Bsi bs en 50289 3 8 2013

BS EN 50289-3-8:2013

BSI Standards Publication

Communication cables —
Specifications for test methods
Part 3-8: Mechanical test methods —
Abrasion resistance of cable sheath
markings


BS EN 50289-3-8:2013

BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN
50289-3-8:2013. It supersedes BS EN 50289-3.8:2001 which is
withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee EPL/46, Cables, wires and waveguides, radio frequency
connectors and accessories for communication and signalling.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
© The British Standards Institution 2014. Published by BSI Standards
Limited 2014
ISBN 978 0 580 82663 4
ICS 33.120.10

Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 30 June 2014.
Amendments issued since publication
Date

Text affected


BS EN 50289-3-8:2013

EN 50289-3-8

EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

October 2013

ICS 33.120.10

Supersedes EN 50289-3-8:2001

English version

Communication cables Specifications for test methods Part 3-8: Mechanical test methods Abrasion resistance of cable sheath markings

Câbles de communication Spécifications des méthodes d'essai Partie 3-8: Méthodes d'essais mécaniques
Résistance à l'abrasion du marquage de

la gaine

Kommunikationskabel Spezifikationen für Prüfverfahren Teil 3-8: Mechanische Prüfverfahren Abriebfestigkeit der Markierung des
Kabelmantels

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2013-09-16. CENELEC members are bound to comply
with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard
the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified
to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus,
the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels
© 2013 CENELEC -

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 50289-3-8:2013 E

BS EN 50289-3-8:2013
EN 50289-3-8:2013

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Contents
Foreword .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
1

Scope ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

2

Normative references ........................................................................................................................... 4

3

Terms and definitions .......................................................................................................................... 4

4

Test method........................................................................................................................................... 4

4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.2
4.3
4.3.1
4.3.2

4.4

Equipment ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Method 1............................................................................................................................................. 4
Method 2............................................................................................................................................. 4
Test sample ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Procedure .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Method 1............................................................................................................................................. 5
Method 2............................................................................................................................................. 5
Requirements ........................................................................................................................................ 5

5

Test report ............................................................................................................................................. 6


BS EN 50289-3-8:2013
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EN 50289-3-8:2013

Foreword
This document (EN 50289-3-8:2013) was prepared by CLC/TC 46X "Communication cables".
The following dates are fixed:
•

•

latest date by which this document has
to be implemented at national level by

publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
latest date by which the national
standards conflicting with this
document have to be withdrawn

(dop)

2014-09-16

(dow)

2016-09-16

This document supersedes EN 50289-3-8:2001.
The abrasion resistance test in EN 50289-3-8 has been amended to include the following elements:
−

number of cycles: 50; force: 4 N; and needle diameter: 1 mm.

This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CENELEC by the European Commission and
the European Free Trade Association.
EN 50289-3, Communication cables  Specifications for test methods, is divided into the following subparts:
−

Part 3-1: Mechanical test methods  General requirements;

−

Part 3-2: Mechanical test methods  Tensile strength and elongation for conductor;

−

Part 3-4: Mechanical test methods  Tensile strength, elongation and shrinkage of insulation and
sheath;

−

Part 3-5: Mechanical test methods  Crush resistance of the cable;

−

Part 3-6: Mechanical test methods  Impact resistance of the cable;

−

Part 3-7: Mechanical test methods  Abrasion resistance of the cable sheath;

−

Part 3-8: Mechanical test methods  Abrasion resistance of cable sheath markings [the present
document];

−

Part 3-9: Mechanical test methods  Bending tests;

−

Part 3-10: Mechanical test methods  Torsion and twisting;

−

Part 3-11: Mechanical test methods  Cable cut-through resistance;

−

Part 3-12: Mechanical test methods  Shot gun damage;

−

Part 3-13: Mechanical test methods  Aeolian vibration;

−

Part 3-15: Mechanical test methods  Underwater cable resistance to hydrostatic pressure;

−

Part 3-16: Mechanical test methods  Cable tensile performance;

−

Part 3-17: Mechanical test methods  Adhesion of dielectric and sheath.


