Cord Bend Test

The purpose of this test is to confirm the robustness of a supply cord at the point of entry to an electrical appliance. The point of entry for the cable is often a likely point of failure as the cable is excessively bent and flexed at this point against the hard corners of the appliance. (Please note: Cord bend testing is not a requirement for appliances with retractable power cable.)

The test and apparatus used is designed to comply with the following standards; IEC 60227-2 clause 5.6.3.2 , IEC 60227-2 clause 3.2 and IEC 60335-1 clause 25.14.

The cord bend test sees a sample of cord of appropriate length fixed in the apparatus and then loaded with a weight having a mass of 0.5kg. A current of about 0.1A shall pass through the conductors of the cable.

The sample is then bent back and forwards in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the axes of the conductors, the two extreme positions making an angle of 90° on both sides of the vertical. The flexing is a movement through 180° and the rate of flexing is 60 per minute for 60,000 cycles, 120,000 single strokes.

There should be no interruption of the current during this time with the apparatus automatically indicatnig any such failure.

Following the test the cable is then subject to a further voltage withstand test of 1.5kV in accordance with IEC 60227-2 clauses 2.2, applied between the conductors and water the cable is immersed in.