Specification for 15 kV and 25 kV Primary Underground Power Cable, 19525-19531 [2012-7610]
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 63 / Monday, April 2, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
specific medical loss ratio for * is
accurate, complete, and consistent with
the methodology as stated in
§ 1615.402(c)(3)(ii).
*Insert the year for which the MLR
calculation applies.
Firm: lllllllllllllll
Name: lllllllllllllll
Signature: lllllllllllll
Date of Execution: llllllllll
(End of certificate)
Subchapter H—Clauses and Forms
PART 1652—CONTRACT CLAUSES
6. The authority citation for Part 1652
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 8913; 40 U.S.C. 486(c);
48 CFR 1.301.
7. In § 1652.216–70, revise paragraph
(b)(4) to read as follows:
■
§ 1652.216–70
adjustment.
Accounting and price
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(4) If rates are determined by
comparison with the FEHB-specific
MLR threshold, then if the MLR for the
carrier’s FEHB plan is found to be lower
than the published FEHB-specific MLR
threshold, the carrier must pay a
subsidization penalty equal to the
difference into a subsidization penalty
account.
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2012–7835 Filed 3–30–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6325–64–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food and Nutrition Service
7 CFR Part 210
[FNS–2011–0021]
RIN 0584–AE11
National School Lunch Program:
School Food Service Account Revenue
Amendments Related to the Healthy,
Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010;
Approval of Information Collection
Request
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15:38 Mar 30, 2012
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Dated: March 26, 2012.
Audrey Rowe,
Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–7762 Filed 3–30–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–30–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
7 CFR Part 1728
The Food and Nutrition
Service published an interim final rule
entitled ‘‘National School Lunch
Program: School Food Service Account
Revenue Amendments Related to the
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010’’
VerDate Mar<15>2010
The June
2011 rule amended National School
Lunch Program (NSLP) regulations to
conform to requirements contained in
the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of
2010 (Pub. L. 111–296) regarding equity
in school lunch pricing and revenue
from nonprogram foods sold in schools.
It requires school food authorities
(SFAs) participating in the NSLP to
provide the same level of financial
support for lunches served to students
who are not eligible for free or reduced
price lunches as is provided for lunches
served to students eligible for free
lunches, and also that all food sold in
a school and purchased with funds from
the nonprofit school food service
account, other than meals and
supplements reimbursed by the
Department of Agriculture, must
generate revenue at least equal to the
cost of such foods. The rule too
comments on its ICR until August 16,
2011. This document announces OMB’s
approval of the ICR under OMB Control
Number 0584–0565.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Rural Utilities Service
Food and Nutrition Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Interim final rule; approval of
information collection request.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
on June 17, 2011. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) cleared
the associated information collection
requirements (ICR) on February 6, 2012.
This document announces approval of
the ICR.
DATES: The ICR associated with the
interim rule published in the Federal
Register on June 17, 2011, at 76 FR
35301, was approved by OMB on
February 6, 2012, under OMB Control
Number 0584–0565.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lynn Rodgers-Kuperman, Chief,
Program Analysis and Monitoring
Branch, Child Nutrition Division, Food
and Nutrition Service, USDA, 3101 Park
Center Drive, Room 640, Alexandria,
Virginia 22302, (703) 305–2600, or
Lynn.Rogers@fns.usda.gov.
Specification for 15 kV and 25 kV
Primary Underground Power Cable
Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
Final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Rural Utilities Service
(RUS) is amending its regulations
SUMMARY:
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19525
regarding electric distribution
specifications for 15kV and 25 kV
primary underground power cable. This
rule will rescind Bulletin 50–70 (U–1),
‘‘REA Specification for 15 kV and 25 kV
Primary Underground Power Cable,’’
and codify the material which was
formerly incorporated by reference. The
specifications and standards that
appeared in the old RUS Bulletin 50–70
(U–1) will be incorporated by reference
and will update the specifications for
15kV and 25kV underground power
cable, and provide RUS borrowers with
specifications for 35 kV underground
power cable for use in 25 kV primary
systems. These specifications cover
single-phase and multi-phase primary
underground power cable which RUS
electric borrowers use to construct their
rural underground electric distribution
systems.
DATES: This rule is effective May 2,
2012.
Incorporation by Reference: The
incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in this rule is
approved by the Director of the Federal
Register as of May 2, 2012
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Trung V. Hiu, Electrical Engineer,
Electric Staff Division, Distribution
Branch, Rural Utilities Service, United
States Department of Agriculture, Room
1262–S, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20250–1569.
Telephone: (202) 720–1877. FAX: (202)
720–7491. Email:
Trung.Hiu@wdc.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Executive Order 12866
This final rule is exempted from the
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) review for purposes of Executive
Order 12866 and, therefore, has not
been reviewed by OMB.
Executive Order 12372
This final rule is excluded from the
scope of Executive Order 12372,
Intergovernmental Consultation, which
may require consultation with State and
local officials. A notice of the final rule
entitled ‘‘Department Programs and
Activities Excluded from Executive
Order 12372,’’ (50 FR 47034) exempted
the Rural Utilities Service loans and
loan guarantees to form coverage under
this order.
Executive Order 12988
This final rule has been reviewed
under Executive Order 12988, Civil
Justice Reform. The Rural Utilities
Service has determined that this rule
meets the applicable standards provided
in section 3 of the Executive Order. In
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addition, all state and local laws and
regulations that are in conflict with this
rule will be preempted. No retroactive
effect will be given to this rule and in
accordance with section 212(e) of the
Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
6912(e)) administrative appeal
procedures, if any, must be exhausted
before an action against the Department
or its agencies may be initiated.
Unfunded Mandates
Executive Order 13132
This final rule will not have
substantial direct effects on the States,
on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government. Under Executive
Order 13132, this rule does not have
sufficient federalism implications to
require preparation of a Federalism
Assessment.
