Collection of SANS standards in electronic format (PDF)

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complete collection of SANS standards in accordance with a formal copyright
agreement. This document may reside on a CENTRAL FILE SERVER or INTRANET
SYSTEM only. Unless specific permission has been granted, this document MAY NOT
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would constitute a VIOLATION of SABS copyright rules.

2. Indemnity

The South African Bureau of Standards accepts no liability for any damage whatsoever
than may result from the use of this material or the information contain therein,
irrespective of the cause and quantum thereof.

I agree with the above

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ICS 29.060.20 NRS 011:2001

ISBN 0-626-13396-3 Second edition

Rationalized User Specification

Pilot Cables

Preferred requirements for applications in

the Electricity Supply Industry

N R S
This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

This Rationalized User Specification is

issued by the NRS Project
on behalf of the
User Group given in the foreword
and is not a standard as contemplated in the Standards Act, 1993 (Act 29 of 1993).

Rationalized user specifications allow user

organizations to define the performance and quality
requirements of relevant equipment.

Rationalized user specifications may, after a certain

application period, be introduced as national
standards.

Amendments issued since publication

Amdt No. Date Text affected

Correspondence to be directed to Printed copies obtainable from

South African Bureau of Standards South African Bureau of Standards

(Electrotechnical Standards) Private Bag X191
Private Bag X191 Pretoria 0001
Pretoria 0001
Telephone: (012) 428-7911
Fax: (012) 344-1568
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sabs.co.za

COPYRIGHT RESERVED

Printed on behalf of the NRS Project in the Republic of South Africa

by the South African Bureau of Standards
1 Dr Lategan Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria
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1 NRS 011:2001

Contents
Page

Foreword .............................................................................................................. 3

Introduction .......................................................................................................... 4

Key words ............................................................................................................ 4

1 Scope .............................................................................................................. 5

2 Normative references ....................................................................................... 5

3 Terms and definitions ...................................................................................... 6

4 Requireme nts .................................................................................................. 7

4.1 General ..................................................................................................... 7

4.2 Conductors ............................................................................................... 8
4.3 Insulation .................................................................................................. 9
4.4 Twinning ................................................................................................... 10
4.5 Cable configuration ................................................................................... 10
4.6 Interlayer lapping ...................................................................................... 10
4.7 Heat barrier and core covering ................................................................. 10
4.8 Filling ........................................................................................................ 10
4.9 Bedding/undersheath ............................................................................... 10
4.10 Armourin g ................................................................................................. 11
4.11 Outer sheath ............................................................................................. 11
4.12 Bending radius .......................................................................................... 11
4.13 Cable make-up ......................................................................................... 11
4.14 Sealing and drumming .............................................................................. 11

5 Tests ........................................................................................................... 12

5.1 Type tests ……………………………….......................................................... 12

5.2 Routine tests ............................................................................................. 14

6 Marking and Packing ....................................................................................... 16

6.1 Marking ..................................................................................................... 16

6.2 Packing ..................................................................................................... 16

Tables

1 Nominal attenuation of cable per kilometre, at 20 º C ...................................... 8

2 Nominal impedance for filled cables per kilometre, at 20 º C ............................ 8
3 Conductor requirements .................................................................................. 8
4 Polyethylene insulation requirements .............................................................. 9
5 High voltage test .............................................................................................. 15

Figure 1 Water penetration test .......................................................................... 14

Annexes

A (informative) Guide to purchasers on preparing an enquiry ............................ 17

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NRS 011:2001 2

B (informative) Model form for schedules A and B .............................................. 19

Bibliography ........................................................................................................ 20
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3 NRS 011:2001

Foreword
This specification has been prepared on behalf of the Electricity Suppliers Liaison
Committee (ESLC) and approved by them for use by supply authorities.

This specification was prepared by a Working Group, comprising the following

members:

M Basson (chairman) Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality

C Govind eThekwini Metropolitan Electricity
K Koekemoer Tshwane Electricity
V Medinski V City of Cape Town
N J Mavhungu NRS Project (Project Leader)
D Steyn City Power Johannesburg (Pty) LTD
B Taylor SABS, NETFA
I van der Merwe Eskom Distribution Technology
R van der Riet City of Cape Town (Tygerberg administration)

A Manufacturers’ Interest Group (MIG) was consulted on the contents of this

specification and its comments were incorporated where the working group was in
agreement.

