BS EN 50618

Standard Overview

BS EN 50618:2014(2015) ensures safety, durability, and performance for PV system cables in the UK and EU markets. Its LSZH materials, UV resistance, and long service life make it ideal for solar energy applications.

Key Technical Requirements

• Conductor
  • Tinned copper (per EN 60228)
  • Continuous tin coating (no visible gaps under normal vision)12
• Insulation & Sheath
  • Cross-linked materials (e.g., XLPO, XLPE)
  • Low smoke, zero halogen (LSZH) for fire safety
  • UV and weather resistance for outdoor use34
• Electrical Ratings
  • Nominal DC voltage: 1.5 kV (conductor-to-ground)
• Operating temperature
  • 90°C continuous (20,000 hours)
  • 120°C short-term (emergency conditions)12
• Mechanical & Environmental Performance
  • Flexibility for installation in PV arrays
  • Resistance to abrasion, ozone, and chemicals
  • 25-year minimum service life under normal conditions

Applications

• PV system DC side wiring (between solar panels, inverters, and batteries)
• Ground-mounted and rooftop solar installations
• Harsh environments (high UV exposure, temperature fluctuations)

Compliance & Related Standards

• EN 50618:2014 (European original)
• IEC 62930 (International PV cable standard)
• UL 4703 (North American PV cable standard)