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Standards Comparison Tool
Standards Comparison Report
What are the differences between Australian cable standards and Chinese standards?
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report compares the fire performance classification systems for cables and wiring system elements between China (GB 31247-2014) and Australia/New Zealand (AS/NZS 3013:2004). The standards are fundamentally different in scope, classification philosophy, and test methods, resulting in no direct equivalence. For procurement, cables must be tested and certified separately against each standard's specific regime; mutual recognition is not possible.
APPLICABLE CHINESE STANDARDS
| Standard No. | Title (Chinese) | Scope | Mandatory/Recommended | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB 31247-2014 | 电缆及光缆燃烧性能分级 (Cables and optical fibre cables - Classification of burning characteristics) | Classifies fire performance (flame spread, smoke, acidity) of power, control, and communication cables & optical fibre cables. | Mandatory | Current |
| GB/T 18380.11-2008 | 电缆和光缆在火焰条件下的燃烧试验 第11部分：单根绝缘电线电缆火焰垂直蔓延试验 试验装置 (Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions - Part 11: Test apparatus - Flame vertical spread test for single insulated wire or cable) | Test method for single wire/cable flame spread. Referenced by GB 31247. | Recommended | Current |
| GB/T 18380.12-2008 | 电缆和光缆在火焰条件下的燃烧试验 第12部分：单根绝缘电线电缆火焰垂直蔓延试验 1kW预混合型火焰试验方法 (Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions - Part 12: Test method - 1 kW pre-mixed flame for single insulated wire or cable) | Test method for single wire/cable flame spread. Referenced by GB 31247. | Recommended | Current |
| GB/T 17651.2-2021 | 电缆或光缆在特定条件下燃烧的烟密度测定 第2部分：试验步骤和要求 (Measurement of smoke density of cables or optical fibre cables burning under defined conditions - Part 2: Test procedure and requirements) | Test method for smoke density. Referenced by GB 31247. | Recommended | Current |
| GB/T 19216.21-2003 | 在火焰条件下电缆或光缆的线路完整性试验 第21部分：试验步骤和要求 额定电压0.6/1.0kV及以下电缆 (Test for circuit integrity of electric cables under fire conditions - Part 21: Procedures and requirements - Cables of rated voltage up to and including 0.6/1.0 kV) | Test method for circuit integrity (fire survival). Not directly referenced in GB 31247 classification but relevant for performance. | Recommended | Current |
STANDARD TIER CLASSIFICATION
| Standard | Tier | Description |
|---|---|---|
| GB 31247-2014 | TIER 4 — Classification Standard | Defines the fire performance grading system for cables and optical fibre cables. |
| AS/NZS 3013:2004 | TIER 4 — Classification Standard | Defines classification codes for the fire and mechanical performance of wiring system elements. |
| GB/T 18380.11-2008, GB/T 18380.12-2008, GB/T 17651.2-2021, GB/T 19216.21-2003 | TIER 2 — Test Method Standards | Define specific test procedures referenced by the classification standards. |
SCOPE BREAKDOWN
Power, Control, and Communication Cables
Chinese standard: GB 31247-2014: 电缆及光缆燃烧性能分级 (Cables and optical fibre cables - Classification of burning characteristics)
International equivalent: AS/NZS 3013:2004: Electrical installations - Classification of the fire and mechanical performance of wiring system elements — 2004 edition — ⚠️ Verify for updates (e.g., 2022 edition may exist).
Equivalence: NEQ
Standard tier match: Both TIER 4 — valid comparison.
Parameter comparison table:
| Parameter | Chinese Standard Value (Clause) | International Value (Clause) | Deviation | Mutual Recognition | Procurement Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope & Object | Cables and optical fibre cables for power, control, and communication. (GB 31247-2014 §1) | Wiring system elements (cables, conduits, trunking, support systems). (AS/NZS 3013:2004 §1.1) | Different scope (cables only vs. system elements). | 不可互认 (Not mutually recognised) | HIGH |
| Primary Classification Basis | Multi-parameter: 1. Flame spread (A, B1, B2, B3). 2. Smoke production (s1, s2, s3). 3. Burning droplets/particles (d0, d1, d2). 4. Acidity (a1, a2, a3). (GB 31247-2014 §4, §5) | Primary axis: Circuit Integrity (fire survival time): -/30/60/90/120 minutes. Also includes flame propagation and mechanical performance categories. (AS/NZS 3013:2004 §1.4) | Fundamentally different systems (multi-parameter grading vs. time-based integrity). | 不可互认 (Not mutually recognised) | HIGH |
| Core Flame Test Reference | GB/T 18380 series (single & bunched cable) for flame spread classes B1-B3. (GB 31247-2014 §5.2) | AS/NZS 1660.5.1 (similar to IEC 60331) for circuit integrity. AS/NZS 1660.1 for flame propagation. (AS/NZS 3013:2004, referenced standards) | Different test methods and criteria. | 不可互认 (Not mutually recognised) | HIGH |
| Smoke Density Criteria | s1: Smoke density (最小透光率) ≥ 60%. s2: ≥ 20%. s3: No requirement. (GB 31247-2014 §5.3, GB/T 17651.2) | Not a primary classification parameter in AS/NZS 3013. Smoke performance may be specified separately in building codes. | N/A (only CN requires graded classification). | 不可互认 (Not mutually recognised) | MEDIUM |
| Acidity (pH & Conductivity) Criteria | a1: pH ≥ 4.3, conductivity ≤ 10 μS/mm. a2: pH ≥ 4.3, conductivity ≤ 100 μS/mm. a3: No requirement. (GB 31247-2014 §5.4) | Not addressed in AS/NZS 3013. | N/A (only CN requires graded classification). | 不可互认 (Not mutually recognised) | MEDIUM |
| Mechanical Performance | Not addressed in GB 31247-2014. | Includes categories for impact (I), crush (C), and vibration (V) resistance. (AS/NZS 3013:2004 §1.4) | N/A (only INT requires). | 不可互认 (Not mutually recognised) | MEDIUM |
KEY DIFFERENCES SUMMARY
- Classification Philosophy: GB 31247 uses a multi-parameter grading system (flame, smoke, acidity), while AS/NZS 3013 is centered on circuit integrity (fire survival time) and includes mechanical performance. Mutual Recognition: 不可互认. Impact: HIGH.
