service-entrance cables

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UL 854

Service-Entrance Cables



Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)333 Pfingsten RoadNorthbrook, IL 60062-2096

UL Standard for Safety for Service-Entrance Cables, UL 854

Eleventh Edition, Dated October 19, 2004

Revisions: This Standard contains revisions through and including October 5, 2007

Summary of Topics

Removal of References to Lead Alloy Coatings and Updated References to ASTMStandards

Text that has been changed in any manner is marked with a vertical line in the margin. Changes inrequirements are marked with a vertical line in the margin and are followed by an effective date noteindicating the date of publication or the date on which the changed requirement becomes effective.

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As indicated on the title page (page 1), this UL Standard for Safety is an American National Standard.Attention is directed to the note on the title page of this Standard outlining the procedures to be followedto retain the approved text of this ANSI/UL Standard.

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Copyright © 2007 Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

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This Standard consists of pages dated as shown in the following checklist:

Page Date

1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 5, 20072-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 19, 20047-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 5, 200711-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 19, 200413-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 5, 200716-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 19, 200424 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 5, 200725-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 19, 200430 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 5, 200731-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 19, 200448 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 5, 200749-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 19, 2004

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OCTOBER 19, 2004(Title Page Reprinted: October 5, 2007)

1

UL 854

Standard for Service-Entrance Cables

First Edition – April, 1937Second Edition – October, 1966

Third Edition – March, 1969Fourth Edition – July, 1971Fifth Edition – June, 1975Sixth Edition – June, 1979

Seventh Edition – February, 1987Eighth Edition – May, 1991Ninth Edition – May, 1996

Tenth Edition – December, 1999

Eleventh Edition

October 19, 2004

The most recent designation of ANSI/UL 854 as an American National Standard(ANSI) occurred on October 5, 2007.

This ANSI/UL Standard for Safety, which consists of the Eleventh Edition withrevisions through October 5, 2007, is under continuous maintenance, wherebyeach revision is ANSI approved upon publication.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has adopted UL 854 on April 23, 1984. Thepublication of revised pages or a new edition of this Standard will not invalidatethe DoD adoption.

An effective date included as a note immediately following certain requirementsis one established by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Revisions of this Standard will be made by issuing revised or additional pagesbearing their date of issue. A UL Standard is current only if it incorporates themost recently adopted revisions, all of which are itemized on the transmittal noticethat accompanies the latest set of revised requirements. Comments or proposalsfor revisions on any part of the Standard may be submitted to UL at any time.Proposals should be submitted via a Proposal Request in UL’s On-LineCollaborative Standards Development System (CSDS) at http://csds.ul.com.

COPYRIGHT © 1975, 2007 UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC.

ANSI/UL 854-2007



OCTOBER 19, 2004SERVICE-ENTRANCE CABLES - UL 8542

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

2.1 Units of measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82.2 Undated reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

3 Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

CONSTRUCTION

4 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

CONDUCTORS

6 Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96.2 Copper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106.3 Copper-clad aluminum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106.4 Aluminum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

7 Metal Coating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108 Conductor Diameter and Cross-Sectional Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1110 Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1211 Separator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1212 Sizes of Insulated Conductors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1213 Stranding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

INSULATION AND INDIVIDUAL JACKET

14 Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

ASSEMBLY OF JACKETED MULTIPLE-CONDUCTOR TYPE USE AND USE-2 CABLES AND OFTYPE SE CABLE

15 Conductors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2316 Fillers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2517 Overall Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

17.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2617.2 Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2617.3 Tape and finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

ASSEMBLY OF COVERLESS MULTIPLE-CONDUCTOR TYPE USE AND USE-2 CABLES

18 Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

ASSEMBLY OF SUBMERSIBLE PUMP CABLES

19 Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

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PERFORMANCE

20 Flame Test of Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3421 Flexibility Test of Cable at Low Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3422 Cold-Impact Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3423 Impact-Resistance Test of Single-Conductor Type USE and USE-2 Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3424 Crushing-Resistance Tests of Single-Conductor Type USE and USE-2 Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . .3625 Overload Test of Single-Conductor Type USE and USE-2 Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3726 Overload Test of Conductors in Jacketed, Multiple-Conductor Type USE and USE-2 Cables .3927 Overload Test of Uninsulated Conductor in Type SE Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4028 Continuity Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4029 Dielectric Voltage-Withstand Test(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4130 Sunlight-Resistance Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4331 Vertical-Tray Flame Test (Type SE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4432 Low-Temperature Pulling-Through-Joists Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4433 Oil-Resistance Tests (Single- and multiple-conductor Types USE and USE-2) . . . . . . . . . . . . .4834 Gasoline- and Oil-Resistance Tests (Single conductor Types USE and USE-2) . . . . . . . . . . . .48

IDENTIFICATION

REPETITION OF PRINTING

35 Intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

POLARITY

36 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

MARKING

37 Cable as a Whole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5037.1 Identification of organization and manufacturer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5037.2 Identification of factory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5037.3 Methods of identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5037.4 Authorized surface marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5137.5 Surface, tag, reel, or carton marking not to be used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5137.6 Authorized temperature thread and tag, reel, or carton marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

38 Insulated Conductors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5238.1 No identification required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5238.2 Only factory identification required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5238.3 Organization and factory identification required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

39 Date of Manufacture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5339.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

CABLE TYPE

40 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5341 Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5442 Oil- and Gasoline and Oil-Resistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55




SIZES AND NUMBER OF CONDUCTORS

43 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5544 Compact-Stranded Copper Conductors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

ALUMINUM AND COPPER-CLAD ALUMINUM CONDUCTORS

45 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

VOLTAGE

46 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

SHIPPING LENGTHS

47 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57




INTRODUCTION

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover Type USE and USE-2 (below-ground) and Type SE (above-ground) powercables for installation in accordance with Article 338 and other applicable parts of the National ElectricalCode (NEC). These cables are for the service-entrance and other (NEC) uses described in 1.4 – 1.8. Ina multiple-conductor cable that is other than submersible-pump cable and does not have a groundingconductor it is appropriate to have one circuit conductor without insulation. It is also appropriate for asubmersible pump cable to have a grounding conductor and for Type USE and USE-2 cables to have aninsulated grounding conductor. Each insulated conductor in these cables is rated for 600 V. Type USEcable has thermoset insulation, except for the HDPE portion of HDPE-over-XL insulation where used forsingle-conductor Type USE cable. Type SE cable has thermoset or thermoplastic insulation.

1.2 These cables have insulation of solid, extruded dielectric material(s) that are for use in wet locationsat 75°C (167°F) and lower temperatures. Cables that are marked with a conductor type that includes theletters ″HH″ have insulation that is for use in dry locations at temperatures as high as 90°C (194°F) aswell as in wet locations at 75°C (167°F) and lower temperatures. Cables that are marked with a conductortype that includes ″-2″ have insulation that is for use in wet or dry locations at temperatures as high as90°C (194°F).

1.3 Cables containing any conductor that is of a metal other than copper are marked to identify the metalas aluminum or copper-clad aluminum. Aluminum single-rated (see 1.4) Type USE or USE-2 cablescontaining other than solid 12, 10 or 8 AWG conductor(s) are of an EC-1350 grade aluminum alloy or aregistered AA-8000 series electrical-conductor-grade aluminum alloy. In all other cables, the aluminumconductor(s) are of a registered AA-8000 electrical-conductor-grade alloy only.

1.4 ″Single-rated″ Type USE cable is single-conductor, jacketed or coverless multiple-conductor, andsubmersible-pump cable without any indication of the conductor type letters on type cable, on theindividual conductor(s), or on the tag, reel, or carton. ″USE″ is the only type designation associated withthe cable. See 40.4.

1.5 Type SE cables that are not marked with conductor type letters or are marked with conductor typeletters alone (″XHHW″, ″RHW″, or ″RHH OR RHW″ not followed by ″cdrs″ or the like) have insulatedconductors that do not comply with the Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables, UL 44, horizontal flametest. Type SE cables that are marked for use in cable trays comply with a 70,000 Btu/h (20.5 kW)vertical-tray flame test as described in Sections 4 – 11 of the Standard for Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagationand Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables, UL 1685 or the FT4/IEEE 1202 flametest as described in Sections 12 – 19 of UL 1685. Smoke measurements are not applicable. See 31.1.

1.6 The outer surface of each single- and multiple-conductor cable that is marked for sunlight-resistanceuse and the outer surface of each Type SE cable that is marked for sunlight-resistance use in cable trayscomplies with a 720-h sunlight-resistance test. Each insulated conductor under an overall covering onsuch multiple-conductor cable complies with a 300-h sunlight-resistance test. All other cables are notmarked ″sunlight resistant″ however comply with a 300-h or equivalent (see 30.4) sunlight-resistance test(each insulated conductor complies and, except in the case of submersible pump cable, any overallcovering also complies).




1.7 Type USE and USE-2 cables are single-conductor in sizes through 2000 kcmil or are flat or roundmultiple-conductor in sizes through 4/0 AWG copper, 300 kcmil aluminum or copper-clad aluminumjacketed and through 2000 kcmil coverless. Type USE and USE-2 cables are not required to comply witha cable flame test. Jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables have 1 – 5 insulatedconductors of the same size with or without an uninsulated grounded conductor that, in some cases, issmaller than the insulated conductors. It is appropriate to include one insulated equipment-groundingconductor that is, in some cases, smaller than the circuit conductors in a cable with no uninsulatedconductor. Coverless multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables have two or more (no limit)insulated conductors of the same size with or without a grounded conductor that bare (in round or flatcable) or insulated (in round cable) and, in some cases, is smaller than the other conductors. Coverlessmultiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables with a bare conductor are tag marked to restrict the cableto direct burial (no covering to protect the bare conductor during and after duct and pole installations).Single-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables that are not larger than 4/0 AWG copper, 300 kcmilaluminum or copper-clad aluminum and multiple-conductor jacketed and coverless Type USE and USE-2cables without an uninsulated or bare conductor are for use as Type USE or USE-2 and also are for useunderground as Type UF cable would be used however are not marked ″UF″. All single-conductor TypeUSE and USE-2 cables and the following multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables are fordirect-burial and underground-duct service-entrance uses and are eligible to be terminated on a utility polewhere each conductor and any overall jacket are exposed to the weather and not subject to physicaldamage:

a) Jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables with or without an uninsulatedconductor.

b) Coverless multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables without a bare conductor.

1.8 Submersible-pump cable (four varieties are described in 19.1) is an assembly of single-conductorType USE cables that are eligible to be individually surface marked ″pump cable″. The assembly is nottested for sunlight resistance however each of its conductors is so tested and complies.Submersible-pump cable is flat or round and is multiple-conductor in sizes through 4/0 AWG copper, 300kcmil aluminum or copper-clad aluminum with all conductors insulated. It is appropriate for one conductorto be a grounding conductor that, in some cases, is smaller than the circuit conductors. All of the circuitconductors are of the same size. This cable has a tag marking stating that the cable is for use within wellcasings for wiring deep-well submersible water pumps. Each conductor in a coverless, cabled assemblyis surface marked as Type USE, and each conductor in any other pump-cable assembly is eligible to alsobe so marked. Assemblies other than those that are coverless are surface marked ″submersible pumpcable″. A coverless, cabled assembly without a grounding conductor is appropriate for use as Type USEand also appropriate for use underground as Type UF cable however it is not to be marked ″UF″. All otherpump-cable assemblies are for use only as submersible-pump cable.

1.9 Type SE cable is a flat or round multiple-conductor cable in sizes through 4/0 AWG copper, 300 kcmilaluminum or copper-clad aluminum and has an overall nonmetallic covering. All of the insulatedconductors are of the same size. This cable complies with a cable flame test.

1.10 These requirements do not cover metal-clad cables (Type MC) or medium-voltage cables (TypeMV). Type MC cables (600 V and 2 kV) are covered in the Standard for Metal-Clad Cables, UL 1569. TypeMV cables (5, 8, 15, 28, and 35 kV) are covered in the Standard for Medium-Voltage Power Cables, UL1072.

1.10 revised October 5, 2007




1.11 A product that contains features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems new or differentfrom those covered by the requirements in this standard, and that involves a risk of fire or of electric shockor injury to persons shall be evaluated using appropriate additional component and end-productrequirements to maintain the level of safety as originally anticipated by the intent of this standard. Aproduct whose features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems conflict with specificrequirements or provisions of this standard does not comply with this standard. Revision of requirementsshall be proposed and adopted in conformance with the methods employed for development, revision, andimplementation of this standard.

2 General

2.1 Units of measurement

2.1.1 In addition to being stated in the inch/pound units that are customary in the USA, each of therequirements in this standard is also stated in units that make the requirements conveniently usable incountries employing the various metric systems (practical SI and customary). Equivalent – although notexactly identical – results are to be expected from applying a requirement in USA or metric terms.Equipment calibrated in metric units is to be used where a requirement is applied in metric terms.

2.2 Undated reference

2.2.1 Any undated reference to a code or standard appearing in the requirements of this standard shallbe interpreted as referring to the latest edition of that code or standard.

3 Terms

3.1 Wherever the designation ″UL 1581″ is used in this wire standard, reference is to be made to thedesignated part(s) of the Reference Standard for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Flexible Cords, UL 1581.


CONSTRUCTION

4 Materials

4.1 Each material used in a cable shall be compatible with all of the other materials used in the cable.




5 General

5.1 Service-entrance cable shall be designated as Type USE or USE-2 (jacketed, coverless, andsubmersible-pump cables – all for use below ground) or as Type SE (for use above ground) and shallcomply in all respects with the applicable requirements for construction details, test performance, andmarkings.

5.2 The electrical insulation in each cable shall be of material(s) with one of the following ratings:

a) 90°C dry, 90°C wet;

b) 90°C dry, 75°C wet; or

c) 75°C dry, 75°C wet.

5.3 Each individual and overall jacket in Type USE and USE-2 cables and any insulation not protectedby an individual jacket in Type USE and USE-2 cables shall be of material(s) resistant to fungi.

5.4 Material not known to be resistant to fungi is to be tested as described in the American Society forTesting and Materials ″Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials toFungi″ ( ASTM G 21-96(2002)). Based on an existing good field record, CP, CPE, XL, HDPE, NBR/PVC,and neoprene are appropriate for use without fungal testing.


CONDUCTORS

6 Metal

6.1 General

6.1.1 Only copper, copper-clad aluminum, or an aluminum alloy shall be used for the conductor(s) in acable. All insulated conductors in a cable shall be of the same metal. In coverless Type USE and USE-2cables with a bare conductor, the bare conductor shall be of metal-coated copper regardless of which ofthe three metals is used in the insulated conductors(s). In other multiple-conductor cables, anyuninsulated conductor shall be of the same metal as the insulated conductors.




6.2 Copper

6.2.1 A 14 or 12 AWG copper conductor in a Type SE cable shall be medium-hard or hard-drawn.Number 10 AWG and larger sizes of copper conductor in a Type SE cable and all sizes of copperconductor in Type USE and USE-2 cables shall be soft-annealed, medium-hard, or hard-drawn. Eachsolid copper conductor and each copper wire (strand) shall comply with ASTM B 3-01(2007), ASTM B2-00(2005)e1, or ASTM B 1-01(2007) as applicable.

