulation from each core shall be calculated to two decimal pl aces and rounded off as given 
below, and this shall be taken as the mean value of the thickness of insulation.  
If in the calculation the second decimal figure is 5 or more, the first decimal figure shall be 
raised to the next number, thus, for example, 1,7 4 shall be rounded off to 1,7 and 1,75 to 1,8.  
The lowest of all values obtained shall be taken as the minimum thickness of insulation at any 
place.  
This test may be combined with any other measurements of thickness, for instance those of 
5.2.4 of IEC 6022 7-1. 
1.10 Measurement of sheath thickness  
1.10.1  Procedure  
The thickness of sheath shall be measured in accordance with 8.2 of IEC 60811 -1-1. 
One sample of cable shall be taken from each of three places, separated by at least 1 m.  
1.10.2  Evaluation of results  
The mean of all  the values (expressed in millimetres) obtained from the three pieces of sheath 
shall be calculated to two decimal places and rounded off as given below, and this shall be 
taken as the mean value of the thickness of sheath.  SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
6 
 If in the calculation the second  decimal figure is 5 or more, the first decimal figure shall be 
raised to the next number, thus, for exemple, 1,74 shall be rounded off to 1,7 and 1,75 to 1,8.  
The lowest of all values obtained shall be taken as the minimum thickness of sheath at any 
place . 
This test may be combined with any other measurements of thickness, for instance those of 
5.5.4 of IEC 60227 -1. 
1.11 Measurement of overall dimensions and ovality  
The three samples taken in accordance with 1.9 or 1.10 shall be used.  
The measurement of the ove rall diameter of any circular cable and of the overall dimensions of 
flat cables with a major dimension not exceeding 15 mm shall be carried out in accordance with 
8.3 of IEC 60811 -1-1. 
For the measurement of flat cables with a major dimension exceeding 15  mm, a micrometer, a 
profile projector or similar appliance shall be used.  
The mean of the values obtained shall be taken as the mean overall dimension.  For checking 
the cable ovality of circular sheathed cables, two measurements shall be made at the same 
cross -section of the cable.  
2 Electrical tests  
2.1 Electrical resistance of conductors  
ln order to check the electrical resistance of conductors, the resistance of each conductor shall 
be measured from a sample of cable of at least 1 m in length, and the length of each sample 
shall be measured.  
If necessary, a correction to 20 °C and to a length of 1 km shall be obtained by the formula:  
R  R   t   
L202545
23451000t,
,
 
