IEC cable 60502

The NORME IEC 60502 defines the requirements applicable to extruded insulation power cables and is divided into IEC 60502-1 and IEC 60502-2, for nominal voltages of 1 kV to 30 kV.

It also specifies the compatible accessories and imposes watertightness properties, such as the use of absorbent tapes or special powders, depending on the type of installation.

These IEC cables 60502 manufactured by ZMS CABLE, available in tailor-made versions, can be used for electrical distribution, control circuits and auxiliary circuits, while ensuring reliability and durability.

Get a Quote

Classification of IEC standards 60502

Part of the standard	Voltage level	Champ d’application
IEC 60502-1	≤ 1 kV (0,6/1 kV)	Distribution basse tension / industrial power supply
IEC 60502-2	1 kV – 30 kV	Medium voltage distribution / electrical networks

IEC cable structure 60502

The structures of IEC cables 60502 low and medium voltage differ, due to specific voltage level requirements, particularly in terms of electric field control and safety.

Typical Structure – IEC Cable 60502-1 ( 0,6/1 kV )

Element	Description technique
Driver	Copper or aluminum conforming to IEC 60228 - class 1 or Class 2 ; Class 5 possible on request for specific applications
Isolation	PVC, XLPE ou EPR, according to thermal and environmental requirements
Fill layer	Stabilizes the geometry of the cable and improves mechanical strength
Mechanical protection (optional)	Steel wire armor (SWA), metallic ribbons (STA) or equivalent
Inner sheath (if armored)	Thermoplastic or elastomer sheath providing internal protection
Outer sheath	PVC, OR I LSZH, UV resistant, to humidity and chemical agents
Typical application	Distribution basse tension, industrial power supply, control circuits and auxiliary circuits

Typical Structure – IEC Cable 60502-2 ( 3 kV to 30 kV )

Element	Description technique
Driver	Copper or aluminum conforming to IEC 60228 – generally Class 2 or compacted conductor
Internal semiconductor layer	Extruded layer ensuring homogeneous distribution of the electric field
Isolation	XLPE, EPR or HEPR, adapted to medium voltage electrical constraints
External semiconductor layer	Extruded or peelable layer for easy field control and grounding
Metal screen	Copper ribbons and/or concentric copper wires, ensuring electrical continuity and safety
Longitudinal waterproofing	Swelling tapes and/or absorbent powders, preventing the spread of water
Mechanical protection (optional)	Steel wire armor, metal ribbons or equivalent armor
Inner sheath (if armored)	Internal protection of the cable structure
Outer sheath	PVC, OR I LSZH, depending on the installation conditions
Typical application	Medium voltage distribution, industrial networks, electrical substations and energy infrastructure

IEC cables 60502 of medium voltage, compliant with the standard IEC 60502-2, incorporate semiconductor layers as well as a metal shield ensuring control of the electric field and grounding.

Technical characteristics of IEC cables 60502

Technical characteristic	Value / Description
Applicable standard	IEC 60502-1 (0,6/1 kV) & IEC 60502-2 (3 kV – 30 kV)
Rated voltage	0,6/1 kV (BT) ; 3 kV to 30 kV (MT)
Driver	Copper or aluminum according to IEC 60228 (Class 1, 2 or 5 according to design)
Maximum temperature in service	+70 °C (PVC) ; +90 °C (XLPE / EPR / HEPR)
Maximum short-circuit temperature	+160 °C (PVC) ; +250 °C (XLPE / EPR) – maximum duration. 5 s
Minimum installation temperature	In general ≥ -5 °C (PVC) ; until -15 °C for special sheaths
Minimal curvature radius	Unarmed : ≥ 12 × cable Ø ; Armed : ≥ 15 × cable Ø
Mechanical resistance	Depends on structure (presence of SWA armor / STA)
Longitudinal waterproofing	Available in swelling tapes and/or absorbent powders (optional LV, current in MT)
Type of installation	Fixed pose : in conduits, cable trays, buried, concrete or open air
Environmental compatibility	Humidity resistance, UV and chemical agents depending on sheath material
Typical lifespan	≥ 30 years under normal operating conditions
Fabrication	Standard or custom cables, manufactured by ZMS CABLE

Exact specifications may vary by section, conductor material and cable structure.

