Standardization of power cables

This paper reviews the development and present scope of British standards, published by the British Standards Institution, for insulated power cables. It is concluded that, after taking into account the wide diversity of uses for such cables, the present multiplicity of standards is not justified, and that considerable reduction of the alternative constructions now included is desirable for economical production and in the best interests of the electrical industry as a whole. Further, that some types, not hitherto included, are now sufficiently standardized to warrant their addition to the existing ranges. Very comprehensive standards are necessary and desirable in the early stages of the development of any industry. The paper suggests that the applications of electric power cables, though more diverse than at any previous time, have now reached a point at which serious and comprehensive review is justified, with the object of reducing the number of standards to a minimum compatible with modern requirements.