The working group was appointed by the ESLC, which, at the time of approval,
comprised the following members:

R Wienand (Chairman) eThekwini Electricity

M N Bailey Eskom (Distribution Technology) Simmerpan
A J Claasen SABS, Electrotechnical standards
N Croucher City of Cape Town
P Crowdy Distribution, Eskom
W G H Dykman City of Tshwane, AMEU
A H L Fortmann Technical Secretary, AMEU
P A Johnson Technology Standardization, Eskom
J G Louw City of Cape Town (Tygerberg Administration), AMEU
D M Michie Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, AMEU
A J van der Merwe Mangaung Electricity, AMEU
J S van Heerden SABS, NETFA
P J S van Niekerk City Power Johannesburg (Pty) Ltd
H R Whitehead eThekwini Electriciry

Annexes A and B are for information only.

Recommendations for corrections, additions or deletions should be addressed to the

NRS Project Manager, c/o SABS, Private Bag X191, Pretoria, 0001.

ISBN 0-626-13396-3
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NRS 011:2001 4

Introduction
This specification was prepared to establish and promote uniform requirements for
pilot cables, to enable purchasers to acquire the specified equipment without the
need for detailed and extensive contract documents

The Electricity Suppliers Liaison Committee expresses the wish, in the national
interest and in support of government policy, to foster local manufacture and
stimulate export to all purchasers adopting the requirements of this specification
insofar as their particular conditions will permit. Any differences between this
specification and the corresponding purchaser’s requirements should, as far as
possible, be clearly indicated in the schedules attached to this specification and,
where appropriate, be submitted for consideration in future revisions thereof.

Key words
Medium-voltage reticulation; Pilot cable; Specifications.
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5 NRS 011:2001

Specification

Pilot cables

Preferred requirements for applications in the Electricity Supply

Industry

1 Scope
1.1 This specification specifies the characteristics of pilot cables to be used in pilot
wire protection systems and for telemetering, telecontrol, supervisory, telephone and
all low-voltage, low frequency system applications.

1.2 This specification is applicable to pilot cables used in areas subjected to high
electromagnetic and electrostatic interference, such as found along the route of
power lines operating from 11 kV up to 400 kV (where the mean distance between the
lowest conductor of the power line and the pilot cable ranges from 5 m to 13 m) and
near to power cables operating at voltages from 6,6 kV to 132 kV.

2 Normative references
The following documents contain provisions, which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this specification. At the time of publication, the editions
indicated were valid. All standards and specifications are subject to revision, and
parties to agreements based on this specification are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the documents listed below.
Information on currently valid national and international standards and specifications
can be obtained from the South African Bureau of Standards.

ASTM D 1693: 2000, Standard test method for environmental stress-cracking of ethylene
plastics.

BS 3573: 1990, Polyolefin copper-conductor telecommunication cables.

BS 6234: 1987, Polyethylene insulation and sheath of electric cables.

BS 6346: 1997, 600/1000 V and 1900/3300 V armoured electric cables having PVC
insulation.

SABS 1411-1: 2001, Materials of insulated electric cables and flexible cords — Part 1 :
Conductors.

SABS 1411-2: 1987, Materials of insulated electric cables and flexible cords — Part 2 :
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

SABS 1411-6: 2001, Materials of insulated electric cables and flexible cords — Part 6:
Armour.

SABS 1507: 2001, Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation for fixed
installations (300/500 V to 1 900/3 300 V).

SABS SM 1282-3: 1999, Test methods for conductors of insulated electric cables —
Part 3: Mechanical tests.
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NRS 011:2001 6

3 Terms and definitions

For the purpose of this specification, the following definitions apply:

3.1 armour: A covering consisting of metal tape(s) or wires, generally used to protect
the cable from external mechanical effects.

3.2 bedding; undersheath: A cushioning layer or layers applied to a cable

immediately beneath a metallic layer such as the armour or the reinforcement.

3.3 blown tube for fibre optic core: A tube inserted in the centre of pilot cable for the
purpose of housing (an) optical fibre(s).

3.4 composite cable: A cable containing both elements of copper and optical fibre.

3.5 conductor: A part of a cable having the specific function of carrying current.

