IS 694 Standards for 3 x 0.5 sq mm Multi-Core Wire

IS 694 Standards for 3 x 0.5 sq mm Wire

In low-voltage power distribution and control wiring, IS 694 is the foundational Indian Standard governing PVC insulated and sheathed cables up to 1,100V. For applications like control panels, appliances, lighting, instrumentation, and wiring harness assemblies, choosing the correct conductor size (sq mm), number of cores, insulation type, and sheath compound is critical for safety, durability, and compliance.

This guide explains IS 694 compliance for 3 x 0.5 sq mm cables (example configuration) and shows how the same framework applies to multiple cross-sections and core counts (2C, 3C, 4C; 0.5 / 0.75 / 1.0 / 1.5 sq mm and beyond).

1. Understanding IS 694 (Indian Standard for PVC Cables)

1.1 What is IS 694?

IS 694 specifies construction, materials, dimensions, electrical, and fire performance for PVC insulated and sheathed cables rated up to 1,100V. It defines requirements for:

Conductor class (as per IS 8130)
Insulation and sheath compounds (as per IS 5831)
Temperature ratings (70°C, 85°C HR)
Flame-retardant (FR) and FR-LSH options
Marking, testing, and acceptance criteria

1.2 Why IS 694 Matters

Risk	Non-Compliant Cable	IS 694 Compliant Cable
Overheating	Insulation softening	Rated temperature performance
Fire spread	Rapid flame propagation	FR / FR-LSH options
Durability	Cracking, ageing	Verified ageing & tensile retention
Compliance	Market restrictions	Project & tender eligibility

2. Example Configuration: 3 x 0.5 sq mm Cable (Multi-Core)

2.1 Typical Construction

Conductor: Annealed copper, Class 5 (flexible) as per IS 8130
Insulation: PVC Type C or D (as per IS 5831)
Sheath: PVC ST-2 / ST-3 (FR / FR-LSH as required)
Cores: 3 (including optional green-yellow earth)
Voltage Grade: Up to 1,100V

2.2 Where 3 x 0.5 sq mm is Used

Control wiring in panels
Sensors and actuators
Small appliances
Lighting circuits
Low-current instrumentation

3. Variants Available (As per IS 694 / IS 8130 / IS 5831)

3.1 Product Type vs Specifications

Product Type	Specifications
PVC 70°C	IS 694, IS 8130 Class 5, IS 5831 Type D (Insulation) & ST-3 (Sheath)
Heat Resistant 85°C	IS 694, IS 8130 Class 5, IS 5831 Type C (Insulation) & ST-2 (Sheath)
Flame Retardant (FR)	IS 694, IS 8130 Class 5, IS 5831 Type D (Insulation) & ST-3 (FR Sheath)
Heat Resistant 85°C + FR	IS 694, IS 8130 Class 5, IS 5831 Type C (Insulation) & ST-2 (FR Sheath)
FR-LSH (Low Smoke Low Halogen)	IS 694, IS 8130 Class 5, IS 5831 Type D (Insulation) & ST-3 (FR-LSH Sheath)

3.2 Part Number Suffix Logic (Example Framework)

Insulation Colour (XX): 06 = Green/Yellow earth core (standard), 00 = Without earth (on request)
Product Type (Y): 1 = PVC 70°C, 2 = PVC FR 70°C, 3 = PVC HR 85°C, 4 = PVC HR 85°C + FR, 5 = PVC FR-LSH 70°C
Sheath Colour (Z): 1 = Black, 4 = Grey

💡 Tip: Keep suffix logic consistent across sizes (0.5 to 2.5 sq mm) and cores (2C/3C/4C) for ERP and BOM clarity.

4. Electrical & Mechanical Requirements (IS 694)

Parameter	Requirement
Conductor Resistance	As per IS 8130 limits
Insulation Thickness	As per IS 694 nominal values
Sheath Thickness	As per IS 694 nominal values
High Voltage Test	No breakdown
Insulation Resistance	Meets specified MΩ·km
Tensile & Elongation	Post-ageing retention within limits

5. Fire Performance Options (FR / FR-LSH)

Option	Benefit	Typical Use
FR	Self-extinguishing, reduced flame spread	Panels, appliances
FR-LSH	Low smoke, halogen-free fumes	EVs, public spaces, OEM safety builds

6. Manufacturing & Quality Control at Celestix

Incoming copper rod & compound validation
Stranding as per Class 5 flexibility
Online spark testing during extrusion
Dimensional checks (insulation/sheath)
High-voltage and IR testing
Batch-wise flame tests (FR / FR-LSH)
Marking & traceability for OEM supply

7. How to Extend This Standard to Other Sizes & Cores

You can replicate the same IS 694 framework for:

Cross-sections: 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5 sq mm
Cores: 2C, 3C, 4C (with/without earth)
Applications: Control cables, appliance cords, internal wiring harnesses

8. Compliance & Certifications

Standard	Coverage
IS 694	PVC insulated & sheathed cables
IS 8130	Copper conductor class
IS 5831	PVC compound types
RoHS	Restricted substances
REACH	Chemical safety
ISO 9001	Quality management
IATF 16949	Automotive-grade processes

Conclusion

For 3 x 0.5 sq mm multi-core cables, IS 694 defines the blueprint for safe construction, electrical performance, and fire behavior. By selecting the right PVC grade (70°C / 85°C HR), FR or FR-LSH sheath, conductor class, and colour coding, OEMs can ensure long-term reliability and compliance.

Celestix Industries India Pvt. Ltd. manufactures IS 694-compliant multi-core cables and harness-ready wire solutions for appliances, panels, EVs, and industrial systems.