Ianuary 1979

IPCEA 5-61-402, NEMA WC 5 Pan 7 Page 1

Part '1
CONSTRUCTlONS OF SPECIFIC TYPES

Tbe requirements of Parts 1 through 6 shall be met except as otherwise modified in Part 7.

7.1 Pole and Bracket Cable
7.1.1 Scope. This section applíes to flat- rwín
pole and bracket cable ínsulate d wíth polyvínyl
chloride and belted wíth polyethylene. This cable
is intended for use in series street lighting circuits
in both interior and exterior ínstallatíons for opera-
tion at ternperatures not exceeding 75·C. The con-
ductor síz es covered are lO, 8 and 6 AWG. The
ínsulatíon and belt thícknesses are based on a maxí-
mum of 600 volts between conductors and on open-
círcuít voltages from 3001 to 9000 volts.
'1.1.2 Conductors
The area of cross-sectíon of any conductor shall
be not less than 98 percent of the area given in
Table 7.1-1.
7.1.3 lnsulation
7.1.3.1 The polyvinyl chloríde insulation
shall meet the requírernents given in 3.7, except
that both the tensile strength and elongation after
168 hours at 100·C :1: l·C shall be not Iess than
85 percent of the unaged values, and the cold bend
test shall be conducted at -30·C, :l:1·C.
7.1.3.2 The average thicknesS of the ínsula-
tion shall be not less than that given in Table 7.1 2.
Q

The mínimum thickness shall be not less than 90 pe!'"

7. 1. 2. 1 The conductors shall be oí annealed
uncoated copper or annealed coated copper and shall
me et the requírernents of 2.1.1 and 2.3.
7.1. 2. 2 The sízes, mínimum nurnber of
strands, average cross-sectíonal áreas and approxí-
mate diameters of the conductors shall be as shown
in TabIe 7.1-1.
cent of the values given in the table, Tbe thíckness
shall be measured in accordance '\o/ith 6.4. 3.
7.1.3.3 One conductor shall be colored black
and the other whíte or natural.
7.1.4 Conductor Assembly. The two Insulated
conductors shall be laid ñat and parallel,

T a ble 7. 1- 1

Size, Mínimum Number of Average Cross-sectional Area, Affroximate Díametez

AWG Strands per Conductor CM inches mm
10 19 10,380 0.117 2.97
8 19 16,510 0.148 3,76
6 19 26.240 0.186 4.72

Table 7.1-2
COl1struction and Test Requirements for Pole and Bracket Cable

Open- Con
círcuít duetor Thiekness :Minimum Outside Diameter Test Vol~es. kV
Belt Major Minor a-e dac
voltage, Size, lnsulation
miIs mm miIs mm inehes mm inehes mm 5 :Min 15 Mío
veie AWG
45 1.14 95 2.41 0.610 15.5 0.400 10.2 13 35
3001-6000 10
45 1.14 95 2.41 0.670 17. O 0.430 10.9 13 35
8
60 1.52 95 2.41 0.810 20.6 0.500 12.7 13 35
6