BS EN 50289-3-8:2013
EN 50289-3-8:2013

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1 Scope
This European Standard details the method of test to determine the ability of the sheath markings of a
finished cable used in analogue and digital communication systems to withstand abrasion.
It will be read in conjunction with EN 50289-3-1, which contains essential provisions for its application.
Depending on the kind of marking and as indicated in the relevant cable specification, one of the following
two methods will be used:
-

Method 1: is suitable for rigid marking types like embossing, indenting and sintering;

-

Method 2: is applicable to marking types other than embossing, indenting and sintering.

2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 50289-3-1, Communication cables  Specifications for test methods  Part 3-1: Mechanical test
methods  General requirements
EN 50290-1-2, Communication cables  Part 1-2: Definitions

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions of EN 50290-1-2 apply.

4 Test method
4.1 Equipment
4.1.1 Method 1
The abrasion test rig consists of a device designed to abrade the surface of the cable in both directions

parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable over a length of 40 ± 1 mm at a frequency of 55 ± 5 cycles/min.
One cycle consists of one abrading edge movement in each direction.
The abrading edge shall be a steel needle with a diameter of 1,0 mm or as specified in the detail
specification
A typical apparatus is shown in Figure 1.
4.1.2 Method 2
The apparatus follows the intent of that specified in Method 1, with the needle replaced by a wiping felt.
These changes are made in the apparatus:
a) a test set-up, to apply a force to the wool felt; a typical example is shown in Figure 2;
b) a wool felt, colour white;
NOTE
Common felts are a blend of wool and other fibres, commonly rayon. Blends from 100% to 30% wool, or as specified by the
relevant specification, meet the intent of this method.

c) masses to apply a force to the sample;
d) the apparatus shall allow a stroke length of 100 mm at a frequency of 6 to 12 cycles/min.

4.2 Test sample
The sample shall be of a length sufficient to carry out the test specified. A typical length is 750 mm.


BS EN 50289-3-8:2013
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EN 50289-3-8:2013

4.3 Procedure
4.3.1 Method 1
Carry out the test with the sample mounted so that the marking is directly under the abrading edge. Load the
abrading edge with the mass necessary to provide the 4N force specified in the relevant cable specification

whilst avoiding shock on the cable.
a) Unless otherwise specified, the conditions for testing shall be in accordance with standard atmospheric
conditions, as defined in EN 50289-3-1.
b) Securely attach the cable sample to the supporting plate by means of cable clamps. The abrading edge
shall be loaded with 4 N whilst avoiding shock to the cable. The initial position shall be such that there is
length available for the subsequent movement of the sample, per c) below.
c) Carry out the test with the sample mounted so that the marking is directly under the abrading edge. Four
tests shall be made on each sample.
4.3.2 Method 2
A sample of cable containing markings shall be laid between the two parts of the wool felt or between the
wool felt and a supporting surface. In either case, the wool felt shall wipe the printed section of the cable.
The wool felt shall be thoroughly impregnated with water.
The normal force (F) of 5 N (or as given in the detail specification) shall be applied to the markings on the
sample which is moved back and forth over a length of 100 mm.
Unless otherwise specified in the relevant detail specification, the number of cycles shall be 50.

4.4 Requirements
The marking shall be legible at the completion of the test after the number of cycles specified in the relevant
cable specification.
Stroke
generator

Detail X
Mass

Stroke
Sample

Supporting plate

Figure 1  Typical test set-up for method 1

Steel needle


BS EN 50289-3-8:2013
EN 50289-3-8:2013

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Force (F)

Wool felt

Mass
Counter-weight
Sample

Stroke
Figure 2  Typical test set-up for method 2

5 Test report
The test report shall include:
-

number of cycles (if not 50);

-

method used;

-

diameter of needle (if not 1 mm);

-

force applied (if not 4 N);

-

pass/fail criteria.


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