What Happened to BS 6500 Cables?
OverviewThe BS6500 standard previously covered flexible cables, including light-duty and ordinary-duty cables, used in applications such as:
- Pendant lighting drops.
- Portable appliances like radios.
- Domestic and office environments.
These cables are now classified under
BS EN 50525, which includes harmonized codes to align with European standards. While BS6500 is no longer a current British Standard, it is still widely referenced in the UK electrical industry. Contractors often use BS6500 names and harmonized names interchangeably.
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BS6500 Cables and Applications | BS6500 Cable | Application | BS EN 50525 Harmonised Code |
| 218-Y | Light-duty cable for use with light portable appliances such as radios, table lamps, and office equipment. | H03VV-F |
| 2912Y | Light-duty cable for use as pendant light drops and light supply leads. | H03VVH2-F |
| 309-Y | For internal wiring or supply cords, particularly for use in high-temperature zones such as lighting applications. | H05V2V2-F |
| 318-Y | Ordinary-duty cable for domestic appliances, kitchens, and offices. | H05VV-F |
| 318-TRS | Ordinary-duty flexible rubber cords for domestic premises such as kitchens and offices. | H05RR-F |
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Key Points to Note- BS EN 50525 Harmonisation: The introduction of BS EN 50525 aligns the UK's cable standards with European practices, providing a unified approach for cable identification and use.
- Durability: These cables are designed to cater to various environments, including high temperatures, domestic appliances, and office setups.
- Applications: The harmonized cables continue to serve similar functions as their BS6500 counterparts but with updated designations for ease of international use.
- Contractor Practices: Despite the harmonization, many contractors still refer to the original BS6500 designations, highlighting the legacy of the standard in the industry.
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Conclusion
The transition from BS6500 to BS EN 50525 reflects the modernization of cable standards, ensuring compliance with international requirements while maintaining the flexibility and reliability needed for domestic and professional applications.