3.6 conductor insulation: Insulation applied on a conductor or a conductor screen.

3.7 core; insulated conductor: An assembly comprising a conductor with its own
insulation.

3.8 filler: The material used to fill the interstices between the cores of a
multiconductor cable.

3.9 insulation (of a cable): Insulating materials incorporated in a cable with the
specific function of withstanding voltage.

3.10 joint: A connection between two conductors, sheaths or armour wires including
their insulation, if any, to form a continuous circuit.

3.11 lapped separator: A separator consisting of tapes applied helically in a

concentric layer.

3.12 length of lay: The axial length of one complete turn of the helix formed by one
cable component.

3.13 outer sheath: A non-metallic sheath applied over a metallic covering, such as
armouring, constituting the outermost sheath of the cable.

3.14 Screening: An electrical screen of non-metallic or metallic material or both

covering the insulation.

3.15 sealed end: A termination to the end of the cable providing a seal from the
external environment and maintaining the filling within the cable.

3.16 separator: A thin layer used as a barrier to prevent mutually detrimental effects
between different components of a cable, such as between the conductor and
insulation or between insulation and sheath.

3.17 sheath: A uniform and continuous tubular covering of metallic or non-metallic

material, generally extruded.

3.18 twinning: The process of twisting two insulated conductors (cores) together to
form a pair.
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7 NRS 011:2001

3.19 wrapping: One or more layers of an insulating material wrapped around all the
cores of a cable before the shield or sheath is applied.

4 Requirements

4.1 General

4.1.1 The specification makes allowance for two options in the choice of cable
insulation:

a) where the induced voltage in the cores or armouring is expected not to exceed 5
kV; and

b) where the induced voltage in the cores or armouring is expected to exceed 5 kV

but not to exceed 15 kV.

The options in the choice of cable insulation required shall be specified in schedule
A.

Purchasers shall indicate the choice made in schedule A based, where appropriate,
on the expected conditions of service. A guide to the calculation of the interference
with telecommunication cables is contained in 3.6 of SABS 0198-2.

Pilot cables will normally be laid directly in the ground at a depth of between 0,5 m
and 2,0 m along the route of a power line or cable. They may also be laid in draw-
pipes in built-up areas or where other considerations make this necessary.

4.1.2 The mean mutual capacitance of the pairs of a pilot cable, when measured in
accordance with 5.2.4 at 20 ºC, shall be less than

a) 60 nF per kilometre of cable length for 0,5 mm insulation thickness, or

b) 50 nF per kilometre of cable length for 0,8 mm insulation thickness.

No correction for temperature need be applied, but in cases of dispute the results
obtained at 20 °C shall be taken as final.

4.1.3 The mutual capacitance of any one pair in a drum length, when measured in
accordance with 5.2.4, shall not deviate by more than 10 % from the mean mutual
capacitance of all the pairs in that particular drum length.

4.1.4 The insulation resistance of any core of a cable, when measured in accordance
with 5.2.6, shall be not less than 5 000 MΩ per kilometre of cable.

4.1.5 When measured in accordance with clause 5.2.5, the capacitance unbalance
pair-to-pair shall not exceed 500 pF for a 500 m length of cable, and the capacitance
unbalance pair-to-earth shall not exceed 1 200 pF for a 500 m length of cable.

4.1.6 The nominal attenuation of cable per kilometre at an ambient temperature of 20

°C, shall be as given in table 1.
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NRS 011:2001 8

Table 1 — Nominal attenuation of cable per kilometre, at 20 °C

1 2 3
Frequency Attenuation
dB

Hz
Radial insulation thickness

0,5 mm 0,8 mm
300 0,50 0,45
1 000 0,89 0,80
2 000 1,21 1,09
3 000 1,43 1,29
4 000 1,60 1,46

4.1.7 The nominal impedance at an ambient temperature of 20 °C should be as given

in table 2 for filled cables with 0,9 mm diameter conductors.

Table 2 — Nominal impedance for filled cables per kilometre, at 20 C

1 2
Insulation thickness Nominal impedance at 1 000 Hz

mm Ω

0,5 430

0,8 470

4.1.8 The number of pairs required in a pilot cable shall be specified in schedule A.

4.2 Conductors

4.2.1 Each conductor shall consist of a solid wire of smoothly drawn annealed
electrolytic copper that is free from defects and approximately circular in shape, and
that has the properties given in table 3.