6.2.1 revised October 5, 2007

6.3 Copper-clad aluminum

6.3.1 Copper-clad aluminum conductors shall comply with the Requirements for Copper-Clad AluminumConductors, Section 11 of UL 1581.

6.4 Aluminum

6.4.1 Solid aluminum conductors in sizes 12, 10 and 8 AWG shall comply with the requirements foraluminum-wire stock. The aluminum conductor(s) in single-conductor submersible-pump cable and incoverless multiple-conductor Type USE cable not marked with any additional conductor type designationon the surface, on the insulated conductors, or on the tag, reel, or carton shall comply with therequirements for 8000 series aluminum in Requirements for Aluminum Conductors of an 8000 SeriesAlloy, Section 10 of UL 1581, or shall be of a 1/2 – 3/4 hard 1350 series aluminum alloy that complieswith the same tensile-strength requirements as a semi-annealed 8000 series alloy or a 1350-H19 (extrahard) aluminum alloy in accordance with ASTM B 230/B 230M-07. All other aluminum conductors shallcomply with the requirements for conductors of an 8000 series alloy in Section 10 of UL 1581. See 40.4.

6.4.1 revised October 5, 2007

7 Metal Coating

7.1 When the insulation adjacent to a copper or copper-clad aluminum conductor is of a material thatcorrodes unprotected copper in the test in Conductor Corrosion, Section 500 of UL 1581, and when aprotective separator (see 11.1 and 11.2) is not provided, the solid conductor and each of the individualwires (strands) of a stranded conductor shall be separately covered with metal. The metal coating shallbe one of the following:

a) A tin coating complying with ASTM B 33-04.

b) A nickel coating complying with ASTM B 355-06.

c) A silver coating complying with ASTM B 298-99e1.

d) Any other metal or alloy coating is to be evaluated.7.1 revised October 5, 2007

7.2 The use of a metal coating, when not required for corrosion protection, is still appropriate for use onsolid or individual wires (strands) or selected wires, such as the outer layer of wires of a strandedconductor (see 7.3 concerning the conductor resistance). The metal coating used shall comply with 7.1.




7.3 When metal-coated wires are used only as selected wires, such as the outer layer of wires of astranded uncoated copper or copper-clad aluminum conductor, the direct current resistance of theresulting conductor shall not exceed the value tabulated in D-C Conductor Resistance, Section 30 of UL1581 for an uncoated conductor of the same size and construction. See 10.1.

7.4 An uninsulated copper or copper-clad aluminum conductor shall be metal-coated when it isassembled in contact with a neoprene jacket or (copper only) is used as the bare conductor in a coverlessmultiple-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cable. A stranded copper or copper-clad aluminum conductor thatis required to be metal-coated shall have each wire (strand) metal-coated before the wires are assembledto form the conductor.

8 Conductor Diameter and Cross-Sectional Area

8.1 The nominal, maximum (1.01 x nominal), and minimum (0.98 x nominal) diameters of solid andstranded conductors are shown in Tables 20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.3.1, 20.4, and 20.6 of UL 1581. ConductorDiameter is to be measured using the method shown in Conductor Diameters, Section 200 of UL 1581.

8.2 Compressed unilay copper conductors that are smaller in diameter than the requirement (0.98 xnominal as indicated in Table 20.3) for compressed concentric lay conductors shall be marked the sameas compact conductors and shall be marked in accordance with 43.1.

8.3 The nominal cross-sectional area of a conductor is indicated in Table 20.1 of UL 1581 (not arequirement).

9 Joints

9.1 A joint in a solid conductor or in one of the individual wires of a stranded conductor shall be made ina workmanlike manner and shall not change the diameter of the solid conductor, the individual wire strand,or the overall stranded conductor. A joint shall not be made in a stranded conductor as a whole. A jointin a stranded conductor shall be made by separately joining each individual wire. A joint shall be madeonly before any coverings are applied to an insulated conductor and before a conductor is assembled intoa cable. The insulation applied to such joints shall be equivalent to that removed and shall comply withthe requirements in this Standard. A joint in a compact- or compressed-stranded conductor shall be madebefore compacting or compressing.




10 Resistance

10.1 The direct-current resistance of any length of conductor in ohms per thousand conductor feet or inohms per conductor kilometer shall not be higher than the maximum (nominal x 1.02) resistance indicatedin the applicable table in D-C Conductor Resistance, Section 30 of UL 1581 at 20°C (68°F) or at 25°C(77°F) when measured as described in D-C Conductor Resistance, Section 220 of UL 1581. The d-cresistance of each insulated conductor in a multiple-conductor cable in which the insulated conductors arecabled shall not exceed the tabulated value first multiplied by 1.02 and then rounded off to the samenumber of decimal places as the tabulated value. See 7.3.

11 Separator

11.1 Thermoset insulation shall be kept, by the manufacturing process or a separator, from penetratingbetween the wires (strands) of a stranded copper, copper-clad aluminum, or aluminum conductor (seeInsulation Fall-In Test, Section 520 of UL 1581). A separator is not required between the conductor andthe thermoset or thermoplastic insulation on a solid or stranded conductor. Where used, a separator shallbe electrically non-conductive (an insulating grade is not required), inherently resistant to moisture, andshall not be counted as part of the required insulation.

11.2 A separator used between a conductor and insulation shall be colored or shall be opaque to makethe separator clearly distinguishable from the conductor once the insulation is removed. The color shallbe other than copper, silver, green, or green and yellow and shall be solid, striped, or in some otherpattern.

12 Sizes of Insulated Conductors

12.1 The grounding conductor (insulated), where used, in 8 – 4/0 AWG copper submersible-pump cableand in 6 AWG – 300 kcmil aluminum or copper-clad aluminum submersible-pump cable shall be the sameas or smaller in size (see Table 19.1) than the circuit conductors (also insulated) however, in othermultiple-conductor cables, the insulated conductors shall be of the same size.

12.2 An insulated copper conductor shall not be smaller in size than 14 AWG. An insulated aluminum orcopper-clad aluminum conductor shall not be smaller in size than 12 AWG.

12.3 Single-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables and the insulated conductors in multiple-conductorcoverless Type USE and USE-2 cables shall not be larger in size than 2000 kcmil. The insulatedconductor(s) in other multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables (jacketed cable orsubmersible-pump cable) and the insulated conductors in a Type SE cable shall not be larger than 4/0AWG copper, 300 kcmil aluminum or copper-clad aluminum.




13 Stranding

13.1 Except as noted in this paragraph, a 6 AWG or larger size of insulated conductor shall be strandedin compliance with the Standard for Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables, UL 44, or in the Standard forThermoplastic-Insulated Wires and Cables, UL 83, as applicable. 12 – 2 AWG conductors in thesubmersible-pump cables described in Details, Section 19, shall be solid or stranded. A solid conductorfor use as the insulated conductor of a single-conductor cable or a 2-conductor cable having a strandedbare or uninsulated conductor applied helically over the insulated conductor shall not be larger than 2AWG. A 6 AWG or larger size of bare or uninsulated conductor shall be stranded. No strand of anuninsulated copper conductor shall be smaller than 26 AWG (15.9 mils or 0.404 mm in diameter). Nostrand of an uninsulated aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductor shall be smaller than 22 AWG(25.3 mils or 0.643 mm in diameter).


13.2 Compact stranding is appropriate for use with 8 AWG – 1000 kcmil aluminum conductors and with2 – 4/0 AWG copper conductors. A compact-stranded conductor shall not be segmented. The length oflay of the strands in the outer layer of a round compact-stranded assembly shall be 8 – 16 times theoverall diameter of that layer for a 1 AWG – 1000 kcmil conductor and shall be 8.0 – 17.5 times the overalldiameter of that layer for a 8 – 2 AWG conductor. The direction of lay of the outer layer of a roundcompact-stranded conductor shall be left-hand (left-hand unidirectional or concentric-lay-stranded with theouter layer left-handed).

INSULATION AND INDIVIDUAL JACKET

14 Details

14.1 The insulation in Type USE and USE-2 cables shall be thermoset, except for the HDPE portion ofHDPE-over-XL insulation in some single-conductor Type USE cable. See 14.3 regarding materials. Theinsulation and jacket in single-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables shall comply with Table 14.1 (see14.3 regarding materials). Each insulated conductor in the submersible-pump cables that are described inSection 19, and in the coverless multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables that are described inSection 18, shall be a single-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cable. Except for the horizontal flame test insome cases (see 39.1), and the sunlight-resistance tests required in 30.2 and 30.3, the insulatedconductors in a Type SE cable shall be Type THHN, Type THWN, or Type THWN-2 as described in theStandard for Thermoplastic-Insulated Wires and Cables, UL 83, or Type XHHW, Type XHHW-2, TypeRHW, Type RHW-2, Type RHH OR RHW, or Type RHH OR RHW-2 as described in the Standard forThermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables, UL 44; the insulated conductors in a jacketed multiple-conductorType USE cable shall be Type XHHW, Type XHHW-2, Type RHW, Type RHW-2, Type RHH OR RHW,or Type RHH OR RHW-2 as described in the Standard for Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables, UL 44;and the insulated conductors in a jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE-2 cable shall be Type XHHW-2,Type RHW-2, or Type RHH OR RHW-2 as described in the Standard for Thermoset-Insulated Wires andCables, UL 44. ″USE″ shall not be surface marked on conductors for Type SE cable.

14.2 Measurements of insulation thickness are to be made as described in Thicknesses of Insulation onThermoplastic- and Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables, Section 240 of UL 1581.




14.3 Either of the following materials intended for use by the manufacturer as an insulation or a jacketshall be evaluated for the requested temperature rating as described in Long-Term Aging, Section 481 ofUL 1581:

a) Material generically different from any insulation or jacket material that is referenced in 14.1,17.2.1.1, or 19.1 for the construction (new material).

b) Material that is referenced in 14.1, 17.2.1.1, or 19.1 yet does not comply with the short-termtests applicable to the material.

The temperature rating of materials (a) and (b) shall be as required for the specific service-entrance cabletype. The thicknesses of insulation and/or jacket using materials (a) and/or (b) shall be as required for thespecific type. Investigation of the electrical, mechanical, and physical characteristics of the cable usingmaterial (a) and/or (b) shall show the material(s) to be comparable in performance to the insulation orjacket materials referenced in 14.1, 17.2.1.1, or 19.1. The investigation shall include tests such ascrushing, impact, abrasion, deformation, heat shock, insulation resistance, and dielectricvoltage-withstand.

Table 14.1Constructions of single-conductor Type USE cables

NOTE: FOR DETAILS OF BLANK OR INCOMPLETE BOXES REFER TO THE CORRESPONDING BOX ON THE PAGE PRECEDING IT .

Insulation Jacket Cable surfacemarking (seeSection 40)

Applicablerequirements in UL 44(includes spark or tank

testing of allproduction)

Material Physicalproperties

Thicknesses Material Physicalproperties

Thicknesses

75°C wet ordry XL

113°C agingin Table

50.231 ofUL 1581

Table 14.3(noteb

reducedthicknesses

areapplicable)

No jacket ″USE ″ 600 V RHW insulatedwith unjacketed XL orEPCV.Horizontal flame test notrequired (see lastsentence of 40.1).

Table 14.3(noteb

reducedthicknesses

are notapplicable)

No jacket ″USE ORRHW″

600 V RHW insulatedwith unjacketed XL orEPCV.Horizontal flame test isrequired.

Table 14.3(noteb

reducedthicknesses

are notapplicable)

75°C Table 14.5 ″USE″ 600 V RHW insulatedwith jacketed XL orEPCV.Horizontal flame test notrequired (see lastsentence of 40.1).

CP Table 50.1of UL 1581

ThermosetCPE

Table 50.30of UL 1581

NBR/PVC Table50.100 ofUL 1581

Tests made withoutjacket: insulation,resistance, capacitance,relative permittivity, andstability factor.

Neoprene Table50.100 ofUL 1581


Table 14.1 Continued on Next Page



Table 14.1 Continued






Thicknesses

XL Table50.229 ofUL 1581

″USE ORRHW″

600 V RHW insulatedwith jacketed XL orEPCV.Horizontal flame test isrequired.Tests made withoutjacket: insulation,resistance, capacitance,relative permittivity, andstability factor.

75°C wet ordry EPCV


(121°Caging for allapplications)

Table 14.3(noteb

reducedthicknesses

are notapplicable)

75°C Table 14.5 ″USE″ 600 V RHW insulatedwith jacketed XL orEPCV Horizontal flametest not required (seelast sentence of 40.1).Tests made withoutjacket: insulation,resistance, capacitance,relative permittivity, andstability factor.


″USE ORRHW″

600 V RHW insulatedwith jacketed XL orEPCV.Horizontal flame test notrequired.Tests made withoutjacket: insulation,resistance, capacitance,relative permittivity, andstability factor.

ThermosetCPE



Neoprene Table50.100 ofUL 1581


Table 14.3(noteb

reducedthicknesses

are notapplicable)

No jacket ″USE ORRHW″

600 V RHW insulatedwith unjacketed XL orEPCV.Horizontal flame test isrequired.











Thicknesses

90°C dry, 75°C wet Table 14.3(noteb

reducedthicknesses

are notapplicable)

No jacket ″USE ORRHW OR

RHH″

600 V RHH and RHWinsulated with unjacketedXL or EPCV.Horizontal flame test isrequired.

XL 121°C agingin Table

50.231 ofUL 1581

EPCV Table 50.62of UL 1581



reducedthicknesses

are notapplicable)

90°C Table 14.5 ″USE ORRHW OR

RHH″

600 V RHH and RHWinsulated with jacketedXL or EPCV.Horizontal flame test isrequired.Tests made withoutjacket: insulation,resistance, capacitance,relative permittivity, andstability factor.

CP 121°C agingin Table

50.1 of UL1581


50.231 ofUL 1581

ThermosetCPE


NBR/PVC Table 50.99of UL 1581EPCV Table 50.62

of UL 1581(121°C

aging for allapplications)

Neoprene Table 50.99of UL 1581


90°C dry,75°C wet

CP or CPE


50.1 of UL1581

Table 14.3(noteb

reducedthicknesses

are notapplicable)

No Jacket ″USE″ 600 V RHH and RHWinsulated with unjacketedCP or CPE.Horizontal flame test notrequired (see lastsentence of 40.1).

″USE ORRHW OR

RHH″

600 V RHH and RHWinsulated with unjacketedCP or CPE.Horizontal flame test isrequired.

75°C wet ordry: thermo-

plasticHDPE over

XL

HDPEa :Table

50.135 ofUL 1581(113°Caging)

XLa : 113°Caging inTable

50.231 ofUL 1581

Table 14.3(noteb

reducedthicknesses

areapplicable)

No jacket ″USE″ 600 V RHW insulatedwith unjacketed XL.Horizontal flame test notrequired (see lastsentence of 40.1).











