Technical specification of Medium Voltage Power Cables

Ministry of Electricity
Planning and Studies Office
Baghdad – Iraq

Specification No. D-03

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
OF
MEDIUM VOLTAGE POWER CABLES

REVISION December 2013

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Technical specification of Medium Voltage Power Cables

1. Scope:
The specification includes the design, manufacture, test, suitable packing,
transportation of 18/30 (36) kV and 12/20 (24) kV cables.

2. General Requirements:
The materials shall be of first class quality and designed for continuous
satisfactory operation as continuity of supply is of prime importance and to
operate satisfactorily under variation of load, voltage and short circuit or other
conditions which may occur on the system provided that these variations are
within the assigned rating of the apparatus. The materials used shall be suitable
for the following climatic and soil conditions.

2.1 Ambient temperature:

Highest maximum (in the shade) 55 °C for about 6 hours a day
Lowest minimum (-10) °C
Maximum yearly average (+30) °C
Maximum daily average (+40) °C
2.2 Sun shine temperature:
Black objects under direct sunshine attain a temperature of 80 °C
2.3 Air humidity:
Maximum: 92% at 40 °C
Minimum : 12%
Yearly average : 44%
2.4 Altitudes:
From sea level up to (1000m)

3. Technical Requirement:

System Data:
a. 33 KV System
Nominal voltage 33000 volts
Highest system voltage 36000 volts
System 3-phase, 3 wire with neutral grounding zig-zag
transformer to limit the earth fault current to 1000
Amp.
Frequency 50 Hz
Short circuit breaking current 25KA. R.M.S at 33000 volts

b. 11 KV System
Nominal voltage 11000 volts
Highest system voltage 12000 volts
System 3-phase, 3wire neutral earthed through resistance of
21.1 Ohm limiting the earth fault current to 300A
Short circuit breaking current 25 KA R.M.S at 11000 volts

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Technical specification of Medium Voltage Power Cables

4. Standards:
The cable should be in accordance with the latest edition of the IEC
standard particularly IEC no. 60502, 60228 and all other relevant IEC
standards.

5. Deviations:
The tenderer shall particularly mention in the tender all deviations of the
offer from the specifications described in these tender documents.

6. General Cable Characteristics:

6-1 Conductor:
The conductor shall be class 2 compacted annealed stranded circular copper
conductor having resistance within the limits specified in table No.1 mentioned
below. The minimum number of strands in the conductor shall not be less than
the appropriate minimum numbers specified in table No.1. The conductor shall
be according to the IEC 60228 and all other relevant IEC standards.

6-2 Conductor screen:

Conductor screen shall be non-metallic and shall consist of a layer of
extruded semi-conducting compound which shall be firmly bonded to the inner
surface of the insulation. The contact of the semi-conducting shields with the
cable insulation must be perfect without void creation at the inner surfaces. The
interfaces must be smooth in a regular geometric shape and avoid stress
concentration and the semi-conducting compound must have homogeneous
structure particularly at the interfaces. The semi-conducting shields must be
mechanically stable under load cycling of the power cable and high temperature
conditions.

6-3 Insulation:
The insulation of the cable shall be extruded XLPE cured with dry curing
process, designed and manufactured for the specified voltage. The
manufacturing process shall ensure that insulation shall be free from voids. The
insulation shall withstand mechanical and thermal stress under steady state and
transient operating conditions. The extrusion method should give very smooth
interface between semi-conducting screen and insulation. The insulation of the
cables shall be of high standard quality. The thickness of the insulation shall
not be less than that specified in the relevant standards.

a- For 24 kV , nominal thickness is 5.5 mm

b- For 36 kV , nominal thickness is 8 mm

Conductor screen, insulation and insulation screen shall be extruded by

triple extrusion method.

