Overview
IEC 61386-22:2021 - "Conduit systems for cable management - Part 22: Particular requirements - Pliable conduit systems" specifies performance, construction and test requirements for pliable conduit systems, including self‑recovering conduit systems. This second edition (2021) is a technical revision that replaces the 2002 edition and is intended to be used together with IEC 61386-1:2008 and IEC 61386‑1:2008/AMD1:2017. A notable update is the addition of Annex AA, which gives guidance on applying a constantly increasing compression force during tests.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and classification
- Applies specifically to pliable conduit systems; some classifications from Part 1 are excluded or restricted (notably certain types are not allowed in France).
- Marking and documentation
- Conduits must be marked along their length at regular intervals (preferably 1 m, max 3 m) or labelled at ends/packaging when impractical.
- Manufacturers must declare and document the minimum inside diameter and system classification.
- Dimensions and threads
- Threads and many outside diameter requirements reference IEC 60423; tables define minimum thread lengths and maximum entry diameters for sizes.
- Mechanical tests
- Compression test: requires a uniformly increasing force reaching the specified value in (30 ± 3) s; Annex AA provides calculation and tolerances. Example in the standard: a 750 N target implies ~25 N/s.
- Self‑recovering conduit: special compression test sequence and recovery limits (flattening and post‑test diameter change criteria).
- Bending test: defined apparatus, sample lengths (plain vs corrugated), temperature conditions (ambient and declared minimum), repeated bending cycles and hold times.
- Other properties and tests
- Clauses cover electrical, thermal, fire‑hazard, external influences and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and test conditions consistent with Part 1, with specific additions for pliable conduit systems.
- Annexes
- Normative annexes for classification coding, material thickness determination and additional tests; informative Annex AA for force‑rate calculations.
Applications and who uses this standard
- Useful for: manufacturers, R&D teams, quality and compliance engineers, test laboratories, certification bodies, system designers, installers and procurement specialists working with cable protection and management.
- Practical uses: product design and verification, type testing, conformity assessment, procurement specifications, installation guidance for pliable and self‑recovering conduit systems in building, industrial and infrastructure cabling projects.
Related standards
- IEC 61386-1:2008 and IEC 61386‑1:2008/AMD1:2017 (General requirements - mandatory companion documents)
- IEC 60423 (thread gauges and dimensions referenced)
Keywords: IEC 61386-22:2021, pliable conduit systems, self‑recovering conduit systems, conduit systems for cable management, compression test, bending test, marking, IEC 61386-1.