Thicknesses

90°C dry,75° wet: CP,CPE, EPCV,or XL over

EP or CP orCPE over

EPCV

CPb: 121° Caging in


CPEb: Table50.34 of UL1581 (121°C

aging)

Table 14.3 No jacket ″USE″ 600 V RHH and RHWinsulated wtih unjacketedCP, CPE, EPCV, or XLover EP or CP overEPCV.Horizontal flame test notrequired (see lastsentence of 40.1).

EPb: Table50.42 of UL1581 (121°C aging for

allapplications)

EPCVb:Table 50.62of UL 1581

(121° Caging for allapplications)XLb: 113°C

aging inTable

50.231 ofUL 1581

″USE ORRHW OR

RHH″

600 V RHH and RHWinsulated wtih unjacketedCP, CPE, EPCV, or XLover EP or CP overEPCV.Horizontal flame test isrequired

75°C wet or dry Table 14.3(noteb

reducedthicknesses

are notapplicable)

75°C Table 14.5 ″USE ″ 600 V RHH and RHWinsulated with jacketedSBR/IIR/NR or EPHorizontal flame test notrequired (see lastsentence of 40.1).


SBR/IIR/NR Agings for75°C

materials inTable

50.189 ofUL 1581

ThermosetCPE


Tests made withoutjacket: insulation,resistance, capacitance,relative permittivity, andstability factor.


EP Table 50.42of UL 1581



″USE ORRHW″

600 V RHW insulatedwith jacketed SBR/IIR/NR.Horizontal flame test isrequired.Tests made withoutjacket: insulation,resistance, capacitance,relative permittivity, andstability factor.












Thicknesses


reducedthicknesses

are notapplicable)

90°C Table 14.5 ″USE ORRHW OR

RHH″

600 V RHH and RHWinsulated with jacketedSBR/IIR/NR or EP.

CP Table 50.1of UL 1581SBR/IIR/NR Agings for

90°Cmaterials in

Table50.189 UL

1581

ThermosetCPE


Horizontal flame test isrequired.Tests made withoutjacket: insulation,resistance, capacitance,permittivity, and stabilityfactor.

EP Table 50.42of UL 1581


NBR/PVC Table 50.99of UL 1581



a For the 8 AWG and smaller sizes, HDPE over XL may be tested as a composition tube of the two layers at 2.0 ±0.2 in/min orat 50 ±5 mm/min. For the 6 AWG and larger sizes, the layers are to be tested separately, with the HDPE layer at 2.0 ±0.2in/min or at 50 ±5 mm/min and the XL layer at 20 ±1 in/min or at 500 ±25 mm/min.b Each layer is to be tested separately.

Table 14.2Acceptable constructions of single-conductor Type USE-2 cable

Insulation Jacket Cable surfacemarking (seeSection 39 )

Applicable requirementsin UL 44 (includes spark

or tank testing of allproduction)

MaterialPhysicalproperties


Thicknesses

90°C wet or dry


50.231 ofUL 1581

Table 14.3(note c

reducedthicknesses

notacceptable)

No Jacket

″USE-2 ORRHW-2″

600 V RHW-2 insulatedwith unjacketed XL or

EPCV.



Horizontal flame test isrequired.

90°C

90°C wet or dry CP 121°C agingin Table 50.1of UL 1581











Thicknesses


50.231 ofUL 1581

Table 14.3(note c

reducedthicknesses

notacceptable)

ThermosetCPE


600 V RHW-2 insulatedwith jacketed XL orEPCV.


Table 14.5 ″USE-2 ORRHW-2″





Tests made withoutjacket:

insulationresistance,capacitance,relativepermittivity, andstability factor.

XL Table 50.228of UL 1581

90°C wetor dry CP


50.1 of UL1581

Table 14.3

″USE-2″ 600 V RHW-2 insulatedwith unjacketed CP.Horizontal flame test notrequired.

No Jacket ″USE-2 orRHW-2″

600 V RHW-2 insulatedwith unjacketed CP.Horizontal flame test isrequired.

90°C wetor dry: CPover EP

CPa : 121°caging in

Table 50.1of UL 1581EPa : Table50.42 of UL1581 (121°Caging for allapplications)

″USE-2″ 600 V RHW-2 insulatedwith unjacketed CP overEP or CP over EPCV.Horizontal flame test notrequired (see lastsentence of 39.1).

orCP overEPCV

EPCVa :Table 50.62of UL 1581


Table 14.3 No jacket ″USE-2 orRHW-2″

600 V RHW-2 insulatedwith unjacketed CP overEP or CP over EPCV.Horizontal flame test isrequired.











Thicknesses

90°C wet or dry 90°C Table 14.5 ″USE-2 ORRHW-2″

600 V RHW-2 insulatedwith jacketed SBR/IIR/NRor EP.

CP Table 50.1 ofUL 1581SBR/

IIR/NRAgings for

90°Cmaterials in

Table50.189 UL

1581

ThermosetCPE



EP



Table 14.3(note c

reducedthicknesses

are notapplicable)


Tests made withoutjacket:

insulationresistance,capacitance,relativepermittivity, andstability factor.


XL Table 50.228of UL 1581

a Each layer is to be tested separately.

Table 14.3Thicknesses of insulation of XL, of EPCV, of EP, of SBR/IIR/NRm of CP, of CPE, or of HDPE a

over XL a on single-conductor Type USE-2 and USE cables

Size(s) conductor Mils mm

Copper Aluminum orcopper-cladaluminum

Minimum averagethickness of

insulation

Minimumthickness at any

point of insulation


insulation


point of insulation

14, 10 AWG 12, 10 AWG 45 40 1.14 1.02

9 – 2 8 – 2 60 54 1.52 1.37

1 – 4/0 1 – 4/0 80 72 2.03 1.83

213 – 500 kcmil 213 – 500 kcmil 95 (80)b, c 86 (72)b, c 2.41 (2.03)b, c 2.18 (1.83)b, c

501 – 1000 501 – 1000 110 99 2.79 2.51

1001 – 2000 1001 – 2000 125 112 3.18 2.84

a The thicknesses of the individual layers are not specified.






Size(s) conductor Mils mm



insulation


point of insulation


insulation


point of insulation

b The reduced thicknesses shown in parentheses shall be used only for XL or for HDPE over XL on the 213 – 500 kcmil sizesof Type USE cable that are not marked ″USE OR RHW″ or ″USE OR RHW OR RHH″ (the cable is marked simply ″USE″ – thecable contains EC-1350 grade aluminum alloy conductors; see 41.4) when the results of the tests described in Sections 21 – 25show that these sizes of cable made with the reduced thicknesses of insulation have mechanical-abuse characteristics that arecomparable to the characteristics of the same cable made with the thicknesses of insulation shown without the parentheses.The 213 – 500 kcmil sizes of cable made with reduced thicknesses of XL insulation shall have the insulation applied in one ortwo layers. The thicknesses of the individual layers are not specified.c The reduced thicknesses shown in parentheses shall be used only for XL on the 213 – 500 kcmil sizes of cable that are notmarked ″USE-2 OR RHW-2″ or ″USE-2 OR RHW-2 OR RHH″ (the cable is marked simply ″USE-2″ – the cable containsED-1350 grade aluminum alloy conductors; see 41.4) when the results of the tests described in Sections 21 – 25 show thatthese sizes of cable made with the reduced thicknesses of insulation have mechanical-abuse characteristics that arecomparable to the characteristics of the same cable made with the thicknesses of insulation shown without the parentheses.The 213 – 500 kcmil sizes of cable made with reduced thicknesses of XL insulation shall have the insulation applied in one ortwo layers. The thicknesses of the individual layers are not specified.

Table 14.4Thicknesses of insulation of CP, CPE, EPCV, or XL over EP or of CP over EPCV on single-

conductor Type USE-2 and USE cables with no jacket over the insulation

Sizes(s) ofconductor

Mils mm

Inner layerEP or EPCV

Outer layerCP, CPE, EPCV, or XL


Outer LayerCP, CPE, EPCV, or XL

Minimumaverage

thicknessof

insulation

Minimumthickness

at anypoint of

insulation a

Minimumaverage

thicknessof

insulation

Minimumthickness

at anypoint of

insulation a

Minimumaverage

thicknessof

insulation

Minimumthickness

at anypoint of

insulation a

Minimumaverage

thicknessof

insulation

Minimumthickness

at anypoint of

insulation a

Copper

Aluminumor

copper-clad

aluminumI II I II I II I II

AWG AWG

14 – 10 12 – 10 30 27 28 15 14 12 0.76 0.69 0.71 0.38 0.36 0.30

9 – 8 9 – 8 45 40 42 15 14 12 1.14 1.02 1.07 0.38 0.36 0.30

7 – 2 7 – 2 45 40 44 30 27 24 1.14 1.02 1.12 0.76 0.69 0.61

1 – 4/0 1 – 4/0 55 50 54 45 40 36 1.40 1.27 1.37 1.14 1.02 0.91

kcmil kcmil

213 –500

213 – 500 65 58 65 65 58 52 1.65 1.47 1.65 1.65 1.47 1.32

501 –1000

501 –1000

80 72 78 65 58 52 2.03 1.83 1.98 1.65 1.47 1.32






Sizes(s) ofconductor

Mils mm


Outer layerCP, CPE, EPCV, or XL


Outer LayerCP, CPE, EPCV, or XL

Minimumaverage

thicknessof

insulation

Minimumthickness

at anypoint of

insulation a

Minimumaverage

thicknessof

insulation

Minimumthickness

at anypoint of

insulation a

Minimumaverage

thicknessof

insulation

Minimumthickness

at anypoint of

insulation a

Minimumaverage

thicknessof

insulation

Minimumthickness

at anypoint of

insulation a

Copper

Aluminumor

copper-clad

aluminumI II I II I II I II

a The minimum thickness at any point shall not be less than indicated in column I or II under ″Inner Layer″ provided that theminimum thickness at any point is not less than indicated in the corresponding column I or II under ″Outer Layer″. Thethickness in column II under ″Inner Layer″ plus the thickness in column II under ″Outer Layer″ equals 90 percent of the sum ofthe average thicknesses indicated under ″Inner Layer″ and ″Outer Layer″.

Table 14.5Thicknesses of jacket on single-conductor Type USE-2 and USE cables with insulation that is

required in Table 14.1 to have thicknesses per Table 14.3

Size(s) of Conductor in mm

CopperAluminum orcopper-cladaluminum


jacket a

Minimumthickness at anypoint of jacket a



14 – 2 AWG 12 – 2 AWG 30 25 0.76 0.64

1 – 4/0 1 – 4/0 45 35 1.14 0.89

213 – 1000 kcmil 213 – 1000 kcmil 65 50 1.65 1.27

1001 – 2000 1001 – 2000 95 75 2.41 1.90

a Measurements are to be made as described in 17.2.2.2.




ASSEMBLY OF JACKETED MULTIPLE-CONDUCTOR TYPE USE AND USE-2 CABLES AND OFTYPE SE CABLE

15 Conductors

15.1 In jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables and in a Type SE cable, the insulatedconductors and any uninsulated conductor shall be assembled in size and number as indicated in Table15.1. It is appropriate for an uninsulated conductor to be laid straight in a flat cable, or to be cabled in oneor several sections in a round cable, where the requirements of at least the flexing test in 21.1 and theoverload test in 26.1 and 26.2 for Type USE and USE-2 cables or the overload test in 27.1 and 27.2 forType SE cable are complied with. Otherwise, an uninsulated conductor shall be evenly distributed helically(concentric) over the insulated conductor or conductors with a length of lay that complies with 15.4. Aninsulated conductor shall not be smaller in size than indicated in Table 15.2 (cable with copperconductors) or Table 15.3 (cable with aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors). It is appropriate forType USE and USE-2 cables that are without an uninsulated conductor to contain one fully insulatedgrounding conductor that is of the same construction as the circuit conductors. The grounding conductorshall be of a size that is not smaller than indicated in Table 19.1 and shall be identified as described in19.2.

15.2 In a round cable in which there is more than one insulated conductor, the insulated conductors shallbe cabled with a length of lay (see 15.3) that is uniform and is not longer than indicated in Table 15.4.The length of lay of a cabled uninsulated conductor shall be the same as the length of lay of the insulatedconductors. In a round Type SE cable, it is appropriate for the direction of lay to change at uniform orvaried intervals throughout the length of the cable. In a cable in which the lay is reversed:

a) Each area in which the lay is right- or left-hand for not less than 5 complete twists (full 360°cycles) shall have the insulated conductors cabled with a length of lay that is not greater thanindicated in Table 15.4, and

b) The length of each lay-transition zone (oscillated section) between these areas of right- andleft-hand lay shall not exceed 1.8 times the maximum length of lay indicated in Table 15.4.

15.3 The length of lay of an element of a helix is the pitch of that element – that is, the axial length of oneturn of the element.

15.4 The length of lay of the wires of a concentrically distributed (evenly spaced), helically applied,uninsulated conductor shall not be more than 10 times the diameter over the concentric wires in a roundcable, and shall not be more than 35 times the length of the minor axis over the concentric wires in a flatType SE cable. The length of lay of the concentric wires shall be uniform throughout the length of thecable or the direction of lay can change at uniform or varied intervals throughout the length of the cable.In a cable in which the lay of the concentric wires is reversed:

a) Each area in which the lay is right- or left-hand for not less than 5 complete twists (full 360°cycles) shall have the wires applied with a length of lay that is not greater than the limit shownabove.

b) The length of each lay-transition zone (oscillated section) between these areas of right- andleft-hand lay shall not exceed 1.8 times the length of lay limit shown above.