- Core Test Methods: Flame spread is tested per GB/T 18380 series (IEC 60332 derived) in China, while circuit integrity is tested per AS/NZS 1660.5.1 (IEC 60331 derived) in Australia/NZ. Mutual Recognition: 不可互认. Impact: HIGH.
- Smoke & Acidity: GB 31247 has mandatory graded requirements; AS/NZS 3013 does not classify these parameters. Mutual Recognition: 不可互认. Impact: MEDIUM.
- Scope: GB 31247 covers cables and optical fibres only; AS/NZS 3013 covers a broader range of wiring system elements (conduits, trunking). Mutual Recognition: 不可互认. Impact: HIGH.
REGULATORY LINKAGE TABLE (法规联动)
| Compliance Scenario | Chinese Regulatory Basis | International Regulatory Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory product certification | CCCF (消防产品认证) for fire safety cables listed in the catalogue. General cables may require CQC voluntary certification. | Requires certification by accredited body (e.g., SAI Global) for compliance with AS/NZS 3013 and referenced standards. |
| Engineering acceptance inspection | GB 50210-2018 (建筑装饰装修工程质量验收标准) for general installation. Fire safety acceptance per local fire department regulations. | Compliance with AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) which references AS/NZS 3013 for selection. |
| Import/export compliance | Required China Compulsory Certificate (CCC) for applicable cable categories. General customs inspection. | Must meet Australian/New Zealand Electrical Equipment Safety System (ERAC) requirements. |
| Designer/engineer obligation | N/A for product standard comparison. Cable selection for buildings is guided by | Specifier must select appropriate classification code from AS/NZS 3013 as mandated by AS/NZS 3000 and the National Construction Code (NCC). |
AUDIT FLAG RESOLUTION
- ✅ RESOLVED: GB 31247-2014 official title confirmed as "电缆及光缆燃烧性能分级" per authoritative source.
- ✅ RESOLVED: GB 31247-2014 status confirmed as "Current" with no supersession note.
- ⚠️ UNRESOLVED: Verify current edition status of AS/NZS 3013 (2004 vs. potential 2022 update).
- 🔴 CRITICAL CORRECTION: Answer B incorrectly listed the title of GB 31247-2014. The correct title is as stated in the "Official Standard Status" and used above.
PROCUREMENT VERDICT
- Treat Chinese (GB 31247) and Australian/New Zealand (AS/NZS 3013) cable fire performance requirements as two separate, non-mutually-recognized compliance regimes.
- For the Australian/NZ market, specify cables by their AS/NZS 3013 classification code (e.g., circuit integrity time, mechanical category) required by the project.
- For the Chinese market, specify cables by their full GB 31247 grade (e.g., B1(B1, s1, d0, a1)).
- Require suppliers to provide independent test reports from CNAS-accredited labs for GB 31247 and from JAS-ANZ or NATA-accredited labs for AS/NZS 3013.
- For projects supplying both markets, plan for dual testing and certification, which will increase cost and lead time.
- Verify the inclusion of optical fibre cables within the project scope, as both standards cover them, but test requirements differ.
REFERENCE DOCUMENT CHECKLIST (配套调阅清单)
- GB 31247-2014 §4, §5 — Complete classification system and criteria for flame spread, smoke, droplets, and acidity.
- AS/NZS 3013:2004 §1.4 — Definition of classification codes for circuit integrity, flame propagation, and mechanical performance.
- GB/T 18380.12-2008 — Detailed test procedure for single insulated wire/cable flame spread (for B2/B3 classes).
- AS/NZS 1660.5.1 — Test method for circuit integrity of cables under fire conditions.
FIELD INSPECTION CHECKLIST
- Physically verify the permanent marking on cable drums or sheaths for the GB 31247 grade (e.g., "B1(B1, s1, d0, a1)") or the AS/NZS 3013 classification code.
- Check accompanying documentation: CCCF certificate (for China) and Australian/New Zealand compliance certificate with test report references.
- Confirm factory production control (FPC) certificates are available from the manufacturer for certified products.
- For on-site sampling (if required), ensure samples are taken from the delivered batch and sealed for potential third-party testing.
CONFIDENCE RATING
🟡 MEDIUM — Core data on standard scope and classification differences are verified and agreed upon by both sources. One parameter (current edition of AS/NZS 3013) is flagged for official confirmation.
Technical comparison report — CN Quality Check Standards Tool. This report is NOT a substitute for official standard texts or on-site engineering verification. For physical compliance inspection in China: contact Yang Jia, Registered Supervision Engineer (注册监理工程师).
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This report is for reference only and does not constitute legal or engineering advice. Always verify against the current official standard text.