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Technical specification of Medium Voltage Power Cables

6-4 Insulation screen:

a- Non-metallic screen: shall consist of a layer of extruded semi-conducting
compound firmly bonded provided over the insulation simultaneously with
the extrusion of the insulation. Semi-conducting swelling tape with suitable
overlap over the extruded semi-conducting layer of compound shall be
applied.
b- Metallic screen: a combination of copper wires with copper counter spiral
tape shall be applied over the non-metallic insulation screen. The equivalent
total cross sectional area of metallic screen shall be not less than:
a. 25 sq. mm for cables having a conductor size up to 150 sq. mm.
b. 35 sq. mm for cables having a conductor size more than 150 sq.mm.

6.5 Phase Identification:

For 3 core cables, Red, Yellow and Blue colored strips shall be applied
under the metallic screen throughout the length of the cable for phase
identification.

6.6 Filler:
The three cores then laid up with a suitable extruded material to provide a
substantially circular cross section before the inner covering is applied. The
filler material should be non-hygroscopic, easy to be removed and good
flexibility material, suitable for the operating temperature and compatible with
the insulating material. The materials shall be new, unused and of finest
quality.

6.7 Inner sheath:

a PVC inner covering then extruded over the circular assembly with a
thickness proportional to the fictitious diameter over laid-up cores as specified
in IEC 60502-2/Clause 8.1.3 .

6.8 Waterproof tape:

A layer of suitable tape (swelling tape) for water proofing to be laid over
the armour layer.

6.9 Metallic Armour:

The three cores then armoured with double galvanized steel tapes of
thickness not less than 0.5 mm and the gap between adjacent turns of each tape
shall not exceed 50 % of the width of the tape. The metallic armour shall
confirm to IEC 60502 standard with latest addendums and amendments.

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Technical specification of Medium Voltage Power Cables

6.10 Outer sheath:

Over all, an oversheath is extruded and should be as follows:
a. Material: extruded PVC .
b. Color: RED for 36 kv and BLACK for 24 kv .
c. Thickness: According to the formula (ts = 0,035 D + 1,0) where D is the
fictitious diameter immediately under the oversheath, in millimeters.
d. Suitable for the operating temperature.
e. Has a good corrosion and humidity protection.
f. Suitable additives to be added to prevent attack by rodents and termites.
g. Identification:
The following identification marks shall be permanently embossed along
two lines diametrically opposite to each other on the cable at suitable intervals:
------ Volts; ...... mm² , copper cable; XLPE insulated , MoE - IRAQ , Year of
manufacture , manufacturer's name.
Length of cable on one meter intervals shall be embossed on the outer jacket.
Marking on the over-sheath shall indicate cumulative length of the cable,
wound on the drum, such marking starting with “000” on the inner end and
actual length on the drum.
6.11 Packing:
Packing shall be sturdy to protect the cable from any injury during
transportation, handling and storage. The cut ends of the cable shall be sealed by
means of non-hygroscopic sealing material. The cable shall carry the following
information either stenciled on the drum or contained in a label attached to it:-
a. Reference to the standard.
b. Manufacturer’s name, brand or trade mark.
c. Type of cable and voltage grade.
d. Order No. .
e. No. of cores, material and nominal cross-sectional area of
conductor.
f. Length of cable on drum.
g. Drum number.
h. Gross and net weight of the cable.
i. Country of manufacture.
j. Year of manufacture.
k. Direction of rotation of drum (an arrow).
No drum shall contain more than one length of cable. The inner as well as
outer end of cable shall be brought out on the drum flange and shall be clamped
in such a manner to make the cable length marking easily visible. The diameter
of bore for the cable drum for inserting the shaft shall not be less than 120 mm.
Cable Drum Length: 

The length of cable for drum shall be according to the table No.2 below,
variation of ±5 % of the cable drum length is acceptable.