Table 15.1Assembly of conductors in jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE-2 and USE cables and in Type

SE cables

Number of conductors Sizes of insulated conductor(s)

Insulated Uninsulated In flat cable In round cable



1 1 Cable is round. 14 – 4/0 AWG12 AWG – 300

kcmil

2 0 or 1 14 – 4/0 AWG12 AWG – 300

kcmil 14 – 4/012 AWG – 300

kcmil

3, 4, or 5 0 or 1 Cable is round 14 – 4/0 12 – AWG 300kcmil

Table 15.2Smallest size of uninsulated conductor in cable with copper conductors

Table 15.2 revised October 5, 2007

Number of insulated copperconductors

Size of insulated copper conductors Uninsulated conductor of copper

One All Same size as the insulated conductor

Two or more 14 – 8 AWG Same size as the insulated conductors

Two or more Larger than 8 AWG however not largerthan 4/0 AWG

Two AWG sizes smaller than theinsulated conductors

Table 15.3Smallest size of uninsulated conductor in cable with aluminum or copper-clad aluminum

conductors

Number of insulated aluminum orcopper-clad aluminum conductors

Size of insulated aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors

Uninsulated conductor of aluminum orcopper-clad aluminum

One All Same size as the insulated conductors

Two or more 12 – 6 AWG Same size as the insulated conductors

Two or more Larger than 6 AWG however not largerthan 300 kcmil

Two sizes smaller than the insulatedconductors




Table 15.4Cabling of insulated conductors in jacketed, round, multiple-conductor Type USE-2 and USE

cables and in Type SE cable

Number of insulated conductors in cable Maximum length of lay of cabled conductors

230 times the calculated diameter over one finished insulatedconductor



5 15 times the calculated diameter over the assembled, finishedinsulated conductors (a concentric uninsulated conductorand/or a separator tape over the assembled insulatedconductors are excluded)

16 Fillers

16.1 Fillers shall be provided in a cable that has an overall covering and contains two or more insulatedconductors where the fillers are needed to make the cable firm at all points. Fillers shall be provided in aType SE cable where they are needed to keep the shape of the cable from reducing the ability of the cableto comply with the pulling-through-joists test described in Low-Temperature Pulling-Through-Joists Test,Section 32. Fillers are not required in a flat cable with a concentric uninsulated conductor. Fillers shall beprovided in a flat cable without an uninsulated conductor or with an uninsulated conductor that is entirelyin one location (not sectioned or concentric) and in a round cable where they are needed to keep theshape of these cables:

a) From making the surface printing on the cable illegible,

b) From reducing the ability of the cable to resist pulling out of any connector intended for thecable (see test described in note a to Table 17.1), and

c) From affecting the seal of a watertight entrance fitting [see the wet-locations test (rain test)described in Section 39, of the Standard for Fittings for Cable and Conduit, UL 514B].

Fillers in a jacketed cable shall be integral with or separate from the overall jacket. Where fillers areintegral with the overall jacket, they and the jacket shall be readily separable from the underlying cableassembly. Fibrous filler materials shall be inherently resistant to moisture or shall be treated to make themmoisture resistant.




17 Overall Covering

17.1 General

17.1.1 Type SE cable and all multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables other thansubmersible-pump cables (see Section 19) and the coverless assemblies of single-conductor Type USEand USE-2 cables (see Section 18) shall be enclosed in an overall nonmetallic covering. In all cases, thefinished cable shall have an outer surface that complies with the sunlight-resistance requirements (720 hfor cables marked for sunlight-resistance use and for sunlight-resistance use in cable trays and 300 h orequivalent for all others) in 30.1 – 30.4. The covering shall be applied directly over the flat or roundassembly of insulated conductors, any uninsulated conductor, and any fillers; shall completely cover andconform closely to the surface of the underlying assembly; and shall be snug-fitting but readily separablefrom the underlying assembly. The outer surface of the finished overall covering shall be firm and smoothand except for impressions of the underlying assembly shall not show depressions caused by unfilledspaces beneath the overall covering (see 16.1 (a) – (c)). Neither an overall jacket nor a PVC finish shallhave any defects (bubbles, open spots, rips, tears, cuts, or foreign material) that are visible with normalor corrected vision without magnification. An overall jacket and a PVC finish shall be well centered overthe underlying assembly.

17.1.2 The covering on Type USE and USE-2 cables shall be an extruded jacket complying with 17.2.The covering on Type SE cable shall be a tape-and-finish construction complying with 17.3.

17.2 Jacket

17.2.1 Material

17.2.1.1 The overall jacket on Type USE and USE-2 cables shall be of one of the thermoset materialsindicated in Table 17.1 (see 14.3 for the long-term evaluation of a jacket material not named in Table 17.1or not complying with the specified short-term tests). Specimens prepared from samples of the overalljacket taken from the finished cable shall comply with the physical properties limits specified in the tablein Specific Materials, Section 50 of UL 1581, to which reference is made in Table 17.1. The methods ofpreparation of samples, of selection and conditioning of specimens, and of making the measurements andcalculations for recovery, ultimate elongation, and tensile strength shall be as indicated under the heading″Physical Properties Tests of Insulation and Jacket″, Sections 400 – 480 in UL 1581.

17.2.1.2 Oil is specified in several of the physical properties tables in UL 1581 as an immersion mediumfor conditioning some specimens. In Service-Entrance Cables, UL 854, the oil immersion is for thepurpose of generic material identification, not to establish a particular compound as being oil-resistant.




Table 17.1Material a of extruded, thermoset, overall jacket on jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE cable

Jacketed Material a

Applicable table of physical properties in UL 1581

Cable with 90°C (194°F)insulated conductors(s)

Cable with 75°C (167°F) insulated conductor(s)or

unmarked 90°C (194°F) insulated conductor(s)

CP 50.1 50.1

Thermoset CPE 50.29 50.30

NBR/PVC 50.99 50.100

Neoprene 50.99 50.100

XL 50.228 50.229

a An overall jacket of a thermoset material other than one of those mentioned in the first column of this table when used, shallbe applicable for the use. A pullout test is to be part of the evaluation. In the test, an outlet bushing is to be secured to thefinished cable as intended using the tightening torque indicated below and a 50 lbf or 22.7 kgf is to be exerted for 5 min alongthe longitudinal axis of the bushing to tend to pull the cable out of the bushing. The cable shall not move more than 1/8 inch or3 mm in the bushing.

Trade size of fitting in inchesTightening torque

lbf-in N·m kgf-m

3/4 500 56.5 5.76

1 700 79.1 8.06

1-1/4 1000 113 11.5

1-1/2 1200 136 13.8

2 and larger 1600 181 18.4

17.2.2 Thicknesses

17.2.2.1 The average and minimum-at-any-point thicknesses of the overall jacket on jacketedmultiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables shall not be less than indicated in Table 17.2. Themethod in 17.2.2.2 also applies to the determination of the thicknesses of the jacket on jacketedsingle-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables, as indicated in note a to Table 14.5.

17.2.2.2 Specimens are to be measured as described in Thicknesses of Jacket on Thermoplastic- andThermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables, Section 260 of UL 1581.




17.3 Tape and finish

17.3.1 Tape

17.3.1.1 The tape portion of an overall tape-and-finish covering on a Type SE cable shall be constructedas described in either (a) or (b) below:

a) A single layer of tape (see 17.3.1.2 for the method of thickness measurement). The tapeshall be of any convenient width and shall be applied in either of two ways: helically withoutcreases or folds and with an overlap of at least 1/4 inch or 6 mm, or longitudinally with anoverlap of at least 1/4 inch or 6 mm and with a glass-fiber binder having a length of lay notexceeding 3-1/2 inches or 89 mm. The tape shall consist of reinforced polyester, celluloseacetate, or other film tape that is at least 0.0035 inch or 0.09 mm in overall thickness. The tapeis to be reinforced on one face by threads of glass fiber. The glass threads either are to bebonded to the tape without a covering over the threads or are to be bound to the tape by a filmof polyester or vinyl or other material applied over the threads. The film is to be at least 0.00048inch or 0.012 mm thick. The glass threads either are to be laid longitudinally (unidirectional) inan open pattern or are to be applied longitudinally and across the tape (bidirectional) in an openpattern or weave.

b) One or two layers of a neoprene tape that consists of an unvulcanized neoprene coating atleast 0.006 inch or 0.15 mm thick (see 17.3.1.2 for the method of thickness measurement)applied to reinforcement consisting of an open, bidirectional pattern or weave of threads ofglass fiber. The tape shall be of any convenient width and shall be applied helically withoutcreases or folds. Where one serving is used, the edges of the tape shall be overlapped at least1/4 inch or 6 mm. Where two servings are used and they are applied in opposite directions, theedges of the tape in each serving shall be overlapped at least 1/4 inch or 6 mm. Where twoservings are used and they are applied in the same direction,

1) The edges of the tape in each serving shall be abutted or shall be overlapped atleast 1/4 inch or 6 mm, and

2) The abutted or overlapped edges of the second tape shall be located approximatelyover the center of the tape in the underlying serving.

17.3.1.2 The thicknesses specified in 17.3.1.1 are to be measured on a specimen removed from thefinished cable. The measurements are to be made with a dead-weight dial micrometer whose presser foothas a flat face 0.25 ±0.01 inch or 6.4 ±0.2 mm in diameter. The foot is to exert a total of 85 ±3 gf or 84±0.02 N or 3.0 ±0.1 ozf on a specimen.




17.3.2 Finish

17.3.2.1 The finish portion of an overall tape-and-finish covering on a Type SE cable shall be of a 75°C(167°F) Class 43 PVC (no oil resistance) having physical properties complying with Table 50.182 of UL1581 where specimens prepared from samples of the PVC taken from the finished cable are tested asreferenced (UL 1581) in the last sentence of 17.2.1.1.

17.3.2.2 The average thickness of the PVC removed from the finished cable shall not be less than 0.030inch or 0.76 mm. The minimum thickness at any point of the PVC removed from the finished cable shallnot be less than 0.025 inch or 0.64 mm. The dial micrometer described in 17.3.1.2 is to be used for thesemeasurements.

Table 17.2Thicknesses of overall jacket on jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE-2 and USE cables

Metal ofinsulated

conductor(s)

AWG or kcmil sizes of Insulated Conductor(s) inch mm

In roundcable

having oneinsulatedconductor

and aconcentricuninsulatedconductor

In cable with or without a concentric or cableduninsulated conductor Minimum

averagethicknessof jacket

Minimumthickness

at anypoint ofjacket

Minimumaverage

thicknessof jacket

Minimumthickness

at anypoint ofjacket

In roundor flatcable

havingtwo

insulatedconductors

In roundcable

havingthree

insulatedconductors

In roundcable

havingfour

insulatedconductors

In roundcable

havingfive

insulatedconductors

Copper

14 – 3 14 – 10 14, 12 – – 0.045 0.035 1.14 0.89

2 – 2/0 9 – 6 10 – 3 14 – 8 14 – 8 0.060 0.050 1.52 1.27

3/0, 4/0 4 – 4/0 2 – 4/0 7 – 2/0 7 – 1/0 0.080 0.065 2.03 1.65

– – – 3/0, 4/0 2/0 – 4/0 0.110 0.090 2.79 2.29

Aluminumor

copper-cladaluminum

12 – 3 12 – 10 – – – 0.045 0.035 1.14 0.89

2 – 2/0 9 – 6 12 – 3 12 – 8 12 – 8 0.060 0.050 1.52 1.27

3/0 – 300 4 – 300 2 – 300 7 – 2/0 7 – 1/0 0.080 0.065 2.03 1.65

– – – 3/0 – 300 2/0 – 300 0.110 0.090 2.79 2.29




ASSEMBLY OF COVERLESS MULTIPLE-CONDUCTOR TYPE USE AND USE-2 CABLES

18 Details

18.1 Single-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables that individually comply with the requirements in thisStandard are to be assembled with or without a bare (metal-coated) or insulated grounded conductor andwithout any overall covering other than an open, skeleton tape or wrap that, when used, obviously isintended only to hold the cable together. The insulated ungrounded conductors shall all be of the samesize (see 12.3). An insulated grounded conductor shall not be smaller than indicated for a bare groundedconductor in Table 18.1 and shall be cabled with two or more insulated ungrounded conductors. One fullyinsulated grounding conductor that is of the same construction as the circuit conductors is also appropriatein this construction. The grounding conductor, when used, shall be of a size that is not smaller thanindicated in Table 19.1 and shall be identified as described in 19.2. A bare grounded conductor (noinsulation or other individual nonmetallic covering over the metal-coated copper of the conductor) shallcomply with 18.2. No insulated conductor other than single-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cable, nouninsulated grounding conductor, and no other bare conductor shall be used. Each of these assembliesthat includes a bare conductor shall be considered to be a multiple-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cablethat is only for direct burial. Each completed coverless cable shall comply with the dielectric and continuityrequirements in 18.3 and with the tag, carton, or reel marking required in 47.1 (j).

18.2 The bare grounded conductor indicated in 18.1 shall comply with each of the following:

a) The conductor shall be of copper with a metal coating complying with (d) of this paragraph.

b) The conductor shall not be smaller in size than indicated in Table 18.1.

c) The conductor shall be stranded and composed of six or more round wires (strands) that are14 AWG or larger in size (64.1 mils or 1.63 mm in diameter). See note c to Table 18.1.

d) Each wire (strand) of the bare conductor shall be metal-coated. Tin shall be used. The metalcoating shall comply with 7.1 – 7.4.


18.3 Where a bare grounded conductor is included in the cable, the completed cable shall be tested fordielectric voltage withstand as indicated in 29.1 – 29.4 with tap water as the outer electrode and the testbeing made after immersion for at least 60 min. Where a bare grounded conductor is not included, thecompleted cable either shall be tested in tap water after a 60-min or longer immersion as just indicated orthe cable shall be spark tested as required in the Standard for Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables (UL44) with each layer in a multiple-layer cable sparked separately. Each insulated and bare 10 – 14 AWGconductor in the completed cable shall be individually tested for continuity as described in Continuity Test,Section 28.

18.4 In an assembly of two or more insulated conductors, consisting of single-conductor Type USE orUSE-2 cables, the lay shall not exceed 60 times the calculated overall diameter of the largestsingle-conductor cable (including any jacket) in the assembly.




Table 18.1Smallest size of bare grounded conductor in coverless multiple-conductor Type USE-2 and USE

cables

Size of each insulated conductor

Round cable with 1 insulatedconductor consisting of a single-

conductor Type USE or USE-2cable over which a bare copper

grounded conductor isdistributed helically (bare

conductor is not to be usedparallel to or cabled with the

insulated conductor)

Flat cable with 2 insulated conductors consistingof single-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cables

laid parallel with or without a bare, metal-coatedcopper grounded conductor that is distributedhelically (bare conductor is not to be used in

valley or valleys)or

round cable with 2 or more insulated conductorsconsisting of single-conductor Type USE or

USE-2 Cables that are cabled with or without abare, metal-coated copper grounded conductorthat is cabled in one or several sections or is

distributed helically.


4a AWG 2a 4 AWG 6b AWG

3 1 3 5

2 1/0 2 4

1 2/0 1 3

1/0 3/0 1/0 2

2/0 4/0 2/0 1

3/0 250 kcmil 3/0 1/0

4/0 300 4/0 2/0

250 kcmil 400 250 kcmil 3/0

300 450 300 4/0

350 500 350 250 kcmil

400 600 400 300

450 650 450 350

500 750 500 400

550 850 550 450

600 900 600 500

650 1000 650 550

700 1100 700 600

750 1200 750 650

800 1350 800 700

900 1500 900 800

1000 1750 1000 900

1100 2000 1100 1000

1200 – 1200 1100

1250 – 1250 1150

1300 – 1300 1200

1400 – 1400 1300

1500 – 1500 1400

1600 – 1600 1500

1700 – 1700 1600

1750 – 1750 1650






Size of each insulated conductor

Round cable with 1 insulatedconductor consisting of a single-

conductor Type USE or USE-2cable over which a bare copper

grounded conductor isdistributed helically (bare

conductor is not to be usedparallel to or cabled with the

insulated conductor)

Flat cable with 2 insulated conductors consistingof single-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cables

laid parallel with or without a bare, metal-coatedcopper grounded conductor that is distributedhelically (bare conductor is not to be used in

valley or valleys)or

round cable with 2 or more insulated conductorsconsisting of single-conductor Type USE or

USE-2 Cables that are cabled with or without abare, metal-coated copper grounded conductorthat is cabled in one or several sections or is

distributed helically.


