Addressing challenges in the wire and cable industry
The wire and cable industry is evolving quickly as markets push for sustainability, energy diversification and rapid digitalization. Products used in power grids, electric vehicles, transportation systems, photovoltaic (PV) installations, high-speed connectivity and even everyday decorative lighting must deliver consistent performance, long-term durability and regulatory compliance across global markets. Comprehensive testing helps address these challenges by evaluating how products perform under real-world conditions.
UL Solutions wire and cable services in Krefeld, Germany
The UL Solutions Performance Materials test center at Chempark in Krefeld, Germany, offers services for plastics and engineered materials, including wire and cable testing. Our wire and cable capabilities include dimensional, electrical, mechanical and environmental testing for applications such as low-voltage energy, renewable energy and automotive cables.
Dimensional testing
Dimensional testing evaluates wire and cable dimensions for compliance with relevant standards and tolerances. This step is essential in manufacturing and quality control because dimensional deviations can impact electrical performance, mechanical integrity and compatibility with connectors or installations. Dimensional testing typically includes measuring: Conductor size, insulation and sheath thickness, cable diameter, ovality and concentricity, and continuity of identification markings along the cable length.
Applicable standards include:
- IEC/EN 60228 – Conductors of Insulated Cables
- IEC/EN 60811-201, -202 and -203 – Electric and Optical Fibre Cables — Test Methods for Non-Metallic Materials
- Part 201: General Tests — Measurement of Insulation Thickness
- Part 202: Measurement of Thickness of Non-Metallic Sheath
- Part 203: Measurement of Overall Dimensions
- EN 50396 – Non-Electrical Test Methods for Low Voltage Energy Cables
- ISO 19642-2 – Road Vehicles — Automotive Cables — Part 2: Test Methods
Electrical testing
Electrical testing evaluates the electrical characteristics and performance of wire and cable products to help demonstrate compliance to applicable standards and safety requirements. These tests assess the ability to conduct electricity, resist faults, maintain conductor resistance and electrical continuity, and withstand operational conditions.
Applicable standards include:
- IEC/EN 60228 – Conductors of Insulated Cables
- EN 50395 – Electrical Test Methods for Low Voltage Energy Cables
- IEC 63294 – Test Methods for Electric Cables With Rated Voltages up to and Including 450/750V
- ISO 19642-2 – Road Vehicles — Automotive Cables — Part 2: Test Methods
Mechanical testing
Mechanical testing evaluates a cable’s physical strength, flexibility and durability to help demonstrate whether it can withstand installation and operating conditions without failure. These tests assess resistance to stressors such as bending, tensile forces, crushing, pinching, tearing and abrasion — as well as flexibility, adhesion and hardness.
Applicable standards include:
- IEC 60811 series – Electric and Optical Fibre Cables — Test Methods for Non-Metallic Materials
- IEC 62893-2 – Charging Cables for Electric Vehicles of Rated Voltages up to and Including 0.6/1 kV — Part 2: Test Methods
- ISO 19642-2 – Road Vehicles — Automotive Cables — Part 2: Test Methods
Environmental testing
Environmental testing assesses the ability to withstand external stressors such as temperature extremes, moisture, chemical exposure, ozone, weathering, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and flame-propagation conditions. These tests help demonstrate product performance and durability in real-world environments.
Applicable standards include:
- EN 50618/IEC 62930 – Electric Cables for Photovoltaic Systems With a Voltage Rating of 1.5 kV DC — Annex E: Guide for Selection and Use of Cables
- ISO 19642-2 – Road Vehicles — Automotive Cables — Part 2: Test Methods
- IEC 60811 series – Electric and Optical Fibre Cables — Test Methods for Non-Metallic Materials
Beyond Krefeld: Global wire and cable testing support
In addition to Krefeld’s capabilities, UL Solutions offers additional services for low-voltage wire and cable compliance testing services across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region — and globally — through our network of testing laboratories and technical experts. We offer safety and performance testing for key sectors, including requirements for:
Construction (including Construction Product Regulation (CPR) compliance and reaction to fire)
Communications
Optical fiber
Transportation
Fire resistance
Circuit integrity
Why choose UL Solutions for wire and cable testing?
Deep expertise
Our experts bring deep knowledge in next-generation technologies and offer testing and certification services for wire and cable across a broad range of applications to help streamline compliance. Our Krefeld center of excellence, conveniently located near the Düsseldorf Airport, offers easy access to customers in one of Central Europe’s most established industrial regions.
Access markets with confidence
With technical expertise, global reach and a customer-focused approach, we help teams achieve and maintain market access. Whether you are preparing for a launch or expanding into new markets, our wire and cable services provide the precision and responsiveness you need to move forward with confidence.
Comprehensive project support
We support projects at every stage, from early troubleshooting to market launch, with responsive timelines, flexible scheduling and an experienced team focused on helping you keep your project moving.
Global network
We evaluate more than 70 wire and cable product categories to national and international standards for safety, performance, environmental impact and regulatory compliance as required for markets in North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Our customized service packages help reduce redundant testing, helping you save time and costs while bringing safer products to market more efficiently.
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What sets us apart
UL Solutions evaluates more than 70 different wire and cable categories to national and international standards.
Download the Wire and Cable Solutions Brochure to learn more.
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