where  
t is the temperature of the sample at the moment of measurement, in degrees Celsius  
R20 is the res istance at 20 °C, in ohm/kilometre  
Rt is the resistance of L metres of cable at t °C in ohms  
L is the length of the sample of cable, in metres (length of the complete sample and not of 
the individuel cores or wires)  
2.2 Voltage test carried out on completed ca bles  
A sample of cable, as delivered, shall be immersed in water if the cable has no metallic layer. 
The length of the sample, the temperature of the water and the duration of immersion are given 
in table 3 of IEC 60227 -1. 
A voltage shall be applied in tur n between each conductor and all the others connected 
together and to the metallic layer, if any, or to the water, then between all conductors 
connected together and the metallic layer or water.  
The voltage and the duration of its application are given for  each case in table 3 of IEC 60227 -1. SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
7 
 2.3 Voltage test on cores  
The test applies to sheathed cables and to flat non -sheathed cords but not to flat tinsel cords.  
The test shall be made on a sample of cable of 5 m length. The sheath and any other covering 
or filling shall be removed without damaging the cores.  
In the case of a flat non -sheathed cord, a short cut shall be made in the insulation between the 
cores, and the cores shall be separated by hand for a length of 2 m. The voltage and the 
duration of its app lication are given for each case in table 3 of IEC 60227 -1. 
The cores shall be immersed in water as specified in table 3 of IEC 60227 -1, and a voltage 
shall be applied between the conductors and the water.  
The voltage and the duration of its application ar e given for each case in table 3 of IEC 60227 -1. 
2.4 Insulation resistance  
This test applies to all cables. It shall be made on the core samples, 5 m in length, previously 
submitted to the test described in 2.3 or, if this is not applicable, to the test descri bed in 2.2.  
The sample shall be immersed in water previously heated to the specified temperature, a 
length of about 0,25 m at each end of the sample being kept above the water.  
The length of the samples, the temperature of the water and the duration of imm ersion are 
given in table 3 of IEC 60227 -1. 
A d.c. voltage of between 80 V and 500 V shall then be applied between the conductor and the 
water.  
The insulation resistance shall be measured 1 min after application of the voltage and this 
value shall be relat ed to 1 km.  
None of the resulting values shall be below the minimum insulation resistance value prescribed 
in the particular specifications (IEC 60227 -3, IEC 60227 -4, etc.).  
The values of the insulation resistance specified in the particular specifications  (IEC 60227 -3, 
IEC 60227 -4, etc.) are based on a volume resistivity of 1 × 10 8 .m; they have been calculated 
from the formula:  
R = 0,0367 log 10 
D
d 
where:  
R is the  insulation resistance, in megohm kilometre  
D is the nominal outer diame ter of the insulation  
d is the  diameter of the circumscribed circle of the conductor or, for tinsel cords, the nominal 
inner diameter of the insulation  SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
8 
 3 Tests of mechanical strength of completed flexible cables  
3.1 Flexing test  
3.1.1  General  
The requirements are giv en in 5.6.3.1 of IEC 60227 -1. 
This test does not apply to tinsel cords, nor to single -core cables with flexible conductors for 
fixed wiring, nor to multi -core flexible cables having cores of nominal cross sectional area 
greater than 2,5 mm 2. 
3.1.2  Apparatus  
This test shall be carried out by means of the apparatus shown in figure 1. This apparatus 
consists of a carrier C, a driving system for the carrier and four pulleys for each sample of 
cable to be tested. The carrier C supports two pulleys A and B, which are o f the same 
diameter. The two fixed pulleys, at either end of the apparatus, may be of a different diameter 
from pulleys A and B, but all four pulleys shall be so arranged that the sample is horizontal 
between them. The carrier makes cycles (forward and bac kward movements) over a distance 
of 1 m at an approximately constant speed of 0,33 m/s between each reversal of the direction 
of movement.  
The pulleys shall be made of metal and have a semi -circular shaped groove for circular cables 
and a flat groove for f lat cables. The restraining clamps D shall be fixed so that the pull is 
always applied by the weight from which the carrier is moving away. The distance from one 
restraining clamp to its support, while the other clamp is resting on its support, shall be of  5 cm 
maximum.  
The driving system shall be such that the carrier turns smoothly and without jerks when it 
reverses from one direction to another.  
 
Figure 1 – Flexing apparatus  SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
9 
 3.1.3  Sample preparation  
A sample of flexible cable about 5 m long shall be stretched  over the pulleys, as shown in 
figure 1, each end being loaded with a weight. The mass of this weight and the diameter of 
pulleys A and B are given in table 1.  SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
10 
 Table 1 – Mass of weight and diameter of pulleys  
Types of flexible cables  Number  
of 
cores 2) Nominal  
cross -sectional  
area  
mm2 Mass  
of 
weight  
kg Diameter  
of 
pulleys 1) 
mm 
Flat non -sheathed cord  2 0,5 
0,75  0,5 
1,0  60 
 60 
Light polyvinyl chloride sheathed cable  
  
 
2 0,5 
0,75  
1 
1,5 
2,5 0,5 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,5  60 
 80 
 80 
 80 
 120 
Ordinary polyvinyl chlo ride sheathed cable   
 
3 0,5 
0,75  
1 
1,5 
2,5 0,5 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,5  80 
 80 
 80 
 80 
 120 
  
 
4 0,5 
0,75  
1 
1,5 
2,5 0,5 
1,0 
1,0 
1,5 
1,5  80 
 80 
 80 
 120 
 120 
Light polyvinyl chloride sheathed cable  
Ordinary polyvinyl chloride sheathed cable   
 
5 0,5 
0,75  
1 
1,5 
2,5 1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,5 
2,0  80 
 80 
 120 
 120 
 120 
  