IEC cables 60502 available at ZMS Cable

IEC cables 60502-1

Electric cable to 1 XLPE insulated copper conductors

Number of drivers and nominal section (Nb × mm²)	Nominal thickness of insulation (mm)	Outer diameter – copper (mm)	Weight – copper (kg/km)	Outside diameter – aluminum (mm)	Weight – aluminum (kg/km)	DC resistance max at 20 °C – copper (Ω/km)	DC resistance max at 20 °C – aluminium (Ω/km)	Allowable current – copper to earth (A)	Allowable current – copper in air (A)	Permissible current – aluminum in ground (A)	Allowable current – aluminum in air (A)
1×1.5	0.7	5.7	44	–	–	12.1	–	45	32	–	–
1×2.5	0.7	6.1	56	6.1	33	7.41	12.1	59	42	46	33
1×4	0.7	6.5	73	6.5	40	4.61	7.41	77	56	61	44
1×6	0.7	7	95	7	49	3.08	4.61	97	70	79	57
1×10	0.7	7.9	138	7.9	64	1.83	3.08	130	97	100	75
1×16	0.7	8.8	198	8.8	86	1.15	1.91	170	125	135	99
1×25	0.9	11	309	11	131	0.727	1.2	220	165	170	125
1×35	0.9	12	409	12	166	0.524	0.868	265	200	205	155
1×50	1	13.2	560	13.2	219	0.387	0.641	320	245	245	190
1×70	1.1	15.1	764	15.1	292	0.268	0.443	295	305	305	240
1×95	1.1	16.9	1016	16.9	379	0.193	0.32	475	375	370	290
1×120	1.2	18.5	1265	18.5	465	0.153	0.253	545	435	420	340
1×150	1.4	20.7	1579	20.7	580	0.124	0.206	610	500	475	390
1×185	1.6	22.8	1932	22.8	706	0.0991	0.164	695	580	540	450
1×240	1.7	25.6	2485	25.6	900	0.0754	0.125	810	685	630	535
1×300	1.8	28.2	3083	28.2	1106	0.0601	0.1	910	795	710	615
1×400	2	32.3	4082	32.3	1453	0.047	0.0778	1050	930	820	730
1×500	2.2	37.2	4951	37.2	1773	0.0366	0.0605	1190	1080	940	850
1×630	2.4	42.2	6457	42.2	2297	0.0283	0.0469	1350	1250	1080	1000
1×800	2.6	47.1	8190	47.1	2890	0.0221	0.0367	1520	1440	1220	1160
1×1000	2.8	52.2	10230	52.2	3584	0.0176	0.0291	1690	1630	1380	1330

Electric cable to 2 XLPE insulated copper conductors

Number of drivers and nominal section (Nb × mm²)	Nominal thickness of insulation (mm)	Approximate outside diameter – copper (mm)	Approximate weight – copper (kg/km)	Approximate outside diameter – aluminum (mm)	Approximate weight – aluminum (kg/km)	Maximum DC resistance at 20 °C – copper (Ω/km)	Maximum DC resistance at 20 °C – aluminium (Ω/km)	Recommended ampacity – copper to earth (A)	Recommended ampacity – copper in open air (A)	Recommended ampacity – aluminum in ground (A)	Recommended ampacity – aluminum in open air (A)
2×1.5	0.7	10.2	110	–	–	12.1	–	40	34	–	–
2×2.5	0.7	11	138	11	106	7.41	12.1	50	45	40	25
2×4	0.7	12	176	12	126	4.61	7.41	65	55	51	38
2×6	0.7	13	226	13	154	3.08	4.61	82	70	66	45
2×10	0.7	14.6	320	14.6	194	1.83	3.08	120	99	82	65
2×16	0.7	16.5	452	16.5	251	1.15	1.91	140	120	105	89
2×25	0.9	16.6	616	16.6	303	0.727	1.2	180	160	135	120
2×35	0.9	18	808	18	376	0.524	0.868	215	200	165	145
2×50	1.0	19.9	1057	19.9	471	0.387	0.641	255	240	195	175
2×70	1.1	22.6	1475	22.6	628	0.268	0.443	315	300	240	220
2×95	1.1	25.2	1990	25.2	817	0.193	0.32	380	375	285	270
2×120	1.2	27.7	2490	27.7	1006	0.153	0.253	430	430	326	316
2×150	1.4	30.9	3070	30.9	1248	0.124	0.206	480	490	366	365
2×185	1.6	34	3831	34	1542	0.0991	0.164	540	570	413	420

