USACE / NAVFAC / AFCESA / NASA UFGS-26 05 19.00 10 (November 2008)
-----------------------------------
Preparing Activity: USACE (CW) Superseding
UFGS-26 05 19.00 10 (April 2006)
UNIFIED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS
References are in agreement with UMRL dated January 2009
SECTION 26 05 19.00 10
INSULATED WIRE AND CABLE
11/08
NOTE: This guide specification covers the requirements for insulated wire and
cable for use on hydraulic structures, except for wire and cable for special
applications, such as low-level circuits for analog signals, data and supervisory
control, communication and telemetering systems.
Edit this guide specification for project specific requirements by adding, deleting,
or revising text. For bracketed items, choose applicable items(s) or insert
appropriate information.
Remove information and requirements not required in respective project, whether
or not brackets are present.
Comments and suggestions on this guide specification are welcome and should
be directed to the technical proponent of the specification. A listing of technical
proponents, including their organization designation and telephone number, is
on the Internet.
Recommended changes to a UFGS should be submitted as a Criteria Change Request
(CCR).
PART 1 GENERAL
NOTE: Procurement documents, including specifications, plans, and wire tables,
should be prepared to include relevant portions of the information checklists
stated below. The first list, "Characteristics of Systems on Which Cable Is
To Be Used," would be applicable where insulated wire and cable are to be procured
via a construction contract, particularly where the Contractor is expected to
decide details such as wire size, etc. It may be used in a supply contract
for those purchases where all the characteristics are known in advance such
that they can be specified in detail. The items of the second list, "Quantities
and Description of Cable," are covered in general in these guide specifications,
and should be applicable when procuring insulated wire and cable via supply
or construction contracts. These items should be verified or specified in the
level of detail needed for each particular case.
1). Characteristics of Systems on Which Cable Is To Be Used.
a. Normal operating voltage between conductors.
b. Frequency.
c. Number of phases & conductors.
d. Cable insulation level (1003514r 133%).
e. Minimum and maximum temperatures at which cable is expected to be operated.
f. Description of installation.
1.In cable trays.
2.In ducts.
3.Other.
g. Conditions of installation.
1.Ambient temperature.
2.Wet or dry location.
3.Number of loaded cables in cable trays, duct bank, or conduit. If in conduit,
give type of conduit (metallic or non-metallic), number of loaded circuits,
whether conduit is enclosed or run exposed, and spacing between conduits.
4.Load factor.
5.Method of bonding and grounding of metallic coverings (including shields).
6.Chemical exposure.
2). Quantities and Description of Cable.
a. Total number of meters (feet), including lengths for customer testing, and
lengths if specific lengths are required.
b. Type of cable. Describe as single-conductor, two-conductor, etc.
c. Rated circuit voltage, phase to phase.
d. Type of conductors - copper or aluminum.
e. Size of conductors - AWG or circular micrometers (mils). If conditions require
other than standard stranding, a complete description should be given.
f. Grade of insulation.
g. Thickness of insulation, in micrometers (mils).
h. Type of outer covering.
i. Maximum allowable overall diameter, in mm (inches). When duct space is not
limited, it is not wise to restrict the overall diameter.
j. Method of conductor identification.
In making wiring layouts for those installations using multiple-conductor cables,
care should be taken to avoid the use of assemblies not normally stocked by
manufacturers, or of small quantities which will not come within the manufacturers'
minimum pricing schedules. In general, unless very large quantities are involved,
lower overall cable costs can be effected by using manufacturers' standard assemblies,
even though more conductors than required are provided, instead of a cable requiring
a special setup. Short lengths may be eliminated by substituting cables which
will have sufficient quantity to obtain the manufacturers' minimum price. Substitution
may consist of a larger number of conductors than required, or a combination
of assemblies of a smaller number of conductors. The most economical cable
schedule for any particular installation can be obtained only by careful study
of all factors involved, particularly increased conduit costs.
1.1 REFERENCES
NOTE: This paragraph is used to list the publications cited in the text of
the guide specification. The publications are referred to in the text by basic
designation only and listed in this paragraph by organization, designation,
date, and title.
