Overview
ISO 4141-2:2019 specifies test methods and requirements for high-performance sheathed multi-core connecting cables used to link towing and towed road vehicles. The standard targets cables rated to temperature classes A and B (see ISO 6722-1) and augments the baseline tests in ISO 4141-1 with more stringent conditions and additional checks for coiled cable designs.
This part of ISO 4141 focuses on practical durability and functional performance under mechanical, thermal and chemical stress - essential for cable reliability in towing applications.
Key Topics
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General requirements: High-performance sheathed multi-core cables are subject to ISO 4141-1 requirements plus the additional or modified test conditions specified in Clause 5 of ISO 4141-2.
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Mechanical tests:
- Impact: performed per ISO 4141-1 but at a freezing temperature of -20 ± 2 °C.
- Cyclic bending: similar to ISO 4141-1 but increased to 10 000 cycles.
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Pressure and thermal tests: Pressure at high temperature is carried out according to ISO 14572, applying requirements for high-performance cables.
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Fluid compatibility of the sheath:
- Representative fluids and conditions include ethanol (168 h), dilute sulphuric (battery) acid (48 h, density 1.275 g/cm³), lubrication oil No.1 (168 h, ISO 1817) and 50% zinc chloride solution (168 h).
- Requirement: the sheath shall show no evidence of fracture or cracking after exposure.
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Coiled cable-specific tests (Clause 6):
- Elongation by cable weight: extended coil length must not exceed twice the initial block length.
- Cyclic extension: two sequences - 200 000 cycles to working length and 20 000 cycles to maximum admitted extension; test frequency (10 ± 5) cycles/min and conductor monitoring with (5 ± 0.5) A. No conductor breakage and no sheath cracking allowed.
- Restoring force: after conditioning, restoring force when extended to max admitted length shall not exceed 250 N.
- Cable sag limits: specified maxima vary by class and conditioning step (examples: 400 mm, 450/550 mm, 650 mm depending on the measurement stage).
- Permanent elongation: percentage limits are specified per conditioning step (e.g., Class A/Class B limits: 30/30 %, 35/40 %, 40/50 %, 50/65 % across stages).
- Class B peak-temperature sag: maximum sag after peak temperature cycles shall not exceed 750 mm.
Applications
This standard is used by cable manufacturers, automotive component testers and vehicle OEMs to:
- Verify mechanical and environmental durability of towing and coiled connection cables.
- Demonstrate compliance for product acceptance, procurement and design validation.
- Guide material selection for sheaths to resist chemicals, temperature and repeated flexing.
Related Standards
- ISO 4141-1 - Basic-performance sheathed cables (test methods and requirements)
- ISO 4141-3 - Construction, dimensions and marking of unscreened sheathed cables
- ISO 6722-1 - Single-core cable temperature classes and dimensions
- ISO 14572 - Round sheathed cables (pressure and high-temperature test methods)
- ISO 1817 - Rubber: determination of effect of liquids
For implementation details and exact test setups, refer to the full ISO 4141-2:2019 text and the referenced standards.