1800 – 1800 1700

1900 – 1900 1800

2000 – 2000 1900

a Cables having insulated conductors smaller than 4 AWG copper or 2 AWG aluminum or copper-clad aluminum are not tohave a bare concentric conductor because, in the absence of an overall covering, the unprotected concentric wires are toosmall to withstand the mechanical forces and corrosive influences normally encountered in direct burial. See 18.2 (c).b The six 14 AWG wires (strands) indicated in 18.2 (c) fall short of providing the required 6 AWG grounding conductor. In thiscase, a seventh 14 AWG wire may be added or six round wires at least 66 mils or 2.68 mm in diameter are to be used.

ASSEMBLY OF SUBMERSIBLE PUMP CABLES

19 Details

19.1 The circuit conductors in a cable for use within well casings for wiring deep-well submersible waterpumps (see 1.8) shall be an assembly of solid or stranded 14 – 2 AWG copper, 12 – 2 AWG aluminumor copper-clad aluminum, or stranded 1 – 4/0 AWG copper or 1 AWG – 300 kcmil aluminum orcopper-clad aluminum conductors. These conductors shall be single-conductor Type USE or USE-2cables. A grounding conductor is not required. Where used, a grounding conductor shall consist of a fullyinsulated solid or stranded conductor that is of the same construction of single-conductor Type USE orUSE-2 cable as the circuit conductors. The grounding conductor shall be of a size that is not smaller thanindicated in Table 19.1 for the largest size circuit conductor used and shall be identified as described in19.2. All of the conductors in a submersible-pump cable shall be of the same metal. See the required tagmarking in 47.1 (i) regarding adherence of the insulation to the conductor. See 14.3 for the long-termevaluation of an insulation or jacket material not named or not complying with the specified short-termtests. The circuit and grounding conductors shall be assembled in one of the four following ways:

a) ROUND, JACKETED CABLE – Two through six circuit conductors plus any groundingconductor are to be cabled (length of lay not specified) with an overall 60°C (140°F) jacket. Thejacket shall be of CP, thermoset CPE, NBR/PVC, neoprene, or XL in the thicknesses indicatedin Table 19.2 for the largest size circuit conductor used and with physical properties complyingwith Table 50.10 (CP), 50.31 (thermoset CPE), 50.87 (NBR/PVC), 50.112 (neoprene), or 50.230(XL) in UL 1581. See markings in 40.2 – 40.4.

b) COVERLESS, CABLED ASSEMBLY – Two through six circuit conductors plus anygrounding conductor are to be cabled (length of lay not specified) without an overall covering.See markings in 40.3 and 40.4.




c) FLAT CABLE WITH AN INTEGRAL WEB – Two or three circuit conductors of the same sizeplus any grounding conductor are to be laid flat and parallel to one another with aninterconnecting web between adjacent conductors extruded simultaneously with the insulation,integral insulation and jacket, or jacket of the single-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cables thatmake up the pump cable. Any grounding conductor that is included and at least one circuitconductor shall be identified by surface striping or word printing. The minimum thickness at anypoint of the insulation, integral insulation and jacket, or jacket on each circuit conductor and anygrounding conductor after separation shall not be less than the minimum thickness at any pointindicated for the insulation, integral insulation and jacket, or jacket of single-conductor TypeUSE or USE-2 cable of the same construction. See markings in 40.2 – 40.4.

d) FLAT, JACKETED CABLE WITH A NONINTEGRAL WEB – Two or three circuit conductorsof the same size plus any grounding conductor are to be laid flat and parallel to one anotherwith a nonintegral, overall jacket complying with (a) of this paragraph applied over them. Thereshall be an interconnecting web between adjacent conductors. The web shall be integral withthe jacket. The thickness of the web is not specified. See markings in 40.2 – 40.4.

19.2 An insulated Type USE or USE-2 conductor intended for use as an insulated equipment-groundingconductor shall be finished to show the color green throughout the entire length and circumference of itsouter surface with or without one or more straight or helical, broken (non-continuous) or unbroken yellowstripes. See 36.3 for details on stripes. Where there is more than one grounding conductor in anassembly, each must be distinguishable from the other(s) such as, one striped and one not striped. In thecase of flat, webbed submersible-pump cable (see 19.1 (c) and (d)) that includes an insulatedequipment-grounding conductor, the grounding conductor shall be identified as such either as indicatedabove in this paragraph or by means of readily legible ink printing of ″grounding only″, or other wordingto the same effect, on the outer surface of the finished conductor.

Table 19.1Size of grounding conductor where used in Type USE and USE-2 and in submersible pump

cables

Size of circuit conductors Smallest size of grounding conductorof the same metal as the circuit

conductorsCircuit conductors of copper Circuit conductors of aluminum orcopper-clad aluminum

14 AWG – 14 AWG

12 12 AWG 12

11 – 8 10 10

6 – 3 8 – 6 8

2 – 3/0 4 – 1 6

4/0 1/0 – 4/0 4

– 300 kcmil 2




Table 19.2Thicknesses of nonintegral jacket on submersible pump cables

AWG size of circuitconductors

Minimum average thickness of jacket Minimum thickness at any point of jacket

mils mm mils mm

14 – 10 15 0.38 12 0.30

8 – 2 30 0.76 24 0.61

1 – 4/0 45 1.14 36 0.91

PERFORMANCE

20 Flame Test of Cable

20.1 A vertical specimen of finished Type SE cable shall comply with the Cable Flame Test, Section 1061of UL 1581.

21 Flexibility Test of Cable at Low Temperature

21.1 After cooling for 4 h to −25.0 ±2.0°C (−13.0 ±3.6°F), finished cable shall comply with therequirements of Flexibility at Low Temperature Test, Section 583 of UL 1581. Coverlessmultiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables, and submersible-pump cables need not be tested wherethe constituent single-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cables each comply.

22 Cold-Impact Test

22.1 A Type USE cable of any construction is to be considered resistant to a temperature of −40°C(−40°F) when neither the insulation nor the jacket, where applicable, cracks or ruptures when thespecimens of the finished cable are subjected to impact at −40.0 ±2.0°C (−40.0 ±3.6°F) as described inImpact at Abnormally Low Temperature Test, Section 593 of UL 1581. Coverless multiple-conductor TypeUSE cables and submersible-pump cables are not required to be tested when the constituentsingle-conductor Type USE cables each comply. Such cable is to be marked ″−40C″ or ″minus 40C″ onthe surface (see 40.9) and on the tag, reel, or carton (see 47.1(j)).

23 Impact-Resistance Test of Single-Conductor Type USE and USE-2 Cables

23.1 The insulation and any jacket of finished 6 AWG copper or 4 AWG aluminum or copper-cladaluminum single-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables shall keep a free-falling steel weight that impactsthe cable with an energy of 5 ft-lbf or 6.8 J or 0.691 m-kgf from making electrical contact with theconductor or from exposing the conductor to view.

23.2 The results of this test on the one indicated size of cable are to be considered representative of theperformance of all sizes of copper, aluminum, and copper-clad aluminum cables of the same constructionand compound(s).

23.3 The impact anvil is to consist of a steel rod that is mounted on a massive steel block by adisconnectible means such as two bolts that make it possible to replace the rod when its surface hasbecome damaged by repeated impacts. The rod is to be 3/4 inch or 19 mm in diameter and 4-3/4 inchesor 121 mm long. To stabilize the rod on the block, a flat area is to be ground along the entire length of therod. The plane of the flat area is to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod, and the width of the flatarea is to be 1/2 inch or 13 mm. A hole for a 1/4-in-diameter or 19-mm-diameter bolt is to be drilledthrough the rod 1 inch or 25 mm from each end. The longitudinal axis of each hole is to be perpendicularto the flat area on the centerline of the flat area. The steel block is to be 4-3/4 in long by 2-1/2 inches wide




by 4 inches high or 121 mm by 64 mm by 102 mm. The rod is to be bolted to one of the faces of the blockthat measure 4-3/4 inches by 2-1/2 inches or 121 mm by 64 mm, with the flat area of the rod contactingthe face of the block, and with the 4-3/4 inches or 121 mm dimensions of the block and rod parallel. Theheads of the two bolts are to be countersunk below the surface of the rod to keep them from being struckby the impact weight. A straight line through the center of gravity of the rod is to be coincident with astraight line through the center of gravity of the block and is to be perpendicular to the plane of the surfaceof the block to which the rod is bolted at the center of that surface of the block. The block is to be securedto a rigid support such as to a vertical steel load-bearing building column or to a concrete floor immediatelyadjacent to such a column.

23.4 The impact energy is to be supplied by a 5-lb or 2.27-kg steel weight that is 1-1/2 inches or 38 mmhigh and has a flat, rectangular lower surface (the impact face) measuring 4-3/4 inches by 2-1/2 inchesor 121 mm by 64 mm. The edges and corners of the impact face are to be rounded and the longitudinalaxis of the weight that is parallel to the 1-1/2-inches or 38-mm (height) dimension is to be perpendicularto the plane of the impact face at the center of that face. Opposite sides of the weight are to be flat andparallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis just mentioned. Adjacent sides of the weight are to bemutually perpendicular. The end of the weight that is opposite to the impact face is to have an attachmentby means of which the weight can, by machine, be lifted, suspended, and released to fall freely.

23.5 The weight is to be supported with its impact face horizontal. The 4-3/4-inch or 121-mm dimensionsof the weight and the rod are to be parallel. A vertical line through the centers of gravity of the impactweight and the stationary anvil is to be coincident with a vertical line through the dimensional center of theimpact face of the weight. A set of rails or other vertical guide(s) is to constrain the weight and keep itsimpact face horizontal while the weight is falling and after it has struck the cable. The guide(s) are not tointerfere with the free fall of the weight. A mechanism is to be provided at the top of the guide(s) forreleasing the weight to fall freely through a height and strike the cable. A means is also to be provided tokeep the weight from striking the cable more than once during each drop.

23.6 The cable, the anvil, the weight, and the remainder of the test equipment are to be in thermalequilibrium with one another and the surrounding air at a temperature of 23.0 ±5.0°C (73.4 ±9.0°F)throughout the test.

23.7 A representative 100-inch or 2540-mm straight length of the finished production cable is to be tested,with any jacket over the insulation remaining in place. The cable is to be tested at each of ten pointsevenly spaced along its length. These points are not to be closer together than 10 inches or 254 mm, andno point is to be closer than 5 inches or 127 mm to an end of the cable. The weight is to be securedseveral cable diameters above the rod and the cable is to be placed across the rod with the first test pointat the center of the length of the rod. For a distance of at least 10 inches or 254 mm to each side of thetest point, the longitudinal axis of the cable is to be horizontal, perpendicular to the rod, and in the verticalplane that contains the coincident vertical lines described in 23.5. The conductor in the cable is to beconnected in series with a 3-W 120-V neon lamp to the energized conductor of a 120-V 48 – 62 Hz a-csupply circuit. The weight and all metal parts of the impact apparatus are to be connected together, toearth ground, and to the grounded supply wire.

23.8 The position of the weight is to be adjusted to place the lower, impact face of the weight 12 inchesor 305 mm above the upper surface of the cable. The weight is to be released from this height, is to fallfreely in the guide(s), is to strike the cable once, and is then immediately to be raised to and secured atthe 12-inches or 305-mm height. Each of the remaining nine test points on the cable is to be impacted insuccession in the same way. When the conductor is visible at any of the ten test points or when the lamplights momentarily or longer at more than two of the test points the cable does not comply with theimpact-resistance test.




24 Crushing-Resistance Tests of Single-Conductor Type USE and USE-2 Cables

24.1 In each of three tests, an average of at least the following specified force shall be necessary to crushfinished 6 AWG copper or 4 AWG aluminum or copper-clad aluminum single-conductor Type USE andUSE-2 cables to the point that electrical contact is made between the conductor in the cable and either ofthe metal plates between which the cable is crushed:

a) TEST without CURRENT – 1000 lbf or 4448 N or 454 kgf without any current flowing in thecable.

b) TEST with RATED CURRENT – 800 lbf or 3559 N or 363 kgf with the cable carrying thefree-air 75°C (167°F) wet-locations rated current (see 24.5 ) for a single Type XHHW conductorof the same size.

c) TEST with OVERLOAD CURRENT – 600 lbf or 2669 N or 272 kgf with the cable carrying acurrent (see 24.6 ) that maintains the temperature of the conductor at 100.0 ±2.0°C (212.0±3.6°F).

24.2 The results of these three tests on the one indicated size of cable are to be consideredrepresentative of the performance of all sizes of copper, aluminum, and copper-clad aluminum cables ofthe same construction and compound(s).

24.3 For each of the three tests, a separate representative minimum 100-inch or 2540-mm straight lengthof the finished production cable is to be tested. Any jacket over the insulation is to remain in place. Thecable is to be tested at each of ten points along its length. These points are not to be closer together than10 inches or 254 mm, and no point is to be closer than 5 inches or 127 mm to an end of the cable. Eachtest point on the cable is to be placed between 2-inch-wide or 50-mm-wide flat, horizontal steel plates ina compression machine whose jaws close at the rate of 0.50 in/min ±0.05 in/min or 10 mm/min ±1mm/min. Each plate is to be at least 0.5 inch or 12.7 mm thick. The cable is to be parallel to the 2-inchor 50-mm dimension of the plates and the cable is to be straight and horizontal for a distance of at least10 inches or 254 mm to each side of the test point. The conductor in the cable is to be connected in serieswith a light-emitting diode (LED) and a current-limiting resistor to one terminal of a battery. The plates areto be connected together, to the metal of the testing machine, to earth ground, and to the second terminalof the battery, see Figure 24.1.

24.4 For the test without current, the cable, the test equipment, and the surrounding air are to be inthermal equilibrium with one another at a temperature of 23.0 ±5.0°C (73.4 ±9.0°F) throughout the test.

24.5 For the test with rated current, the conductor in the cable is to be connected to the low-voltageoutput of an isolation transformer. The core of the transformer is to be connected to earth ground. Theoutput winding of the transformer is not to be grounded. A current of 95 A is to flow in the conductor whenthe conductor is 6 AWG copper. A current of 100 A is to flow in the conductor when the conductor is 4AWG aluminum or copper-clad aluminum. This current is to flow for 60 min previous to the start of thetest and is to flow throughout the test. The test equipment and the surrounding air are to be in thermalequilibrium with one another at a temperature of 23.0 ±5.0°C (73.4 ±9.0F) throughout this test.