Electric cable to 3 XLPE insulated copper conductors

Number of drivers and nominal section (Nb × mm²)	Nominal thickness of insulation (mm)	Approximate outside diameter – copper (mm)	Approximate weight – copper (kg/km)	Approximate outside diameter – aluminum (mm)	Approximate weight – aluminum (kg/km)	Maximum DC resistance at 20 °C – copper (Ω/km)	Maximum DC resistance at 20 °C – aluminium (Ω/km)	Recommended ampacity – copper to earth (A)	Recommended ampacity – copper in open air (A)	Recommended ampacity – aluminum in ground (A)	Recommended ampacity – aluminum in open air (A)
3×1.5	0.7	10.7	131	–	–	12.1	–	28	21	–	–
3×2.5	0.7	11.5	169	11.5	122	7.41	12.1	38	30	24	17
3×4	0.7	12.6	222	12.6	147	4.61	7.41	50	49	35	27
3×6	0.7	13.7	291	13.7	182	3.08	4.61	65	55	49	37
3×10	0.7	15.4	424	15.4	234	1.83	3.08	89	78	66	57
3×16	0.7	17.4	611	17.4	310	1.15	1.91	115	105	89	77
3×25	0.9	21	902	21	433	0.727	1.2	150	140	115	105
3×35	0.9	23.2	1188	23.2	539	0.524	0.868	180	170	135	125
3×50	1.0	25.8	1559	25.8	681	0.387	0.641	215	205	165	155
3×70	1.1	29.3	2195	29.3	924	0.268	0.443	265	260	220	195
3×95	1.1	32.6	2959	32.6	1199	0.193	0.32	315	320	240	235
3×120	1.2	35.6	3701	35.6	1476	0.153	0.253	360	370	275	280
3×150	1.4	38.9	4614	38.9	1880	0.124	0.206	405	430	310	320
3×185	1.6	42.7	5740	42.7	2307	0.0991	0.164	460	490	350	370
3×240	1.7	47.5	7435	47.5	2930	0.0754	0.125	530	580	410	440
3×300	1.8	52	9215	52	3584	0.0601	0.100	590	660	460	520
3×400	2.0	58	11771	58	4533	0.047	0.0778	670	750	523	615