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Technical specification of Medium Voltage Power Cables

7. Types of Cables:

7.1 36 KV cables:

7.1.1 1x400 mm²

For this cable the applicable paragraphs of article 6 are :-
6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.8, 6.10, 6.11 with rated voltage 18/30 (36) kV.
7.1.2 3x150 mm²
For this cable the applicable paragraphs of Article 6 are :-
6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4,6.5,6.6,6.7,6.8,6.9,6.10,6.11 with rated voltage 18/30 (36)
kV.
7.2 24 KV cables:

7.2.1 1x400 mm²

For this cable the applicable paragraphs of Article 6 are :
6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4,6.8,6.10,6.11 with rated voltage 12/20 (24) kV.
7.2.2 1x150 mm²
For this cable the applicable paragraphs of Article 6 are: 6.1,6.2,6.3,
6.4,6.10,6.11, (same note as para.7-2-1) .
7.2.3
1x95 mm²
1x70 mm²
1x50 mm²
(same statement as 7.2.2)

7.2.4 3x150 mm²

For this cable, the applicable paragraph of Article 6 is:
6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4,6.5,6.6,6.7,6.8,6.9,6.10,6.11 with rated voltage 12/20
(24) kV.

8. Tests:
Certified copies of type test certificates shall be submitted along with the offer.
Cables and accessories shall be subjected to inspections and tests by our inspectors or
international inspectors at any time during manufacture. The manufacturers shall
provide inspection facilities for the said inspection shall be made at place of
manufacture or at international testing facilities.

9. Technical Information for Cables:

The tenderer is requested to give the following information with the offer as
listed in schedule A below.

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Technical specification of Medium Voltage Power Cables

10.Cables joints and terminations:

Cable joints and terminations to be slip on or heat shrinkable type complete
with all necessary jointing materials suitable for 24 & 36 kV underground cable from
qualified manufacturers, The terminations and joints should be as follows :-
A. Straight through joint for cable shown under 7.1.1 complete.
B. Outdoor terminations suitable for cable shown under 7.1.1 complete.
C. Indoor terminations suitable for cable shown under 7.1.1 complete.
D. Straight through joint suitable for cable shown under 7.1.2 complete.
E. Outdoor terminations suitable for cable shown under 7.1.2 complete.
F. Indoor terminations suitable for cable shown under 7.1.2 complete.
G. Straight through joint suitable for cable shown under 7.2.4.
H. Indoor terminations suitable for cable shown under 7.2.4 complete.
I. Outdoor terminations suitable for cable shown under 7.2.4.
J. Indoor terminations suitable for cable shown under 7.2.2.
K. Indoor terminations suitable for cable shown under 7.2.3.

N.B:-
1. The prices shall be based on L.M.E. price for copper bar ( ) US$/ton. The
formula for price variation shall be given.
2. The total length of the cable on drums should not exceed the total required
amount stated in the contract. Otherwise, any extra amount should be free of charge.

Table No. (1)

cross sectional area Min. No. of wires Max. D.C Short circuit current
mm² resistance for 1 sec. in KA
at 20 °C ohm/km
1. 50 6 0.387 7.5
2. 70 12 0.268 10.5
3. 95 15 0.193 15
4. 150 18 0.124 21.5
5. 400 53 0,0470 55

Table No. (2)

      Drum 
 
Drum length  length (m) 
Cable size  (m)  Cable size 

1. 1x400 sq. mm / 36 kv 500 5. 1x95 sq. mm /24 kv 500

2. 3x150 sq. mm /36 kv 250 6. 1x70 sq. mm /24 kv 500

3. 1x400 sq. mm /24 kv 250 7. 1x50 sq. mm /24 kv 500

4. 1x150 sq. mm /24 kv 500 8. 3x150 sq. mm /24 kv  250

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Technical specification of Medium Voltage Power Cables

