How Cold Impact Testing Is Performed
The cold impact test is carried out on sections of finished cable.
Cable samples and the impact test equipment are conditioned inside a controlled low-temperature chamber until the required test temperature is reached.
Each test specimen is then positioned in the impact apparatus. A specified hammer is released from a defined height so that the force is transferred to the cable through the steel intermediate piece.
The impact conditions are selected according to the outside diameter of the cable.
After impact, the cable is allowed to return to the required inspection condition and is visually examined for damage.
Cold Impact Requirements for PV Cables
For solar cables manufactured according to EN 50618 or IEC 62930, the cold impact test is performed at:
Test Temperature
−40°C
The cable and test equipment are conditioned at the specified low temperature before impact.
Cable Diameter ≤ 15 mm
Hammer: 1,000 g
Steel Intermediate Piece: 200 g
Drop Height: 100 mm
Cable Diameter > 15 mm and ≤ 25 mm
Hammer: 1,500 g
Steel Intermediate Piece: 200 g
Drop Height: 150 mm
Cable Diameter > 25 mm
Hammer: 2,000 g
Steel Intermediate Piece: 200 g
Drop Height: 200 mm
For most common single-core photovoltaic cables, the outside diameter falls within the first category, although the actual test condition must always be selected according to the measured cable diameter.
Pass / Fail Evaluation
After the impact test, the cable surface is inspected using normal or corrected vision without magnification.
PASS
No visible cracks are present in the cable insulation or sheath after the specified low-temperature impact.
FAIL
Cracking or other damage caused by the impact indicates that the cable does not meet the applicable cold impact requirement.
Why Cold Impact Resistance Matters
Polymer insulation and sheath materials can become less flexible at low temperatures. Mechanical impact during handling, installation or service may therefore create a greater risk of cracking.
Cold impact testing helps FRCABLE verify that the cable construction and cross-linked materials retain adequate mechanical integrity under low-temperature conditions.
For photovoltaic systems installed outdoors, this is particularly relevant for cables exposed to winter temperatures, transportation, installation handling and long-term environmental conditions.
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