Why BS6500 Still Matters in South Africa

Walk into almost any electrical store in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban, and you will still hear installers asking for “BS6500 cable.”
Even though the BS6500 Standard was officially withdrawn, it remains one of the most recognised names in South Africa’s domestic and commercial electrical sector.

Why does it matter?

Because thousands of South African buildings—from Soweto homes to Durban beachfront apartments to Sandton offices—were originally wired with flexible cords defined under BS6500. These cables powered:

✔ domestic appliances
✔ pendant lighting
✔ office electronics
✔ commercial retail displays

And even today, the labels 218-Y, 2192Y, 318-Y, and 318-TRS remain widely used in SA retail and installation work, even though their modern equivalents now fall under BS EN 50525.

Understanding BS6500 helps South African electricians:

• correctly identify older cables

• choose the right modern equivalent

• avoid counterfeit or non-compliant cords

• ensure safe upgrades and replacements

In a country where high temperatures, fluctuating voltage, and counterfeit products are common issues, knowing how BS6500 transitioned to BS EN 50525 is more valuable than ever.

What Was BS6500? Origin, Purpose and Scope

BS6500 was the British Standard for flexible cords up to 300/500 V used in:

• domestic appliances

• office equipment

• commercial buildings

• pendant and lighting drops

The standard became extremely popular in South Africa from the 1990s to the early 2010s. Many South African retailers imported European and British electrical products, so BS6500-coded cables were everywhere—from Pretoria office blocks to Cape Town restaurants.

Typical BS6500 Applications

The cables were simple, flexible, reliable, and readily available, which helped them dominate the South African flexible cable market for two decades.

Why Was BS6500 Withdrawn? The Move to BS EN 50525

The BS6500 standard was officially withdrawn and replaced by:

BS EN 50525-1 (General requirements)
+
BS EN 50525-2-11, 12, 21, 71 (Specific cable families)

Why did Europe replace BS6500?

1. Harmonisation across Europe
EN 50525 standardised cable types across the EU, improving cross-border manufacturing.

2. Improved test methods
Stricter flame tests (IEC/EN 60332-1-2)
Better insulation ageing tests
Mechanical performance improvements

3. Better alignment with modern insulation and sheath materials
Especially for newer PVC formulas and eco-friendly materials.

Understanding BS EN 50525 — The New Harmonised Standard

Structure of EN 50525

Why EN 50525 Improved Safety & Performance

The new standard introduced:

• Enhanced insulation heat resistance

• Better mechanical strength

• Clearer flame-retardance requirements

• More detailed construction tolerances

For South Africa—where ambient temperatures can reach 45–50°C in provinces like Northern Cape—these improvements significantly increase safety and performance.

Local compliance is smoother with NRCS, SABS, and municipal electrical codes.

BS6500 vs BS EN 50525 — Conversion Table

This table is the single most important reference for South African electricians upgrading older installations.

Deep Technical Breakdown of Key Flexible Cables

Now we examine each major cable type in engineering-level detail.

218-Y (H03VV-F) — Light Duty PVC Flexible Cable

Applications

• Radios

• Table lamps

• Fans

• Small office electronics

• Retail extension leads (very common in South Africa)

Construction

• Class 5 fine-stranded copper

• PVC insulation

• PVC sheath

• Voltage rating: 300/300 V

• Typical cores: Blue/Brown (2-core) or with G/Y (3-core)

Electrical Characteristics

• Low current-carrying capacity (acceptable for small loads)

• Not suitable for heaters or high-power appliances

• Voltage drop becomes significant over long runs

• Derating required for 40–45°C ambient temperatures (common in provinces like Limpopo and North West)

2192Y (H03VVH2-F) — Flat Twin PVC Cable

Applications

• Pendant lighting drops

• Commercial lighting in malls

• Light supply leads

Used widely in Sandton City, Canal Walk, and Gateway Durban for lighting installations.

Construction

Flat cable with:

• PVC insulated cores

• PVC outer sheath

• Available in 0.5 mm² and 0.75 mm²

• White or black sheath

Electrical Performance

• Voltage rating: 300/300 V

• Bending radius: 8 × OD

• Flame retardant to IEC/EN 60332-1-2

• 0.75 mm² recommended for long pendant drops to reduce voltage drop

309-Y (H05V2V2-F) — High Temperature PVC Cable

Applications

• Ovens

• Commercial kitchens

• Lighting fixtures exposed to heat

• HVAC equipment

Rating: 300/500 V, up to 90°C

Engineering Specifications

• Class 5 stranded copper

• Heat-resistant PVC

• Suitable for continuous heat zones

• Ideal for Durban and coastal areas where kitchens run hot and humid

318-Y (H05VV-F) — Ordinary Duty PVC Flexible Cord

Applications

• Heavier domestic appliances

• Office equipment

• Portable tools

• Kettles (lower power ones), toasters, air coolers, printers

In South African homes, 318-Y is the most widely used flexible cable.

