BS standard for electrical cable
THE BS compliant cables (British Standards) represent an essential reference in the electrical industry to guarantee safety, performance and durability. These British standards define the technical requirements for insulation, fire resistance, mechanical protection and appropriate use of cables in different environments.
At ZMS Cable, we offer a wide range of high quality BS cables, durable and customizable, designed to meet the needs of the most demanding projects.
BS cables available from ZMS CABLE
BS5467 cable - Armored Cable for Low Voltage
The BS5467 cable East a low voltage armored cable designed for installations at 600/1000 V. It is particularly suitable for systems requiring mechanical protection, such as industrial environments, underground networks and electricity distribution systems. This cable is made of copper or aluminum conductors, XLPE insulation and galvanized steel armor, thus providing increased resistance to mechanical damage and ensuring a long service life, even in difficult conditions.
Expert council : The BS5467 Cable is ideal for environments requiring reinforced mechanical protection. If your application is less exposed to risks, Unarmored or PVC-insulated cables may offer better value for money. Choose BS5467 for underground or industrial installations where durability is paramount.
BS6724 Cable – LSZH Armored Cable (600/1000 V, 1.9/3.3 kV)
The BS6724 cable is an armored cable with thermosetting insulation designed for low voltage installations (600/1000 V) or medium voltage (1,9/3,3 kV). Available in copper or aluminum versions, it uses XLPE or EPR insulation and gaine LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) which strongly limits the emission of smoke and corrosive gases in the event of fire. It is widely used in public buildings, tunnels, hospitals and other infrastructures where fire safety and air quality are priorities.
Expert council : Opt for BS6724 when low smoke and fire safety requirements are essential. Although its cost is higher than that of BS5467, its safety/cost ratio is optimal for sensitive projects, especially in enclosed or heavily frequented environments.
BS5308 cable / PAS5308 – Shielded instrumentation and control cable
The BS5308 cable is a instrumentation and control cable designed for reliable transmission of analog and digital signals in demanding industrial environments. Complies with British Standard BS5308 (Types 1 & 2 / PAS5308), it is available with tinned copper conductors, PE or PVC insulation, and individual and/or collective shielding ensuring excellent protection against electromagnetic interference (CEM). For areas exposed to mechanical stress, galvanized steel wire armor (optional) can be added. These characteristics make it the reference cable for the petrochemical industries, automation factories, and complex control systems.
Expert council : For protected indoor installations, Type 1 of BS5308 cable is generally more suitable : its PVC insulation and sheath offer an economical and sufficient solution when mechanical constraints are limited.
On the other hand, for harsh industrial environments or outdoor applications, favor the Type 2, whose PE insulation and reinforced PVC sheath guarantee better resistance and increased durability.
Compared to SY cable, BS5308 provides better EMC immunity and more reliable signal transmission, which justifies its use in critical automation and control systems.
BS7846 Cable – Fire Resistant LSZH Armored Cable (600/1000 V)
The BS7846 Cable is an armored power cable with thermosetting insulation (XLPE), specially designed to maintain electrical power in the event of a fire. Its structure includes a class copper conductor 2, a Mica barrier (MGT) ensuring fire resistance, XLPE insulation, glass strip shielding and galvanized steel wire armor (SWA). The internal and external LSZH sheath limits the emission of smoke and corrosive gases, guaranteeing optimal safety in closed environments. It is commonly used in public buildings, tunnels, hospitals, data centers and critical installations where continuity of service is vital.
Expert council : Choose BS7846 for projects where fire protection and power continuity are mandatory (cabling-intensive buildings, evacuation zones, Critical infrastructure). Although its cost is higher than BS6724, it offers an unrivaled safety/performance ratio thanks to its ability to maintain energy transmission even under direct fire during 120 has 200 minutes (F120/F200).
BS7211 Cable – LSZH Electric Cable with XLPE Insulation (450/750 V)
The BS7211 cable is an electrical cable with thermosetting insulation made of XLPE, designed for circuits of power and lighting until 450/750 V. on gaine LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) strongly limits the emission of smoke and corrosive gases in the event of fire, providing a safer solution for residential indoor installations, tertiary and industrial. Available in single or double conductor versions with ground wire, it stands out for its flexibility, its ease of installation and compliance with modern safety requirements.
Expert council : Opt for BS7211 in buildings where fire safety and air quality are paramount, like housing, schools and hospitals. For areas subject to greater mechanical stress or buried installation, an armored cable like BS5467 will be more appropriate.