 
6 0,5 
0,75  
1 
1,5 
2,5 1,0 
1,5 
1,5 
2,0 
3,5  120 
 120 
 120 
 120 
 160 
 
 
Ordinary polyvinyl chloride sheathed cable   
 
7 0,5 
0,75  
1 
1,5 
2,5 1,0 
1,5 
1,5 
2,0 
3,5  120 
 120 
 120 
 160 
 160 
  
 
12 0,5 
0,75  
1 
1,5 
2,5 1,5 
2,0 
3,0 
4,0 
7,0  120 
 160 
 160 
 160 
 200 
  
 
18 0,5 
0,75  
1 
1,5 
2,5 2,0 
3,0 
4,0 
6,0 
7,5  160 
 160 
 160 
 200 
 200 
1) Diameter measured at the lowest point of the groove.  
2) Cables with numbers of cores between 7 and 18, but not specified in this table, a re non -preferred 
cable types. They may be tested using the mass of weight and the pulley diameter for the same 
conductor size at the next higher specified number of cores.  SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
11 
 3.1.4  Current loading of cores  
For the current loading, either a low voltage or a voltag e about 230/400 V may be used.  
During the flexing test, the cable sample shall be loaded as follows:  
– two and three core cables:  all cores to be loaded with 1 A/mm 2 
10
0    %; 
– four and five core cables:  three cores to be loaded with 1 A/ mm 2 
10
0    % or all cores to be 
loaded with 
3n  A/mm 2 
10
0    %, where n is the number of 
cores.  
Cables having more than five cores shall not be loaded. On cores which are not loaded, a 
signal current sh all be applied.  
3.1.5  Voltage between cores  
For two -core cables the voltage between the conductors shall be about 230 V a.c. For all other 
cables having three or more cores, a three -phase a.c. voltage of about 400 V shall be applied 
to three conductors, any addi tional conductors being connected to the neutral. Three adjacent 
cores shall be tested. In case of a two -layer construction, they shall be taken from the outer 
layer. This also applies when a low voltage current loading system is used.  
3.1.6  Fault detection (con struction of the flexing apparatus)  
The flexing apparatus shall be constructed so that it will detect and stop if the following occurs 
during the flexing test:  
– interruption of the current;  
– short circuit between the conductors;  
– short circuit between t he test sample and the pulleys (flexing apparatus).  
3.2 Bending test  
The requirements are given in 5.6.3.2 of IEC 60227 -1. 
A sample of cord of appropriate length shall be fixed in the apparatus as shown in figure 2, and 
loaded with a weight having a mass of 0, 5 kg. A current of about 0,1 A shall be passed through 
the conductors.  
The sample shall be bent backwards and forwards in a direction perpendicular to the plane of 
the axes of the conductors, the two extreme positions making an angle of 90° on both sides o f 
the vertical.  
A flexing is a movement through 180°. The rate of flexing is 60 per minute.  
If the sample does not comply with the test, this shall be repeated with two additional samples, 
both of which shall then comply with the repeated test.  SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
12 
 
 
Figure 2  – Bending test apparatus  
3.3 Snatch test  
The requirements are given in 5.6.3.3 of IEC 60227 -1. 
A sample of cord of appropriate length shall be attached by one end to a rigid support and a 
weight having a mass of 0,5 kg shall be secured to the sample 0,5 m bel ow the point of 
attachment. A current of about 0,1 A shall be passed through the conductors. The weight shall 
be raised to the point of attachment and then dropped, five times.  
3.4 Test for separation of cores  
The requirements are given in 5.6.3.4 of IEC 60227 -1. 
This test applies to flat non -sheathed cords.  SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
13 
 On a short sample of cord, a cut shall be made in the insulation between the cores. The force 
necessary to separate them at a speed of 5 mm/s shall be measured by means of a tensile 
machine.  
3.5 Static flexibil ity test  
The requirements are given in the specific parts of IEC 60227.  
This test shall be applied to cables with conductor cross -sectional areas up to and including  
2,5 mm 2. 
Before the test, the cable shall be conditioned at (20  5) °C for 24 h in a vert ical position.  
A sample with a length of (3 ± 0,05) m shall be tested in an apparatus similar to that shown in 
figure 3. Two clamps, A and B, shall be located at a height of at least 1,5 m above ground 
level.  
Clamp A shall be fixed and clamp B shall move h orizontally at the level of clamp A.  
The ends of the sample shall be clamped vertically (and remain vertical during the test), one 
end in clamp A, the other in the movable clamp B which shall be at a distance I = 0,20 m from 
clamp A. The cable takes roughl y the shape indicated in figure 3 by the dotted lines.  
The movable clamp B shall then be moved away from the fixed clamp A until the loop formed 
by the cable takes the shape, indicated in figure 3 by the continuous outline, of the U enclosed 
wholly between  two plumb lines through the clamps and set up tangentially to the external 
generatrix of the cable.This test shall be done twice, the cable being turned in the clamp, after 
the first test, through 180°.  
The mean of the two values of l' shall be measured b etween the two plumb lines.  
If the results of the test are unfavourable, the sample shall be preconditioned by winding it two 
times on and off a reel with a barrel diameter of approximately 20 times the smallest dimension 
of the cable; after one winding th e sample shall be turned through 180°. After this 
preconditioning, the sample shall be subjected to the test described above and shall meet the 
specified requirements.  
3.6 Tensile strength of the central heart of lift cables  
The requirements are given in the s pecific parts of IEC 60227.  
A sample of the completed cable, 1 m long, shall be weighed.  
After removal of all covering and cores over a distance of about 0,20 m at both ends of the 
sample, the central heart including the strain -bearing centre shall be subj ected to a tensile 
force, corresponding to the mass of 300 m of cable.  
The force shall be applied for 1 min.  
A freely hanging weight or a suitable mechanical strength testing machine capable of applying 
a constant force may be used.  SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
14 
  