6001-9000 10 45 1.14 110 2.79 0.640 16.3 0.430 10.9 19 55

8 4S 1.14 110 2.79 0.700 17.8 0.460 11.7 19 55
6 60 1.52 110 2.79 0.840 21.3 0.530 13.5 19 55
January 1979
Part 7 page 2
7.1. 5 Be1t
7.1. 5.1 The belt shall be a he at- and líght-
stabi liz ed b1aek polyethylene insu1ation and shall
meet the physieal and aging requirements for poly-
ethylene ínsulatíon as gíven in 3.9.1. It shall be
applied in a ñat configuration. Fillers shall not be
used, The belt insulation shall fill the interstíces of
the cable.
7.1. 5. 2 The average thickness of the belt
shall be not less than that given in Table 7.1-2.
The minimum thickness shall be no! les s than 90
pereent of the values given in the table,
7.1.6 Tests. The cable shall be testedIn ac-
cordance wíth Par! 6 and shall rneet the re¡quirements
speeified in 7.1 except as otherwíse specífíed in
7.1.6.1 through 7.1.6.4 ••
"-',
.'~
7.1. 6.1 The completed cable shall withsra-¡:¡d~
the following voltage tests after being immersed ,in
\oo. ater for at leas! 6 hours,
7.1. 6. 2 An alternatíng-current test voltage
of 3000 volts shall be applied berween conductors
for 5 mínu tes,
7.1. 6.3 The ccnductors shall be connecte d
together, and the alrernatíng-current and dírect-
,;, These paragraphs are approved by NEMA as Authorized Engineering Information.
A Revised 9-20-1978.
IPCEA S- 61-402, NEMA WC 5
current test voltages given in Table 7.1-2 shall be
applied berween the conductor and water.
7.1.6.4 Cold Bend Test. The polyethylene
belt shall not show any cracks when conditioned and
tested in accordance with 6.4.15.1. The cable shall
be bent around its minor axís, The insulated cono
ductor diarneter given in 6.4.15.1 shail be taken as
the minor axis oí the cable. Cracking of the poly-
vínyl chlorí de insulation on !l!e individual conduc-
tors under thís jest-shall ñot-co1ísti~ure. It.
7.1. 7 Outside Diameters. The outsíde díarnerers
of the ccrnpleted cable shall be not less than that
given in Tab!e.J •.1••2¡-~Lh-a-roier-a.¡:¡ of +10 per c
celJt..·· __--:......--- -
»-:"
7.1.8 Bending Radius ':'. The ~nimu·rrr-radi.us
-fuWb:iéh-rlre:se- cal:rles--may Oe-bent around theír
rnínor axís in service ís 2 ínches (50.8 mm), wíth a
maxírnurn of 1/2 rurn (l80-degree U bend) ••
arure terminations are recommended where me cable
will be exposed to temperarures, in close proximi ty
-
ler-ffiÍ.¡:¡.at:i.ons....:!'~Suitable-hig-h"1emper-
to the lumínaíre, in excess of 75"C••
 DECEMBER1984
ICEA S-6]-402.NEMAWC S PART 7, PAGE )-S

7.3 NEUTRAL·SUPPORTED SECONDARY
AND SERVICE DROP CABLESt
7.3.1 Scope. This section covers secondary ano
servíce drop cables composed of one or more poly-
ethylene-insulated conductors and one neutral con-
ductor for use as the supporting member. These
cables: are for use on círcuí ts not exceeding 600 volts
phase to phase and at conductor temperatures not
exceeding 7S·C (167~)_
7.3.2 Conductors
7.3.2.1 Insulated Conductors
7.3.2.1.1 COPPER. Conductors shall be
annealed uncoated copper and shall meet the
requirements given in Pan 2. Size 8 A WG shalJ
be solid or CJass B stranded in accordance with
Table 2-7. Sizes 6 A WG and Jarger shall be CJass
B stranded in accordance with Table 2-7. ~
1
7.3.2.2.2 Aluminum. Conductces .han
be h.a.rd-drawn aluminum 1350. The stranding shall
be in accordance with Class A, Table 2, of ASTM B
231 for sízes up through 2/0 AWG and in accordance
with Class B, Table 3, of ASTM B 231 for sizes 3/0
AWG and larger. The dírectíoa of lay of the oute.r
layer shall be right hand,
7.3.2.2.3 Copper and Copper-covered-
steel Composite. conductors shall be concentric-lay
stranded-copper and copper-covered-steel composi te
conductors and shall rneet the requirements gíven
in the applicable sections of ASTM B 229.
7.3.2.2.4 Aluminum Conductors - Steel
Reinforced. Aluminum conductora steel reinforced
(ACSR) shall meet the requirements of ASTM B 232,
The stranding shall be as follows:
(a) Sizes 4/0 AWG and smaller-7-wire strand
(6 aluminum around 1 steel),

