Project requirements · Application
Sheath colour, marking, metre marking
The specification fixes the sheath colour and the text, method (print, emboss, indent) and spacing of the marking, and often a sequential metre mark.
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Constructions that meet it
- Sheath colour: changes the cable's layers. Sheath colour (black for UV; orange or red for fire-resistant; grey for control) (pigment). Drawbacks: Colour drives UV choice.
- Embossed or indented marking: changes the cable's layers. Embossed or indented marking (same sheath). Drawbacks: Permanent; reduces local thickness.
- Printed marking with a metre count: changes the cable's layers. Inkjet or hot-foil printed marking incl. sequential metre (ink). Drawbacks: Can rub off (EN 50289-3-8).
- Coloured stripes: changes the cable's layers. Coloured stripes (co-extruded stripe). Drawbacks: Typical; no source read.
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Tests
- EN 50289-3-8: abrasion resistance of sheath markings (method 1 embossed / indented, method 2 other). Pass: not read
- IEC 60502 family (older IEC 502 text, secondary): marking by printing, embossing or indenting on the oversheath; printed marking resistant to ground conditions. Pass: groups of marks not more than 1 m apart (secondary); 550 mm and 3 mm character height seen in an unidentified standard text
- Owner tender (BHEL): embossing at 1.0 m and sequential length printing every metre. Pass: in words
How specifications state it
Mostly in words: colour (black, orange for fire resistant, red, grey), text, embossed manufacturer name, metre marking. Anti-graffiti: not found as a cable requirement.
Where it is asked for
- every utility and EPC specification
- tenders in India, Middle East
Sources
- DIN EN 50289-3-8 listing (quoted by others)
- dnaop.com reproduction of a cable standard (IEC 502 based): marking by printing, embossing or indenting; marks ≤ 1 m apart (quoted by others)
- BHEL tender specification 0135012188 (embossing at 1 m; sequential metre printing) (quoted by others)
- Draka BFOU M datasheet (marking text example on the outer sheath) (maker's catalogue)
- Datwyler (N)HXCH FE180 E90 (orange sheath) (maker's catalogue)