24.6 For the test with overload current, a thermocouple is to be soldered or cemented to the metalconductor in the center third of the length of the cable, with the insulation and any jacket replaced overthe thermocouple and sealed with a minimum amount of masking tape. The conductor in the cable is tobe connected to the low-voltage output of an isolation transformer. The core of the transformer is to beconnected to earth ground. The output winding of the transformer is not to be grounded. The conductoris to carry a current of a magnitude that results in a temperature of 100.0 ±2.0°C (212.0 ±3.6°F) on thesurface of the metal conductor under the insulation as registered by the thermocouple. The current is tobe adjusted as necessary to maintain the temperature of the conductor in the indicated range for 60 minprevious to the start of the test and throughout the test. The test equipment and the surrounding air areto be in thermal equilibrium with one another at a temperature of 23.0 ±5.0°C (73.4 ±9.0°F) throughoutthis test. The temperature of the conductor is to be recorded as the cable is tested at the first and last testpoints.

24.7 In each of the three tests, the ten test points of the cable are to be subjected in succession to anincreasing force until electrical contact occurs (as indicated by the LED lighting) between the conductor inthe cable and one or both of the metal plates. The force at which the contact occurs is to be recorded foreach of the ten test points. In each test, the sum of the ten forces is to be divided by 10 to obtain theaverage crushing force for the cable. When the average force obtained in any of the three tests is lessthan specified in 24.1 (a), (b), or (c) the cable does not comply with the crushing-resistance test.

25 Overload Test of Single-Conductor Type USE and USE-2 Cables

25.1 Finished 6 AWG copper or 4 AWG aluminum or copper-clad aluminum single-conductor Type USEand USE-2 cables shall not rupture or flame at any time as the result of heating of the conductor by thefollowing currents flowing in immediate succession as described in 25.4:

a) 150 A for 30 min.

b) 175 A for 5 min.

c) 200 A for 5 min.

d) 225 A for 5 min.

e) 250 A for 5 min.

f) 275 A for 5 min.

g) 300 A for the short time that it takes to adjust the current from a constant 275 A to aconstant 300 A.

25.2 The results of this test on the one indicated size of cable are to be considered representative of theperformance of all sizes of copper, aluminum, and copper-clad aluminum cables of the same constructionand compound(s).

25.3 One representative 11-ft or 3.5-m straight length of the finished production cable is to be tested. Anyjacket over the insulation is to remain in place. The cable is to be laid straight down the center of astraight, flat-bottomed trough that is open at the top and ends and has side walls to retain any hot materialthat erupts from the cable. The trough is to be made of soft wood nominally 3/4 inch or 20 mm thick andis to be lined with fire-resistant, chemically-inert, and electrically-nonconductive sheeting. The finishedtrough is to have approximately the following inside dimensions: 12 ft long by 10 inches wide by 9 inchesdeep or 3.75 m long by 250 mm wide by 225 mm deep. At each end of the cable, the conductor is to bestripped for a short length and connected by means of a connector that is intended for the purpose to the




Figure 24.1Wiring diagram for crushing-resistance test




low-voltage output of an isolation transformer. The core of the transformer and one side of the outputwinding are to be connected to earth ground. The air in the test room is to be at a temperature of 23.0±5.0°C (73.4 ±9.0°F) throughout the test. Air movement in the test area is to be minimal.

25.4 Current is to be started flowing in the conductor, is to be quickly adjusted to 150 A, and then is tobe held constant at 150 A. The start of the flow of current is to activate a timer. As soon as the timerindicates that 30 min have elapsed since the start of the flow of current, the current is to be quicklyincreased to 175 A and then held constant at 175 A. As soon as the timer indicates that 5 min haveelapsed since the current was at the 150-A level, the current is to be quickly increased to 200 A and heldconstant at that level until 5-min have elapsed since the current was 175 A. The current is to be furtherincreased and held constant in this manner in increments of 25 A, with the short time for adjustmentincluded at the beginning of each 5-min period. This is to continue until the current has been adjusted toa constant 300 A. The current is not to be held at 300 A. As soon as the 300-A current is constant, it isto be reduced to zero and the test is to be discontinued. The cable does not comply with the overload testwhen it ruptures or flames at any time during the flow of current or after the current is reduced to zero.

26 Overload Test of Conductors in Jacketed, Multiple-Conductor Type USE and USE-2 Cables

26.1 Jacketed, multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables containing either of the following shall notflame or rupture while a current of 150 A is flowing through all of the conductors in the cable connectedin series for 60 min as described 26.2:

a) Three insulated 6 AWG copper conductors or two insulated 6 AWG copper conductors and a6 AWG uninsulated copper conductor, or

b) Three insulated 4 AWG aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors or two insulated 4AWG aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors and a 4 AWG aluminum or copper-cladaluminum uninsulated conductor.

This requirement applies to cable with an uninsulated conductor regardless of how the conductor isassembled into the cable – cabled in one or several sections, laid straight in one or both valleys, ordistributed helically.

26.2 One 11-ft or 3-1/2-m specimen of finished cable with 6 inches or 150 mm of the overall coveringremoved from each end is to be placed in a straight, open (open top and ends), flat-bottomed trough withside walls to retain any hot material. The trough is to be made of soft wood nominally 3/4 inch or 20 mmthick; is to be lined with fire-resistant, chemically-inert, and electrically-nonconductive sheeting; and is tohave inside dimensions of approximately 12 ft by 10 inches wide by 9 inches deep or approximately 3-3/4m long by 250 mm wide by 225 mm deep. The conductors are to be connected in series by means of shortjumpers at each end of the specimen. At each end of the specimen, connection (by means of a connectorintended for the purpose) is to be made between a source of alternating or direct current and the freeconductor. A current of 150 A is to be maintained in the conductors for 60 min. Any cable from which aspecimen flames or ruptures during the 60 min does not comply with the overload test.




27 Overload Test of Uninsulated Conductor in Type SE Cable

27.1 A Type SE cable containing the following shall not flame or rupture while a current of 300 A isflowing through the uninsulated conductor for 60 min as described in 27.2.

a) Two parallel insulated 6 AWG copper conductors and a 6 AWG concentric copperuninsulated conductor or two parallel insulated 4 AWG aluminum or copper-clad aluminumconductors and a 4 AWG concentric aluminum or copper-clad aluminum uninsulated conductor.

b) Three insulated 6 AWG copper conductors and a 6 AWG copper uninsulated conductor orthree insulated 4 AWG aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors and a 4 AWG aluminumor copper-clad aluminum uninsulated conductor.

27.2 One 11-ft or 3-1/2-m specimen of finished cable with 6 inches or 150 mm of the overall coveringremoved from each end is to be placed in a straight, open (open top and ends), flat-bottomed trough withside walls to retain any hot material. The trough is to be made of soft wood nominally 3/4 inch or 20 mmthick; is to be lined with fire-resistant, chemically-inert, and electrically-nonconductive sheeting; and is tohave inside dimensions of approximately 12 ft by 10 inches wide by 9 inches deep or approximately 3-3/4m by 250 mm wide by 225 mm deep. At each end of the specimen, connection (by means of a connectorintended for the purpose) is to be made between a source of alternating or direct current and theuninsulated conductor. A current of 300 A is to be maintained in the cable for 60 min. Any cable fromwhich a specimen flames or the tape portion of the tape and finish covering described in 17.3 rupturesduring the 60 min does not comply with the overload test.

28 Continuity Test

28.1 Finished cable shall be tested for continuity of each 14 – 10 AWG conductor by the cablemanufacturer at the cable factory.

28.2 To determine whether or not the conductor(s) in a finished cable are continuous, thesingle-conductor or each of the conductors (one at a time) is to be connected in series with a lamp,buzzer, bell, or other indicator and a power supply. The conductor is continuous from end to end of thefinished cable when the lamp lights, the bell or buzzer sounds, or the other indicator signals.

28.3 For the factory production continuity testing of a single-conductor Type USE cable, it is appropriatefor the manufacturer to substitute a continuous eddy-current procedure complying with 28.4 and 28.5 forthe test in 28.2.

28.4 The eddy-current test arrangement shall include equipment that complies with each of the following:

a) The equipment is to apply current at one or several frequencies in the range of 1 – 125 kHzto a test coil for the purpose of inducing eddy currents in the conductor moving through the coilat production speed.

b) The equipment is to detect the variation in impedance of the test coil caused by each breakin the conductor.

c) The equipment is to provide a visual indication to the operator.




28.5 The longitudinal axis of the cable or assembly is to be coincident with the electrical center of the testcoil. The cable is to have little or no vibration as it passes through the test coil and is to clear the coil bya distance no greater than 1/2 inch or 13 mm. Variations in the speed of the cable through the test coilare to be limited to plus 50 percent and minus whatever percentage (50 percent maximum) keeps thesignal amplitude from falling below the level at which a break can be detected. Separate calibration,balance, and adjustments for sensitivity, maximum signal-to-noise ratio, and maximum rejection of signalsindicating gradual variations in diameter and other slow changes are to be made for each size, type ofstranding, and conductor material. Calibration without any cable in the test coil is to be made at least dailyto check whether the equipment is functioning. The temperature along the length of the cable being testedmay vary from the temperature at which the equipment was calibrated, balanced, and so forth for thatsize, type of stranding, and conductor material provided that the variations are gradual and are withouthot or cold spots that cause false signals.

29 Dielectric Voltage-Withstand Test(s)

29.1 A finished cable shall not break down electrically while being stressed with 48 – 62 Hz essentiallysinusoidal rms potential as indicated in 29.2 – 29.4 (see 18.3 for the modified method applicable tocoverless multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables).

29.2 The apparatus for this test is to consist of a circuit breaker or other means of indicating a breakdown,a tank of earth-grounded tap water to serve as an electrode in the case of cable in which there is nouninsulated conductor, and a testing transformer complying with the following. The water is to be at anyconvenient temperature. An rms test potential of at least the value indicated in Table 29.1 for the insulatedconductor(s) used in the cable is to be supplied by a 48 – 62 Hz isolation transformer whose rms outputpotential is continuously variable from zero to at least the specified potential at a rate not higher than 500V/s. With a specimen in the circuit, the output potential is to have a crest factor (peak voltage divided byrms voltage) equal to 95 – 105 percent of the crest factor of a pure sine wave over the upper half of theoutput range. The output voltage is to be monitored continuously by a voltmeter that:

a) When of the analog rather than digital type, shall have a response time that does notintroduce a lagging error greater than 1 percent of full scale at the specified rate of increase involtage, and that,

b) Has an overall accuracy that does not introduce an error exceeding 5 percent.

The maximum current output of which the transformer is capable shall make it possible to routinely testfull reels of the cable without tripping of the circuit breaker by the charging current.




Table 29.1Dielectric test potential

Size of insulated conductor(s) RMS test potential in volts

14 – 10 AWG 3,000

9 – 2 3,500

1 – 4/0 4,000

213 – 500 kcmil 5,000

501 – 1000 6,000

1001 – 2000 7,000

29.3 Finished cable having an uninsulated conductor and an overall covering is to be tested dry. Finishedcable without an uninsulated conductor is to be immersed in water for at least 60 min before being tested.The rms test potential specified for the insulated conductor(s) in Table 29.1 is to be applied (as indicatedin 29.4) between each insulated conductor taken separately and either:

a) The uninsulated conductor when one is employed, or

b) The water when no uninsulated conductor is in the cable.

In a cable with more than one insulated conductor, an alternative method is to conductively connect theinsulated conductors together and apply the specified test potential between them and any uninsulatedconductor or the water. In addition, in a cable with more than one insulated conductor, the specified testpotential is to be applied (as indicated in 29.4) between each insulated conductor and every otherinsulated conductor in the cable.

29.4 In every case, the applied potential is to be increased from zero at a uniform rate that:

a) Is not less than 10 V/s, and

b) Is not more than 60 V/s.

The increase is to continue in this manner until the voltage reaches the level specified. When this level isreached without breakdown, the voltage is to be held constant at the specified level for 60 s and is thento be reduced to zero. The cable does not comply with the requirement when electrical breakdown occursat less than the specified voltage while the applied voltage is being increased or in less than 60 s at thespecified voltage.




30 Sunlight-Resistance Tests

30.1 The outer surface of finished Type SE cables, jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2cables, and single conductor Type USE and USE-2 that are surface marked (see 40.7) forsunlight-resistant use shall comply with the Carbon-Arc and Xenon-Arc Tests, Section 1200 of UL 1581,after conditioning for 720 h of carbon-arc or xenon-arc exposure.

30.2 The PVC finish of Type SE cables that are surface marked (see 40.5) for sunlight-resistance use incable trays shall comply with the Carbon-Arc and Xenon-Arc Tests, Section 1200 of UL 1581 afterconditioning for 720 h of carbon-arc or xenon-arc exposure.

30.3 With the exception that any overall covering from a submersible-pump cable is not to be tested, anyoverall covering and the individuals from all cables that are not marked for sunlight-resistant use or forsunlight-resistant use in cable trays shall comply with the following sunlight-resistance requirements (seemarking 40.8). The ratio of the average tensile strength and ultimate elongation of five conditioned (300h) specimens of the individual thermoset jacket or unjacketed insulation or the individual nylon or similarjacket and PVC insulation of a Type THHN or THWN conductor and either any overall thermoset jacketor the PVC finish to the average tensile strength and ultimate elongation of five unconditioned specimensof the same individual jacket or insulation and overall jacket or PVC finish shall be 0.85 or more (see 30.4)when the individual jacket or insulation and overall jacket or PVC finish are tested as outlined inCarbon-Arc and Xenon-Arc Tests, Section 1200 of UL 1581.

30.4 Cable that does not comply with the requirement in 30.3 for 85 percent or better retention of tensilestrength and ultimate elongation after 300 h of carbon-arc exposure or xenon-arc exposure is eligible tohave its performance reevaluated on the basis of the results of testing after 100, 300, and 500 h ofcarbon-arc exposure and xenon-arc exposure. Five specimens are to be conditioned for each of the threeindicated lengths of time. The cable is appropriate for use when the results of this testing comply with eachof the following requirements:

a) The average tensile strength and ultimate elongation retained after 100 h of carbon-arcexposure of xenon-arc exposure shall not be less than 65 percent of the average tensilestrength and ultimate elongation of unconditioned specimens.

b) The rate of decrease of the percent retention of average tensile strength and ultimateelongation from 100 h to 300 h of carbon-arc exposure or xenon-arc exposure shall not exceed15.

c) The rate of decrease of the percent retention of average tensile strength and ultimateelongation from 300 to 500 h of carbon-arc exposure or xenon-arc exposure shall not exceed 5.




31 Vertical-Tray Flame Test (Type SE)

31.1 All sizes of finished Type SE cables that are marked (see 40.6) for use in cable trays are appropriatefor use in cable trays when two sets of specimens of the finished 3-conductor construction containing two6 AWG insulated conductors and a concentric uninsulated conductor are tested in accordance with theUL Flame Exposure, Sections 4 – 11 of the requirements for vertical-tray fire-propagation andsmoke-release test for electrical and optical-fiber cables of UL 1685, or the FT4/IEEE 1202 Type of FlameExposure, Sections 12 – 19 of UL 1685 and comply with the requirements therein. Smoke measurementsare not applicable.