National Environmental Policy Act
Certification
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
It has been determined that the
Regulatory Flexibility Act is not
applicable to this rule since the Rural
Utilities Service is not required by 5
U.S.C. et seq. or any other provision of
law to publish a notice of proposed
rulemaking with respect to the subject
matter of this final rule.
Information Collection and
Recordkeeping Requirements
This final rule contains no additional
information collection and
recordkeeping requirements and is
cleared under control number 0572–
0131 pursuant to the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
chapter 35, as amended).
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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
The program described by this final
rule is listed in the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance Programs under
No. 10.850, Rural Electrification Loans
and Loan Guarantees. This catalog is
available on a subscription basis from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402–9325, telephone
number (202) 512–1800.
Executive Order 12372
This final rule is excluded from the
scope of Executive Order 12372,
Intergovernmental Consultation, which
may require consultation with State and
local officials. See the final rule related
notice titled ‘‘Department Programs and
Activities Excluded from Executive
Order 12372’’ (50 FR 47034), advising
that Rural Utilities Service loans and
loan guarantees are excluded from the
scope of Executive Order 12372.
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This final rule contains no Federal
Mandates (under the regulatory
provision of title II of the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 [2 U.S.C.
chapter 25]) for State, local, and tribal
governments or the private sector. Thus,
this rule is not subject to the
requirements of sections 202 and 205 of
the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of
1995.
The Rural Utilities Service has
determined that this final rule will not
significantly affect the quality of the
human environment as defined by the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Therefore,
this action does not require an
environmental impact statement or
assessment.
Background
RUS maintains a system of bulletins
that contain construction standards and
specifications for materials and
equipment which must be complied
with when system facilities are
constructed by electric and
telecommunications borrowers in
accordance with the loan contract.
These standards and specifications
contain standard construction units and
material items and equipment units
commonly used in electric and
telecommunications borrowers’ systems.
RUS in conjunction with the Office of
the Federal Register determined that
Bulletin 50–70 (U–1), ‘‘REA
Specification for 15 kV and 25 kV
Primary Underground Power Cable,’’
would be codified. The material will
now appear in 7 CFR 1728.204.
Rescinding Bulletin 50–70 (U–1) and
codifying the material in its entirety
provides greater convenience for RUS
borrowers when searching for
specifications and standards
requirements. Additionally, the
specifications and standards that
appeared in the old RUS Bulletin 50–70
(U–1) will be incorporated by reference
in 1728.97 and will update the
specifications for 15kV and 25kV
underground power cable, and provide
RUS borrowers with specifications for
35 kV underground power cable for use
in 25 kV primary systems. These
specifications cover single-phase and
multi-phase primary underground
power cable which RUS electric
borrowers use to construct their rural
underground electric distribution
systems. These changes provide
standard requirements for 15kV and 25
kV single-phase and multi-phase
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primary underground power cable with
cross-linked polyethylene with tree
retardant or ethylene propylene rubber
insulation, concentric neutral, and
insulating outer jacket and updates the
specifications for 15kV and 25 kV
primary underground cable while
adding specifications for 35 kV primary
underground power cable.
The following changes and updates
are as follows:
1. Water blocking sealant would be
required in all stranded conductor
cables.
2. The plain cross-linked
polyethylene (XLP) would be removed
and be replaced by tree-retardant crosslinked polyethylene (TR–XLPE) as an
acceptable insulation material.
3. Nominal insulation thickness on 25
kV cable would be reduced from 345
mils to 260 mils.
4. An optional semi-conducting
jacketing material would be added to
the specification for cables of all three
specified voltages. Cables with semiconducting jackets may be used by RUS
borrowers in areas with soil resistivity
greater than 25 ohm-meter, in lieu of
using cables with an insulating jacket to
help improve the effectiveness of system
grounding in locations of high soil
resistivity.
Summary of Comments
A proposed rule entitled
‘‘Specifications for Primary
Underground Power Cable,’’ was
published August 30, 2007, at 72 FR
50081, invited interested parties to
submit comments. The National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association
Transmission and Distribution (NRECA
T&D) Engineering Underground
Subcommittee and the cable
manufacturers—Prysmian Cables &
Systems (PCS), Southwire, General
Cable, Nexans Energy, Hendrix Wire
and Cable (HWC), submitted comments.
No comments from any other sources
were received. The comments submitted
by NRECA represent the views of its
members.
Comment: NRECA T&D suggested
adding the abbreviations IEEE, LDPE,
LLDPE, MDPE and HDPE to the
‘‘Abbreviations’’ section.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Comment: PCS suggested removing
the word ‘‘insulating’’ as this implies a
voltage rating for the jacket. Jackets do
not have a voltage rating per the
National Electrical Code (NEC).
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
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Comment: Southwire suggested
updating the publication dates of
reference standards and adding ASTM
B835–04, B836–00 (2005), B901–04,
B902–04a standards.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Comment: Southwire, NRECA T&D,
General Cable, and Nexans suggested
adding Insulated Cable Engineers
Association, Inc. (ICEA) to the list of
addresses.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Comment: General Cable suggested
adding the address: IHS; 15 Inverness
Way East; Englewood, CO 80112;
Telephone: 800–854–7179; Web Site:
https://www. globe,ihs.com (7, section
3b, ‘‘Availability of Publications’’).
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Comment: Southwire recommended
adding compressed and compact round
stranded copper conductors using single
input wire construction in accordance
with ASTM B902–4a and B835–04 to
this section.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Comment: PCS suggested correcting
the ‘‘R14’’ in the first line to ‘‘H14’’.
