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IS 8130:1984 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for conductors for insulated electric cables and flexible cords - copper and copper alloy conductors. This standard specifies the requirements for solid (Class 1), stranded (Class 2), and flexible (Class 5 & 6) copper conductors used in a wide variety of insulated electrical cables and cords. It defines material properties, constructional details, dimensions, and essential electrical (resistance) and mechanical (tensile/elongation) characteristics.
Specifies requirements for copper and copper alloy conductors used in insulated electric cables and flexible cords.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! This code is the foundation for the conductor part of most Indian cable standards (like IS 694, IS 1554). Always check the specific cable standard for the required conductor class.
! Verifying the DC resistance (as per Table 4) is the most critical quality check for conductors. Field measurements must be corrected to the standard reference temperature of 20°C.
! The 'Class' of the conductor (1, 2, 5, or 6) determines its flexibility. Class 1/2 are for fixed wiring, while Class 5/6 are for flexible cords and applications requiring movement.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3Material
Cl. 4Types of Conductors (Class 1, 2, 5, 6)
Cl. 6Construction
Cl. 7Tests
Cl. 8Resistance
Updates & Amendments5 amendments
Amendment 1 (August 1988)
Amendment 2 (September 1993)
Amendment 3 (October 1998)
Amendment 4 (July 2004)
Amendment 5 (February 2011)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
coppercopper alloyconductorswire
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
IEC 60228:2004IEC (International)
HighCurrent
Conductors of insulated cables
Specifies requirements for conductors in insulated power cables, directly corresponding to the scope of IS 8130.
BS EN 60228:2005BSI (UK)
HighCurrent
Conductors of insulated cables
The British and European adoption of IEC 60228, making it functionally identical for conductors.
AS/NZS 1125:2001Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (Australia/New Zealand)
HighCurrent
Conductors in insulated electric cables and flexible cords
A standard closely based on IEC 60228, covering materials, construction, and resistance of cable conductors.
ASTM B8-21ASTM International (US)
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft
Covers the construction of stranded copper conductors, overlapping with IS 8130 Class 2, but not the full scope of solid or flexible types.
Key Differences
≠For flexible conductors (Class 5), IS 8130:1984 specifies a 'Minimum Number of Wires' for each cross-sectional area, whereas IEC 60228:2004 specifies a 'Maximum Diameter of Wires', focusing on performance (flexibility) rather than prescriptive construction.
≠IS 8130 is a much older base document (1984) which has been amended over time to harmonize with IEC standards. IEC 60228:2004 is a more modern, cohesive document. Some legacy clauses or terminologies may persist in the Indian standard.
≠While the main range of nominal cross-sectional areas is harmonized, IS 8130 may contain references to conductor sizes that are less common or deprecated in the current IEC standard, reflecting older industrial practices in India.
≠IS 8130 references other Indian Standards (e.g., IS 613 for copper rods) for material sourcing and properties, while IEC 60228 is self-contained or references other IEC documents, creating a different normative reference chain.
Key Similarities
≈The maximum DC resistance values at 20°C for each nominal cross-sectional area are harmonized between IS 8130 (post-amendment) and IEC 60228. This is the most critical parameter for electrical performance and ensures interchangeability.
≈Both standards use the same fundamental conductor classification system: Class 1 (solid conductors), Class 2 (stranded conductors for fixed installations), Class 5 (flexible conductors), and Class 6 (highly flexible conductors).
≈The primary material specified in both standards is plain or metal-coated (tinned) annealed high-conductivity copper, ensuring a common basis for material quality and performance.
≈Both standards define requirements for conductors *prior* to insulation, serving as the foundational standard for a wide variety of national/international cable and flexible cord specifications.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Max. DC resistance at 20°C (1.5 sq mm Class 2)
12.1 Ω/km
12.1 Ω/km
IEC 60228:2004
Max. DC resistance at 20°C (10 sq mm Class 2)
1.83 Ω/km
1.83 Ω/km
IEC 60228:2004
Max. DC resistance at 20°C (2.5 sq mm Class 5 Flexible)
7.98 Ω/km
7.98 Ω/km
IEC 60228:2004
Construction of 1.0 sq mm Class 5 Flexible Conductor
Minimum 32 wires
Maximum wire diameter of 0.21 mm
IEC 60228:2004
Conductor Material
Plain or tinned annealed copper
Plain or metal-coated annealed copper
IEC 60228:2004
Temperature Coefficient of Resistance for Copper at 20°C
0.00393 per °C
0.00393 per °C
IEC 60228:2004
Maximum Resistivity of Annealed Copper at 20°C
Implied as 0.017241 Ω·mm²/m (based on IACS and resistance tables)
0.017241 Ω·mm²/m (1/58 Ω·mm²/m)
IEC 60228:2004
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
Maximum volume resistivity of annealed copper at 20°C0.017241 Ω·mm²/m
Temperature coefficient of resistance for copper per °C at 20°C0.00393
Minimum elongation at break for annealed copper wire (>0.5mm dia)15%
Maximum DC resistance for 1 sq mm plain copper conductor at 20°C18.1 Ω/km
What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 5 conductors?+
Class 2 is a stranded conductor for fixed installations, while Class 5 is a flexible conductor made of finer wires, intended for flexible cables and cords (Clause 4).
What is the maximum DC resistance for a 4 sq mm plain copper conductor?+
4.61 ohms/km at 20°C (Table 4).
How is conductor resistance measured at the site corrected to 20°C?+
Using the formula R₂₀ = Rt / [1 + 0.00393(t-20)], where Rt is the resistance at temperature 't' °C (Clause 8.3).
Does this standard cover aluminium conductors?+
No, this standard is exclusively for copper and copper alloy conductors. Aluminium conductors are covered in IS 8130's counterpart, IS 8130.