4.2.2 The nominal conductor diameter shall be 0,9 mm. If a bigger conductor size is
required, it should be specified in schedule A.

Table 3 — Conductor requirements

1 2 3 4 5
Diameter Average resistance Elongation at break,
per core per km, min.
max.
%
mm Ω
Nominal Min. Max.

0,9 0,89 0,91 28,19 20

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9 NRS 011:2001

4.2.3 The conductor shall comply with the requirements of SABS 1411-1 in respect of
annealed copper wire.

4.2.4 Joints in a conductor shall be made by brazing, silver soldering or pressure

jointing (cold jointing), and shall be no more frequent than is dictated by wire batches.

4.2.5 The diameter of a conductor shall not be increased by a joint, nor shall the
tensile strength of a joint be less than 90 % of that of a similar sample without a joint.

4.2.6 The difference in resistance between the two conductors of a pair, expressed
as the percentage of the loop resistance of that pair, shall not exceed 2 % (see table
3)

4.2.7 To determine the average resistance, ten cores distributed throughout the
cable and selected at random shall be connected in series and the resistance
measured to obtain the average resistance (see table 3)

4.3 Insulation

4.3.1 Each conductor shall be uniformly covered with virgin polyethylene compound
that complies with the requirements for type 03 of BS 6234. Foam, foam skin
insulation and reclaimed polyethylene shall not be used.

NOTE BS 6234 is based on an operational temperature of the insulation of 70 ºC.

4.3.2 The polyethylene compound shall also comply with the requirements given in
table 4.

Table 4 - Polyethylene insulation requirements

1 2 3
Characteristic Requirement Test method

Shrinkage (max.) 6,0 mm see 5.1.1

Bending when cold no cracks see 5.1.2

Environmental stress no cracks ASTM D 1693, see 5.1.3

Radial thickness of insulation for

conductors
a) not exceeding 5 kV induced voltage 0,5 mm See annex D of BS 6346
b) exceeding 5 kV, but not exceeding
15 kV induced voltage 0,8 mm
Compatibility with filling compound after No cracks visible to naked eye. see 5.1.4
ageing No noticeable colour change.

NOTE The induced voltage is dependent on the proximity of the cable, when laid, to either overhead lines or power
cables and on the expected fault currents in the overhead line or cable.

4.3.3 The insulation shall be smooth and concentric and substantially free from
pinholes, splits, blisters or any other defects.

4.3.4 The insulation colouring shall comply with the requirements of SABS 1411-2,
but small deviations from the standard colours will be acceptable provided that all the
colours viewed together are readily and separately identifiable.
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NRS 011:2001 10

4.3.5 Premixed coloured compound is preferred. As an alternative, the addition of

colour concentrates during the extrusion process is acceptable. Dry powder blending
is not acceptable.

4.3.6 The polyethylene compound shall be tested in accordance with environmental

stress conditions as specified in chase 5.1.3.

4.3.7 The insulation shall withstand the ageing test specified in 5.1.4 without signs of
cracking, splitting or colour change (see table 4).

4.4 Twinning

4.4.1 Colour-coded pairs of the same pair number shall be twisted together. See
table in
BS 3573.

4.4.2 The length of lay shall not exceed 150 mm.

4.5 Cable configuration

4.5.1 The number of pairs as specified in schedule A (4.1.8) shall be laid up to form a
compact and symmetrical cable. The direction of lay shall alternate in successive
layers.

4.5.2 As an option, provision shall be made, as shown in schedule A, for blown tubes
for fibre optic core.

4.5.3 As an option, cable with a short length of lay shall be specified in schedule A.

4.6 Interlayer lapping

A polyethylene terephthalate or similar acceptable non-hygroscopic tape shall be

applied as an open-lapped separator over the centre layer and each other layer,
except the outer layer of conductors. An open lapping requires no overlap.

4.7 Heat barrier and core covering

4.7.1 After all the cores have been la id up, a wrapping of non-hygroscopic tape shall
be applied either helically or longitudinally to the cable to provide at least two
thicknesses at any point. When the wrapping is applied longitudinally, there shall be
an overlap of at least 4 mm.