This was a typo.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Comment: General Cable, Nexans
Energy, PCS, and Southwire suggested
the following changes: Central
aluminum phase conductors shall be
one of the following:
This part should be changed to 4d
which would require the conductor to
be filled whether it be copper or
aluminum. The requirement to fill the
conductor interstices so as not to allow
moisture to migrate through the
conductor should be for both aluminum
and copper conductor and not just for
aluminum conductor. Filling the strands
of a conductor is done to pick moisture
out to the conductor and whereby
limiting the moisture that can migrate
into the insulation.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Comment: PCS suggested replacing
the word ‘‘moisture’’ with the word
‘‘water’’. The test protocol is a Water
penetration test.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
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Comment: All cable manufacturers
recommended removing the
requirement for indent printing on a
solid conductor. Requiring indent print
on solid conductors does not seem
consistent with keeping the interface of
the conductor and extruded components
smooth. Using indent on a solid
conductor will cause the surface of the
conductor to have some metal
displacement and create irregularities
on the conductor surface. Indent
printing on the center strand of a
stranded conductor is being used today
on cables and this type of identification
should be limited to stranded conductor
and not used on solid conductor use for
medium voltage cables.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule.
Comment: Conductor Shield, NRECA
T&D suggested adding (for discharge
resistant EPR) after the first word
‘‘insulating’’—‘‘The void and protrusion
limits on the conductor shield shall be
in compliance with ANSI/ICEA S–94–
649’’ as was done in the Insulation
Shield Section (or state the actual
limits).
Agency Response: The RUS agrees
with the recommendation and has
added ‘‘The void and protrusion limits
on the conductor shield shall be in
compliance with ANSI/ICEA S–94–
649’’.
Comment: PCS suggested replacing
the words ‘‘An insulating’’ with ‘‘A nonconducting’’. This will align the
wording with ANSI/ICEA S–94–649
standard.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule.
Comment: Insulation, NRECA T&D
suggested adding ‘‘The void and
protrusion limits on the insulation shall
be in compliance with ANSI/ICEA S–
94–649’’ as was done in the Insulation
Shield Section (or state the actual
limits).
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has added
‘‘The void and protrusion limits on the
conductor shield shall be in compliance
with ANSI/ICEA S–94–649’’.
Comment: PCS suggested removing
the words inside the parentheses ‘‘(e.g.,
cross-linked polyethylene shield may be
used with EPR insulation)’’. The term
‘‘thermosetting polymeric layer’’ sets
forth the requirement sufficiently. As a
matter of technical clarification, the
insulation shield materials are not XLPE
but are in fact a co-polymer material.
Polymeric layer is a good way to refer
to these materials.
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Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule.
Comment: PCS stated there is no
technical justification to have different
minimum stripping tensions for EPR
and TRXLPE. This requirement needs to
be changed so both materials have the
same minimum tension of 3 pounds as
required by the ANSI approved industry
standard.
Agency Response: Stripping tensions
values shall be 3 through 18 pounds
(1.36 through 8.16 kg) for EPR discharge
free and TR–XLPE cables. Discharge
resistant cables shall have strip tension
of 0 through 18 pounds (0 through 8.16
kg).
Comment: General Cable suggested
changing the requirement of stripping
tension for TR–XLPE cable to the
industry standard of a maximum of 24
lb. Limiting the maximum stripping
tension to 18 lb will cause quality cable
to be rejected based on a difference of
6 lb. The industry standards require that
the cables be able to be stripped at
temperatures between ¥10c and 40c
without tearing based on a defined test
procedure regardless of the actual
stripping tension.
Agency Response: Stripping tensions
values shall be 3 through 18 pounds
(1.36 through 8.16 kg) for EPR discharge
free and TR–XLPE cables. Discharge
resistant cables shall have strip tension
of 0 through 18 pounds (0 through 8.16
kg).
Comment: HWC suggested the
minimum strip tension should be 3
pounds for both EPR and TR0XLPE
discharge free cable designs as required
by the referenced ANSI/ICEA Standard.
Specifying a difference without a
technical basis would only serve to
provide a justified commercial
advantage.
Agency Response: Stripping tensions
values shall be 3 through 18 pounds
(1.36 through 8.16 kg) for EPR discharge
free and TR–XLPE cables. Discharge
resistant cables shall have strip tension
of 0 through 18 pounds (0 through 8.16
kg).
Comment: Nexans Energy suggested
the minimum strip tension of 3 lbs.
should be applicable to both EPR and
TR–XLPE.
Agency Response: Stripping tensions
values shall be 3 through 18 pounds
(1.36 through 8.16 kg) for EPR discharge
free and TR–XLPE cables. Discharge
resistant cables shall have strip tension
of 0 through 18 pounds (0 through 8.16
kg).
Comment: PCS suggested the word
‘‘uncoated’’ in the beginning of the
second line should be removed as some
manufacturers will only provide flat
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straps tin-coated and there is no
technical reason to not allow this
construction.
Agency Response: RUS disagrees and
its previous experience indicates tincoated neutral may accelerate corrosion
at holidays. RUS will not allow tincoated neutral.
Comment: PCS suggested this
paragraph to read as follows: ‘‘The
jacket type shall be an Extruded-to-Fill
Jacket that fills the area between the
concentric neutral wires and covers the
wires to the proper thickness. The jacket
shall be free stripping. The jacket shall
have three red stripes longitudinally
extruded into the jacket surface 120
degrees apart per ANSI/ICEA S–94–
649.’’
Agency Response: RUS disagrees and
the current text is in an acceptable
format and remains unchanged.
Comment: PCS stated ICEA does a
good job specifying the jacket materials.
ASTM has requirements that only
pertain to base resins which typically
can not be measured on compounds
received or have pertinence to the
performance of the jacket material in its
intended environment. The Extruded-toFill jacket materials are limited to
LLDPE and LDPE. The references to
(insulating) and to the ASTM D1248
specification should be removed. This
paragraph should be changed to
‘‘Nonconducting jackets shall be LDPE
or LLDPE compound meeting the
requirements of ANSI/ICEA S–94–649.’’
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Comment: NRECA T&D suggested
checking with Dow Chemical and/or
Borealis to confirm the vapor
transmission rate of 2 g/m2/24 hours is
valid for current semi-conducting jacket
compounds.
Agency Response: RUS has verified
and confirmed with Dow Chemical of
the current physical properties
specification of the DOW DHDA–7708
Black moisture vapor transmission rate
at 38 degree C, 90% RH is 1.5 gms/m2/
24 hrs (ASTME96).