Use the Reference Wizard's Check Reference feature when you add a RID outside
of the Section's Reference Article to automatically place the reference in the
Reference Article. Also use the Reference Wizard's Check Reference feature
to update the issue dates.
References not used in the text will automatically be deleted from this section
of the project specification when you choose to reconcile references in the
publish print process.
The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The publications are
referred to within the text by the basic designation only.
[ASSOCIATION OF EDISON ILLUMINATING COMPANIES (AEIC)AEIC C8(2000) Extruded Dielectric Shielded Power Cables Rated 5 Through 46 kVAEIC CS8(2000) Extruded Dielectric Shielded Power Cables Rated 5 Through 46 kV][INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS (IEEE)IEEE Std 383(2003) Standard for Qualifying Class 1E Electric Cables and, Field Splices for Nuclear Power Generating Stations 2004][NATIONAL ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (NEMA)NEMA WC 70(1999; Errata 2001) Standard for Non-Shielded Power Cable 2000 V or Less for the Distribution of Electrical Energy]1.2 SUBMITTALS
NOTE: Review submittal description (SD) definitions in Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL
PROCEDURES and edit the following list to reflect only the submittals required
for the project. Submittals should be kept to the minimum required for adequate
quality control.
A “G” following a submittal item indicates that the submittal requires Government
approval. Some submittals are already marked with a “G”. Only delete an existing
“G” if the submittal item is not complex and can be reviewed through the Contractor’s
Quality Control system. Only add a “G” if the submittal is sufficiently important
or complex in context of the project.
For submittals requiring Government approval on Army projects, a code of up
to three characters within the submittal tags may be used following the "G"
designation to indicate the approving authority. Codes for Army projects using
the Resident Management System (RMS) are: "AE" for Architect-Engineer; "DO"
for District Office (Engineering Division or other organization in the District
Office); "AO" for Area Office; "RO" for Resident Office; and "PO" for Project
Office. Codes following the "G" typically are not used for Navy, Air Force,
and NASA projects.
Choose the first bracketed item for Navy, Air Force and NASA projects, or choose
the second bracketed item for Army projects.
Government approval is required for submittals with a "G" designation; submittals not having a "G" designation
are for [Contractor Quality Control approval.] [information only. When used, a designation following the "G"
designation identifies the office that will review the submittal for the Government.] Submit the following in
accordance with Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES:
SD-03 Product Data
Installation Instructions
Cable manufacturing data [as requested].
SD-06 Test Reports
Tests, Inspections, and Verifications
[____] certified copies of test reports.
1.3 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
Furnish cables on reels or coils. Each cable and the outside of each reel or coil, shall be plainly marked or
tagged to indicate the cable length, voltage rating, conductor size, and manufacturer's lot number and reel number.
Each coil or reel of cable shall contain only one continuous cable without splices. Cables for exclusively dc
applications, as specified in paragraph HIGH VOLTAGE TEST SOURCE, shall be identified as such. Shielded cables
rated 2,001 volts and above shall be reeled and marked in accordance with Section I of AEIC C8 or AEIC CS8, as
applicable. Reels shall remain the property of the [Contractor] [Government].
1.4 PROJECT/SITE CONDITIONS
NOTE: Use this paragraph to describe unusual environments, such as temperature
extremes, chemical exposure, etc.
[_____]
PART 2 PRODUCTS
2.1 MATERIALS
NOTE: Variations from these specifications may be appropriate in some cases.
In addition to increasing rated circuit voltage where large overvoltages could
occur, material sizes and strengths should be coordinated to withstand any pulling
forces which will be applied. The lower strength of EPR, even jacketed, may
at times preclude the use of this material for long pulls. If variations are
requested by a Contractor, they should only be approved if the safety and integrity
of conservatively designed circuits are not compromised. The use of polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) insulation or jacket material will not be permitted.
2.1.1 Wire Table
NOTE: An example typical wire table and a Format Template for a Wire Table
are located at the end of this Section. Use this paragraph and Format Template,
if itemized characteristics for each application are to be tabulated.
Furnish wire and cable in accordance with the requirements of the wire table [below] [appended to these specifications],
conforming to the detailed requirements specified herein.