4.7.2 There shall be no adhesion between the wrapping and the conductor insulation,
and the physical properties of the insulation shall be unaffected.

4.8 Filling

The cable interstices shall be filled with petroleum jelly or other acceptable water-
repellent compound. The compound shall comply with the requirements of clause 8 of
BS 3573 and shall demonstrate compliance with the performance requirements of this
clause when tested as specified in 5.1.7. The manufacturer shall provide, in schedule
B, the details of the interstice filling offered.

4.9 Bedding/undersheath
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11 NRS 011:2001

The core covering specified in 4.7 shall be sheathed with an extruded polyethylene
compound that complies with the requirements for type 03C of BS 6234. The
thickness of this extruded sheath shall comply with the requirements of with table 13
of SABS 1507.

4.10 Armouring

4.10.1 Armoured pilot cables are preferred.

4.10.2 The type of armouring required (steel or aluminium) shall be specified in

schedule A, and shall be in accordance with SABS 1411-6.

4.10.3 The armour diameter for steel wire shall comply with the requirements of table
13 of SABS 1507.

NOTE It should only be necessary to specify aluminium-wire armouring (which has an

improved intrinsic screening factor) when the induced voltage is expected to
approach 15 kV.

4.10.4 Armouring shall be protected with an acceptable coating or waterproof

compound. The waterproof compound shall have a viscosity such that it does not drip
from an open end of the cable when the cable is in a vertical position in average
ambient conditions. A drip test for the compound is specified in 5.1.6.

4.11 Outer sheath

4.11.1 The outer sheath material shall be polyethylene that complies with the
requirements for type 03C of BS 6234. The type of outer sheath material shall be a
close-fitting, smooth-surfaced circular tube, free from pinholes and other defects.

4.11.2 When specified in schedule A, provision shall be made for the coating of the
outer sheath with a conducting material such as graphite to permit a routine voltage
test to be carried out on the sheath. PVC that complies with the requirementrs of type
S2 of SABS 1411-2 is permitted if a semi-conducting layer is required.

4.11.3 The thickness of the outer sheath shall comply with the requirements of table
12 in SABS 1507.

4.12 Bending radius

Minimum bending radius shall be 10 times the nominal overall diameter.

4.13 Cable make-up

Cable construction shall comply with the requirements of SABS 1507, as far as
bedding, armouring and sheathing are concerned.

4.14 Sealing and drumming

4.14.1 All cables, after testing, shall be so sealed at each end that the sealed ends
prevent ingress of moisture and are suitable for storage.

4.14.2 Cables shall be packed on non-returnable drums or reels to comply with

manufacturers standards accepted by the purchaser. Cable drums shall be arranged
to take a round spindle with a maximum diameter of 80 mm, and shall be lagged with
close-fitting battens of a size commensurate with the drum size to prevent damage to
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NRS 011:2001 12

the cable. The inner end of the cable projecting from the drum shall be protected
against damage.

4.14.3 The running (outer) end of a cable length shall be marked red and the cable
shall be so drummed that the rotation of cores at this end is clockwise. The inner end
of the cable length shall be marked green.
NOTE This marking is required to facilitate jointing with continuous rotation.

5 Tests

5.1 Type tests

5.1.1 Shrinkback test

Cut representative specimens of length 200 mm from the centre of a 1,5 m length of
cable and trim to a length of 150 mm. Place these specimens in an air-circulating
convection oven at a temperature of 100 C ± 10 C for 24 h. At the end of this period,
after cooling to room temperature, the insulation shrinkage at each end of the
conductor shall not exceed the value given in table 4.

5.1.2 Cold bend test

5.1.2.1 This test is similar to that prescribed for extruded PVC in SABS SM 501.

5.1.2.2 The following are required:

a) one specimen of a suitable length cut at random from each core with a different
insulation colour; and

b) a mandrel of adequate length with a diameter three times that of the insulated
conductors.

5.1.2.3 Place the specimen and the mandrel in a cooling cabinet for 1 h at a
temperature of -15 °C.

5.1.2.4 Then, at a uniform rate not exceeding one turn per 10 s, wind each specimen,
while still in the cooling cabinet, three times round the mandrel to form a close helix.

