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Time: 2025-12-01 04:12:32 Source: Henan Province Jianyun Cable Co., Ltd.
Korea's rapid urbanization has led to a boom in high-rise apartments, where electrical safety is paramount amid dense living and seismic risks. The KS C 3341 standard, part of the Korean Industrial Standards (KS) for vinyl-insulated cables up to 600V, mandates robust, reliable wiring – particularly Cross-Linked Polyethylene (CV) cables for new constructions. Aligned with IEC 60502-1 and updated in recent revisions (e.g., 2023 harmonization), KS C 3341 ensures durability and fire resistance. This guide explains the CV requirement for apartments and key specs, for electricians, developers, and exporters in Korea's $20B+ electrical sector.
KS C 3341 specifies vinyl-insulated, PVC-sheathed power cables for fixed installations in buildings, rated 0.6/1kV, covering construction, testing (e.g., conductor resistance, insulation thickness), and marking. Developed by the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), it's voluntary but referenced in mandatory KC certification under the Electrical Appliances Safety Act. 2025 focuses: Enhanced low-smoke options and seismic compliance, reflecting Korea's high-rise density (over 60% apartments).
New apartments in Korea mandate CV (Cross-Linked Polyethylene insulated) cables per KS C 3341 and building codes (e.g., KBC 2016 amendments), due to their superior fire resistance, thermal stability, and longevity in vertical high-rises. Unlike PVC-insulated cables prone to melting/spreading flames in fires (Korea saw 500+ apartment blazes in 2023), CV's cross-linked structure withstands 90°C continuous heat, reduces smoke emission, and meets KS C IEC 60332 flame tests. In seismic-prone areas, CV's flexibility prevents cracking during quakes. Regulations (e.g., MFAR) require CV for multi-family units over 4 stories to minimize evacuation hazards, cutting fire risks by 40%. This ensures safe, compliant wiring in Korea's urban boom.
Sizing per KS C 3341 tables factors ampacity, voltage drop (max 3% lighting/5% power), and derating for ambient (40°C), grouping, and method (e.g., conduits). CV cables minimum 2.5 mm² for sockets; stranded conductors for flexibility.
| Circuit Type | Cable Size | Ampacity (CV) | Breaker Rating | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 1.5 mm² | 20 A | 15 A | Indoor lights |
| Socket-Outlets | 2.5 mm² | 30 A | 20 A | General plugs |
| Kitchen/High-Load | 4.0 mm² | 40 A | 30 A | Ovens, appliances |
| EV Charging | 6.0 mm²+ | 50 A | 40 A | Home chargers |
| Earth (PE) | Min 2.5 mm² | N/A | N/A | Grounding |
KS C 3341 aligns with IEC 60446: Red (phase), white (neutral), green/yellow (PE). Multi-phase: Red (L1), yellow (L2), blue (L3). Full-length insulation coloring; markings at terminations. Ensures safety in high-density installs.
Radial circuits (no rings), conduits for walls (<50 mm deep protected). ELB (earth leakage breakers) mandatory; RCDs 30 mA for sockets/bathrooms. CV cables in vertical risers for fire barriers. 2025: Seismic bracing and EV provisions enhanced.
CV cables meet KS C 3605 (IEC 60332) for non-propagation; low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) variants for apartments. Bundle tests limit flame spread; insulation withstands 90°C, reducing toxicity in confined spaces.
KS C 3341's CV mandate fortifies Korea's new apartments against fires and quakes – durable, safe, and urban-ready. As high-rises define skylines, these standards ensure power without peril. For Korea's innovative market, compliance is the foundation of trust.
Need KS C 3341-compliant CV cables? Contact Henan Province Jianyun Cable Co., Ltd. for tailored solutions and quotes.
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