Technical Characteristics

• Voltage: 300/500 V

• Thick sheath for improved durability

• Available in 2–5 cores

• Excellent flame performance for indoor use

318-TRS (H05RR-F) — Ordinary Duty Rubber Flex

Applications

• Handheld tools

• Construction sites

• Kitchens

• Heavy mechanical environments

Material Advantages

• Rubber insulation

• Rubber outer sheath

• Better abrasion resistance

• Excellent cold flexibility

• Ideal for Cape winter construction sites

Electrical Performance Summary Tables

Conductor Resistance

Lower resistance means:

✔ Less heating
✔ Better current efficiency
✔ Lower voltage drop

Current Carrying Capacity (Typical)

Voltage Drop

This is a serious issue in large South African homes with long cord runs.

• 0.5 mm² suffers rapid voltage drop

• 0.75 mm² is safer for pendant lights and long cords

• Rubber cables have slightly better performance due to better heat dissipation

Ambient Temperature Derating in SA Climate

South Africa often exceeds 40°C in many industrial provinces.

Rule of thumb:

• Above 40°C → apply derating

• Above 45°C → consider rubber flex instead of PVC

South African Case Studies

Case 1: Sandton City Retail Lighting Install

A lighting contractor installed hundreds of pendant lights in a high-end store.
Original plan: 0.5 mm² 2192Y
Problem: Long drops caused voltage drop & dimming
Solution: Switched to 0.75 mm² H03VVH2-F
Result: Stable brightness + compliance with EN 50525-2-11

Case 2: Durban Commercial Kitchen Retrofit

A restaurant near uShaka Marine World was facing cable hardening.
Cause: Standard PVC flex was too close to ovens.
Solution: Replace with 309-Y (H05V2V2-F) high-temperature cable
Outcome: Zero failures after 18 months

Case 3: Cape Town Office Appliance Upgrade

Technicians found old printers and computers using “BS6500” labelled cords.
Modern replacement: 318-Y / H05VV-F
Benefit: Increased safety, reduced heat, compliant with EN 50525

Cable Selection Guide for South African Installers

Light Duty vs Ordinary Duty

PVC vs Rubber

PVC → indoor, low mechanical stress, cheaper
Rubber → durable, flexible, suitable for rough use

Avoiding Counterfeit Cables

Checklist:

✔ Proper EN 50525 marking
✔ Correct core colours
✔ Consistent diameter
✔ No “China Flex” generic labels

Common Mistakes in South Africa

• Using 0.5 mm² where 0.75 mm² is required

• Using light-duty cords for kettles or heaters

• Not accounting for temperature derating

• Poor termination

• Installing non-flame-retardant cords in commercial spaces

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BS6500 still valid?

No, but names are still commonly used.

Q2: Can I install a cable labelled “BS6500”?

Yes, but ensure it also meets modern EN performance.

Q3: 218-Y vs 318-Y?

218-Y = light duty
318-Y = ordinary duty

Q4: Why does 0.75 mm² carry more current?

Lower conductor resistance = less heating.

Q5: Best cable for pendant lights?

2192Y / H03VVH2-F

Q6: Best cable for hot zones?

309-Y / H05V2V2-F

Q7: Rubber better than PVC?

Better flexibility, better abrasion resistance.

Q8: Why do SA electricians still use BS6500 names?

Legacy habit + consistent product identification.

Why Understanding BS6500 Still Matters

Even though BS6500 is no longer a current standard, its legacy shapes South Africa’s flexible cable market today.
The modern BS EN 50525 series delivers:

✔ safer materials
✔ better flame performance
✔ clearer construction requirements
✔ improved durability in SA’s hot climate

By understanding both systems, South African installers can confidently:

• upgrade old equipment

• select the right modern cable

• avoid counterfeit cords

• comply with NRCS, SABS and European safety standards

BS6500 may be retired—but its influence is stronger than ever across South Africa.

Contact Anhui Feichun Special Cable Co., Ltd.

For comprehensive technical specifications and quotations, please contact our specialized mining cable engineering team:

Technical Engineering Support:

tech@feichuncables.com

Sales Engineering Department:

Li.wang@feichuncables.com

WhatsApp Contact:

Manufacturer: Anhui Feichun Special Cable Co., Ltd. (安徽飞纯特种电缆有限公司)

Manufacturing Headquarters: Building A, Private Science and Technology Park, Hefei Economic and Technological Development Zone, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China

+86 17333223430