2.1.2 Rated Circuit Voltages
All wire and cable shall have minimum rated circuit voltages in accordance with NEMA WC 70.
2.1.3 Conductors
NOTE: All cable assemblies (multiple-conductor and single-conductor) must pass,
or be capable of passing, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) 383 flame test, paragraph 2.5, using the ribbon gas burner. Single conductors
and individual conductors of multiple-conductor cables shall also be required
to pass the flame test described in NEMA WC 70. (This requirement was previously
restricted to cable tray applications. It is extended to all uses for greater
safety, since flame-resistant cables are now available from many manufacturers.)
2.1.3.1 Material for Conductors
NOTE: If aluminum is to be specified for any of the wire purchased, revise
this paragraph accordingly.
Conductors for wire and cable rated 2,000 volts or less shall be copper. For
wire and cable rated 2,001 volts and above, the specifications may be written
to permit either aluminum or copper conductors where aluminum is suitable for
the application and is determined to be more economical than copper.
Aluminum conductors should be permitted only where cost comparisons show an
overall savings and after a careful evaluation of the corrosion problems associated
with their use. They should only be allowed where installers are qualified to
make reliable connections with them. Costs should be compared between all pertinent
items such as installation, conduit, tray, tunnel and duct banks, lifetime costs
of energy losses if significant, and differences in ventilation needs if losses
are evaluated. Conductors should have the required current carrying capacities,
the required short circuit capacities, and should be satisfactory with respect
to voltage drop. Aluminum conductors should be sized to have equal or less
resistance than the alternate copper conductors unless the total cost comparison,
including losses, shows a net advantage otherwise. In such cases where the
engineering costs to properly compare the use of the two materials will exceed
any possible savings to be achieved by aluminum, the arbitrary choice of copper
may be the best policy.
Conductors shall conform to all the applicable requirements of NEMA WC 70, as applicable, and shall be annealed
copper. Copper conductors may be bare, or tin- or lead-alloy-coated, if required by the type of insulation used.
2.1.3.2 Size
Minimum wire size shall be No. 12 AWG for power and lighting circuits; No. 10 AWG for current transformer secondary
circuits; No. 14 AWG for potential transformer, relaying, and control circuits; No. 16 AWG for annunciator circuits;
and No. 19 AWG for alarm circuits. Minimum wire sizes for rated circuit voltages of 2,001 volts and above shall
not be less than those listed for the applicable voltage in NEMA WC 70, as applicable.
2.1.3.3 Stranding
Conductor stranding classes cited herein shall be as defined in NEMA WC 70, as applicable. Lighting conductors
No. 10 AWG and smaller shall be solid or have Class B stranding. Any conductors used between stationary and
moving devices, such as hinged doors or panels, shall have Class H or K stranding. All other conductors shall
have Class B or C stranding, except that conductors shown on the drawings, or in the schedule, as No. 12 AWG
may be 19 strands of No. 25 AWG, and conductors shown as No. 10 AWG may be 19 strands of No. 22 AWG.
2.1.3.4 Conductor Shielding
Use conductor shielding conforming to NEMA WC 70, as applicable, on power cables having a rated circuit voltage
above 2,000 volts. In addition, conductor shielding for shielded cables shall also comply with Section C of
AEIC C8 or AEIC CS8. Strict precautions shall be taken after application of the conductor shielding to prevent
the inclusion of voids or contamination between the conductor shielding and the subsequently applied insulation.
2.1.3.5 Separator Tape
Where conductor shielding, strand filling, or other special conductor treatment is not required, a separator
tape between conductor and insulation is permitted.
2.1.4 Insulation
2.1.4.1 Insulation Material
NOTE: The insulation compounds specified herein are of the thermosetting type.
Two options are included: cross-linked thermosetting polyethylene (XLPE), in
accordance with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) publication
WC 7 (Insulated Cable Engineers Association (ICEA) publication S-66-524), or
ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), in accordance with NEMA WC 70 (ICEA S-68-516).
