IEC cable 60228
The NORME IEC 60228 constitutes a major international reference for electric cable drivers. This standard defines the nominal section of the driver, electrical resistance in direct current and the different categories of conductors. It guarantees the quality and performance of the cables, as well as their safety, their reliability and international compatibility.
Types of IEC cables 60228 available at ZMS Cable
Class 1 – Solid conductors
- Characteristic : single solid copper or aluminum conductor, Compliant with IEC standard 60228 (IEC cable 60228 - class 1).
- Corresponding cable types : mainly low voltage power cables.
- Typical applications : fixed installations in residential and industrial buildings, underground electrical networks, wall passages and technical ducts.
- Technical advantages :
Simple and robust structure, ideal for permanent installation;
Lower cost and more economical compared to stranded or flexible conductors;
Excellent electrical stability and good conductivity. - Boundary :
Unsuitable for equipment requiring frequent travel;
High rigidity, not suitable for environments subject to constant vibration.
Class 2 – Stranded conductors
- Characteristic : made of several twisted copper or aluminum strands (stranded conductor), in accordance with IEC standard 60228 (IEC cable 60228 Class 2).
- Corresponding cable types : mostly medium and high voltage power cables.
- Typical applications : electrical distribution lines, industrial networks, energy infrastructures and large industrial installations requiring high mechanical resistance.
- Technical advantages :
Reliable electrical resistance and good conductivity;
Better resistance to vibrations and mechanical stress compared to solid conductors;
Suitable for installations requiring a certain level of flexibility while maintaining robustness and stability;
Suitable for carrying high currents and long distances. - Boundary :
Higher cost than solid conductors;
Less flexible than class drivers 5 or 6, not suitable for dynamic applications requiring great flexibility (par ex. cables for mobile machines or robots).
Class 5 – Flexible conductors
- Characteristic : flexible conductor made of several fine copper or aluminum strands, in accordance with IEC standard 60228 (IEC cable 60228 Class 5).
- Corresponding cable types : mainly control and instrumentation cables.
- Typical applications : automation lines, industrial control panels, installations requiring complex routes and easy-to-bend cables.
- Technical advantages :
Excellent flexibility for installations with limited space or complex routes;
Mechanical resistance adapted to curved installations and installation constraints;
Stable electrical performance and good conductivity. - Boundary :
Cost higher than solid or stranded conductors;
Not recommended for extra high voltage applications;
Not suitable for applications requiring long-term fixed installation without flexibility requirements.
Class 6 – Very flexible conductors
- Characteristic : flexible conductor made of several thin copper or aluminum strands, , designed according to IEC standard 60228 (IEC cable 60228 Class 6).
- Corresponding cable types : mainly used for special cables, such as robot cables and flexible cables dedicated to mobile equipment.
- Typical applications : Industrial robots, automated arms, equipment requiring frequent movements and dynamic cables.
- Technical advantages :
Maximum flexibility and fatigue resistance for repeated movements;
Reliable conductivity and stable electrical performance;
Automation lines, industrial control panels, installations requiring complex routes and easy-to-bend cables. - Boundary :
Highest cost among the four classes;
Not suitable for static installations where extreme flexibility is not required.
IEC Conductor Sizes 60228
| Conductor Section Size | ||||
| 0.5mm² | 6mm² | 70mm² | 300mm² | 1200mm² |
| 0.75mm² | 10mm² | 95mm² | 400mm² | 1400mm² |
| 1mm² | 16mm² | 120mm² | 500mm² | 1600mm² |
| 1.5mm² | 25mm² | 150mm² | 630mm² | 1800mm² |
| 2.5mm² | 25mm² | 185mm² | 800mm² | 2000mm² |
| 4mm² | 50mm² | 240mm² | 1000mm² | 2500mm² |
Direct current electrical resistance of conductors (IEC 60228, 20 °C)
| Nominal section (mm²) | Maximum resistance (Ω/km) | |||
| Copper class 1/2 | Copper class 5/6 | Aluminum Class 1/2 | Aluminum Class 5/6 | |
| 1,5 | 12,1 | 13,3 | – | – |
| 2,5 | 7,41 | 7,98 | – | – |
| 4 | 4,61 | 4,95 | – | – |
| 6 | 3,08 | 3,30 | – | – |
| 10 | 1,83 | 1,91 | 3,08 | 3,30 |
| 16 | 1,15 | 1,21 | 1,91 | 1,99 |
| 25 | 0,727 | 0,780 | 1,20 | 1,26 |
| 35 | 0,524 | 0,554 | 0,868 | 0,900 |
| 50 | 0,387 | 0,386 | 0,641 | 0,653 |
| 70 | 0,268 | 0,272 | 0,443 | 0,461 |
| 95 | 0,193 | 0,206 | 0,320 | 0,328 |
| 120 | 0,153 | 0,161 | 0,253 | 0,268 |
| 150 | 0,124 | 0,129 | 0,206 | 0,217 |
| 185 | 0,0991 | 0,106 | 0,164 | 0,175 |
| 240 | 0,0754 | 0,0801 | 0,125 | 0,130 |
| 300 | 0,0601 | 0,0641 | 0,100 | 0,108 |
| 400 | 0,0470 | 0,0486 | 0,0778 | 0,0822 |
| 500 | 0,0366 | 0,0384 | 0,0605 | 0,0642 |
| 630 | 0,0283 | 0,0307 | 0,0481 | 0,0510 |
| 800 | 0,0221 | 0,0241 | 0,0366 | 0,0389 |
| 1000 | 0,0176 | 0,0191 | 0,0290 | 0,0308 |
Conversion of conductors according to IEC 60228 : AWG, kcmil et section en mm²
Council of our experts : To choose your electrical cables carefully, it is essential to understand the correspondence between the different measurement systems for electrical conductors. The NORME IEC 60228 defines the nominal section in mm², which is widely used internationally. However, in many countries, especially in North America, other measurement systems like AWG (American Wire Gauge) and kcmil remain very widespread.