(b) Sizes larger than 4/0 AWG-19 -wire strand

7.3.2.1.2 ALUMINUM Conductors shall
(18 aluminum around 1 steel) or, where
be aluminum 1350 with a minímum tensile strength
greater strength is reqiíred, 24 or ·26 alumí-
of 17,000 psi (117 MPa). Sizes 6 and 4 AWG
num wires around a 7-wire steel strand,
shall be solid in accordance with ASTM B 230 or
ASTM B f:IJ9 before insulating and with Table 2-7,
7.3.2.2.5 ALUMINUM ALLOY CONDUC·
CJass A or B stranded in accordance with ASTM
TORS-SOOS·H19. Conductors shall meet the
B 231, or com pact round stranded in accordance
requirements of ASTM B 397. The stranding
with ASTM B 400. Sizes larger than 4 A WG
shall be 7-wire strand for sizes 246.9 kcmil and
shall be CJass A or B stranded in accordance
smaller and 19-wire strand for sizes larger than
with ASTM B 231 or compact round stranded
246.9 kemil. ~
in accordance with ASTM B 400. ~
7.3.2.2.6 ALUMINUM ALLOY CONDUC~
TORS-6201·T81. Conductors shall meet the
7.3.2.1.3 Direction of Lay. The dírec- requirements of ASTM B 399. The stranding
tion of lay of me outer layer of stranded conductors shall be 7-wire strand for sizes 246.9 kcmil and
shall be left hand or rigbt hand, smaller and 19-wire strand for sizes larger than
246.9 kcmil..
7.3.2.-2 Neutral Conductors. Neutral con- 7.3,3 lnsulation
ductors shall be uncovered or covered and tbe sízes
and composition shall be in accordance with Table 7.3.3.1 Physical and Aging Requirement;..
7.3-1.
7.3.3.1.1 Low-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE.
7.3.2.2.1 COPPER. Conductors shall be The polyethylene before application to the con-
hand-drawn uncoated copper and shall meet the ductor shalI comply with the requirernents of
requirements of ASTM B 1 and B 8. Sizes 2 A WG ASTM D 1248, Type 1, CJass C, Category 4 or 5,
and smaller shall be solid or Class B stranded in Grade ES or 13. The requirements of ASTM D
accordance with Table 2·7. Sizes larger than 2 1248 do not apply to insulation removed from

•
A WG shall be Class B stranded in accordance the conductor. The insulation shall meet the
with Table 2-7. ~ requirements of 3.9.1 when tested in accordance
with Part 6. ~
t Par. 7.2 rescinded 5-28·198l.
A Editorially revised,
DECEMBER 1984
Pan 7 Page 6 ·leEA 5-'loo4Ol, NEMA WC 5

