EN 50288-7 standard for electrical cables in the oil and gas industry

EN 50288-7 is a European standard specifically developed for instrumentation and control cables. In the UK, it is also referred to as BS EN 50288-7. It was introduced to replace the widely used BS 5308 standard. Although BS 5308 is still mentioned and some companies continue to manufacture and stock cables according to it – particularly the LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) variants – EN 50288-7 is gradually becoming the dominant standard.

Compared to its predecessor, EN 50288-7 introduces several updates in technical specifications, naming conventions, and product features, providing a more optimized and technically superior option. As a result, EN 50288-7 compliant cables are increasingly used in the oil and gas and chemical industries.

2.1 Diverse construction options

EN 50288-7 cables are available in multiple configurations including single pair, multi-pair, three-core, or four-core versions. The conductors can be either solid or stranded copper, ensuring stable signal transmission even in harsh environments like offshore rigs and chemical plants.

2.2 Flexible conductor specifications

Users can choose conductor cross-sections ranging from 0.5 mm² to 2.5 mm², with options for:

• Class 1: solid copper
• Class 2: stranded copper
• Class 5: highly flexible copper

This flexibility allows the cables to meet various technical requirements in refineries, chemical factories, and offshore installations.

2.3 Excellent temperature resistance

EN 50288-7 cables operate reliably across a wide temperature range from 70°C to 105°C, depending on construction materials. This is especially beneficial in high-temperature, humid, or corrosive environments.

2.4 Multiple voltage options

Besides the standard 300V rating, EN 50288-7 cables are also available in 90V and 500V versions, accommodating diverse system and equipment voltage requirements.

2.5 High customizability

These cables can be customized to suit specific installation conditions. Optional features include:

• Braiding for EMI protection
• Armouring for mechanical protection
• Fire-resistant layers
• Chemical-resistant bedding

Unlike older standards like BS 5308, EN 50288-7 does not limit material selection, allowing users to specify oil, corrosion, or chemical-resistant materials for harsh industrial conditions.

2.6 Optimized dimensions and EMC performance

Compared to equivalent BS 5308 cables, EN 50288-7 cables have smaller overall diameters and reduced sheath thickness, resulting in lighter weight and easier installation – particularly in space-constrained environments.

Enhanced overall and individual shielding (PIMF) also improves electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), crucial in electronics-dense and automated settings.

4.1 Industrial automation

EN 50288-7 cables are widely used in automated production lines to connect sensors, controllers, and actuators, ensuring stable signal transmission. In automotive plants, they support operations from component inspection to robotic arm control.

4.2 Measurement and control system

In large-scale measurement and control systems - particularly in the oil and gas industry, chemical plants, and the energy sector - EN 50288-7 cables are used to transmit both analog and digital signals from field devices to the central control system. For example, in an oil refinery, these cables connect temperature, pressure, and flow sensors to the control system in the central control room, delivering real-time production data that enables precise and efficient process control.

4.3 Precision instrumentation and electronics

EN 50288-7 cables are also well-suited for supplying power and transmitting signals to electronic devices, analytical instruments, and precision measurement equipment. For instance, in laboratories equipped with high-precision testing systems, the cable’s stable power transmission and excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding help ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurement results, while minimizing the risk of errors caused by electromagnetic disturbances.

5.1 HELUDATA EN-50288-7 instrumentation cables

HELUKABEL offers a wide range of EN 50288-7 compliant instrumentation cables, available in various constructions and materials such as OS, IOS, OSA, and IOSA. These cables are specifically designed for the transmission of both analog and digital signals in harsh industrial environments—including oil and gas extraction, petrochemical processing, and gas distribution systems.

• HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 PVC/PVC OS 300
• HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 PVC/PVC OSA 500
• HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 XLPE/PVC IOS 500
• HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 XLPE/LS0H IOSA 500
• HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 XLPE/LS0H IOS 500

5.2 Fire-resistant cables

• HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 FIRE RES OS 500
• HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 FIRE RES IOS 500
• HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 FIRE RES OSA 500
• HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 FIRE RES IOSA 500

5.3 Other EN 50288-7 compliant cables

• RE-2Y(St)Yv (20099)
• RE-2Y(St)Yv PiMF (20115)

These two cable types are commonly used in data processing and industrial process control systems, especially in environments where stable and accurate signal transmission is critical. When installed as fixed wiring, they are suitable for use in dry or damp indoor areas, outdoor installations, and underground cable networks.