This British Standard collates and specifies the test methods to be used for testing LV and MV polymeric insulated and sheathed electric cables, of rated voltage up to and including 19/33 kV, intended for public distribution systems, and for use in power generating plants and sub-stations.

The test methods in this part of BS 7870 are additional to those already harmonized, e.g. in the BS EN IEC 60332 series and the BS EN 60811 series, and are for use in testing cable types specified in BS 7870‑3, BS 7870‑4 and BS 7870‑5. In each case, these British Standards provide complementary information needed for the practical application of the test method to each specific type of cable. Therefore, this British Standard is not sufficient for carrying out and evaluating the tests on electric cables.

This British Standard does not specify full test conditions (e.g. temperatures, durations) and/or requirements to be met. Such data needed to carry out the tests is given in the particular sections of BS 7870.