Electric cable to 4 XLPE insulated copper conductors

Number of drivers and nominal section (Nb × mm²)	Nominal thickness of insulation (mm)	Approximate outside diameter – copper (mm)	Approximate weight – copper (kg/km)	Approximate outside diameter – aluminum (mm)	Approximate weight – aluminum (kg/km)	Maximum DC resistance at 20 °C – copper (Ω/km)	Maximum DC resistance at 20 °C – aluminium (Ω/km)	Recommended ampacity – copper to earth (A)	Recommended ampacity – copper in open air (A)	Recommended ampacity – aluminum in ground (A)	Recommended ampacity – aluminum in open air (A)
4×1.5	0.7	11.4	155	–	–	12.1	–	28	21	–	–
4×2.5	0.7	12.4	204	12.4	115	7.41	12.1	38	30	24	17
4×4	0.7	13.5	273	13.5	144	4.61	7.41	50	49	35	27
4×6	0.7	14.8	362	14.8	184	3.08	4.61	65	55	49	37
4×10	0.7	16.7	535	16.7	246	1.83	3.08	89	78	66	57
4×16	0.7	19	780	19	336	1.15	1.91	115	105	89	77
4×25	0.9	21.9	1152	21.9	478	0.727	1.20	150	140	115	105
4×35	0.9	23.7	1524	23.7	606	0.524	0.868	180	170	135	125
4×50	1.0	25.9	2010	25.9	781	0.387	0.641	215	205	165	155
4×70	1.1	29.9	2858	29.9	1088	0.268	0.443	265	260	200	195
4×95	1.1	33.7	3870	33.7	1433	0.193	0.320	315	320	240	235
4×120	1.2	37.3	4866	37.3	1789	0.153	0.253	360	370	275	280
4×150	1.4	41.4	6013	41.4	2242	0.124	0.206	405	430	310	320
4×185	1.6	45.8	7533	45.8	2802	0.0991	0.164	460	490	350	370
4×240	1.7	51.6	9783	51.6	3591	0.0754	0.125	530	580	410	440
4×300	1.8	56.7	12137	56.7	4411	0.0601	0.100	590	660	460	570
4×400	2.0	63.5	15527	63.5	5607	0.047	0.0778	670	750	523	615

Electric cable to 5 XLPE insulated copper conductors

Number of drivers and nominal section (Nb × mm²)	Nominal thickness of insulation (mm)	Approximate outside diameter – copper (mm)	Approximate weight – copper (kg/km)	Approximate outside diameter – aluminum (mm)	Approximate weight – aluminum (kg/km)	Maximum DC resistance at 20 °C – copper (Ω/km)	Maximum DC resistance at 20 °C – aluminium (Ω/km)	Recommended ampacity – copper to earth (A)	Recommended ampacity – copper in open air (A)	Recommended ampacity – aluminum in ground (A)	Recommended ampacity – aluminum in open air (A)
5×1.5	0.7	12.2	183	–	–	12.1	–	28	21	–	–
5×2.5	0.7	13.4	243	13.4	164	7.41	12.1	38	30	24	17
5×4	0.7	14.6	328	14.6	203	4.61	7.41	50	49	35	27
5×6	0.7	16	437	16	256	3.08	4.61	65	55	49	37
5×10	0.7	18.2	651	18.2	335	1.83	3.08	89	78	66	57
5×16	0.7	20.7	955	20.7	453	1.15	1.91	115	105	89	77
5×25	0.9	27.7	1471	27.7	689	0.727	1.20	150	140	115	105
5×35	0.9	30.9	1946	30.9	865	0.524	0.868	180	170	135	125
5×50	1.0	31.2	2518	31.2	1054	0.387	0.641	215	205	165	155
5×70	1.1	35.1	3569	35.1	1451	0.268	0.443	265	260	200	195
5×95	1.1	39.7	4832	39.7	1899	0.193	0.320	315	320	240	235
5×120	1.2	43.8	6075	43.8	2366	0.153	0.253	360	370	275	280
5×150	1.4	46.6	7460	46.6	2905	0.124	0.206	405	430	310	320
5×185	1.6	51.9	9352	51.9	3629	0.0991	0.164	460	490	350	370
5×240	1.7	57.5	12141	57.5	4633	0.0754	0.125	530	580	410	440
5×300	1.8	63.2	15077	63.2	5692	0.0601	0.100	590	660	460	570

Get more parameters and your quote now.

Get a Quote

Choosing an IEC cable 60502 according to your project

Choosing an IEC cable 60502 is not limited to a nominal voltage. The right choice depends on the voltage level, conductor material, installation conditions and expected lifespan of the project.

1. Low or medium voltage : how to choose ?
ZMS CABLE – Expert opinion :
The choice between IEC 60502-1 and IEC 60502-2 must above all be guided by the network voltage and the expected level of security.