These two materials alone are widely available and can be satisfactorily compounded
to meet the requirements of a conservative cable design for long and reliable
service. The grades permitted are all suitable for service in wet or dry locations
at 90 C. This specification does not allow the use of "tray cable" meeting
only the minimum requirements of the National Electrical Code or Underwriters
Laboratories, which permit a 75 C wet rating. Jackets are also thermosetting,
except certain thermoplastic compounds are permitted for use below 601 volts,
as defined in paragraph JACKET MATERIAL, subparagraph ACCESSIBLE USE ONLY, 2,000
VOLTS OR LESS, in cases where access for cable installation and removal would
not be a problem.
Provide insulation which is a cross-linked thermosetting polyethylene (XLPE) type, meeting the requirements of
NEMA WC 70, as applicable, or an ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) type meeting the requirements of NEMA WC 70.
For shielded cables of rated circuit voltages above 2,000 volts, the following provisions shall also apply:
a. XLPE, if used, shall be tree-retardant.
b. Insulation shall be chemically bonded to conductor shielding.
c. The insulation material and its manufacturing, handling, extrusion and vulcanizing processes, shall
all be subject to strict procedures to prevent the inclusion of voids, contamination, or other irregularities
on or in the insulation. Insulation material shall be inspected for voids and contaminants. Inspection
methods, and maximum allowable void and contaminant content shall be in accordance with Section B of
AEIC C8 or AEIC CS8, as applicable.
d. Cables with repaired insulation defects discovered during factory testing, or with splices or insulation
joints, are not acceptable [unless specifically approved].
2.1.4.2 Insulation Thickness
NOTE: The rated circuit voltage of the insulation should be specified to be
600 volts for all circuits operating below 601 volts. Higher rated circuit
voltages may be required by some applications within this range, such as control
circuits containing large dc solenoids used in older circuit breakers. Specifications
should then be revised to require 1,000- or 2,000-volt insulation in such cases
for multiple- or single-conductor cables, respectively. Below 48 volts, 600-volt
insulation can be used, but these are special applications that are best considered
in light of the particular circumstances. For example, many proprietary detection
systems and programmable controller applications typically use 24-volt, low-power
circuits, for which lower rated circuit voltages may be appropriate. These
specifications also cover rated circuit voltages for systems operating above
600 volts.
The following insulation thickness options from Table 3-1 of NEMA Standards
WC 7 and WC 8 for single-conductor cables rated 2,000 volts and below have been
specified: (1) Column A thickness, which does not require a jacket, may be
used only for XLPE insulated cable. NEMA WC 70 allows Type II EPR to be used
with Column A thickness without a jacket; however, this application should not
be permitted because the Type II EPR insulation is significantly short of meeting
jacket physical requirements. (2) Column B thickness may be used for either
XLPE or EPR Type I or II insulated cable, but only with a jacket. For multiple-conductor
cables, NEMA WC 70 may be followed.
The insulation thickness for each conductor shall be based on its rated circuit voltage.
a. Power Cables/Single-Conductor Control Cables, 2,000 Volts and Below - The insulation thickness for
single-conductor cables rated 2,000 volts and below shall be as required by NEMA WC 70, as applicable.
Some thicknesses of NEMA WC 70 will be permitted only for single-conductor cross-linked thermosetting
polyethylene insulated cables without a jacket. NEMA WC 70 ethylene-propylene rubber-insulated conductors
shall have a jacket.
b. Power Cables, Rated 2,001 Volts and Above - Thickness of insulation for power cables rated 2,001
volts and above shall be in accordance with the following:
(1) Non-shielded cables, 2,001 to 5,000 volts, shall comply with NEMA WC 70, as applicable.
(2) Shielded cables rated 2,001 volts and above shall comply with Column B of Table B1, of
AEIC C8 or AEIC CS8, as applicable.
c. Multiple-Conductor Control Cables - The insulation thickness of multiple-conductor cables used for
control and related purposes shall be as required by NEMA WC 70, as applicable.