Comment: PCS stated this paragraph
indicates a maximum moisture vapor
transmission rate of 2 g/m2/24 hours at
38 °C and 96% relative humidity in
accordance with ASTM E 96. They
believe there is no test data to support
there are materials commercially
available to meet this maximum value.
They suggest that this value be removed.
Agency Response: RUS has verified
and confirmed with Dow Chemical of
the current physical properties
specification of the DOW DHDA–7708
Black moisture vapor transmission rate
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at 38 degree C, 90% RH is 1.5 gms/m2/
24 hrs (ASTME96).
Comment: ‘‘Overall Outer Jacket’’,
paragraph a (3), Southwire stated the
requirement for maximum moisture
transmission rate of 2 g/m2/24 hours at
38 °C (100 ° F) and 96% relative
humidity in accordance with ASTM E
96 does not agree with existing data
sheets from the material provider, Dow
Chemical. Their product was tested at
90% RH. Southwire suggested this
requirement be verified with the
material supplier or deleted.
Agency Response: RUS has verified
and confirmed with Dow Chemical of
the current physical properties
specification of the DOW DHDA–7708
Black moisture vapor transmission rate
at 38 degree C, 90% RH is 1.5 gms/m2/
24 hrs (ASTME96).
Comment: ‘‘Overall Outer Jacket’’,
paragraph a (3), Southwire suggested the
word ‘‘maximum’’ should be added to
the first sentence—Semi-conducting
jackets shall have a maximum radial
resistivity of 100 ohm-meter.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Comment: NRECA T&D, General
Cable, PCS, Nexans Energy, and
Southwire suggested deleting
Dimensional Tolerances—this section
come from the old U–1 and ICEA S–94–
649 has minimum and maximum
tolerances on each layer of the cable
construction but not on the overall cable
core. There is an Appendix C in ICEA
to calculate these tolerances and they
will vary greatly by conductor size and
insulation thickness.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Comment: General Cable suggested
changing ‘‘Partial Discharge Tests’’ to
Discharge Tests: Manufacturers shall
demonstrate that their cable meets
either the partial discharge test for
Discharge Free cable design or the
Discharge Resistance test for Discharge
Resistant cable designs as required per
ICEA S–94–649 and as described in b(1)
or b(2) of this bulletin.
Agency Response: RUS disagrees. The
current text is acceptable.
Comment: Jacket tests, cable
manufacturers suggested the (cold bend
test) requirement be omitted. Since
polyethylene’s (low, medium and high
density) have excellent cold
temperature properties, there is no need
to do cold bend test. ICEA standards do
not require a cold bend test for these
jacket materials for the reason stated
above. Jacket material such as Polyvinyl
Chloride (PVC) and Chlorinated
Polyethylene (CPE) do require a cold
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bend test but are not allowed to be used
in this specification.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with
the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Comment: HWC suggested that jacket
type is only printed if the jacket is semiconducting as required by the
referenced ANSI/ICEA Standard.
Agency Response: RUS disagrees. The
current text and format are acceptable.
Comment: PCS stated the cable reel is
not for protection but to allow ease of
handling and installation of the cable.
They recommend that the purchaser
define the class of reels and reel
covering material that one want
specified per NEMA WC26. The reel
and covering should be at the mutual
agreement of the purchaser and the
manufacturer.
Agency Response: RUS disagrees. The
current text and requirement are
acceptable.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1728
Electric power, Incorporation by
reference, Loan programs—energy,
Rural areas.
For the reasons set out in the
preamble, 7 CFR part 1728 is amended
as follows:
PART 1728—ELECTRIC STANDARDS
AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR
MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
1. The authority citation for part 1728
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 7 U.S.C.
1921 et seq.; 7 U.S.C. 6941 et seq.
2. In § 1728.97, redesignate
paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) as paragraphs
(f), (h), and (i), respectively, revise
paragraph (d), and add new paragraphs
(e) and (g) to read as follows:
■
§ 1728.97 Incorporation by reference of
electric standards and specifications.
*
*
*
*
*
(d) The American National Standards
Institute/Insulated Cable Engineers
Association, Inc. (ANSI/ICEA) makes
the following material available for
purchase from Global Engineering
Documents for a fee at the following
address: IHS Global Engineering
Documents, 15 Inverness Way East,
Englewood, CO 80112, Phone: (303)
397–7956; (800)–854–7179, Fax: (303)
397–2740, email: global@ihs.com, Web
site: https://global.ihs.com.
(1) ANSI/ICEA S–94–649–2004—
Standard for Concentric Neutral Cables
Rated 5 Through 46 KV (ANSI/ICEA S–
94–649–2004), approved September 20,
2005, incorporation by reference
approved for § 1728.204.
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(2) ANSI/ICEA T–31–610–2007—Test
Method for Conducting Longitudinal
Water Penetration Resistance Tests on
Blocked Conductors (ANSI/ICEA T–31–
610–2007), approved October 31, 2007,
incorporated by reference approved for
§ 1728.204.
(e) Copies of American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM)
publications referenced in this
specification can be obtained from
ASTM for a fee at the following address:
ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959,
Telephone: (610) 832–9585, Web site:
https://astm.org.
(1) ASTM B 3–01 (Reapproved
2007)—Standard Specification for Soft
or Annealed Copper Wire, (ASTM B 3–
01) approved March 15, 2007,
incorporated by reference approved for
§ 1728.204.
(2) ASTM B 8–04—Standard
Specification for Concentric-LayStranded Copper Conductors, Hard,
Medium-Hard, or Soft (ASTM B 8–04),
approved April 1, 2004, incorporated by
reference approved for § 1728.204.
(3) ASTM B 230/B 230M–07—
Standard Specification for Aluminum
1350–H19 Wire for Electrical Purposes
(ASTM B 230/B 230M–07), approved
March 15, 2007, incorporated by
reference approved for § 1728.204.
