Halogen Acid Gas Testing
Cable insulation and sheath compounds are tested to determine whether halogen-containing substances are released during combustion.
A prepared sample of the polymer material is heated under controlled laboratory conditions. The gases produced during combustion are collected in an absorption solution and subsequently analysed.
This testing helps evaluate the presence or quantity of halogens such as chlorine, bromine and fluorine in the non-metallic materials used in the cable.
Acidity & Conductivity Testing
Gas acidity testing evaluates the potential corrosivity of gases released when cable materials burn.
During the test, combustion gases are absorbed into an aqueous solution. The resulting solution is then analysed for:
pH Value
The pH measurement indicates the acidity of the gases generated during combustion.
Conductivity
Electrical conductivity of the solution provides an additional indication of the concentration of ionic and potentially corrosive combustion products.
Lower conductivity and higher pH values generally indicate lower levels of corrosive gas emissions.
Halogen Assessment for EN 50618 Solar Cables
For H1Z2Z2-K solar cables according to EN 50618, insulation, sheath and applicable non-metallic materials are assessed according to EN 50525-1 Annex B.
The assessment uses a sequential evaluation process. Depending on the test results, relevant acceptance criteria include:
pH Value
≥ 4.3
Indicates that the gases released during combustion meet the required acidity limits.
Conductivity
≤ 10 μS/mm
Used to evaluate the concentration of ionic and potentially corrosive combustion products.
Chlorine + Bromine Content
≤ 0.5%
Limits the combined amount of chlorine and bromine present in the tested material.
Fluorine Content
≤ 0.1%
Verifies that fluorine content remains within the specified limit for halogen assessment.
If the conductivity is ≤ 2.5 μS/mm after the initial pH and conductivity assessment, the material can satisfy that stage without requiring subsequent chlorine and bromine determination. Materials with conductivity above 2.5 μS/mm but not exceeding 10 μS/mm proceed to further halogen assessment according to the applicable procedure.
Gas Emissions Testing for PV Cables
For photovoltaic cable applications, low-halogen or halogen-free materials help reduce the release of acidic and corrosive gases in the event of fire.
This is particularly important where solar cables are installed close to electrical equipment, buildings or other infrastructure.
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