In buildings, factories, and infrastructure around the world, wires and cables silently transport the “blood” of modern civilization—electricity and information—like blood vessels. However, behind these seemingly identical copper wires and insulation layers lie different technical languages and safety philosophies. China’s GB standards, the United States’ UL standards, and the International Electrotechnical Commission’s IEC standards constitute the three most important standard systems in the global wire and cable industry. They compete and learn from each other, together weaving a global network to ensure the quality and safety of wires and cables.
IEC: The “Universal Language” of Global Technology
Founded in 1906, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the most authoritative international standards-setting organization in the field of electrical and electronic engineering. For the wire and cable industry, IEC standards are like a “technical lingua franca,” providing a common foundation for global trade and technological exchange.
The unique feature of IEC standards lies in their “technological neutrality”—they focus on product performance indicators rather than specific designs, providing flexible implementation space for different countries and manufacturers. For example, the IEC 60502 series of standards specifies the structure, testing methods, and performance requirements for power cables, and has been directly or modified and adopted by more than two-thirds of countries worldwide.
IEC’s inclusivity makes it a key bridge connecting different national standards. Its standard-setting process brings together experts from various countries, and through discussions and consultations in technical committees (such as TC 20 responsible for wires and cables), a widely accepted technical consensus is formed. This consensus becomes an important reference benchmark for GB and UL standards.
GB Standards: A “Passport” to the Chinese Market
Chinese national standards (GB) are mandatory technical specifications for wire and cable products in China. Over the past few decades, Chinese standards have evolved from “following” to “keeping pace” and even partially “leading.”
Interestingly, GB standards are most closely related to IEC standards. China adopts three methods to convert IEC standards into national standards: “Integrated Designation” (IDT), “Modified Designation” (MOD), or “Non-Equivalent Adoption” (NEQ). For example, the GB/T 5023 series of household appliance wiring cable standards are equivalent to IEC 60227. This strategy ensured that Chinese products were internationally compatible from the outset.
However, the GB standard is not a simple translation of the IEC standard. It incorporates numerous localized additions to address China’s unique environmental conditions (such as high temperature and humidity), power grid characteristics (such as large voltage fluctuations in rural power grids), and fire safety requirements. The most typical example is China’s flame-retardant cable standard GB/T 19666, which not only includes IEC testing methods but also adds bundled burning test requirements specific to Chinese building characteristics.
UL Standards: A “Safety Lock” for the North American Market
Unlike the performance-oriented IEC and GB standards, the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards are essentially a safety certification system. Its core concept is “fire and electric shock prevention,” a principle that permeates every UL standard.
The most significant feature of UL standards is their strong alignment with building codes. The National Electrical Code (NEC) explicitly requires that electrical wires and cables installed in buildings must be UL certified and labeled with appropriate ratings (such as CM, CMR, CMP). This “standard-certification-regulation” trinity makes UL an insurmountable technical barrier in the North American market.
The relationship between UL and IEC reflects another interactive model. UL actively participates in IEC standard setting and has developed a “dual-track certification” system—UL provides both traditional UL certification and “UL IEC certification” based on IEC standards. This flexibility allows UL to maintain its dominant position in the North American market while also providing a pathway for international products to enter the US market.
Triangular Relationship: Technological Convergence and Market Competition
A dynamic relationship of technological exchange and market competition has formed among GB, UL, and IEC. Technically, the three sets of standards are showing a trend of convergence. With the deepening of global trade, the influence of IEC standards as the “greatest common denominator” continues to grow. Both GB and UL are gradually adjusting their own standards to narrow the technical differences with IEC. For example, in basic parameters such as conductor resistance and insulation thickness, the three standards have become largely consistent.
However, significant differences remain at the market access level. China ensures that all products in the domestic market comply with GB standards through mandatory CCC certification; the US constructs market barriers through a combination of UL certification and NEC regulations. This difference reflects the differences in their respective market regulatory philosophies: China emphasizes unified standards and centralized management, while the US relies more on third-party certification and regulatory references. For global cable manufacturers, this triangular relationship presents both challenges and opportunities. The wisest strategy is often “IEC as the foundation, GB/UL as supplements”—first designing a product platform that meets IEC requirements, then making targeted adjustments and certifications based on the target market. For example, a Chinese cable company exporting products to the United States typically ensures that the products comply with IEC standards first, and then conducts additional design and testing to meet UL’s flame retardancy rating requirements.
Future Outlook Under the Trend of Convergence
Looking ahead, the interaction among the three sets of standards will become more frequent and in-depth. The internationalization of Chinese standards is accelerating, with more and more GB standards being translated and promoted, and some even potentially becoming blueprints for IEC standards. For example, China’s experience in the field of high-voltage direct current transmission cables has begun to influence the development of relevant international standards.
Meanwhile, regional trade agreements and technology mutual recognition are reshaping the standards landscape. Standards coordination mechanisms under frameworks such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) may give rise to new models of standards mutual recognition. In the future, we may see more efficient compliance paths of “one-stop testing, multi-country certification.”
For those in the wire and cable industry, understanding the relationship between GB, UL, and IEC standards is not only a technical necessity but also a strategic imperative. In today’s globalized world, mastering the art of conversion between these three standards means holding the key to accessing major global markets. This interaction and integration of the “standards triangle” will ultimately drive global wire and cable technology towards greater safety, efficiency, and sustainability, ensuring that electricity and information flow globally while maintaining diversity and achieving interconnectivity. Guangxi Qunshan will also provide you with professional services and high-quality cables.