Schedule A
GUARANTEED TECHNICAL INFORMATION
S.NO. Description Unit Bidder's
data
1. Manufacturer and country of origin
2. Applicable Standards
3. Voltage grade of cable Vo/V (Vmax) kv
4. Number of cores Single/Three
5. Conductor details:
a. Material
b. Compacted Yes/No
c. Number of wires in each conductor No.
d. Diameter of wire in each conductor mm
e. Area Sq. mm
f. Diameter of conductor in stranded and mm
compacted shape
6. Conductor screen:
a. Material
b. Nominal thickness mm
c. Minimum thickness mm
d. Total diameter after conductor screen mm
e. Whether extruded Yes/No
f. Resistivity Ohm-m
7. Insulation:
a. Material
b. Nominal thickness of insulation mm
c. Minimum thickness of insulation mm
d. Total diameter mm
8. Insulation screen:
A. Semi-conducting screen (extruded)
i. Material
ii. Nominal thickness mm
iii. Minimum thickness mm
iv. Total diameter mm
v. Resistivity Ohm-m
B. Semi-conducting tape
i. Material mm
ii. Nominal thickness mm
iii. Minimum thickness mm
iv. Width mm
v. Total diameter mm
vi. Swelling Yes/No

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Technical specification of Medium Voltage Power Cables

C. Metallic screen
i. Material
ii. Electrical cross section Sq. mm
iii. Minimum cross section of each wire Sq. mm
iv. Number of wires Pcs
v. Total diameter mm
vi. Fault current rating for 1.0 sec kA
vii. Spiral equalizing tape
 Material
 Width and thickness mm
 Lay length mm
9. Phase identification strips Yes/No
10. Filler:
a. Material
b. Extruded Yes/No
11. Inner covering:
a. Material
b. Extruded Yes/No
c. Nominal thickness mm
d. Minimum thickness at any point mm
12. Armour:
a. Material
b. Type
c. Thickness of tape mm
d. Total diameter mm
e. Galvanizing thickness micron
13. Waterproof tape
a) Tape description
b) location
14. Outer sheath:
a. Material
b. Nominal thickness mm
c. Minimum thickness at any point mm
d. Termite resistant Yes/No
e. Rodent resistant Yes/No
15. Nominal overall diameter of completed cable mm
16. Minimum weight of copper (conductor + metallic Kg/m
screen)
17. Weight of completed cable Kg/m
18. Allowable minimum radius of bend around which mm
cable can be laid
19. Maximum DC resistance of conductor at 20º C Ohm/km
20. Maximum DC resistance of metallic screen Ohm/km
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Technical specification of Medium Voltage Power Cables

21. Inductance of cable for 1000m length mH

22. Capacitance of cable for 1000m length F
23. Maximum conductor temperature for continuous deg. C
operation
24. Maximum conductor temperature under short deg. C
circuit
25. Insulation resistance between cores / screen M.OHMS
26. Voltage drop per 1000 m cable at rated current: volts
When laid in air at 40 deg. C
27. Voltage drop per 1000 m cable at rated current: volts
When laid in ground at 30 deg. C
28. Maximum dielectric loss of three phase circuit W/km
when operating at normal voltage and frequency at
maximum conductor temperature of 90º C
29. Maximum continuous current carrying capacity per Amp
conductor for a single circuit when laid direct in the
ground at :
Maximum conductor temperature 90 °C
Ambient air temperature 30 °C
Ground temperature 20 °C
Depth of laying 1 m
Thermal resistivity of soil 1.5 K.m/W
30. Conductor short-circuit current permissible for a kA
period of 1 second
31. Maximum dielectric loss angle at normal voltage Tan δ
and frequency at a conductor temperature of :-
a. 20 º C
b. 90 º C
32. Maximum permissible pulling force at total cable in kN
drums
33. Cable drum details :-
a. Nominal delivery length per drum m
b. Maximum gross weight of full drum Kg
c. Steel or wooden drums
d. Weight of empty drum Kg
e. Drum dimensions:
 Flange diameter mm
 Bore diameter mm
 Width mm
34. Cross section drawing and details of cable layers
and catalogues.

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