(4) ASTM B 231/B 231M–04—
Standard Specification for ConcentricLay-Stranded Aluminum 1350
Conductors (ASTM B 231/B 231M–04),
approved April 1, 2004, incorporated by
reference approved for § 1728.204.
(5) ASTM B 400–08—Standard
Specification for Compact Round
Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum
1350 Conductors (ASTM B 400–08),
approved September 1, 2008,
incorporated by reference approved for
§ 1728.204.
(6) ASTM B 496–04—Standard
Specification for Compact Round
Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper
Conductors (ASTM B 496–04), approved
April 1, 2004, incorporated by reference
approved for § 1728.204.
(7) ASTM B 609/B 609M–99—
Standard Specification for Aluminum
1350 Round Wire, Annealed and
Intermediate Tempers, for Electrical
Purposes (ASTM B 609/B 609M–99),
approved April 1, 2004, incorporated by
reference approved for § 1728.204.
(8) ASTM B 786–08—Standard
Specification for 19 Wire Combination
Unilay-Stranded Aluminum 1350
Conductors for Subsequent Insulation
(ASTM B 786–08), approved September
1, 2008, incorporated by reference
approved for § 1728.204.
(9) ASTM B 787/B 787M–04—
Standard Specification for 19 Wire
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Combination Unilay-Stranded Copper
Conductors for Subsequent Insulation
(ASTM B 787/B 787M–04), approved
September 1, 2004, incorporated by
reference approved for § 1728.204.
(10) ASTM B 835–04—Standard
Specification for Compact Round
Stranded Copper Conductors Using
Single Input Wire Construction (ASTM
B 835–04), approved September 1, 2004,
incorporated by reference approved for
§ 1728.204.
(11) ASTM B902–04a—Standard
Specification for Compressed Round
Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard,
Medium-Hard, or Soft Using Single
Input Wire Construction (ASTM B902–
04a), approved September 1, 2004,
incorporated by reference approved for
§ 1728.204.
(12) ASTM D 1248–05—Standard
Specification for Polyethylene Plastics
Extrusion Materials for Wire and Cable
(ASTM D 1248–05), approved March 1,
2005, incorporated by reference
approved for § 1728.204.
(13) ASTM D 2275–01 (Reapproved
2008)—Standard Test Method for
Voltage Endurance of Solid Electrical
Insulating Materials Subjected to Partial
Discharges (Corona) on the Surface
(ASTM D 2275–01), approved May 1,
2008, incorporated by reference
approved for § 1728.204.
(14) ASTM E 96/E 96M–05—Standard
Test Methods for Water Vapor
Transmission of Materials (ASTM E 96/
E 96M–05), approved May 1, 2005,
incorporated by reference approved for
§ 1728.204.
*
*
*
*
*
(g) The following material is available
from the Insulated Cable Engineers
Association (ICEA) and may be
purchased from Global Engineering
Documents for a fee at the following
address: IHS Global Engineering
Documents, 15 Inverness Way East,
Englewood, CO 80112, Phone: (303)
397–7956; (800)–854–7179, Fax: (303)
397–2740, email: global@ihs.com, Web
site: https://global.ihs.com.
(1) ICEA T–32–645–93—Guide for
Establishing Compatibility of Sealed
Conductor Filler Compounds with
Conducting Stress Control Materials
(ICEA T–32–645–93), approved
February 1993, incorporated by
reference approved for § 1728.204.
(2) [Reserved]
3. Add and reserve new § 1728.203 to
read as follows:
■
§ 1728.203
[Reserved]
4. Add new § 1728.204 to read as
follows:
■
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§ 1728.204 Electric standards and
specifications for materials and
construction.
(a) General specifications. This
section details requirements for 15 and
25 kV single phase, V-phase, and threephase power cables for use on 12.5/7.2
kV (15 kV rated) and 24.9/14.4 kV (25
kV rated) underground distribution
systems with solidly multi-grounded
neutral. Cable complying with this
specification shall consist of solid or
strand-filled conductors which are
insulated with tree-retardant crosslinked polyethylene (TR–XLPE) or
ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), with
concentrically wound copper neutral
conductors covered by a nonconducting
or semiconducting jacket. 35 kV rated
cables may be used in 24.9/14.4 kV
application where additional insulation
is desired.
(1) The cable may be used in singlephase, two (V)-phase, or three-phase
circuits.
(2) Acceptable conductor sizes are:
No. 2 AWG (33.6 mm2) through 1000
kcmil (507 mm2) for 15 kV cable, No. 1
AWG (42.4 mm2) through 1000 kcmil
(507 mm2) for 25 kV, and 1/0 (53.5
mm2) through 1000 kcmil (507 mm2) for
35 kV cable.
(3) Except where provisions therein
conflict with the requirements of this
specification, the cable shall meet all
applicable provisions of ANSI/ICEA S–
94–649–2004 (incorporated by reference
in § 1728.97). Where provisions of the
ANSI/ICEA specification conflict with
this section, § 1728.204 shall apply.
(b) Definitions. As used in this
section:
Agency refers to the Rural Utilities
Service (RUS), an agency of the United
States Department of Agriculture’s
(USDA), hereinafter referred to as the
Agency.
EPR Insulating Compound is a
mixture of ethylene propylene base
resin and selected ingredients.
TR–XLPE Insulating Compound is a
tree retardant crosslinked polyethylene
(TR–XLPE) insulation compound
containing an additive, a polymer
modification filler, which helps to
retard the growth of electrical trees in
the compound.
(c) Phase conductors. (1) Central
phase conductors shall be copper or
aluminum as specified by the borrower
within the limit of § 1728.204(a)(2).
(2) Central copper phase conductors
shall be annealed copper in accordance
with ASTM B 3–01 (incorporated by
reference in § 1728.97). Concentric-laystranded phase conductors shall
conform to ASTM B 8–04 (incorporated
by reference in § 1728.97) for Class B
stranding. Compact round concentric-
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lay-stranded phase conductors shall
conform to ASTM B 496–04
(incorporated by reference in § 1728.97).