32 Low-Temperature Pulling-Through-Joists Test

32.1 Finished Type SE cable with or without an uninsulated conductor shall be constructed to withstandthe low-temperature pulling-through-joists test described in 32.1 – 32.8 without damage to the overalltape-and-PVC-finish covering to the extent that the parts of the cable underlying the covering are exposedto view. The cable does not comply with the requirement when the interior of the cable is exposed oneither of two test lengths, however both lengths shall be tested. See the second sentence of 32.8.

32.2 The joists are to be simulated by four straight knot-free 6-inch or 150-mm or longer lengths ofDouglas-fir 2-by-4 kiln-dried lumber (actual cross section measures 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches or 38 mmby 89 mm). Both ends of each length are to be cut perpendicular to the long surfaces.

32.3 By means of a power wood auger, two holes of the diameter indicated in Table 32.1 are to be bored(at a speed of 1800 r/min) through the broad faces of each length of 2 by 4 as shown in Figure 32.1. Thelongitudinal axes of the holes are to be parallel and at an angle of 15° to the horizontal, as shown in theend view, and 2-3/8 inches or 60 mm apart. No attempt is to be made to smooth or round the edges ofthe holes or to remove splintered wood, sawdust, or drilling chips from the holes.

Table 32.1Size of hole

Calculated diameter over finished round cable orlength of major axis of finished flat cable

Nominal diameter of each round holein blocks of wood

inches mm inches mm

Not over 0.710 Not over 18 1-1/8 29

Over 0.710 but not over 0.800 Over 18 but not over 20 1-1/4 32




32.4 As illustrated in Figure 32.2, an open, rigid, metal frame is to be provided on which four of the 2 by4’s are to be supported on edge (broad faces vertical) far enough above the bottom of the coil to achievethe 80 inches or 2 m dimension specified in 32.5 and 8.5 ft or 2.6 m above the floor of the test room withtheir centerlines 16 inches or 406 mm apart and parallel to one another in a horizontal plane. The 2 by 4’sare to be secured to the frame with all of their holes inclined in the same direction (longitudinal axes ofholes parallel – see the four end views in Figure 32.1) and progressively offset a horizontal distance of 6inches or 150 mm as shown in Figure 32.1, which is a view looking down from above the 2 by 4’s.




Figure 32.1Arrangement of 2 by 4’s




Figure 32.2Joist pull test




32.5 Two 50-ft or 15-m coils of finished, flat 8 – 4 AWG Type SE cable having two insulated conductorsand one concentric uninsulated conductor or round 8 – 4 AWG Type SE cable having three insulatedconductors and one cabled uninsulated conductor are to be placed flat on or close to the floor of the coldchamber. The inner end of each coil is to be made accessible. The cable is to be cooled in circulating airto −20.0 ±1.0°C (−4.0 ±1.8°F) for 21±3 h. The vertical distance between the inside bottom of the coldchamber and a line perpendicular to the center of the 2 by 4’s indicated in 32.4 is to be 80 inches or 2 m.The horizontal distance between the first 2 by 4 and a line perpendicular to the center of one coil of cable(first coil) is to be 18 inches or 457 mm. After the cooling, the procedures described in 32.6 – 32.8 are tobe carried out without delay and completed within 5 min.

32.6 One end of the first coil of cable is to be threaded in succession through the holes labeled A, B, C,and D in Figure 32.1 while the rest of the first coil remains in the cold chamber. As soon as the cable hasbeen threaded through the four holes, the end of the cable emerging from hole D is to be grasped securelyby one or two people standing on the floor in a position such that the cable emerges from hole D at anangle of 45° to the vertical. While maintaining this angle, they are to pull (hand-over-hand wheneverpossible) 50 ft or 15 m of the cable entirely through the holes until the end of this length of cable emergesfrom hole D. The cable is to be pulled through within 30 s, and no effort is to be made to uncoil, untwist,or otherwise straighten or adjust the cable except to remove kinks that would keep the cable from beingpulled completely through the four holes. All of the pulling is to be done from beyond hole D, none frombetween the 2 by 4’s. As soon as 50 ft or 15 m of the cable emerges from hole D, the second 50 ft or 15m of coil is to be moved on the floor of the cold chamber to the position that had been occupied by thefirst coil. The lid of the cold chamber is to be closed long enough (about 10 minutes for a cold chamberwith a lid on top) for the second 50 ft or 15 m of coil to be returned to the test temperature. The initial testlength is to be examined for any tears, cracks, or other openings through the overall covering that exposethe underlying parts of the cable.

32.7 The second cable is then to be pulled through holes E, F, G, and H. As soon as 50 ft or 15 m of thecable emerges from hole H, that test length is to be examined for any tears, cracks, or other openingsthrough the overall covering that expose the underlying parts of the cable.

32.8 When the assembly underlying the covering is visible anywhere on either sample, the cable doesnot comply with the requirement. The results of this test on a flat 8 – 4 AWG Type SE cable having twoinsulated conductors and one concentric uninsulated conductor or on a round 8 – 4 AWG Type SE cablehaving three insulated conductors and a cabled uninsulated conductor are to be taken as representativeof the performance of any size of flat Type SE cable having two insulated conductors with or without anuninsulated conductor and of any size of round Type SE cable having 2 – 5 insulated conductors with orwithout an uninsulated conductor.




33 Oil-Resistance Tests (Single- and multiple-conductor Types USE and USE-2)

33.1 Single- or multiple-conductor Type USE or USE-2 is oil-resistant at 75°C (167°F) when the retentionof the tensile strength and ultimate elongation of the outer covering (insulation, jacket, or overall jacket,as applicable) is not less than 65 percent when tubular or die-cut specimens (as applicable) are testedafter immersion of the finished wire or cable in oil for 60 d at a temperature of 75.0 ±1.0°C (167.0 ±1.8°F)as described in 480.6 of UL 1581.

33.2 Single- or multiple-conductor Type USE or USE-2 is oil-resistant at 60°C (140°F) when the retentionof the tensile strength and ultimate elongation of the outer covering (insulation, jacket, or overall jacket,as applicable) is not less than 50 percent when tubular or die-cut specimens (as applicable) are testedafter immersion of the finished wire or cable in oil for 96 h at a temperature of 100.0 ±1.0°C (212.0 ±1.8°F)as described in 480.6 of UL 1581.

34 Gasoline- and Oil-Resistance Tests (Single conductor Types USE and USE-2)

34.1 Single conductor Type USE or USE-2 is gasoline-resistant and oil-resistant:

a) Where the retention of tensile strength and ultimate elongation of the outer covering(insulation or jacket, as applicable) is not less than 75 percent when tubular or die-cutspecimens (as applicable) are tested after immersion of the finished wire or cable in water-saturated ASTM Reference Fuel C (see 480.11 of UL 1581 and ASTM D 471–06) for 30 d at23.0 ±1.0°C (73.4 ±1.8°F) as indicated in 480.10 of UL 1581, and

b) Where the wire complies with the requirements for oil-resistance in 33.1 or 33.2.34.1 revised October 5, 2007

IDENTIFICATION

REPETITION OF PRINTING

35 Intervals

35.1 All printing on the outer surface of a cable or anywhere within a cable shall be readily legible andshall be repeated at the following intervals throughout the length of the cable:

a) Markings on the outer surface of the cable:

1) Size shall be repeated at intervals that are not longer than a nominal 24 inches or610 mm (maximum 25 inches or 635 mm).

2) The marking in 45.2 and 45.4 for identification of copper-clad aluminum shall berepeated at intervals that are not longer than 6 inches or 150 mm.

3) All information other than size and the identification of copper-clad aluminum shallbe repeated at intervals that are not longer than 40 inches or 1.02 m.

b) Size and all other information on a marker tape shall be repeated at intervals that are notlonger than a nominal 24 inches or 610 mm (maximum 25 inches or 635 mm).




POLARITY

36 General

36.1 An insulated Type USE or USE-2 conductor intended for use as a grounded circuit conductor shallbe finished to show the color white or grey throughout the entire length and circumference of its outersurface, or shall be identified by three continuous straight or helical, unbroken white stripes on other thangreen insulation, along its entire length. Straight stripes are to be placed a nominal 120° apart. Wheremultiple grounded circuit conductors are used in a cable, no more than one shall employ white stripes. Itis also appropriate for such a conductor to have a raised tracer or one or more broken (non-continuous)or unbroken straight or helical stripes that are of a contrasting color other than green. An insulatedgrounding conductor shall be identified as described in 19.2. See 36.3 for details on stripes.

36.2 An insulated Type USE or USE-2 conductor intended for use as an ungrounded insulated conductorshall be finished to show a color or combination of colors other than and in contrast with white, grey, andgreen. The outer surface so colored also complies with the intent of this requirement where it has any oneof the following throughout the length of the cable in a color or combination of colors other than and incontrast with white, grey, and green:

a) One or more broken or unbroken straight or helical stripes. See 36.3 for details on stripes.

b) An unbroken series of identical hash marks or other symbols with dimensions as specifiedfor stripes and with regular spacing.

c) Numerals, letters, and/or words that comply with this Standard.

The markings covered in this paragraph shall not conflict with or be confusable with any of the othermarkings required or otherwise covered in this standard.

36.3 Stripes as specified in 19.2, 36.1, and 36.2 shall be of even or varying width and shall occupy a totalof 5 – 70 percent of the calculated circumference of the outer surface of the finished insulated conductorin the case of a yellow stripe(s) or a total of 15 – 70 percent of the calculated circumference of the outersurface of the finished insulated conductor in the case of white stripes, with no individual width less than5 percent of that same circumference. The width shall be measured perpendicular to each stripe. Wherebroken stripes are appropriate, they shall consist of a series of identical marks and spaces, the length ofeach mark shall be at least 1/8 inch or 3 mm and the linear spacing between marks shall not be greaterthan 3/4 inch or 19 mm.




MARKING

37 Cable as a Whole

37.1 Identification of organization and manufacturer

37.1.1 The name of the cable manufacturer, that manufacturer’s trade name for the cable, or both, or anyother appropriate distinctive marking by means of which the organization responsible for the cable canreadily be identified shall be durably marked as follows on the outer surface of every length of the finishedcable:

a) On the PVC finish on Type SE cable.

b) On the thermoset jacket on overall-jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2cables.

c) On the outer surface of single-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables intended for anypurpose (use alone, as an insulated conductor of coverless multiple-conductor Type USE andUSE-2 cables, or as an insulated conductor of a submersible-pump cable).

When the organization that is responsible for the cable is different from the actual manufacturer, both theresponsible organization and the actual manufacturer shall be identified by name or by coding such as bytrade name, trade-mark, or the assigned electrical reference number. The meaning of any codedidentification shall be made available. It is appropriate also to identify a private labeler; the means is notspecified.

37.2 Identification of factory

37.2.1 The particular factory in which the cable is made shall be identified in addition to identifying theorganization responsible for the cable when the organization responsible for the cable operates more thanone factory in which service cables are made by or for that organization. Where there is more than onefactory, the absence of an identification may be used to identify one factory. The meaning of any codedidentification shall be made available.

37.3 Methods of identification

37.3.1 Embossed (raised) lettering is appropriate. Ink printing that complies with 37.3.2 is appropriate.Indent printing is appropriate when the thickness of the jacket or unjacketed insulation at the indent is notreduced below the minimum at any point shown in the thickness table referred to for the conductorconstruction in Table 14.1, for the overall jacket in Table 17.2, or for the PVC finish in 17.3.2.2.

37.3.2 Ink printing of the identification required in 37.1.1 and 37.2.1 is appropriate when the printing onspecimens remains legible after being tested as described in Durability of Indelible-Ink Printing Test,Section 1690 of UL 1581. When ink printing is not tested or does not comply with the UL 1581 test, thesurface ink printing shall be supplemented by one of the following durable means within the cable:

a) Location of colored threads between the overall tape and the PVC finish on a Type SE cableor anywhere under the overall covering on a Type SE, USE-2, or USE cable and among theinsulated conductors however, except for single-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables, notunder the insulation or on any insulated conductor or under any individual jacket on aninsulated conductor. The color or combination of colors shall be that assigned to identify theactual cable manufacturer. The ply or the material of one or more threads is to be different from




the ply or material of the other thread(s) as the means of identifying the cable factory. A markerthread of glass is appropriate when the lay of the individual glass filaments in each basic stranddoes not exceed 1/3 inch or 8.5 mm.

b) Location of a surface-printed tape (see 35.1) between the overall tape and the PVC finish ona Type SE cable or anywhere under the overall covering on a Type SE, USE-2, or USE cableand among the insulated conductors however, except for single-conductor Type USE andUSE-2 cables, not under the insulation on any insulated conductor or in or under the individualcovering on any insulated conductor. The tape is to be marked with the name of the cablemanufacturer, that manufacturer’s trade name for the cable, or both, or any other appropriatedistinctive marking by means of which the organization responsible for the cable can readily beidentified, and an identification of the cable factory (see 37.2.1). When the organization that isresponsible for the cable is different from the actual manufacturer, both the responsibleorganization and the actual manufacturer shall be identified by name or by appropriate codingsuch as by trade name, trademark, or the assigned electrical reference number. The meaningof any coded identification shall be made available. It is appropriate also to identify a privatelabeler; the means is not specified.

c) Indent stamping of the conductor metal that does not embrittle the metal is appropriate in 14– 2 AWG single-conductor cables in which the conductor is solid, in 2-conductor cables in whicha stranded, uninsulated conductor is applied helically over a 14 – 2 AWG solid insulatedconductor, and in the center strand of 8 AWG – 2,000 kcmil single-conductor stranded cables.

37.4 Authorized surface marking

37.4.1 An authorized Canadian Standards Association (CSA) type designation that includes numbersindicative of a temperature rating is eligible to be surface marked on a cable in addition to the markingsrequired in this Standard. The CSA designation shall be clearly associated with CSA and clearlyseparated by “or”, a dash, or a wide space from the legend required in this Standard.

37.5 Surface, tag, reel, or carton marking not to be used

37.5.1 Any designation that other than as described in 37.4.1 and is not completely indicative of themeaning of the National Electrical Code type letters for a cable shall not be marked in words on or in thecable or on any tag, reel, or carton for the cable. For example, the temperature rating “75 C”, the currentrating “40 amps”, and the wording “heat resistant” are precluded from a 10 AWG copper single-conductorType USE cable because, although they are suggestive of the meaning of the type letters, thesedesignations taken alone or together do not account for the type of circuit, the number of conductors, theambient temperature, and other influences whose consideration is required for determining the correctmaximum current for the cable in a particular installation. Such determination can be made only by usingthe factors found for the cable type in the National Electrical Code.




37.6 Authorized temperature thread and tag, reel, or carton marking

37.6.1 A temperature marker thread is appropriate for use in a cable of a National Electrical Code typethat is additionally authorized for use(s) not covered by the National Electrical Code. Where the non-NECtemperature ratings is used in the tag, carton, or reel marking it shall clearly:

a) Tie the rating to the specific non-NEC use to which it applies, and

b) Separate the rating from any NEC type.