Chez ZMS Cable, We advise our customers to use this conversion table as a handy reference tool. It facilitates comparison between sections expressed in mm², an AWG et a kcmil, ensuring your electrical cables meet international standards while meeting the specific needs of your projects.
| AWG | kcmil | ||||||
| Driver size | Nominal section (mm²) | Driver size | Nominal section (mm²) | Driver size | Nominal section (mm²) | Driver size | Nominal section (mm²) |
| 20 | 0,519 | 4 | 21,2 | 250 | 127 | 750 | 380 |
| 18 | 0,823 | 3 | 26,7 | 300 | 152 | 800 | 405 |
| 16 | 1,31 | 2 | 33,6 | 350 | 177 | 900 | 456 |
| 14 | 2,08 | 1 | 42,4 | 400 | 203 | 1000 | 507 |
| 12 | 3,31 | 1/0 | 53,5 | 450 | 228 | 1200 | 608 |
| 10 | 5,26 | 2/0 | 67,4 | 500 | 253 | 1250 | 633 |
| 8 | 8,37 | 3/0 | 85,0 | 550 | 279 | 1500 | 760 |
| 6 | 13,3 | 4/0 | 107 | 600 | 304 | 1750 | 887 |
| – | – | – | – | 650 | 329 | 2000 | 1010 |
| – | – | – | – | 700 | 355 | – | – |
Scope of application of the IEC standard 60228
| Cable type | Compliant with IEC 60228 |
| Power cables (BT, MT, HT) | ✔ Oui |
| Control cables | ✔ Oui |
| Instrumentation cables | ✔ Oui |
| Flexible cables (Class 5 et 6) | ✔ Oui |
| Special industrial cables (custom made) | ✔ Oui |
| Telecommunication cables | ✖ Non |
Noticed : THE telecommunications cables do not fall within the main scope of the IEC standard 60228. Certain requirements (ex. electrical resistance of copper conductors) can, however, serve as a reference.
FAQ – IEC 60228 and electric cables
R : L’IEC 60228 is not a specific cable model, but one international standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (the). It defines the requirements for electrical conductors of the electrical cables, in order to guarantee their performance and compatibility worldwide.
R : IEC standard 60228 covers both electrical and structural characteristics of conductors :
- Driver Classes : Class 1 : massive conductor; Class 2 : stranded conductor; Class 5 : flexible conductor; Class 6 : very smooth driver
- Wiring method (stranding) : minimum number of threads, diameter of strands for classes 2, 5 et 6.
- Nominal section (mm²) : standardized dimensions with defined tolerances.
- Compact or rounded conductors : to optimize the diameter and structure of the cable.
- Surface quality : smooth conductors, without cracks or burrs, to ensure good conductivity and mechanical resistance.
R : Non. The standard IEC 60228 only applies to electrical power cables, control and instrumentation. THE telecommunications cables use other specific standards, suitable for the transmission of signals and not for the transport of electrical power.
R : The choice depends on the intensity of the current, the length of the line and the installation conditions. The nominal section in mm² allows the current carrying capacity to be calculated and ensures that the resistance remains within the limits imposed by the IEC standard 60228.
R : The mm² is the unit standardized by the IEC standard 60228, while theAWG and the kcmil are common in North America. To avoid any errors, it is recommended to use a conversion table, like the one proposed by ZMS Cable, in order to compare the different units.
R : Chez ZMS Cable, we offer a wide range of electrical cables compliant with the standard IEC 60228, with different conductor classes and nominal sections. Our products guarantee reliable performance, a long lifespan and can be personalized according to your needs.
Our professional services
By choosing high quality overhead cables, you offer your teams and facilities a higher level of security — and this is precisely what ZMS services aim to guarantee.
ZMS designs and produces tailor-made cables according to your technical specifications, with customization of the marking, Colors and packaging. Our products can be adapted to meet international standards (GB, IEC, BS, NFC, ASTM, FROM, etc.) and the specific requirements of each project.
All cables are tested before shipment and comply with CE certifications, IEC and ISO. Detailed test reports can be provided upon request to ensure the reliability and safety of your installations.
ZMS cables are carefully packaged on wooden spools, corrugated cardboard boxes or metal drums. Ends are tightly sealed with plastic wrap or BOPP to prevent moisture. Exterior marking can be personalized with waterproof materials.
We offer flexible and fast logistics solutions to more than 130 pays :
- Maritime : 20ft or 40ft containers depending on volume.
- Land : Local or regional delivery.
- Air : Option available for rush orders.
We also provide all necessary export documents : commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and customs documents.
Our engineers and advisors support you in choosing the cables best suited to your installations. We offer comprehensive consulting services, including technical assistance and project management, to ensure every step of your order is covered professionally.
ZMS offers two options for your electrical projects :
- Option A (led by ZMS) : Sending engineers and a supervision team to site to provide technical advice, installers and final tests. Travel expenses, accommodation, per diem and translation are to be expected.
- Option B (local subcontracting) : Collaboration with qualified local companies for installation, with technical training, On-site supervision and compliance verification provided by ZMS.