LIST OF TESTS AS PER IS:1554 (P-I) AND IS:7098 (P-I)
Routine Tests:

a) Conductor Resistance Test
b) High Voltage Test
2. Type Tests:
a) Tensile Test (for Aluminium Conductor)
b) Wrapping Test (for Aluminium Conductor)
c) Annealing Test (for Copper Conductor)
d) Conductor Resistance Test
e) Test for Armour Wire / Strips
f) Test for thickness of Insulation & Sheath
g) Physical Test for Insulation & Outer Sheath
h) Insulation Resistance Test
i) High Voltage Test
j) Flammability Test
k) Hot Set Test (for XLPE Insulation only)
l) Water Absorption Test (for XLPE cables)
3. Acceptance Tests:
a) Tensile Test (for Aluminium Conductor)
b) Wrapping Test (for Aluminium Conductor)
c) Annealing Test (for Copper Conductor)
d) Conductor Resistance Test
e) Test for thickness of Insulation & Sheath
f) High Voltages Test
g) Insulation Resistance Test
h) Tensile Strength & Elongation at break test for Insulation & Sheath
i) Hot Set Test (for XLPE Insulation only)
4. Optional Tests :
a) Cold Bend Test
b) Cold Impact Test
5. Special Tests (as applicable) :
a) Oxygen Index Test as per ASTMD 2863 77
b) Temp. Index Test as per ASTMD 2863 77
c) Smoke Generation Test as per ASTMD 2843 77
d) Acid Gas Generation Test as per IEC 754 1
e) Flammability Test as per IEC 332 1, IEEE 383, SS 4241475 Class F3 and IE 332 1
f) Accelerated water absorption test (by Electrical Method)
g) Test for Anti-rodent & Anti-termite property
h) Colour fastness to water & air 

INFORMATION REQUIRED WITH ENQUIRY & ORDER
The following information should be included in an enquiry:
i) Voltage grade.
ii) Type of installation whether in air or in ducts or in ground.
iii) If cables are grouped together, then number of cables in group and vertical and horizontal spacing between them.
iv) Required value and duration of short circuit current.
Following further information are also required for offering the exact type of cable for any specific purpose:
a) The normal ambient or operating temperature.
b) The maximum temperature to which the PVC will be exposed and the duration and frequency of such exposures.
c) The material with which the PVC will be in contact i.e. oil, gases, acids, alkalies etc. at normal and maximum temperature.
d) If special flame retardant property is required.
e) If any special electrical characteristics is needed.

SELECTION GUIDE
For selection of a cable, a first hand knowledge of the system in which the cable is to be used, and the installation conditions under which the cable has to operate, is necessary. A knowledge of statutory restrictions and the manufacturing facilities available in the country will help in finding out as to what type of cable will be available for particular usage. The environmental conditions under which the cable has to operate will decide its protective covering. Thus once voltage grade of the cable, number of cores, conductor material, type of insulation and protective coverings are known, size of conductor remains to be decided. The first and foremost criterion for the size of conductor is continuous current rating for the present load. Thereafter the same should be checked for short circuit, voltage drop, over load capacities and future expansions. Once decided the selection of the next higher size compared to what is essential for the requirement, will always be worthwhile.
Economic considerations are also necessary.