Combination unilay stranded phase
conductors shall conform to ASTM B
787/B 787M–04 (incorporated by
reference in § 1728.97). Compact round
atranded copper conductors using single
input wire construction shall conform to
ASTM B835–04 (incorporated by
reference in § 1728.97). Compressed
round stranded copper conductors,
hard, medium-hard, or soft using single
input wire construction shall conform to
ASTM B902–04a (incorporated by
reference in § 1728.97). If not specified,
stranded phase conductors shall be
Class B stranded.
(3) Central aluminum phase
conductors shall be one of the
following:
(i) Solid: Aluminum 1350 H12 or H22,
H14 or H24, H16 or H26, in accordance
with ASTM B 609/B 609M–99
(incorporated by reference in § 1728.97).
(ii) Stranded: Aluminum 1350 H14 or
H24, H142 or H242, H16, or H26, in
accordance with ASTM B 609/B 609M–
99 (incorporated by reference in
§ 1728.97) or Aluminum 1350–H19 in
accordance with ASTM B 230/B 230M–
07 (incorporated by reference in
§ 1728.97). Concentric-lay-stranded
(includes compacted and compressed)
phase conductors shall conform to
ASTM B 231/B 231M–04 (incorporated
by reference in § 1728.97) for Class B
stranding. Compact round concentriclay-stranded phase conductors shall
conform to ASTM B 400–08
(incorporated by reference in § 1728.97).
Combination unilay stranded aluminum
phase conductors shall conform to
ASTM B 786–08 (incorporated by
reference in § 1728.97). If not specified,
stranded phase conductors shall be class
B stranded.
(4) The interstices between the
strands of stranded conductors shall be
filled with a material designed to fill the
interstices and to prevent the
longitudinal migration of water that
might enter the conductor. This material
shall be compatible with the conductor
and conductor shield materials. The
surfaces of the strands that form the
outer surface of the stranded conductor
shall be free of the strand fill material.
Compatibility of the strand fill material
with the conductor shield shall be
tested and shall be in compliance with
ICEA T–32–645–93 (incorporated by
reference in § 1728.97). Water
penetration shall be tested and shall be
in compliance with ANSI/ICEA T–31–
610–2007 (incorporated by reference in
§ 1728.97).
(5) The center strand of stranded
conductors shall be indented with the
manufacturer’s name and year of
manufacture at regular intervals with no
more than 12 inches (0.3 m) between
repetitions.
(d) Conductor shield (stress control
layer). A non-conducting (for discharge
resistant EPR) or semi-conducting shield
(stress control layer) meeting the
applicable requirements of ANSI/ICEA
S–94–649–2004 (incorporated by
reference in § 1728.97) shall be extruded
around the central conductor. The
minimum thickness at any point shall
be in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S–
94–649–2004. The void and protrusion
limits on the conductor shield shall be
in compliance with ANSI/ICEA S–94–
649–2004. The shield shall have a
nominal operating temperature equal to,
or higher than, that of the insulation.
(e) Insulation. (1) The insulation shall
conform to the requirements of ANSI/
ICEA S–94–649–2004 (incorporated by
reference in § 1728.97) and may either
be tree retardant cross-linked
polyethylene (TR–XLPE) or ethylene
propylene rubber (EPR), as specified by
the borrower. The void and protrusion
limits on the insulation shall be in
compliance with ANSI/ICEA S–94–649–
2004.
(2) The thickness of insulation shall
be as follows:
Nominal thickness
Minimum thickness
Maximum thickness
15 kV ....................................................
25 kV ....................................................
35 kV ....................................................
sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Cable rated voltage
220 mils (5.59 mm) ..............................
260 mils (6.60 mm) ..............................
345 mils (8.76 mm) ..............................
210 mils (5.33 mm) ..............................
245 mils (6.22 mm) ..............................
330 mils (8.38 mm) ..............................
250 mils (6.35 mm).
290 mils (7.37 mm).
375 mils (9.53 mm).
(f) Insulation shield. (1) A semiconducting thermosetting polymeric
layer meeting the requirements of ANSI/
ICEA S–94–649–2004 (incorporated by
reference in § 1728.97) shall be extruded
tightly over the insulation to serve as an
electrostatic shield and protective
covering. The shield compound shall be
compatible with, but not necessarily the
same material composition as, that of
the insulation (e.g., cross-linked
polyethylene shield may be used with
EPR insulation). The void and
protrusion limits on the semiconducting shields shall be in
compliance with the ANSI/ICEA S–94–
649–2004.
(2) The thickness of the extruded
insulation shield shall be in accordance
with ANSI/ICEA S–94–649–2004
(incorporated by reference in § 1728.97).
(3) The shield shall be applied such
that all conducting material can be
easily removed without the need for
externally applied heat. Stripping
tension values shall be 3 through 18
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15:38 Mar 30, 2012
Jkt 226001
pounds (1.36 through 8.16 kg) for TR–
XLPE and EPR discharge free cables.
Discharge resistant cables shall have
strip tension of 0 through 18 pounds (0
through 8.16 kg).
(4) The insulation shield shall meet
all applicable tests of ANSI/ICEA S–94–
649–2004 (incorporated by reference in
§ 1728.97).
(g) Concentric neutral conductor. (1)
Concentric neutral conductor shall
consist of annealed round, uncoated
copper wires in accordance with ASTM
B 3–01 (incorporated by reference in
§ 1728.97) and shall be spirally wound
over the shielding with uniform and
equal spacing between wires. The
concentric neutral wires shall remain in
continuous intimate contact with the
extruded insulation shield. Full neutral
is required for single phase and 1⁄3
neutral for three phase applications
unless otherwise specified. The
minimum wire size for the concentric
neutral is 16 AWG (1.32 mm2).