7.3.3.1.2 High - density Polyemylene. that of !he outer !ayer oí wires of me neutral con-
-'!be polyethylene shall be suitable for e.xposure te ductor.
sunligbtand other atmospberic environments at tern-
perarures between -SS·C and +7S·C and a minimum 7.3. 4.2 Parallel Assemblles Wi!h lnsulated
installing temperature oí -40·C. Tbe compound shall Aluminum Conductors. One or more imulated alu-
be black complying wíth !he requirements oí ASTM minum conductors shall be la1d flat and par&llel tú
D 1248, Type 111, Class C, Category S, Grade JS a neutral" Tbe neutral shall be on me outside of !be
or Ell. Tbe requírements of ASTM D 1248 do not usembly and shall be bound to !he conductor wi th
apply to Insulatíon removed from the conductor. a suiub1e aluminum el aluminum alloy wire 'er strip
When tested In accordance wim Pan 6. the imu- having a bre&king Itrength not lea than lS0 pounds
lation shall meet the following reqW.rements except and applled wim a lay oí 3 to 6 taches,
that me rate at which specímeas are stretched dur-
ing tensile and elongation tests &hall be 2 íncbes 7.3.4.3 Neutral Conductor. Tbe size oí me
per minute: neutral conducta shall be In accordance with Table
7.3-1 foe copper ínsulated power ceaductors and
Physical Requirements Table 7.3-2 for aluminum Insulated power conduc-
Tensile strength, núnimum torso
pñ.............................. 2500
7.3.5 Test!. The cable !hall be tested in
A MPa........................... 17.2
accordance with Part 6 and !hall meet the req.¡irc-
Elongation at ruprure. m1nimuIn,
ments specified in 7. 3 except that each Ieagth oí
percent ••••••••••••••••••••••••• 300
Aging Requírernents completed cable shall successfully witlutand, afteg
After aír oyen test at lOO·C l·C for * írnmersíon in water for1 hour, an altem&tingccUITelIr
voltage of 2500 volts applied fer 1 minute betweea
48 houzs-tensile strengm and elon-
gation at rupture-e-mínímum per- each in.sulated power conductor and ground.
centage of unaged value ••••••• •• • 75
.Absorption coeffící ent, mínimum Table 7.3-1
Neutral Cooductors for Use With
mllli(ateorbanceJmeter) ••••••••••••• 320 t
Coppe: Power Conductors
t In lieu of tesnng ñníshed cable ja.ckelS. a certífí-
catíon by the manufacturer of the polyethylene Neutral Cooductcr sízes,
compound !hat this requíremeat has been complied Copper losulated Powe: AWG
with shall suffice. Conductor sízes, Copper COVe!M
AWG C oppe: Sttlel );-:
7.3. 3. 2 Thíclm~ ofInsulation. Tbe average
thickness of tbe insulation shall be not less than me BC
8 8
following : 6 6 6C
6 8 8e
4 4 411
Conductor síz e, Thickness
4 6 6C
AWG or kcmil é, mils rnm
-8-2 4S 1.14
2 2 2F
1-4/0 60 1.52
2 4 'lA
250-500 80 2.03
1 1 IF
Tbe minimum thickness shall be not less than 1 3 3A
90 percent of the foregoing valnes,
l/O l/O 1/0 F
7.3.4 Assembly
l/O 2 2F
7. 3.4.1 Twisted Assemblies. One or more 2/0 2/0 2/0 F
Insulated conductors shall be twisted around the 2/0 1 1 F
neutral conductor wimout ñllers with a lay of 25 to
60 times the d1ameter of one oí the insulated con- * SeeASTM B 229 (see Appendix E) fOl letter desíg-
ductors, '!'he direction of lay sha.ll be same asme naríons and constructíocs,

Á Editorially revised.
 January 19'19
IPCfA S-61-402, NEMA WC 5 Pan 7 Page 6A

Table 7.3-2e
Neutral Conductors for Use With Aluminum Power Conductors

Neutral Conductor Sízesl AWG

Alurnínum
Aluminum Insulated Copper Anoy
Power Conductor Sízes, Covered Alumínum 5005~H19
AWG or MCM Copper Steel* 1350 ACSR 6201 -rsi