5.1.2.5 Thereafter, while the specimen is still cold, conduct a visual inspection for
signs of cracking (see table 4).

5.1.3 Environmental stress test

The cable manufacturer shall subject the polyethylene compound used in the
manufacture of pilot cables to the environmental stress test specified in ASTM D 1693
(see 4.3.6) and shall retain appropriate records of such tests. There shall be no
cracks in the test samples. The purchaser may require assurance on this item by
requesting permission to witness check tests.

5.1.4 Material compatibility test

5.1.4.1 For this test, use samples of single cores of all the specified colours, taken
either during manufacture or from a completed cable. Each sample shall be of length
6 m.
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13 NRS 011:2001

5.1.4.2 Cut off 100 mm of core from each end of sample. Put these offcuts to one
side and retain them for colour comparison. Immerse the remaining lengths of the 6 m
samples in filler without excessive bending or twisting for 336 h at 70 ºC ± 10 ºC.

5.1.4.3 Remove the cores while still hot, and allow them to cool to room temperature.
Wipe the cores with a soft cloth to remove all filling compound from the surface and
cut and discard 100 mm of core from each end. Cut each of the remaining samples
into three equal lengths as test pieces.

NOTE For cleaning purposes, lintless cloth is recommended.

5.1.4.4 Loosely wind each of the test pieces onto a separate glass tube of diameter
approximately 45 mm and of length approximately 200 mm, to form loose helical coils
with between 3 mm and 5 mm separation between turns.

5.1.4.5 Place each test piece in a glass tube of diameter approximately 67,5 mm and
of length 300 mm, sealed at one end, and fitted with a close-fitting but not airtight lid
at the other end. This is now termed an ageing cell.

5.1.4.6 Place the ageing cells in an air-circulating convection oven maintained at

105 ºC ± 10 ºC for 3 000 h.

5.1.4.7 After ageing there shall be no signs of damage (see table 4 and 4.3.7).

5.1.4.8 After ageing, the colour of the test pieces on the glass tubes shall show no
noticeable change from the colour of the offcuts referred to in 5.1.4.2.

5.1.4.9 Remove the test pieces from the glass tubes and cut a length of 400 mm from
the centre of each test piece. Manually wind one end of each specimen tightly over
the other end to give at least 20 continuous turns. There shall be no damage (see
chase 4.3.7).

5.1.5 Elongation-at-break test

Carry out the elongation-at-break test in accordance with clause 2 of SABS SM 1282-
3.

5.1.6 Drip test for waterproof compound

NOTE This test is applicable to aluminium-wire armoured cable where the compound is applied over the armour
and under the outer sheath.

Freely suspend a sample of cable of length 1 000 mm vertically in a controlled

atmosphere with a temperature of 70 ºC ± 2 ºC for 1 h. At the end of this period, no
compound shall have dripped from the cable.

5.1.7 Water-penetration test for waterproof compound

5.1.7.1 General

This test method is derived from IEC 60794-1-2 for optical fibre and composite
cables, method F5B — Water penetration.

5.1.7.2 Object

This test applies to completely filled cables, and is intended to check whether the
interstices of a cable core and armouring wires are continuously filled with compound
to prevent water from penetrating into the cable.
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NRS 011:2001 14

5.1.7.3 Apparatus

The test apparatus is shown in figure 1. It provides a means of applying a 1 m head

of water to the cable. The seals where the cable exits the apparatus should not exert
any mechanical stress on the cable. Normal tap water may be used for the test.

Water
Watertight seal
1m

Cable sample (3 m max.)

Unsealed end

Figure 1 — Water-penetration test

5.1.7.4 Procedure

5.1.7.4.1 Take a maximum cable length of 3 m from the central portion of the sample.

5.1.7.4.2 Apply a watertight seal shall be applied to one end of the sample entering
the apparatus to allow a 1 m height of water to be applied.

5.1.7.4.3 Support the sample horizontally and apply a 1 m height of water for 24 h, at
a temperature of (20 ± 5) °C. The water shall contain sufficient soluble fluorescent
dye or other suitable colouring agent for the detection of seepage.

5.1.7.5 Results

No water shall be detected at the unsealed end of the sample. If a fluorescent dye is
used, an ultraviolet light may be used.

NOTE A few drops of dye outside the cable core and its wrapping should not be regarded as indicating a
failure.