BS6231 Cable – Flexible PVC Cable for Electrical Equipment (600/1000 V)
BS6231 Cable is a single conductor tinned copper cable, insulated in heat-resistant PVC, designed for internal connection of electrical equipment, control panels and industrial cabinets. It supports a nominal voltage of 600/1000 V and temperatures up to 105 °C, ensuring excellent performance in hot and confined environments. Its flexibility facilitates precise wiring in complex systems, while its robust insulation ensures good oil resistance, to abrasion and chemicals.
Expert council : BS6231 is particularly suitable for industrial equipment, machines, control cabinets and generators. For outdoor use or subject to mechanical stress, choose an armored cable like BS5467. On the other hand, for internal connections requiring flexibility and heat resistance, the BS6231 offers an excellent compromise between durability and cost.
Cable types according to BS6231 :
- Type BK : Class copper conductor 5, isolation PVC TI1 (Tmax 70 °C)
- Type CK : Class copper conductor 5, isolation PVC TI3 (Tmax 90 °C)
ZMS Cable supplies BS compliant cables 6231, as well as Tri-rated models (H05V2-K / H07V2-K / UL1015 / CSA C22.2) for extended international compatibility.
BS7870 cable – Low and medium voltage power cable for distribution networks
The BS7870 cable is designed for the transmission and distribution of electrical energy in public or industrial networks. It covers the low voltage cables (600/1000 V) and medium voltage (until 33 kV), according to the different parts of the standard (BS7870-3 pour LV, BS7870-4 et 8 for MV).
Made with copper or aluminum conductors, XLPE insulation, an internal sheath in PE or PVC and sometimes armor in galvanized steel wire (SWA) for underground applications, it ensures excellent mechanical strength, high moisture resistance and long service life.
Expert council : Choose it BS7870-4.10 for medium voltage installations (11 kV / 33 kV) and the BS7870-3.40 for low voltage circuits. This standard is favored by British public services for its reliability, its compatibility with existing networks and its excellent performance/cost ratio.
BS7835 Cable – LSZH Thermoset Insulated Armored Cable (3,8/6,6 has 19/33 kV)
The BS7835 cable is a medium voltage cable (3.8/6.6 kV to 19/33 kV) with thermosetting insulation and low smoke and corrosive gas emissions (LSZH), compliant with British Standard BS7835.
Applications principales : industrial facilities, public buildings, underground infrastructures and sites where fire safety is a priority.
Typical structure : copper conductor, isolation XLPE ou EPR, gaine LSZH, armor made of galvanized steel wires or strips.
ZMS Cable expert advice :
- For indoor installations, lighting, residential and small industries, opt for the BS7211 cable, without armor, light and easy to install.
- For low voltage networks requiring fire protection, choose BS6724 cable, featuring LSZH sheath and good flame retardant performance.
- For medium and high voltage distribution systems, where fire safety and air quality are priorities — for example in tunnels, public buildings or hospitals — BS7835 cable, with armor and LSZH sheath, is the most reliable solution.
- The BS6622, more economical, remains an excellent choice for outdoor or industrial networks less sensitive to smoke emissions.
BS6622 Cable – XLPE Insulated Medium and High Voltage Cable (3,8/6,6 has 19/33 kV)
Cables conforming to the BS6622 standard are medium and high voltage cables with XLPE insulation and PVC sheath, designed for the transmission and distribution of energy in industrial and public networks.
Difference with BS7835 :
Unlike BS7835, BS6622 uses a standard PVC jacket, and not LSZH. It is therefore suitable for environments not sensitive to smoke and corrosive gases, however offering excellent electrical and mechanical performance at a lower cost.
BS6387 LSZH cable : Fire resistant and reliable for critical installations
BS6387 Cable is an electrical cable designed to maintain circuit continuity in the event of a fire. It is tested according to three criteria : C (prolonged fire resistance), W (water resistance during fire) and Z (resistance to mechanical shock at high temperatures). This cable is suitable for critical installations such as fire alarm systems, emergency lighting and safety circuits. Its design may include copper conductors, LSZH or PVC insulation, and possibly armor for increased mechanical protection.
Expert council : BS6387 Cable is ideal for environments where fire safety is a priority. For less critical applications, standard or single-insulated cables may be sufficient. Choose BS6387 to guarantee electrical continuity in sensitive installations and protect your essential circuits against fire, water and shocks.