2.1.4.3 Insulation Shielding
Unless otherwise specified, provide insulation shielding for conductors having rated circuit voltages of 2,001
volts and above. The voltage limits above which insulation shielding is required, and the material requirements,
are given in NEMA WC 70, as applicable. The material, if thermosetting, shall meet the wafer boil test requirements
as described in Section D of AEIC C8 or AEIC CS8, as applicable. The method of shielding shall be in accordance
with the current practice of the industry; however, the application process shall include strict precautions
to prevent voids or contamination between the insulation and the nonmetallic component. Voids, protrusions,
and indentations of the shield shall not exceed the maximum allowances specified in Section C of AEIC C8 or AEIC CS8
, as applicable. The cable shall be capable of operating without damage or excessive temperature when the shield
is grounded at both ends of each conductor. All components of the shielding system shall remain tightly applied
to the components they enclose after handling and installation in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Shielding systems which require heat to remove will not be permitted unless specifically approved.
2.1.5 Jackets
All cables shall have jackets meeting the requirements of NEMA WC 70, as applicable, and as specified herein.
Individual conductors of multiple-conductor cables shall be required to have jackets only if they are necessary
for the conductor to meet other specifications herein. Jackets of single-conductor cables and of individual
conductors of multiple-conductor cables, except for shielded cables, shall be in direct contact and adhere or
be vulcanized to the conductor insulation. Multiple-conductor cables and shielded single-conductor cables shall
be provided with a common overall jacket, which shall be tightly and concentrically formed around the core.
Repaired jacket defects found and corrected during manufacturing are permitted if the cable, including jacket,
afterward fully meets these specifications and the requirements of the applicable standards.
2.1.5.1 Jacket Material
NOTE: Modify the restriction against PVC Jackets if they will be permitted on
metal-clad cables, in accordance with paragraph METAL-CLAD CABLE, subparagraph
JACKETS.
The jacket shall be one of the materials listed below. [Polyvinyl chloride compounds will not be permitted.]
[Variations from the materials required below will be permitted only if approved for each specific use, upon
submittal of sufficient data to prove that they exceed all specified requirements for the particular application.]
a. General Use
(1) Heavy-duty black neoprene (NEMA WC 70).
(2) Heavy-duty chlorosulfonated polyethylene (NEMA WC 70).
(3) Heavy-duty cross-linked (thermoset) chlorinated polyethylene (NEMA WC 70).
b. Accessible Use Only, 2,000 Volts or Less - Cables installed where they are entirely accessible, such
as cable trays and raceways with removable covers, or where they pass through less than 3 meters 10 feet
of exposed conduit only, shall have jackets of one of the materials specified in above paragraph GENERAL
USE, or the jackets may be of one of the following:
(1) General-purpose neoprene (NEMA WC 70).
(2) Black polyethylene (NEMA WC 70).
(3) Thermoplastic chlorinated polyethylene (NEMA WC 70).
2.1.5.2 Jacket Thickness
The minimum thickness of the jackets at any point shall be not less than 80 percent of the respective nominal
thicknesses specified below.
a. Multiple-Conductor Cables - Thickness of the jackets of the individual conductors of multiple-conductor
cables shall be as required by NEMA WC 70, and shall be in addition to the conductor insulation thickness
required by Column B of Table 3-1 of the applicable NEMA publication for the insulation used. Thickness
of the outer jackets or sheaths of the assembled multiple-conductor cables shall be as required by NEMA WC 70
.
b. Single-Conductor Cables - Single-conductor cables, if nonshielded, shall have a jacket thickness
as specified in NEMA WC 70. If shielded, the jacket thickness shall be in accordance with the requirements
of NEMA WC 70.
2.1.6 Metal-Clad Cable
2.1.6.1 General
The metallic covering shall be [interlocked steel tape] [corrugated metal], conforming to the applicable requirements
of NEMA WC 70. If the covering is of ferrous metal, it shall be galvanized. Copper grounding conductor(s) conforming
to NEMA WC 70 shall be furnished for each multiple-conductor metal-clad cable. Assembly and cabling shall be
as specified in paragraph CABLING. The metallic covering shall be applied over an inner jacket or filler tape.
The cable shall be assembled so that the metallic covering will be tightly bound over a firm core.
2.1.6.2 Jackets
Metal-clad cables may have a jacket under the armor, and shall have a jacket over the armor. Jackets shall comply
with the requirements of NEMA WC 70. The outer jacket for the metal-clad cable may be of polyvinyl chloride
only if specifically approved.
