IEC 60332

IEC 60332 Series – Fire Testing Standards for Cables

The IEC 60332 series specify internationally recognised fire testing methods for assessing the flame propagation characteristics of electric and optical fibre cables. These tests simulate fire exposure in real-world installation conditions, ranging from individual cable testing to bunched cable configurations, across various cable sizes and material volumes.
Parts 1 and 2 of the series focus on single insulated wires or cables, using controlled flame sources to evaluate flame spread and flaming particle behaviour. Part 3 covers vertically mounted bunched cables in categories A to D, depending on the non-metallic content, cable diameter, and installation method.
The IEC 60332 tests are widely used across industries including construction, transport, telecommunications, energy, and critical infrastructure, where minimising fire spread, smoke, and flaming particles is essential for life safety, asset protection, and regulatory compliance.
The series provides essential fire safety classification and is often referenced in national and international installation standards, including IEC 60364, BS EN 50575, and construction product regulations (CPR) in Europe.

IEC 60332-1-1 – Test for vertical flame propagation – Apparatus
Specifies the apparatus used to assess flame propagation on a single insulated wire or cable, including optical fibre cables. Used in conjunction with IEC 60332-1-2.

IEC 60332-1-2 – Test for vertical flame propagation – Procedure
Details the method for testing flame propagation on a single vertical insulated wire or cable using a 1 kW pre-mixed flame. Applicable to electric and optical fibre cables.

IEC 60332-2-1 – Apparatus for small single cable testing
Defines the test equipment for flame testing small insulated or optical cables. Used alongside IEC 60332-2-2.

IEC 60332-2-2 – Test for vertical flame propagation – Diffusion flame method
Procedure for testing small cables or conductors where standard methods may cause early failure. Suitable for cables with ≤0.5 mm² cross-section.

IEC 60332-3-10 – Apparatus for bunched cable testing
Describes the equipment setup for flame spread tests on vertically mounted bunched cables. Forms the basis for Category A to D tests (Parts 3-21 to 3-25).

IEC 60332-3-21 – Category A F/R – High fire load (spaced front and rear mounting)
Applies to power cables >35 mm². Tests bunched cables installed in a spaced front and rear configuration. Used for special cable designs.

IEC 60332-3-22 – Category A – High fire load
General use test for cables installed on the front of the ladder with a high volume of non-metallic material (7 l/m).

IEC 60332-3-23 – Category B – Medium fire load
Test for cables with moderate volumes of non-metallic material (3.5 l/m). Suitable for general installations.

IEC 60332-3-24 – Category C – Low fire load
Used to assess flame spread in cable bunches with low volumes of non-metallic content (1.5 l/m).

IEC 60332-3-25 – Category D – Very low fire load (small cables only)
Applies to small cables (≤12 mm diameter, ≤35 mm²). Tests flame spread in tight-touching configurations with minimal non-metallic volume (0.5 l/m).