5.2 Routine tests

5.2.1 General

Perform the following tests on all drums of the completed cable, before delivery, and
attach the test results to the drum in a clear waterproof envelope.

5.2.2 Conductor resistance test

Determine the average conductor resistance and test all pairs for loop resistance
imbalance. Check for compliance with the relevant requirements of table 3.

5.2.3 High-voltage test

The cable armour shall be earthed for this test. Carry out this test at the appropriate
test voltage as given in table 5, at any frequency from 40 Hz to 62 Hz inclusive. The
waveshape shall be approximately sinusoidal.
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15 NRS 011:2001

NOTE Where the capacitance limitations of the test equipment preclude an a.c. test, a d.c. test at double the
r.m.s. a.c. voltage specified for at least 1 min is acceptable.

Increase the test voltage gradually, and maintain it at the values given in table 5 for at
least 1 min without any breakdown of the insulation.

Table 5 – High voltage test

1 2 3

Expected induced r.m.s. voltage Test voltage r.m.s. Application

kV kV
Up to 5 5 Between conductors
Up to 5 5 Between conductors and armour
Exceeding 5 but not exceeding 15 10 Between conductors
Exceeding 5 but not exceeding 15 15 Between conductors and armour

5.2.4 Mutual capacitance test

Measure the mutual capacitance between the two cores of each pair with all the other
cores and the armouring (if any) earthed using a suitable a.c. bridge. Record the
mean value of all the pairs. Check the results of the test for compliance with 4.1.2 and
4.1.3.

5.2.5 Capacitance imbalance test

Measure the capacitance imbalance from pair-to-pair and from any pair-to-earth at an
audio frequency in the range 800 Hz to 1 000 Hz. All conductors and any armouring,
other than those under test, shall be connected to earth.

Cable lengths of less than 100 m shall be regarded as being 100 m long.

Pair-to-pair: Divide the measured values by:

 L L 
0,5  + 
 500 500 

Pair-to-earth: Multiply the measured values by:

500
L

L is the length of cable tested in metres.

Capacitance unbalance measurements, corrected as above, shall not exceed the

values given in 4.1.5.

Record the measured capacitance unbalance and make it available to the purchaser
to enable him to meet the necessary cross-talk requirements when cables are jointed.

5.2.6 Insulation resistance test

Measure the insulation resistance between each core and all other cores and any
armour connected together and earthed after a d.c. voltage of 500 V has been
applied for 1 min to the core being tested.The measured value shall be not less than
that given in 4.1.4.
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NRS 011:2001 16

5.2.7 Outer sheath integrity test

Where the outer sheath with a conducting material is required or provided, it shall
withstand a d.c. voltage of 5 kV applied for 1 min between the armour and the outer
conducting surface, which shall be earthed.

6 Marking and packing

6.1 Marking

6.1.1 The marking of pilot cables shall comply with the requirements of SABS 1507.

6.1.2 The cable drums shall be marked in accordance with the requirements of
SABS 1507, and the number of pairs and conductor diameter should be marked on
the drum.

6.1.3 In addition to the length (in metres) of the cable, the “start” and “finish” lengths
of the sequential marking shall be shown on the drum label, for example sequential
mark Start-502 Finish-1002.

6.2 Packing

6.2.1 Cables shall be packed on drums which comply with the requirements of section
5 of SABS 1507.

6.2.2 Standard cable lengths of 500 m on a drum are preferred but, if so specified by
the purchaser in schedule A, any special requirements for cable length, drum sizes
and maximum drum mass shall be provided.

6.2.3 Lengths of cable may be wound on drums commencing at any sequential mark.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.
17 NRS 011:2001

Annex A
( informative)

Guide to purchasers on preparing an enquiry

A.1 General

A model form is given in annex B to provide the purchaser with a convenient aid to
purchasing. The use of this form is intended to obviate the need for preparing a
detailed technical specification.

The purchaser need only specify compliance with this specification, provide the
tenderer with details of any particular requirements, and set out the information
required from the tenderer, as indicated below.

A.2 Schedules

A.2.1 General

The model form in annex B provides the purchaser with examples of a schedule A
and a schedule B. In his enquiry, the purchaser should provide his own schedule A
and schedule B, based on these examples.