IEC 60502-1 (0,6/1 kV) is recommended for low voltage distribution networks, Industrial installations, buildings and auxiliary circuits. Its structure is simpler, the overall cost is controlled and maintenance remains easy.
IEC 60502-2 (3 kV to 30 kV) is essential for medium voltage networks, electrical substations and high power applications. Semiconductor layers and metal shield provide better electrical stability and increased network security.

ZMS CABLE engineering rule :
Since the voltage exceeds 1 kV, a cable conforming to IEC 60502-2 becomes an essential technical choice.

2. Copper or aluminum : what impact on cost and performance ?
ZMS CABLE – Expert opinion :
Driver choice directly influences electrical performance, the weight of the cable and the overall budget of the project.

Copper driver : recommended when electrical performance, compactness and thermal resistance are priorities, especially in installations with limited space.
Aluminum driver : widely used solution for distribution networks and long distances, allowing you to optimize the total cost while reducing the weight of the cable.

Approach recommended by ZMS CABLE :
Copper prioritizes performance, aluminum optimizes the cost ratio / distance / weight.

3. Armored or unarmored cable depending on the installation environment ?
ZMS CABLE – Expert opinion :
The level of mechanical protection must be assessed based on actual and future site conditions.

Unarmored cable : Suitable for installation in conduits, cable trays or protected environments, without significant mechanical stress.
Armored cable (SWA / STA) : Recommended for buried installation, under concrete or in areas exposed to shock, to crushing or external attacks.

Good engineering reflex ZMS CABLE :
When the environment is uncertain or likely to change, armor is often a profitable preventive investment.

4. Climatic conditions and lifespan : what criteria to take into account ?
ZMS CABLE – Expert opinion :
The long-term reliability of an IEC cable 60502 strongly depends on the choice of insulation and sheath materials.

XLPE insulation, EPR or HEPR offer excellent thermal resistance and controlled aging.
PVC sheaths, PE or LSZH are selected according to humidity, l’exposition UV, chemical agents and environmental requirements.
Longitudinal sealing is strongly recommended for buried installations or in wet areas.

Long term vision ZMS CABLE :
An IEC cable 60502 properly designed and adapted to its environment may exceed 30 years of life in normal operation.

Get a Quote

FAQ – IEC Cables 60502 ZMS CABLE

1. IEC cables 60502 are they suitable for buried installation ?
Oui. IEC cables 60502 can be installed underground, provided you choose a suitable structure :

armored cable (SWA / STA) for mechanical protection
longitudinal sealing recommended in humid environment

ZMS CABLE offers IEC cables 60502 designed specifically for buried installations.

2. The IEC cable 60502 does low voltage have a semiconductor layer ?
Non. IEC cables 60502-1 (basse tension) do not require a semiconductor layer or metal shield.
These items are mandatory only for IEC cables 60502-2 (medium voltage), to ensure control of the electric field and grounding.

3. IEC cables 60502 can they be custom made ?
Oui. At ZMS Cable, IEC cables 60502 are available in standard or custom configurations, including :

driver type
insulation and sheath material
armor, waterproofing, specific climatic conditions

Custom manufacturing optimizes safety, sustainability and budget.

4. How long does an IEC cable last? 60502 ?
An IEC cable 60502 properly designed and installed can achieve a lifespan of 30 years or older, according to :

operating conditions
the installation environment
the choice of materials (XLPE, EPR, gaine LSZH, etc.)

Get a Quote

ZMS CABLE approach : a solution truly adapted to your project

At ZMS Cable, each project is analyzed according to concrete technical criteria :
voltage level, conditions d’installation, mechanical constraints, budget and sustainability goals.

Our IEC cables 60502 are available in standard or completely custom configurations, to ensure a reliable solution, compliant and optimized for your application.

Services and Logistics ZMS CABLE

Custom manufacturing (OEM / ODM) : 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.
Certified quality : 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.
Packaging and protection : 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.
Technical support and customer service : 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.
Services d’installation : 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.