V90 Flexible Cords

The Australian standard AS/NZS 5000.1 includes cables referenced as V90 Flexible Cords. These cables are designed for equipment wiring - for distribution and service applications. These cables are designed for frequent flexing and the associated stresses applied to it and have Class 5 flexible stranded copper conductors. To ensure cables will meet the demands of any service application, they are subject to rigorous testing including vertical flame testing to ensure flame retardancy. 

The Australia & New Zealand standard dictates that the cables have a maximum voltage rating of 1kV. V90 cables also meet the requirements of AS 1125 (conductors in insulated electric cables and flexible cords). The V90 refers to the temperature rating - a high temperature PVC material that allows a maximum operating temperature of +90^oC (there is also a range of V75 PVC flexible cords for a +75^oC upper temperature limit). Cables are supplied with a green/yellow earth core in cables with 3 cores and above.

V90 flexible cords are for internal wiring applications, in dry environments. The Light Duty cables can be used in small portable equipment such as lamps and radios, and in double insulated appliances where the cable is not subject to mechanical stress. The Ordinary Duty cables can also be run in conduit or enclosures as panel wiring, in industrial and office equipment such as desk lamps and washing machines, and equipment requiring a three-phase supply with an earth connection. The Heavy Duty cables also cover three-phase flexible power supply for small industrial and commercial equipment such as motors with additional single phase pilot lights, welders and industrial sweepers, as well as double insulated appliances subject to a higher degree of mechanical stress. It is also suitable as an extension lead when the conductor cross-sectional area size is greater than 1mm². The Heavy Duty cable is the only one of the three that can be used in damp and wet conditions.