6 8 8C 6 6 G
4 6 6C 4 4 4
4 8 8C 6 6
2 4 4A 2 2 2
2 6 6C 4 4

l/O 2 2F l/O 1/0 l/O

l/O 4 4A 2 2
2/0 1 1F 2/0 2/0 2/0
2/0 3 3A 1 1

3/0 l/O l/O F 3/0 3/0 3/0

3/0 2 2F 1/0 ) /0
4/0 2/0 2/0 F 4/0 4/0 4/0
4/0 1 lF 2/0 2/0

266.8 266.8 266.8 312,8

167.8 195,'1
366.4 366.4 336.4 394.5
211.6 246.9

397.5 397.5 397.5 465.4

266.8 ~~12(8
477.0 477.0 477.0 559,5
336.4 3B4,Q

* See ASTM B 229 (see Appendíx E) for letter desígnations and construction •

• Added 9-20-1978.
 DECEMBER 1984
ICEA ~1-402, NEMA WC S Pan 7 Page 7

7.4 Control Cables 7.4.2.2 Sizes 22. 20. 19. 18 and 16 AWG
shall be solid or Class B stranded, Sizes 14, 12, 10
7.4.1 Scope. This section COVeISmultíple-con- and 9 AWG shall be Class B or C stranded.
ductor thermoplastic-Insulated control cables for use
aeríally and in ducts, conduits and trays, and for 7.4.3 Insulation
direct burial, The dífferent types oí cables are for
servíce as follows: 7.4.3.1 Types. The lnsulation shall meet
the requirements of 3.7, 3.8 or 3.9,
7.4.1.1 TypeA. Supervisorycablesfor rnorr-
itoring, data recordíng and conveyance of informa-
7.4.3.2 Thickness. The average total thíck-
tion, such as communícation, telemetering, temper-
ness of insulation shall be not Iess than that gíven in
ature, pressure, flow, indicating lights -maximum
Table 7.4-1. The minimum total thickness sh all be
círcuít voltage rating 300 volts.
not less than 90 percent of that gíven in the table,
7.4.1. 2 Type B. Control cables for operatíon
and ínterconnectíon of peotectíve devíces and for 7.4.3.2.1 In multiple - conductor poly >

general use - maxímum círcuít voltage ratíng 600
volts,
7.4.1. 3 Type C. Control cables for connec-
ethylene-ínsulated cables for the lOOO-volt rating or
Iess, 4 mils (0.10 mm) nominal thíckness of nylon
may be substítuted for 4 mils (0.10 mrn) of poly-
ethylene to províde a total thíckness as gíven in Ta Q

tion to círcuíts with heavy magnetíc tríp of break

devices, where inductively induced over -voltages
may occur - maximum circuit voltage ratíng 1000
vol ts,
7.4.1.4 Type D. Control, pilot wire and
supervisory cables used in conjunction with hígh-
voltage lines and installed parallel to such Unes
where faults in the htgh-voltag e cables will result in
above-ground voltage in the control cable sheaths or
surrounding ground -maxímurn círcuít voltage rating
600 volts¡ insulation level to ground 5000 volts,
7.4.2 Conductors
7.4.2.1 Conductors shall bemadeofannealed
uncoated copper wire in accordance wíth Part 2.
ble 7.4-1, except that in no case shall the thíckn ess
of polyethylene be less than 15 mils (0.38 mm). The
nylon-covered ínsulared conductor shall be tested in
accordance with 6.4.16 and shall show no cracks,
WrinkIes in the coveríng shall not constitute faílure,
7.4.3.2.2 In multiple - conductor poly ~
ethylene-Insulated cables for the tcoo-vou ratíng,
15 mils (0.38 mm) nominal thickness of polyvinyl
chloride, or 10 mils (0.25 mm) nominal thickness
for the 600-volt rating may be substítuted for 15 or
10 mils (0.38 or 0.25 mrn), r espectívely, of poly-
ethylene to províde a total insulation thí ckn ess as
gtv en in TabIe 7.4-1. The polyvinyl chloríde cov-
ering shall meet the requirements of 3.8.

T able 7.4-1
1nsulation Thickness

Voltage Rating, Volts *

300 600 1000
Conductor Polyvinyl Polyvinyl Polyvinyl
Size, Chloride PoIrethr lene Chlorlde Pol~eth~lene Chloride polyethylene
AWG mils mm mils mm mlls mm mils mm mils mm mils mm
22-20 20 0.51 15 0.38
19 20 0.51 15 0.38 30 0.76 25 0.64
18 25 0.64 20 0.51 30 0.76 25 0.64
16 25 0.64 20 0.51 30 0.76 25 0.64
14 25 0.64 20 0.51 45 1.14 30 0.76 60 1.52 45 1.14
12 45 1.14 30 0.76 60 1. 52 45 1.14

•
45 1.14 30 0.76 60 1.52 1.14
10
9 ... 45 1.14 30 0.76 60 l. ó2
45
45 1,14

* These voltage ratings represent the maximum r ated circuit voltage.

