GOST 31996-2012 PDF

Full title and description

Power cables with plastic insulation for rated voltages of 0,66; 1 and 3 kV. General specifications (Russian: ГОСТ 31996-2012). The standard defines general technical requirements, constructions, materials and test methods for low- and medium-voltage power cables with plastic (thermoplastic or extruded) insulation intended for stationary installations.

Abstract

GOST 31996-2012 sets out requirements for the design, materials (conductors, insulation and sheath), performance characteristics, marking and test methods for power cables rated 0.66 kV, 1 kV and 3 kV (nominal frequency 50 Hz). It harmonises key provisions with IEC 60502-1 and replaces prior national documents on the same cable group. The standard is intended to ensure safe, interoperable and tested cable products for transmission and distribution in stationary installations.

General information

• Status: Active / in force.
• Publication date: Published as GOST 31996-2012 (introduced as national standard on 1 January 2014).
• Publisher: Interstate Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification (adopted / introduced in Russia by Rosstandart); prepared by relevant Russian technical committee and institutes.
• ICS / categories: 29.060.20 (Cables).
• Edition / version: Edition 2012 (GOST 31996-2012).
• Number of pages: Approximately 40 pages (typical published PDF length).

Scope

The standard applies to power cables with plastic insulation and plastic sheath (with or without protective coverings) intended for transmission and distribution of electric energy in stationary installations at rated alternating voltages 0.66 kV, 1 kV and 3 kV (nominal frequency 50 Hz). It covers cable constructions (single- and multi-core, copper or aluminium conductors), materials, rated characteristics, test methods, marking and conformity requirements; it does not replace specific technical conditions (TU) for proprietary designs but provides the general technical specification framework.

Key topics and requirements

• Permitted conductor materials and classes (copper or aluminium; conductor flexibility classes per relevant GOSTs).
• Types of insulation and sheath: PVC compounds, XLPE and halogen‑free formulations; options for flame-retardant and low-smoke halogen-free (LSHF/HF) constructions.
• Rated voltages and frequency: 0.66 kV, 1 kV and 3 kV at 50 Hz; associated electrical tests and limits (DC resistance, insulation resistance, dielectric tests).
• Mechanical and thermal performance: operating and short‑circuit temperature ratings, permissible bending radii, and mechanical protection (armouring, bedding) where applicable.
• Fire safety and emissions: requirements and references for flame propagation, smoke and corrosive gas behaviour (alignment with relevant fire-safety GOSTs / tests).
• Marking, documentation and manufacturer technical conditions (TU): required markings, technical data sheets and test records for conformity assessment.
• Conformity and normative references: alignment with IEC 60502-1:2004 and cross-references to other GOSTs for conductors, compounds and test methods.

Typical use and users

Used by cable manufacturers, product designers and R&D teams, electrical engineers and specifiers working on building and industrial power-distribution systems, procurement and certification bodies, testing laboratories, and installation contractors who select and deploy stationary power cables for residential, commercial and industrial installations.

Related standards

Relevant and related standards include IEC 60502-1:2004 (alignment for extruded-insulation cable requirements), previous national standard GOST R 53769-2010 (replaced by this GOST), fire-safety standards for cable products (for example GOST 31565-2012), and other GOSTs that specify conductor classes, PVC/compound specifications and higher-voltage cable requirements (e.g., standards for 6–35 kV cables).

Keywords

Power cables, plastic insulation, PVC, XLPE, 0.66 kV, 1 kV, 3 kV, cable specifications, IEC 60502-1, conductor, sheath, flame-retardant, low-smoke halogen-free.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: GOST 31996-2012 is the interstate / national standard that specifies general technical requirements for power cables with plastic insulation for rated voltages 0.66, 1 and 3 kV; it provides construction, test and marking rules for stationary power-distribution cables.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers cable types (single- and multi-core), conductor materials and classes, insulation and sheath materials (PVC, XLPE, halogen‑free variants), performance characteristics (electrical, thermal, mechanical), test methods, and marking/documentation requirements for stationary installations at the specified voltages.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Cable manufacturers, electrical designers and specifiers, testing laboratories, certification authorities, procurement specialists and installers selecting and verifying stationary power cables for buildings, industry and infrastructure.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: GOST 31996-2012 is listed as an active (in force) standard and was introduced as a national standard in the Russian Federation effective 1 January 2014; it superseded earlier national documents for the same cable group.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of a family of GOSTs covering wires and cables (see related GOSTs for other voltage ranges and specific cable classes). It aligns normatively with IEC 60502-1 and sits alongside other GOSTs that govern cable fire safety, conductor specifications and higher-voltage cable general specifications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Power cables, plastic insulation, PVC, XLPE, halogen-free, 0.66 kV, 1 kV, 3 kV, IEC 60502-1, cable tests, conductor.