 
Figure 3 – Static f lexibility test  
 
___________  
 SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
15 
 Annex AA  
(normative)  
National modifications  
 
This annex is National modifications  which describes additional test methods . 
4  Additional tests  
 
These additional tests are applicable for the following types:  
 
THHN/THWN UL 083.  
TFFN UL 066.  
 
4.1   Flexibility at room temperature after aging  
 
4.1.1  General  
 
The insulation and nylon jacket shall not show any cracks, either on the surface or internally, 
when wound around a mandrel of the diameter specified below in Table AA -1, Col umn B, at 
room temperature, in accordance with the test, Flexibility at room temperature after aging.  
 
4.1.2  Apparatus  
 
The apparatus shall consist of the following:  
a) a forced -circulation air oven  
b) a temperature -measuring device with an accuracy of ± 1°C; and  
c) cylindrical mandrels of specified diameters. When a specified mandrel is not available, a 
mandrel with a smaller diameter may be used. However, in the event of non -compliant results, 
the wire or cable shall be re -tested using the specified mand rel size.  
 
4.1.3   Preparation of specimen  
 
The test specimen shall be taken from a sample of finished, or from the wire or cable during 
manufacture without any conditioning. The length of the specimen shall be sufficient to allow 
winding around the mandrel  for the specified number of turns.  
 
4.1.4  Procedure  
 
The specimen shall be aged in the oven for the specified time and temperature (136 C), then 
immediately removed from the oven.  
The specimen shall be wound around a mandrel at a uniform rate of approxima tely 4 seconds 
per turn at ROOM TEMPERATURE, within 16 to 96 hours after removal from the oven.  
Specimens shall be tightly wound 4 adjacent turns around the mandrel  
All internal and external surfaces of all insulation and jacket components of the specimen  shall 
be examined for cracks or splits under NORMAL VISION.  SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
16 
  
 
4.1.5  Results and calculations  
 
The presence of cracks and splits shall be noted.  
4.1.6  Report  
 
The report shall include, as a minimum, the following:  
a) test temperature;  
b) test duration; a nd 
c) indication of cracks.  
4.2   Heat shock for nylon jacketed wires  
 
4.2.1  General  
 
Neither the insulation nor the nylon jacket (if present) shall show any cracks, on the surface or  
internally, after a specimen of finished wire or cable is wound around a mandrel after 
conditioning in an air -circulating oven for 1 hour to a temperature of 121 ±1°C. For single 
conductors the mandrel diameter shall be as specified in Column A of Table AA -1 
4.2.2  Apparatus  
 
The apparatus shall consist of the following:  
a) a forced -circulation air oven;  
b) a temperature -measuring device with an accuracy of ±1°C;  
c) cylindrical mandrels of specified diameters. When a specified mandrel is not available, a  
mandrel with a smaller diameter may be used. However, in the event of non -compliant results, 
the wire or cable shall be re -tested using the specified mandrel size; and  
d) a micrometer or micrometer caliper with a resolution and accuracy of 0.01 mm (0.001 in).  
 