For example, a marking such as “NEC Type ____ ____ C AWM CSA Type ____ ____ C” is not to beused. “NEC Type ____ for use as appliance-wiring material rated ____ C. CSA Type ____ rated ____ C.”is to be used.

38 Insulated Conductors

38.1 No identification required

38.1.1 When the insulated conductor or conductors are made by or for the organization responsible forthe cable in the same factory in which the cable is made, and when the organization responsible for thecable operates no other factory in which these conductors are made, no identification is required in or onany length of insulated conductor in a finished cable to mark the insulated conductor as the product of aparticular organization or factory.

38.2 Only factory identification required

38.2.1 When the organization responsible for the cable operates more than one factory in which theinsulated conductor or conductors are made for the service cables made by or for the organizationresponsible for the cable, a durable and distinctive identification shall be provided in or on every length ofinsulated conductor in all of the organization’s service cables to mark the insulated conductor as theproduct of a particular factory unless the conductor or conductors are made in the same factory in whichthe cable is made. The organization is not required to be identified.

38.3 Organization and factory identification required

38.3.1 When the insulated conductor or conductors are made by or for an organization other than theorganization responsible for the cable, a permanent and distinctive identification shall be provided on orin every length of insulated conductor in a finished cable to mark the insulated conductor as the productof a particular organization and factory.




39 Date of Manufacture

39.1 General

39.1.1 The date of manufacture by month and year (or in the sequence month, day, and year) shall beincluded among the tag, reel, or carton markings described in 47.1, or shall be included among the cablemarkings described in this Standard where legible on the outer surface of the cable. The date shall beshown in plain language, not in code.

CABLE TYPE

40 General

40.1 The outer surface of finished jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables and offinished single-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables for use alone or as an insulated conductor of acoverless multiple-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cable or of a submersible-pump cable shall be durablymarked ″USE″, ″Type USE″, ″ USE-2″or ″ Type USE-2″ as identification of the cable type. Type USE andUSE-2 cables shall not be marked ″UF″. The outer surface of the PVC finish on a Type SE cable shall bedurably marked ″SE″ or ″Type SE″ as identification of the NEC cable type. See 37.5. Even for in-plantrouting, conductor type letters (″RHW″, ″RHW-2″, ″XHHW″, ″XHHW-2″, ″RHH or RHW-2″, or ″RHH ORRHW″) shall not be marked alone or with other designations on any single-conductor Type USE or USE-2cable or on any insulated conductor in a multiple-conductor Type USE, USE-2, or SE cable when thesingle-conductor cable or the insulated conductor does not comply with the horizontal flame test that isrequired in Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables, UL 44, and is described in Horizontal-Specimen / FT2Flame Test, Section 1100 of UL 1581. It is appropriate for Type SE cable containing insulated conductorsthat comply with the UL 44 horizontal flame test (the flame test is described in Section 1100 of UL 1581)to be surface marked with the conductor type letters ″XHHW″, ″XHHW-2″, ″RHW″, ″RHW-2″, or ″RHH ORRHW″.

40.2 The outer surface of a submersible-pump cable of any of the constructions as detailed in 19.1 (a),(c), and (d) shall be durably and legibly marked ″submersible pump cable ″. When each circuit conductoris not surface-marked (see 40.4) ″USE ″ or ″USE OR RHW ″ or ″USE OR RHW OR RHH ″ or ″USE-2 ″or ″USE-2 OR RHW-2 ″ as applicable (see Table 14.1 or 14.2), the marking on the outer surface of thepump cable shall include these type letters. See 41.4 concerning conductor type letters not being on cablein which EC-1350 aluminum is used.

40.3 It is appropriate to durably and legibly mark “pump cable” on the surface of single-conductor TypeUSE or USE-2 cable intended to be used in submersible water-pump cable. ″.

40.4 In a coverless pump cable [19.1(b)], the surface of each circuit conductor shall be durably andlegibly marked with the type letters ″USE ″ or ″USE OR RHW ″ or ″USE OR RHW OR RHH ″ or ″USE-2″ or ″USE-2 OR RHW-2 ″ as applicable (see Table 14.1 or 14.2). It is appropriate for the individuals in acoverless multiple-conductor Type USE cable to be marked “USE”. See 41.4 concerning conductor typeletters not being on cable in which an EC-1350 aluminum alloy is used.

40.5 The designation ″sunlight-resistant, for CT use ″ or ″sunlight-resistant, for use in cable trays ″ shallbe marked on the outer surface of finished Type SE cables that comply with the flame test required in 31.1and with the 720-h sunlight-resistant test required in 30.1 and 30.2.




40.6 The designation ″for CT use″ or ″for use in cable trays″ is marked on the outer surface of finishedType SE cables where these cables comply with the flame test required in 31.1.

40.7 The designation ″sun-res″ or ″sunlight-resistant″ is marked on the outer surface of finished Type SEcables, jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables, and single conductor Type USE andUSE-2 cables that comply with the 720 h sunlight-resistant test required in 30.1.

40.8 No marking indicative of sunlight resistance shall appear on or in a Type SE, USE, or USE-2 cableor on the tag, reel, or carton for such cable despite the fact that such cable complies with the 300-hsunlight-resistance test required in 30.3.

40.9 A Type USE cable that complies with 22.1 (cold impact) shall be surface marked ″−40°C″ or ″minus40C″. This marking is also required on the tag, reel, or carton – see 47.1(j). For coverlessmultiple-conductor Type USE cables and submersible-pump cables that comply, each of the constituentsingle-conductor Type USE cables shall bear the marking.

41 Style

41.1 It is appropriate for the organization responsible for the cable to include a style identification in a setof marked designations. The term ″style identification″ is defined as any identifying letters, figures, orcombinations that differ from the National Electrical Code cable type letters and applicable numerical andletter suffixes.

41.2 When the organization responsible for the cable elects to include a style identification in a set ofmarked designations, the words ″Style″ and ″Type″ shall be used in that set and the word ″Type″ shall beused in every other set marked on the cable.

41.3 The following are examples of marked designations with and without a style identification:

a) In the absence of a style identification, it is appropriate to mark a single conductor on whichType RHW insulation covered with a jacket is used ″USE OR RHW″.

b) Where a style identification is to be included, the cable in (a) must be marked (see 41.2)″Type USE Style RR or Type RHW″.

c) In the absence of a style identification, it is appropriate to mark a 3-conductor cableconstructed of Type RHW conductors cabled and covered with an overall jacket ″USE ORRHWM″.

d) Where a style identification is to be included, it is appropriate to mark the cable in (c) (see41.2) ″Type USE Style RR or Type RHWM″.

e) In the absence of style identification, it is appropriate to mark a Type SE cable ″SE″.

f) Where a style identification is included, it is appropriate to mark the cable in (e) (see 41.2)″Type SE Style R″ when the cable has an uninsulated conductor cabled with the insulatedconductors or ″Type SE Style U″ when the cable has an uninsulated conductor which isdistributed helically.




41.4 Single-rated single- and multiple-conductor Type USE cables and submersible-pump cable in whichthe conductor(s) are of an EC-1350 grade aluminum alloy shall not be surface or individual or tag, reel,or carton marked with any conductor type letters (″RHW″, ″RHW-2″, ″XHHW″, or ″RHH OR RHW″).

42 Oil- and Gasoline and Oil-Resistant

42.1 Wire and cables that are oil-resistant at 60°C (140°F) in accordance with the requirements in 33.2are surface-marked ″oil-resistant I″. Wires or cables that are oil-resistant at 75°C (167°F) in accordancewith 33.1 are surface-marked ″oil-resistant II″.

42.2 Wire and cables that are gasoline-resistant and oil-resistant in accordance with the requirements in34.1 are surface-marked ″gasoline and oil-resistant I″ where oil-resistant at 60°C (140°F), and ″gasolineand oil-resistant II″ where oil-resistant at 75°C (167°F).

SIZES AND NUMBER OF CONDUCTORS

43 General

43.1 The AWG or kcmil size of the insulated conductor or conductors, the number of insulated conductors(the number of conductors is not required on a single-conductor cable), and the AWG or kcmil size of theuninsulated conductor when one is used, and the AWG size of the grounding conductor when one is usedin a Type USE or USE-2 cable, shall be durably marked on the outer surface of every length of finishedType SE cable and finished jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables. The means ofachieving this marking are indicated in 37.3.1.

44 Compact-Stranded Copper Conductors

44.1 Where a compact-stranded copper conductor is used, the AWG or kcmil size of the conductor –wherever the size appears (on the tag, reel, or on or in the cable or insulated conductor)– shall be followedby ″compact copper″ or ″compact CU″. The word ″compact″ shall not be abbreviated. Tags, reels, andcartons for compact copper wire shall have the following marking: ″Terminate with connectors identifiedfor use with compact-stranded copper conductors”.

ALUMINUM AND COPPER-CLAD ALUMINUM CONDUCTORS

45 General

45.1 Where in single-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cable the conductor is of aluminum and where in aType SE cable and in jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cables all of the conductors(insulated and uninsulated) are of aluminum, the outer surface of the finished cable shall be marked withthe word ″aluminum″ or the abbreviation ″AL″ or, where an AA-8000 aluminum is used, it is appropriateto use ″AA-8000 aluminum″ or ″AA-8000 AL″. The designation ″AA-8000″ shall not be used in place of″aluminum″ or ″AL″. It is appropriate also, to replace ″AA-8000″ with the particular alloy designation. See41.4.

45.2 Where in single-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cable the conductor is of copper-clad aluminum andwhere in a Type SE cable and in a jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE cable all of the conductors(insulated and uninsulated) are of copper-clad aluminum, the outer surface of the finished cable shall bemarked at 6-inches or 150-mm or shorter intervals throughout the entire length of the cable with one ofthe designations ″AL (CU-CLAD)″, ″ALUMINUM (COPPER-CLAD)″, ″CU-CLAD AL″, or ″COPPER-CLADALUMINUM″.




45.3 Where in a coverless multiple-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cable or in a submersible-pump cablethe insulated conductor or conductors are of aluminum, the outer surface of each constituentsingle-conductor cable shall be marked with the word ″aluminum″ or the abbreviation ″AL″. See 41.4.

45.4 Where in a coverless multiple-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cable or in a submersible-pump cablethe insulated conductor or conductors are of copper-clad aluminum, the outer surface of each constituentsingle-conductor cable shall be marked at 6-inches or 150-mm or shorter intervals throughout the entirelength of the cable with one of the designations ″AL (CU-CLAD)″, ″ALUMINUM (COPPER-CLAD)″,″CU-CLAD AL″, or ″COPPER-CLAD ALUMINUM″.

45.5 Where a copper-clad aluminum conductor or conductors are used, the AWG or kcmil size of theconductor(s), wherever the size appears (on the tag, reel, or carton, or on or in the cable or insulatedconductor), shall be followed by one of the designations ″AL (CU-CLAD)″, ″ALUMINUM(COPPER-CLAD)″, ″CU-CLAD AL″, or ″COPPER-CLAD ALUMINUM″. Tags, reels, and cartons for cablecontaining any copper-clad aluminum shall have the following markings:

a) ″Copper-clad aluminum shall be used only with equipment marked to indicate that it is foruse with aluminum conductors. Terminate copper-clad aluminum with pressure wire connectorsmarked ’AL-CU’ or ’CC-CU’.″

b) For 12 and 10 AWG solid copper-clad aluminum ″May be used with wire-binding screws andin pressure-plate and push-in spring-type connecting mechanisms that are acceptable for usewith copper conductors″.

c) ″Where physical contact between any combination of copper-clad aluminum, copper, andaluminum conductors occurs in a wire connector, the connector shall be of a type marked forsuch intermixed use and the connection shall be limited to dry locations only″.

VOLTAGE

46 General

46.1 The maximum working potential ″600 V″ or ″600 volts″ shall be durably marked on the outer surfaceof every length of finished Type SE cable, jacketed multiple-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables, andsingle-conductor Type USE and USE-2 cables for use alone or as an insulated conductor in a coverlessmultiple-conductor Type USE or USE-2 cable or in a submersible-pump cable. The means of achievingthis marking are indicated in 37.3.1.




SHIPPING LENGTHS

47 General

47.1 A tag on which the following information is indicated plainly (the sequence of the items is notspecified) shall be tied to every shipping length of finished cable. However, where the cable is wound ona reel or coiled in a carton, it is appropriate for the tag to be glued, tied, stapled, or otherwise attached tothe reel or carton rather than to the cable, or for the tag to be eliminated and the information printed orstenciled directly onto the reel or carton. Other information where added shall not confuse or mislead andshall not conflict with these requirements. See 39.1.1 for date marking. See 37.5.

a) The maximum working potential ″600 V″ or ″600 volts″.

b) The name of the cable manufacturer, that manufacturer’s trade name for the cable, or both,or any other distinctive marking by means of which the organization responsible for the cable isreadily identifiable. Where the organization that is responsible for the cable is different from theactual manufacturer, both the responsible organization and the actual manufacturer shall beidentified by name or by coding such as by trade name, trademark, the assigned electricalreference number, or the assigned combination of colored marker threads. The meaning of anycoded identification shall be made available by the organization responsible for the cable. It isappropriate also to identify a private labeler; the means is not specified.

c) The applicable service-entrance-cable type letters ″Type USE″ (″Type UF″ shall not beadded) or ″Type SE″. Use of the word “Type” is not required.

d) The insulated-conductor type as such type is on the cable itself as indicated in Table 14.1(see 1.2 and 40.1). See also 41.4.

e) The AWG or kcmil size of the insulated conductor or conductors, the number of insulatedconductors, the AWG or kcmil size of the uninsulated conductor where one is used and theAWG size of the grounding conductor where one is used (USE only). See 43.1.

f) The color and number of the threads mentioned in 37.3.2(a) where such threads are used inthe cable.

g) Where the conductor or conductors are of aluminum, the word ″aluminum″ or theabbreviation ″AL″ or, where an AA-8000 aluminum is used, it is appropriate to use ″AA-8000aluminum″ or ″AA-8000 AL″. The designation ″AA-8000″ shall not be used in place of″aluminum″ or ″AL″. It is appropriate also, to replace ″AA-8000″ with the particular alloydesignation.

h) For submersible water-pump cable, the following wording(s) or other wording(s) to the sameeffect:

“For use within well casings for wiring deep-well water pumps where the cable is not subject torepetitive handling caused by frequent servicing of the pump units″.

In addition where applicable (see 19.1): ″CAUTION – Insulation may adhere tightly to theconductor. Take care to remove all insulation before terminating the conductor″.

i) For coverless multiple-conductor Type USE cables having a bare conductor ″For use only asdirect-burial service-entrance conductors″.




j) For a Type USE cable that complies with 40.9 (cold impact): ″−40C″ or ″minus 40C″.

k) The designation “FT4/IEEE 1202” or “FT4” for Type SE cables that comply with the FT4/IEEE 1202 Type of Flame Exposure referenced in 31.1. This marking is not required. Whereused, this marking is to be spaced from the other markings required in this paragraph.


service-entrance cables

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