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(2) When a strap neutral is specified
by the borrower, the neutral shall
consist of uncoated copper straps
applied concentrically over the
insulation shield with uniform and
equal spacing between straps and shall
remain in intimate contact with the
underlying extruded insulation shield.
The straps shall not have sharp edges.
The thickness of the flat straps shall be
not less than 20 mils (0.5 mm).
(h) Overall outer jacket. (1) An
electrically nonconducting (insulating)
or semi-conducting outer jacket shall be
applied directly over the concentric
neutral conductors.
(2) The jacket material shall fill the
interstice area between conductors,
leaving no voids. The jacket shall be free
stripping. The jacket shall have three
red stripes longitudinally extruded into
the jacket surface 120° apart.
(3) Nonconducting jackets shall
consist of low density, linear low
density, medium density, or high
density HMW black polyethylene
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02APR1
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 63 / Monday, April 2, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
(LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE, HDPE)
compound meeting the requirements of
ANSI/ICEA S–94–649–2004
(incorporated by reference in § 1728.97)
and ASTM D 1248–05 (incorporated by
reference in § 1728.97) for Type I, Class
C, Category 4 or 5, Grade J3 before
application to the cable. Polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) and chlorinated
polyethylene (CPE) jackets are not
acceptable.
(4) Semi-conducting jackets shall have
a maximum radial resistivity of 100
ohm-meter and a maximum moisture
vapor transmission rate of 1.5 g/m2/24
hours at 38° C (100° F) and 90 percent
relative humidity in accordance with
ASTM E 96/E96M–05 (incorporated by
reference in § 1728.97).
(5) The minimum thickness of the
jacket over metallic neutral wires or
straps shall comply with the thickness
specified in ANSI/ICEA S–94–649–2004
(incorporated by reference in § 1728.97).
(i) Tests. (1) As part of a request for
Agency consideration for acceptance
and listing, the manufacturer shall
submit certified test data results to the
Agency that detail full compliance with
ANSI/ICEA S–94–649–2004
(incorporated by reference in § 1728.97)
for each cable design.
(i) Test results shall confirm
compliance with each of the material
tests, production sampling tests, tests on
completed cable, and qualification tests
included in ANSI/ICEA S–94–649–2004
(incorporated by reference in § 1728.97).
(ii) The testing procedure and
frequency of each test shall be in
accordance with ANSI/ICEA S–94–649–
2004 (incorporated by reference in
§ 1728.97).
(iii) Certified test data results shall be
submitted to the Agency for any test,
which is designated by ANSI/ICEA S–
94–649–2004 (incorporated by reference
in § 1728.97) as being ‘‘for Engineering
Information Only,’’ or any similar
designation.
(2) Partial discharge tests.
Manufacturers shall demonstrate that
their cable is not adversely affected by
excessive partial discharge. This
demonstration shall be made by
completing the procedures described in
paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (i)(2)(ii) of this
section.
(i) Each shipping length of completed
cable shall be tested and have certified
test data results available indicating
compliance with the partial discharge
test requirements in ANSI/ICEA S–94–
649–2004 (incorporated by reference in
§ 1728.97).
(ii) Manufacturers shall test
production samples and have available
certified test data results indicating
compliance with ASTM D 2275–01
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:38 Mar 30, 2012
Jkt 226001
(incorporated by reference in § 1728.97)
for discharge resistance as specified in
the ANSI/ICEA S–94–649–2004
(incorporated by reference in § 1728.97).
Samples of insulated cable shall be
prepared by either removing the
overlying extruded insulation shield
material, or using insulated cable before
the extruded insulation shield material
is applied. The sample shall be mounted
as described in ASTM D 2275–01 and
shall be subjected to a voltage stress of
250 volts per mil of nominal insulation
thickness. The sample shall support this
voltage stress, and not show evidence of
degradation on the surface of the
insulation for a minimum of 100 hours.
The test shall be performed at least once
on each 50,000 feet (15,240 m) of cable
produced, or major fractions thereof, or
at least once per insulation extruder
run.
(3) Jacket tests. Tests described in
paragraph (i)(3)(i) of this section shall be
performed on cable jackets from the
same production sample as in
paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (i)(2)(ii) of this
section.
(i) A Spark Test shall be performed on
nonconducting jacketed cable in
accordance with ANSI/ICEA S–94–649–
2004 (incorporated by reference in
§ 1728.97) on 100 percent of the
completed cable prior to its being
wound on shipping reels. The test
voltage shall be 4.5 kV AC for cable
diameters <1.5 inches and 7.0 kV for
cable diameters >1.5 inches, and shall
be applied between an electrode at the
outer surface of the nonconducting
(insulating) jacket and the concentric
neutral for not less than 0.15 second.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) Frequency of sample tests shall be
in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S–94–
649–2004 (incorporated by reference in
§ 1728.97).
(5) If requested by the borrower, a
certified copy of the results of all tests
performed in accordance with this
section shall be furnished by the
manufacturer on all orders.
(j) Miscellaneous. (1) All cable
provided under this specification shall
have suitable markings on the outer
surface of the jacket at sequential
intervals not exceeding 2 feet (0.61 m).
The label shall indicate the name of the
manufacturer, conductor size, type and
thickness of insulation, center
conductor material, voltage rating, year
of manufacture, and jacket type. There
shall be no more than 6 inches (0.15 m)
of unmarked spacing between texts label
sequence. The jacket shall be marked
with the symbol required by Rule 350G
of the National Electrical Safety Code
and the borrower shall specify any
markings required by local safety codes.
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19531
This is in addition to extruded red
stripes required in this section.
(2) Watertight seals shall be applied to
all cable ends to prevent the entrance of
moisture during transit or storage. Each
end of the cable shall be firmly and
properly secured to the reel.
(3) Cable shall be placed on shipping
reels suitable for protecting it from
damage during shipment and handling.
Reels shall be covered with a suitable
covering to help provide physical
protection to the cable.