DECEMBER 1934
Part 7 Page 8 ICEA 5-61-402, NEMA WC 5

•
7.4.4 Covering Ove: Insulation mínimum thickness at any point shan be no Iess than
80 percent oí that gívea in the table,

7.4.4.1 The individual conductors oí rnultí-

ple-conductor cables neecl not have any covering
over the ínsulatíon, 7.4.8 Type D Cables

7.4.8.1 Type D cables shall have a ccee

7.4.5 Conductor Identíñcatlon á
corresponding to Type B or C as reoiíred and as
covered by 7.4.2 through 7.4.6.

7.4.5.1 Conductor identification, if used, 7.4.8.2 These cables are for varled types of
shall be by any suitable means (see Appendix exposure. The desígn of the protective belt as we1l
K) .••• as the degree of shielding needed and outer protec-
tíon will depend on conditions of use. No general
recommendations are given. (This paragraph ts ap-
7.4.6 Assembly preved by NEMA as Authorized Fngineeringlnforma-
tíon, )
7.4.6.1 The conductors or pairs
shalI be
assembled in accordance with Part S. If con-
ductor identification is used and if it follows a
designated sequence of colors, numbers or other
markings, the conductors or pairs shall be as- 7.4.9 Tests
sembled in the same sequence, with the first
designated conductor in the innermost layer. A 7.4.9.1 The cable shall meet the require-
separator tape may be used over the assembly .• ments specified in 7.4 when tested in accordance
with Part 6.

7.4.7 Overall Jacket 7.4.9.2 Electrical tests on completecl cable

7.4.7.1 Type A, B and C cables shall have a
jacket which rrieets the requir ements of one of the
following:
Polyvinyl chloride •••••.••••••••• 4.3.1
Po!yethylene ••.••.••••••••••••. 4.3.2
• Chlorinated polyethylene, thermoplastic. 4.3.3
7.4.7.2 The average thíckness of the jacket
sha1l be in accordance with 6.11 and 6.12, except
that the tests may be made w1thout ímrnersíng the
cable in water, in whichcase the tests shal) be made
berween each conductor and a11 other conductees
connected to ground,
7.4.9.3 The insulated conductors shall with-
stand for 5 mínutes either the alternating-current O\'

shall be not less than that gtven in Table 7,4-2. The dírect-current test voltage gíven in Table 7.4-3.

Table 7.4-2
Overall Jacket Thíckn ess

Calculated Diameter of Cable Under Jacket Overall Jacket Thickness

inches mm mils mm

.•• 0.425 and less .•• 10.80 and less 45 1.14

0.426-0.700 10.82-17.78 60 1.52
0.701-1.500 17.81-38.10 80 2.03
1. 501-2. 500 38.13-63.50 110 2.79
2.501 and larger 63.53 and larger 140 3.56

A Editorially revised .
• Added 9·15-1983.
•
 MARCH 1989
ICEA S-61-402, NEMA WC5

•••
PART 7, PAGE 9

.•. Table 7.4-3

Insulation Thicknesses and Test Voltages*
PolyvinylChloride PolyethyleneInsulation or PolyethylenePlus
Insulatlon PolyvinylChlorideor Nylon
Thickness TestVoltage,kV Thickness TestVoltage,kV
ínches ac dc lnches ae de
.020 1.0 3.0 .015 1.5 4.5
.025 1.0 3.0 .020 2.0 6.0
.030 1.5 4.5 .025 2.5 7.5
.045 3.0 9.0 .030 3.0 9.0
.060 3.5 10.5 .045 4.5 13.5

"Where the insulation thickness is increased for mechanical reasons, the test voltage shall be determined by the insulation thickness given in
Table 7.4-1 for the size of the conductor and the rated voltage of the cable.