2.2 CABLE IDENTIFICATION
2.2.1 Color-Coding
NOTE: The Control Cable Color Code specified, although widely used by the Corps
of Engineers, does not agree with National Electrical Code requirements for
neutral and grounding conductor identification. If this is required, use the
coding in NEMA WC 70.
Insulation of individual conductors of multiple-conductor cables shall be color-coded in accordance with NEMA WC 70
, except that colored braids will not be permitted. Only one color-code method shall be used for each cable
construction type. Control cable color-coding shall be [in accordance with NEMA WC 70] [as shown on the drawings]
[as follows: - [_____]]. Power cable color-coding shall be black for Phase A, red for Phase B, blue for Phase
C, white for grounded neutral, and green for an insulated grounding conductor, if included. [Other individual
conductors shall be color-coded as indicated on the contract drawings but such color-coding may be accomplished
by applying colored plastic tapes or sleeving at terminations.]
2.2.2 Shielded Cables Rated 2,001 Volts and Above
Marking shall be in accordance with Section H of AEIC C8 or AEIC CS8, as applicable.
2.2.3 Cabling
Individual conductors of multiple-conductor cables shall be assembled with flame-and moisture-resistant fillers,
binders, and a lay conforming to NEMA WC 70, except that flat twin cables will not be permitted. Fillers shall
be used in the interstices of multiple-conductor round cables with a common covering where necessary to give
the completed cable a substantially circular cross section. Fillers shall be non-hygroscopic material, compatible
with the cable insulation, jacket, and other components of the cable. The rubber-filled or other approved type
of binding tape shall consist of a material that is compatible with the other components of the cable and shall
be lapped at least 10 percent of its width.
2.2.4 Dimensional Tolerance
The outside diameters of single-conductor cables and of multiple-conductor cables shall not vary more than 5
percent and 10 percent, respectively, from the manufacturer's published catalog data.
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
The following information shall be provided by the cable manufacturer for each size, conductor quantity, and
type of cable furnished:
a. Minimum bending radius, in inches - For multiple-conductor cables, this information shall be provided
for both the individual conductors and the multiple-conductor cable.
b. Pulling tension and sidewall pressure limits, in newtons pounds.
c. Instructions for stripping semiconducting insulation shields, if furnished, with minimum effort without
damaging the insulation.
d. Upon request, compatibility of cable materials and construction with specific materials and hardware
manufactured by others shall be stated. Also, if requested, recommendations shall be provided for various
cable operations, including installing, splicing, terminating, etc.
3.2 TESTS, INSPECTIONS, AND VERIFICATIONS
NOTE: Contract schedules should allow sufficient time for an orderly and timely
sequence of data submission, manufacturing of equipment and materials, and delivery
in accordance with the specifications. However, there may be occasions when
wire and cable must be obtained in such a short time that compliance with the
requirements of this paragraph and subparagraphs CABLE DATA and INSPECTIONS
AND TESTS, is not practical. In those cases, wire and cable from suppliers'
stock may be considered for approval, provided a manufacturer's certificate
is submitted, which establishes to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer
that the proposed wire and cable, identified by lot number and reel or coil
number, meet the applicable standards and s When the wire and cable must meet
IEEE Std 383, the reports required in this paragraph and subparagraph FLAME
TESTS, should always be submitted. Such deviations should be limited to those
cases in which a contract change or incorrect estimate requires the procurement
of cable which, if done following the specified approval procedure, would result
in unacceptable contract completion dates.
3.2.1 Cable Data
Manufacture of the wire and cable shall not be started until all materials to be used in the fabrication of the
finished wire or cable have been approved by the Contracting Officer. Cable data shall be submitted for approval
including dimensioned sketches showing cable construction, and sufficient additional data to show that these
specifications will be satisfied.
3.2.2 Inspection and Tests
Inspection and tests of wire and cable furnished under these specifications shall be made by and at the plant
of the manufacturer, and shall be witnessed by the Contracting Officer or his authorized representative, unless
waived in writing. The Government may perform further tests before or after installation. Testing in general
shall comply with NEMA WC 70. Specific tests required for particular materials, components, and completed cables
shall be as specified in the sections of the above standards applicable to those materials, components, and cable
types. Tests shall also be performed in accordance with the additional requirements specified below.