A.2.2 Schedule A

Schedule A lists the requirements to be specified by the purchaser in enquiries and

orders. These requirements include references to the relevant subclauses in this
specification, to assist in compiling the schedules.

Where the text of any referenced standard stipulates that the purchaser shall indicate
his requirements, these requirements should also be specified in schedule A. The
purchaser should set out his particular requirements and choices in his own schedule
A.

A.2.3 Schedule B

The purchaser should draw up his own schedule B (based on the schedule B in the
model form) and request the tenderer to fill in this schedule. By doing this, the
tenderer will be stating compliance with this specification and will provide the
information the purchaser has requested.

NOTE 1 Where this specification allows the purchaser to make a choice, the example of schedule A (in the
model form in annex B) lists the preferred items/values/quantities. In the interests of standardization,
purchasers are encouraged not to deviate from these preferences.

NOTE 2 When preparing his own schedule A and schedule B from the examples in the model form in annex B,
the purchaser need include only the items he considers to be relevant or necessary.

NOTE 3 These schedules, when completed, become normative annexes to the enquiry specification.

A.3 Commercial conditions

A purchaser will furthermore need to indicate the commercial conditions applicable

and draw up a price schedule. Requirements for delivery, storage, packing and
marking should be included in this part of the enquiry.
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NRS 011:2001 18

Annex A
(concluded)

A.4 Quality assurance

This part of this specification does not cover the purchaser’s possible requirements in
respect of quality assurance, quality control, inspections, etc., since each purchaser
needs to consider the criticality of the application of each component, own policy
towards these matters, etc. Purchasers are referred to SABS ISO 9001 for guidance.

A.5 Testing

Attention should be paid to the subject of testing. An accredited laboratory should

carry out tests, and tenderers should be requested to provide assurances on this
point.

A.6 Revisions of standards used as normative references

This specification, as has been indicated, is based on a set of defined standards,

which may have been revised or amended. Most purchasers would probably, in
principle, wish to employ the latest standards. The recommended approach to this
question is to secure an undertaking from a supplier to review the latest versions and
amendments and to incorporate these where possible and agreeable to both parties.
A blanket commitment to work to the ‘latest’ versions of standards creates legal
difficulties of interpretation and risks for both parties and should be properly
assessed. This invariably cannot be done in the time available.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.
19 NRS 011:2001

Annex B
(informative)

Model form for schedules A and B

The schedules A and B in this annex are included in this document for information
only. They are intended to be guides to purchasers in the areas of format and
specific technical requirements, to help them to prepare schedules that are applicable
to a particular enquiry or tender.

Schedule A: Purchaser's specific requirements

Schedule B: Particulars of equipment to be supplied (to be completed by tenderer)

Sub- Description Schedule A Schedule B

clause

4.1.1 Choice of cable insulation

4.1.8 Number of pairs _________ xxxxxxxxxx
4.2.2 Conductor diameter required mm _________ xxxxxxxxxx
(if not 0,9 mm)
4.5.2 Blown tube for fibre optic core Yes/No _________ xxxxxxxxxx
required
4.5.3 Length of lay required (if not 150 mm _________ xxxxxxxxxx
mm)
4.8 Filler offered xxxxxxxxxx _________
4.10.2 Type of armouring required _________ xxxxxxxxxx
4.11.2 Coating of outer sheath material _________ _________
required/provided
6.2.2 Cable length required m xxxxxxxxxx
6.2.2 Maximum drum mass kg xxxxxxxxxx
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NRS 011:2001 20

Bibliography
The following documents were a source of reference in the compilation of this
standard. Although they do not form an integral part of this standard, they are
referenced for further information:

IEC 60050 (461): 1984, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) — Chapter 461 :
Electric cables.Amendment 2

IEC 60794-1-2: 1999, Optical fibre cables — Part 1-2: Generic specification — Basic
optical cable test procedures.

BS 2627: 1970, Wrought aluminium for electrical purposes. Wire.

Amendment No. 1 (3377): June 1980.

SABS ISO 9001: 2000, Quality management systems – Requirements.

SABS 0198-2: 1988, The selection, handling and installation of electric power cables of
rating not exceeding 33 kV — Part 2: Choice of cable type and methods of installation.

SABS SM 501: 1980, Cold bend test on extruded PVC.