BS Standard Cable Table
Below is a concise table that will allow you to quickly compare cables of different standards and identify which one you need :
| Standards | Main content | Typical applications | Differences / Features |
| BS 5467 | Copper/aluminum conductor, isolation XLPE, shielded wiring. | Energy distribution systems, electrical wiring in buildings and industrial plants. | Reinforced mechanical protection, suitable for environments exposed to vibrations or mechanical risks. |
| BS 6724 | Copper/aluminum conductor, isolation XLPE, shielded or screened wiring. | Industrial electrical systems, Critical infrastructure, power distribution in harsh environments. | High resistance to electromagnetic interference, ideal for high reliability applications. |
| BS 5308 | Copper driver, isolation PVC ou LSZH, wiring with screen. | Industrial automation, transmission of signals and data. | Cable used for data transmission and control, with interference protection. |
| BS 7846 | Copper driver, isolation XLPE, shielded wiring, fire resistance. | Fire alarm systems, emergency facilities, security lighting. | Increased fire resistance, suitable for fire risk environments. |
| BS 7211 | Copper driver, isolation PVC, low voltage wiring. | Power distribution for domestic and commercial installations. | Robust cable for low voltage installations, with good wear resistance. |
| BS 6231 | Copper/aluminum conductor, isolation PVC ou XLPE, unshielded cable. | Industrial energy distribution, low and medium voltage wiring. | Designed for applications requiring high flexibility, without shielding. |
| BS 7870 | Copper driver, isolation LSZH, signaling wiring. | Telecommunications networks, computer science, high speed data transmission. | Design LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen), ideal for environments sensitive to toxic fumes. |
| BS 7835 | Copper driver, isolation XLPE/LSZH, shielded wiring. | Wiring in Commercial Buildings, data centers, high load installations. | Reinforced protection, ideal for environments with high energy demand. |
| BS 6622 | Copper driver, isolation XLPE, shielded wiring with metal protection. | High voltage power distribution, Electric stations, energy applications. | High voltage cable with enhanced protection against interference and extreme environmental conditions. |
| BS 6387 | Copper driver, isolation PVC/LSZH, fire and high temperature resistant wiring. | Emergency systems, fire safety installations, electrical control. | Fire and high temperature resistant cable, used in fire risk areas. |
FAQ – BS electrical cable standards
1. What is the difference between BS6387 and BS7846 ?
BS6387 is a performance standard that tests the fire resistance of cables against three CWZ criteria. It helps determine if a cable can maintain circuit continuity during a fire.
Typical applications : fire alarm systems, emergency lighting circuits, safety controls.
La BS7846, on the other hand, is a design and manufacturing standard for LSZH armored cables (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) with thermosetting insulation, 600/1000 V. It defines the complete composition of the cable (driver, isolation, armor, sheath, tests) and its performance requirements.
Applications : energy distribution networks, tunnels, public buildings, industrial sites.
In summary :
- BS6387 → tests fire resistance (performance).
- BS7846 → defines the structural design of fire resistant cables.
Cables conforming to BS7846 are often tested to BS6387 (CWZ) to guarantee maximum safety in the event of fire.
2. How to choose a BS compliant electrical cable for my project ?
To choose a BS electrical cable, it's necessary :
- Identifier l’application (building, industrial, haute tension).
- Check fire resistance, rated voltage and environmental compatibility.
- Confirm that the cable is certified to the appropriate BS standard (ex. BS6387, BS6622).
- Consider the lifespan, mechanical robustness and the specific needs of the project.
3. What tests do cables need to pass to be BS certified ?
Cables conforming to BS standards must pass various tests according to the standard :
- Fire and heat resistance test (BS6387).
- Mechanical and bending test.
- Electrical test (résistance, isolation, held under voltage).
- Smoke and toxic gas testing for certain applications (BS7846).
4. How to check if a cable is actually BS compliant ?
To check compliance :
- Look for official certifications and test reports provided by the manufacturer.
- Check the markings on the cable (norms, manufacturer, year of manufacture).
- Request BS test reports or certificates of conformity.
- Check whether the supplier is recognized for complying with BS standards and has reliable traceability.
For a safe choice, ZMS CABLE offers electrical cables compliant with BS standards, tested according to official standards, offering high reliability and optimal longevity for your installations.
ZMS Cable and BS standards
At ZMS Cable, we are committed to supplying cables that strictly comply with BS standards (British Standards), thus guaranteeing safety, performance and reliability for all your projects. Our cables are designed to meet the strict requirements of these standards, such as insulation, fire resistance and mechanical protection, suitable for industrial and complex infrastructure environments.
We offer a comprehensive range of BS compliant cables, including popular models like BS cables 5467, BS 6387, a BS 7846, which are widely used in electrical installations and construction projects requiring secure and efficient solutions.
- Tailor -made service : ZMS offers custom cables, designed to your exact specifications, whilst complying with BS standards to ensure optimal performance in diverse environments.
- Quality control : All our cables are manufactured in compliance with international standards such as NF, IEC, BS, ensuring maximum safety and reliability.
- Optimized delivery and installation : We offer efficient shipping solutions (maritime, land, air), accompanied by on-site installation and supervision services, guaranteeing perfect implementation and compliance with BS standards.