3.2.2.1 High-Voltage Test Source
Where the applicable standards allow a choice, high-voltage tests for cables to be used exclusively on dc circuits
shall be made with dc test voltages. Cables to be used exclusively on ac circuits shall be tested with ac test
voltages. If both ac and dc will be present, on either the same or separate conductors of the cable, ac test
voltages shall be used.
3.2.2.2 Shielded Cables Rated 2,001 Volts or Greater
The following tests shall be performed in addition to those specified above. Section or paragraph references
are to AEIC C8 or AEIC CS8 as applicable, unless otherwise stated.
a. High potential test voltages shall be as required by Table B1 of AEIC C8 or AEIC CS8 as applicable,
rather than by NEMA WC 70.
b. If high potential testing is done with an ac test voltage as specified in paragraph HIGH-VOLTAGE
TEST SOURCE, an additional test shall be made using a dc test voltage rated at 75 percent of the specified
full dc test voltage, for 5 consecutive minutes.
c. Production sampling tests shall be performed in accordance with Section D. Sampling frequency and
failure contingencies shall be in accordance with paragraph G.3. Unless otherwise approved, samples
shall not be taken from the middle of extruder runs of insulation or shielding made only for one continuous
shipping length of cable, if such sampling will result in the need to repair the sampled area.
d. Partial discharge tests shall be performed in accordance with Section E, paragraph E.2, and Section
F.
3.2.2.3 Flame Tests
All [multiple-conductor and single-conductor] cable assemblies shall pass IEEE Std 383 flame tests, paragraph
2.5, using the ribbon gas burner. Single-conductor cables and individual conductors of multiple-conductor cables
shall pass the flame test of NEMA WC 70. If such tests, however, have previously been made on identical cables,
these tests need not be repeated. Instead, certified reports of the original qualifying tests shall be submitted.
In this case the reports furnished under paragraph REPORTS, shall verify that all of each cable's materials,
construction, and dimensions are the same as those in the qualifying tests.
3.2.2.4 Independent Tests
The Government may at any time make visual inspections, continuity or resistance checks, insulation resistance
readings, power factor tests, or dc high-potential tests at field test values. A cable's failure to pass these
tests and inspections, or failure to produce readings consistent with acceptable values for the application,
will be grounds for rejection of the cable.
3.2.2.5 Reports
Furnish results of tests made. No wire or cable shall be shipped until authorized. Lot number and reel or coil
number of wire and cable tested shall be indicated on the test reports.
Example Typical Wire Table:
________________________________________________________________
| WIRE TABLE |
|_______________________________________________________________|
| Size, Rated |
| Item AWG or No. of Circuit Quantity |
| No. kcmil Conds. Voltage Stranding Comments m lin ft|
|_______________________________________________________________|
| |
| ___1 ____12 _____1 ____600 ___B or C General use_ _3,260 |
| |
| ___2 ____12 _____1 ____600 __* Solid Lighting____ ___960 |
| |
| Current |
| ___3 ____10 _____4 __1,000 ___B or C transformers ___120 |
| |
| Shield, |
| armor, |
| ___4 ___2/0 _____3 __15 kV ___B or C jacket______ ___275 |
| |
| ............... |
| Control, |
| __17 ____12 _____9 __1,000 ___B or C annunciation ___670 |
| |
| Class _____ stranding may be substituted for ______ where |
| indicated by "*". |
|_______________________________________________________________|
***NOTE: Cable quantities for construction contracts should only
be listed when certain, unless payment is to be per m foot, or if
they are stated to be approximate, subject to Contractor
verification.
__________________________________________________________________
| |
| WIRE TABLE |
|__________________________________________________________________|
| Size, Rated |
| Item AWG or No. of Circuit Quantity |
| No. kcmil Conds. Voltage Stranding Comments m lin ft.|
|__________________________________________________________________|
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| _____ ______ ______ _______ _________ __________ _________ |
| |
| Class ___ stranding may be substituted for ___ where |
| indicated by "*". |
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