IS 17048 : 2018
Cables - Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) Cables for Working Voltages Up to and Including 1100 V – Specification
summary
Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) cables are electrical cables designed for working voltages up to and including 1100 V. They emit very low smoke and no corrosive halogen gases when exposed to fire, making them safer for use in buildings, tunnels, metros, hospitals, and public infrastructure.
Why BIS Certificate is Mandatory for Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) Cables for Working Voltages Up to and Including 1100 V – Specification
BIS certification is mandatory to ensure HFFR cables meet Indian safety, fire performance, and electrical standards. These cables are used in critical installations where fire safety is essential. BIS standards help prevent fire spread, toxic smoke emission, electrical failures, and ensure safe operation under normal and emergency conditions.
What is BIS Certified for Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) Cables for Working Voltages Up to and Including 1100 V – Specification
The BIS certified specification for HFFR cables defines requirements for conductor material, insulation and sheath compounds, flame retardance, smoke density, halogen acid gas emission, electrical performance, and mechanical strength. It also specifies testing methods to ensure cables comply with safety and performance standards for low-voltage applications.
Test required for Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) Cables for Working Voltages Up to and Including 1100 V – Specification
Materials
| Title | Mandatory/Optional |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength (for Al, before stranding) | Required |
| Wrapping test before stranding (for Al) | Required |
| Annealing test (for Cu, before stranding) | Required |
| Purity test (for Cu) | Optional |
| Tensile strength (for Al, after stranding) | Required |
| Wrapping test after stranding (for Al) | Required |
| Persulphate test (For tinned Copper Only) | Optional |
| Material | Required |
| Core Identification | Required |
| Assembly of cores | Required |
| Thickness of Insulation | Required |
| Thickness of Sheath | Required |
| Overall dimensions | Required |
| Ovality | Required |
| Assessment of halogen on Fillers / Dummy Cores and Binder Tapes/ Identification Threads | Optional |
Tests on Insulation
| Title | Mandatory/Optional |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength & Elongation at break (before ageing) | Required |
| Insulation Resistance | Required |
| Oxygen Index test | Optional |
| Temperature Index test | Optional |
| Tensile strength & Elongation at break (after ageing) | Required |
| Hot deformation | Required |
| Assessment of halogen | Optional |
| Cold impact | Optional |
| Hot Set test | Required |
| Ozone resistance test | Optional |
| Flame retardant test | Optional |
Tests on Sheath
| Title | Mandatory/Optional |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength & Elongation at break (before ageing) | Required |
| Tensile strength & Elongation at break (after ageing) | Required |
| Oxygen Index test | Optional |
| Temperature Index test | Optional |
| Ozone resistance test | Optional |
| Hot deformation | Required |
| Assessment of halogen | Optional |
| Hot Set test | Required |
Tests on finished cable
| Title | Mandatory/Optional |
|---|---|
| High Voltage at room temperature or | Required |
| Spark test (as applicable) | Required |
| Flammability test | Required |
| Cold Bend test | Optional |
| Cold Impact test | Optional |
| Flame retardant test | Optional |
| Water Immersion Test (Effect of Water on sheath) | Optional |
| Smoke density test | Optional |
Benefits of BIS Certification for Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) Cables for Working Voltages Up to and Including 1100 V – Specification
1. Enhanced Fire Safety
BIS-certified HFFR cables limit flame spread and emit minimal smoke, improving safety during fire incidents and aiding evacuation.
2. Low Toxic and Corrosive Emissions
Certification ensures cables do not release harmful halogen gases, protecting human health and sensitive electronic equipment.
3. Reliable Electrical Performance
BIS standards ensure consistent insulation quality, voltage withstand capability, and long-term operational reliability.
4. Mandatory Legal Compliance in India
BIS certification allows manufacturers and importers to legally sell cables in India and participate in infrastructure and government projects.
5. Higher Market Trust and Acceptance
BIS-marked HFFR cables gain preference among engineers, builders, and project authorities, enhancing brand credibility and competitiveness.