7.5 CONCENTRIC NEUTRAL UNDERGROUND 7.5.2.3 Conductor Stress Control Layer.

RESIDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION CABLES- The conductor shall be covered with a stress control
POLYETHYLENEINSULATED layer in accordance with Part 2.
7.5.1 Scope
7.5.3 Insulation.
This section covers two-conductor concentric-neutral
The shielded central conductor shall be insulated with
power cables consisting of one polyethylene-insulated
polyethylene which meets the requirements of 3.9. The
central conductor and the copper concentric conductor
average thickness of the insulation shall be not less than
applied helically overall. These cables are intended for use
that given in Table 3-2 for 100 percent insulation level.
on single-phase primary underground residential distribu-
The minirnum thickness shall be not less than 90 percent

•
tion systems operating at 2001to 3500)volts phase-to-phase
of the values given in the table .
100 % insulation level. For ampacities, see Appendix F.
.•. 7.5.4 Insulation Shielding and Protective
7.5.2 Central Conductor Covering
Central conductors shall be annealed copper or A layer of conducting nonmetallic material meeting
aluminum. The minimum conductor size shall be in a. the requirements of 4.1.1 shall be extruded directly over
accordance with Table 7.5-1. the insulation to serve as both an electrostatic shield and
Table 7.5-1 a protective covering. The thickness of the extruded
Minimum Conductor Size insulation shielding at any location when measured on
Rated VoltagePhase-to-Phase, Mínimum Conductor Size, completed cable shall be in accordance with Table 7.5-2.
VoUs AWG
The conducting layer shall be compatible with the Ínsula-
2001-15000 4 tion and shall be legibly identified as being conducting.
15001-28000 1 .•. Table 7.5-2
28001-35000 1/0 For Cables with or without Overall Jacket
------- Ca\culated Insulation
7.5.2.1 Copper. Insulation Shicld
Diameter Thickness
The conductor shall be (1) annealed uncoated copper
Mínimum Maxlmum Maximum
or annealed coated copper in sizes 4 through 4/0 AWG Poínt, Inch* Point, Inch Indent, ineh
Inches
either Class B or C stranded, or (2) uncoated copper,
compact stranded, in accordance with Part 2. 1.000 or less .030 .070 .015
1.001-1.500 .040 .085 .015
7.5.2.2 Aluminum. 1.501-2.000 .055 .100 .020
The conductor shall be aluminum 1350 either solid 2.001 and larger .055 .115 .020
(through 4/0 AWG), Class B or C stranded, or compact 'Note: The minimum point does not apply to locations under the
stranded, in accordance with Part 2. metallic shield indent.

.•. Revised March 1989

 MARCH 1989
PART 7, PAGE 10 ICEA S-61-402, NEMA WC5

7.5.5 Concentric Conductor The individual wires comprising a given concentric

The overall concentric conductor shall consist of a
number of copper wires meeting the chemical require-
ments of ASTM B5 and resistivity, tensile and elonga-
tion requirements of ASTM B3 for uncoated wires,
ASTM B33 for tin-coated wires or ASTM B189 for
lead-alloy-coated wires. The number of wires of a
specified size shall be not less than that given in Table
7.5-3 for cables used in single-phase systems.
The nominal diameters and circular mil area of the
wires in Table 7.5-3 shall be as follows:
conductor may yary ±5% in diameter from the ap-
propriate nominal value given above, but the total cir-
cular mil area of the specified concentric conductor
shall be at least 98% of the product of the appropriate
number of wires given in Table 7.5-3 times the ap-
propriate nominal circular mil area tabulated above.
The wires of the concentric conductor shall be applied
directly over the conducting material given in 7.5.4 with
a lay of not less than six (6) nor more than ten (10) times
the diameter over the concentric wires.

7.5.6 Optional Jackets Applied Over A

AWG Size Diameter, inches Area, kcmil
Concentric Conductor
14 0.0641 4.11 The jackets shall be either nonconducting or conducting
~ 12 0.0808 6.53 depending upon installation requirements. If non-con-
10 0.1019 10.38 ducting compound is used, it shall meet the physical and
9 0.1144 13.09 aging requirements of 43.1 through 4.33 as applicable.

