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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.
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.