4.2.3  Preparation of specimens  
 
The specimen shall be cut to a leng th sufficient to allow winding around the mandrel for the 
specified number of turns.  
 
4.2.4  Procedure  
 
Each specimen shall be tightly wound around a mandrel having the specified diameter for the 
specified number of turns. Successive windings shall be in c ontact with one another, and both 
ends of the specimen shall be held securely in place.  
The assembly of the mandrel and specimen shall be placed in the oven for the time and at the  
specified temperature. After conditioning, the assembly shall be removed fr om the oven and 
cooled to ROOM TEMPERATURE, the mandrel removed, and the specimen examined on the 
outside surface with NORMAL VISION.  SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
17 
 If circumferential depressions are observed, the specimen shall be split twice longitudinally 
180° 
apart, and the inside s urface of the extruded layer shall be examined to determine if internal 
cracks are present.  
 
4.2.5  Results and calculations  
 
The presence of cracks shall be determined.  
 
4.2.6  Report  
 
The report shall include, as a minimum, the following:  
a) test tempera ture; 
b) test duration; and  
c) indication of cracks.  
4.3   Cold bend with nylon jacket  
 
4.3.1  General  
 
After conditioning at a temperature of −25 ±1°C for 4 h, the insulation and nylon covering shall 
not show any cracks when tested in accordance with the Cold bend test.  
The specimen shall be tightly wound for four adjacent turns around the mandrel, and the 
winding shall be done at a uniform rate of approximately 4 s per turn. Mandrel diameter is 
specified in table AA -1 
4.3.2  Apparatus  
 
The apparatus shall  consist of the following:  
a) a low -temperature chamber capable of maintaining the specified temperature within ±1°C;  
b) a temperature -measuring device with an accuracy of ±1°C;  
c) a micrometer or micrometer caliper with a resolution and accuracy of 0.01 m m (0.001 in);  
d) cylindrical mandrels of diameters specified in the product standard. When a specified 
mandrel is not available, a mandrel with a smaller diameter may be used. However, in the 
event of non -compliant results, the wire or cable shall be re -tested using the specified mandrel 
size; 
e) thermally insulated gloves.  
 
4.3.3   Preparation of specimen  
 
The specimen shall be cut to a length sufficient to perform the test and shall be straightened.  
 
 
 
 SASO STANDARD                                        SASO/FDS/IEC 60227 -2:2020  
 
18 
 4.3.4   Procedure  
 
The specimen shall be cut to a leng th sufficient to perform the test and shall be straightened.  
The specimen and the mandrel shall be placed in the cold chamber at the temperature and for 
the specified duration. While still in the chamber, the specimen shall be bent around the 
mandrel. Bend ing shall commence as quickly as possible and at a rate such that the time 
taken to complete the specified number of turns shall be within 30 seconds. Flat cable shall be 
wound on its flat side.  
Where there is insufficient space in the cold chamber for the  mandrel, or for bending the 
specimen, bending of the specimen shall be allowed to take place outside of the cold chamber. 
Bending of the specimen shall commence as quickly as possible. In the instance where the 
mandrel is too large to be placed in the cha mber, it shall be maintained at ROOM 
TEMPERATURE. In any case, bending shall be completed within 30 seconds from the time 
the chamber is opened.  
If the tension on the specimen is not specified, it shall be just sufficient to cause the specimen 
to conform t o the periphery of the mandrel. Unless rotation of the mandrel is performed 
remotely, the specimen and mandrel shall be handled using thermally insulated gloves.  
The specimen, whether on or off of the mandrel, shall be allowed to return to ROOM 
TEMPERATURE  and then straightened. The inside and outside surfaces of the components 
shall be examined with NORMAL VISION for cracking.  
 
4.3.5  Results and calculations  
 
The presence of cracks, if any, shall be noted.  
 
4.3.6  Report  
 
The report shall include, as a minimum, the following:  
a) test temperature;  
b) test duration; and  
c) indication of cracks, if any.  
 
Table AA -1 Mandrel diameter for testing (mm)  
Size of conductor 
(AWG)  A – Heat shock  B - Flexibility at room temperature and cold 
bend  
16 3 8 
14 3 8 
12 4 9 
10 4 14 
8 6 17