Table 7.5-3
Full Neutral Concentric Conductor
Insulated Conductor Slze, AWG or kcmil Concentric Conductor, Minimum Number orWires

•
Copper AIuminum 14AWG 12AWG 10AWG 9AWG

4 6
4 2 10
3 1 13
2 l/O 16 10*
1 2/0 20* 13
1/0 3/0 25* 16 10*
2/0 4/0 32* 20* 13 10*
3/0 250 25* 16 13*
,/------- 4/0 350 32* 20* 16

• A1temate constructions

Table 7.5-4
Partial-Discharge Level
Rated Circuit Voltage, Phase to Phase, VoIts Minimum Partíal-díscharge Extinction Level, kV

2001-5000 5
5001-8000 7
8001-15000 13
15001-25000 22
25001-28000 25
28001-35000 31
 MARCH 1989
ICEA 5-61-402, NEMA WC5

•
PART 7, PAGE 11

.Á If conducting compound is used, it shall meet the
physical and aging requirements of Table 7.5-6.
CAUTION: Cable users should be aware that some
types of jackets may alter the physical and electrical
characteristics of the cable components. (This sentence
is approved by NEMA as Authorized Engineering In-
formation.)
7.5.6.1 Extruded-to-fill Type Jacket
The jacket material shall cover the concentric conduc-
tor and fUI the spaces between wires. The jacket material
shall be in contact with the insulation shielding, but shaIl
strip freely.
When measured over the wires, the average jacket
thickness shall be not less than the appropriate value
given in Table 7.5-5.
The minimum thickness over the wires shall be not less
than 80 percent of the specified average thickness.
Á After a jacket has be en applied, the indent of the
extruded insulation shield caused by the metallic shield
shall not be more than the specified maximum indent
value found in Table 7.5-2.
7.5.6.2 Overlaying Type Jacket
If a nonmetallic tape is applied over the concentric
conductors of the cable and the jacket is conducting,
then the tape shall be conducting. When the jacket is
nonconducting, the tape shall be either conducting or
nonconducting. A conducting tape shall be clearly iden-
tified as being conducting.
The average jacket thickness when measured over the
wires shall be not less than specified in Table 4-6. The
minimum thickness at any point shall be not less than 80
percent of the specified average thickness.
.Á After a jacket has be en applied, the indent of the
extruded insulation shield caused by the metaIlic shield
shall not be more than the specífied máximum indent
value found in Table 7.5-2.
7.5.6.3 Identification
When a conducting material is used for the overall
jacket, the cable legend shall identify the material as
being conducting.
.Á 7.5.6.4 5park Test lar Nonconducting Jackets
A nonconductingjacket over concentric neutral con-
ductors shall withstand an alternating current spark test
voltage. The voltage for extruded-to-fill type jackets is
given in Table 7.5-5. The voltage for overlaying type
jackets is in accordance with 4.3.7. The voltage shaIl be
applied between an electrode at the outside surface of
the jacket, and the concentric neutral conductor shaIl be
connected to ground during the test. The spark test shall
be conducted in accordance with 6.11.4a.3 and 6. l1.4a.4.

.Á Table 7.5-5

Jacket Thickness and Test Voltage

Calculated Diameter over Concentric Average Jacket AC Spark-Test Voltage (kV) Ior
Conductor Thickness Non-conducting Jackets
lnches inches kilovolts

1.500 or less .050 4.5

Over 1.500 .080 7.0

.Á Revised March 1989

 MARCH 1989
PART 7, PAGE 12 ICEA S-61-402, NEMA WC5

.••. 7.5.7 Tests with Table 7.5-4. The electrical requirement tests shall
The cable shall be tested in accordance with Part 6 and be made without immersion in water.
shall meet the requirements specified in 7.5. The par-
tial-discharge extinction leve! shall be in accordance

..•.Table 7.5-6
Properties of Thermoplastic Conducting Jackets
Physical Requirements

Tensile strength, minirnum psi 1200

Elongation at rupture, minimum percent 100
Aging Requirements:
After air oyen aging at 100°C ± 1°C for 48 hrs:
Tensile strength, minimum percent of unaged value 75
Elongation at rupture, mínimum percent 100
Heat Distortion, maximum percent:
Air oyen at 90°C :t 1°C 25
Volume Resistivity:
At room temperature (23°C ± 2°C) and
90°C ± 1°C, max. meter-ohms 100
Brittleness Temperature, °C, not warmer than -10

..•. Revised March 1989