(4) A durable label shall be securely
attached to each reel of cable. The label
shall indicate the purchaser’s name and
address, purchase order number, cable
description, reel number, feet of cable
on the reel, tare and gross weight of the
reel, and beginning and ending
sequential footage numbers.
Dated: March 8, 2012.
Jonathan Adelstein,
Administator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–7610 Filed 3–30–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
13 CFR Part 120
RIN 3245–AG48
7(a) Loan Program; Eligible Passive
Companies
U.S. Small Business
Administration.
ACTION: Direct final rule.
AGENCY:
This direct final rule amends
SBA’s existing regulations to clarify the
eligible uses of loan proceeds by an
Operating Company in connection with
an SBA-guaranteed loan to an Eligible
Passive Company.
DATES: This rule is effective on May 17,
2012 without further action, unless
significant adverse comment is received
by May 2, 2012. If significant adverse
comment is received, SBA will publish
a timely withdrawal of the rule in the
Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by RIN 3245–AG48, by one of
the following methods: (1) Federal
eRulemaking Portal:
www.regulations.gov; following the
instructions for submitting comments;
or (2) Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier:
Grady B. Hedgespeth, Director, Office of
Financial Assistance, U.S. Small
Business Administration, 409 Third
Street SW., Suite 8300, Washington, DC
20416.
SBA will post all comments to this
rule on www.regulations.gov. If you
wish to submit confidential business
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\02APR1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 63 (Monday, April 2, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19525-19531]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-7610]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
7 CFR Part 1728
Specification for 15 kV and 25 kV Primary Underground Power Cable
AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending its regulations
regarding electric distribution specifications for 15kV and 25 kV
primary underground power cable. This rule will rescind Bulletin 50-70
(U-1), ``REA Specification for 15 kV and 25 kV Primary Underground
Power Cable,'' and codify the material which was formerly incorporated
by reference. The specifications and standards that appeared in the old
RUS Bulletin 50-70 (U-1) will be incorporated by reference and will
update the specifications for 15kV and 25kV underground power cable,
and provide RUS borrowers with specifications for 35 kV underground
power cable for use in 25 kV primary systems. These specifications
cover single-phase and multi-phase primary underground power cable
which RUS electric borrowers use to construct their rural underground
electric distribution systems.
DATES: This rule is effective May 2, 2012.
Incorporation by Reference: The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in this rule is approved by the Director of
the Federal Register as of May 2, 2012
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Trung V. Hiu, Electrical Engineer,
Electric Staff Division, Distribution Branch, Rural Utilities Service,
United States Department of Agriculture, Room 1262-S, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-1569. Telephone: (202) 720-1877. FAX:
(202) 720-7491. Email: Trung.Hiu@wdc.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Executive Order 12866
This final rule is exempted from the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) review for purposes of Executive Order 12866 and,
therefore, has not been reviewed by OMB.
Executive Order 12372
This final rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order
12372, Intergovernmental Consultation, which may require consultation
with State and local officials. A notice of the final rule entitled
``Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive Order
12372,'' (50 FR 47034) exempted the Rural Utilities Service loans and
loan guarantees to form coverage under this order.
Executive Order 12988
This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988,
Civil Justice Reform. The Rural Utilities Service has determined that
this rule meets the applicable standards provided in section 3 of the
Executive Order. In
[[Page 19526]]
addition, all state and local laws and regulations that are in conflict
with this rule will be preempted. No retroactive effect will be given
to this rule and in accordance with section 212(e) of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6912(e))
administrative appeal procedures, if any, must be exhausted before an
action against the Department or its agencies may be initiated.
Executive Order 13132
This final rule will not have substantial direct effects on the
States, on the relationship between the national government and the
States, or on distribution of power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government. Under Executive Order 13132, this rule
does not have sufficient federalism implications to require preparation
of a Federalism Assessment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
It has been determined that the Regulatory Flexibility Act is not
applicable to this rule since the Rural Utilities Service is not
required by 5 U.S.C. et seq. or any other provision of law to publish a
notice of proposed rulemaking with respect to the subject matter of
this final rule.
Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements
This final rule contains no additional information collection and
recordkeeping requirements and is cleared under control number 0572-
0131 pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter
35, as amended).
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
The program described by this final rule is listed in the Catalog
of Federal Domestic Assistance Programs under No. 10.850, Rural
Electrification Loans and Loan Guarantees. This catalog is available on
a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325, telephone number
(202) 512-1800.
Executive Order 12372
This final rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order
12372, Intergovernmental Consultation, which may require consultation
with State and local officials. See the final rule related notice
titled ``Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive
Order 12372'' (50 FR 47034), advising that Rural Utilities Service
loans and loan guarantees are excluded from the scope of Executive
Order 12372.
Unfunded Mandates
This final rule contains no Federal Mandates (under the regulatory
provision of title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 [2
U.S.C. chapter 25]) for State, local, and tribal governments or the
private sector. Thus, this rule is not subject to the requirements of
sections 202 and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995.
National Environmental Policy Act Certification
The Rural Utilities Service has determined that this final rule
will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment as
defined by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.). Therefore, this action does not require an environmental
impact statement or assessment.
Background
RUS maintains a system of bulletins that contain construction
standards and specifications for materials and equipment which must be
complied with when system facilities are constructed by electric and
telecommunications borrowers in accordance with the loan contract.
These standards and specifications contain standard construction units
and material items and equipment units commonly used in electric and
telecommunications borrowers' systems.
RUS in conjunction with the Office of the Federal Register
determined that Bulletin 50-70 (U-1), ``REA Specification for 15 kV and
25 kV Primary Underground Power Cable,'' would be codified. The
material will now appear in 7 CFR 1728.204. Rescinding Bulletin 50-70
(U-1) and codifying the material in its entirety provides greater
convenience for RUS borrowers when searching for specifications and
standards requirements. Additionally, the specifications and standards
that appeared in the old RUS Bulletin 50-70 (U-1) will be incorporated
by reference in 1728.97 and will update the specifications for 15kV and
25kV underground power cable, and provide RUS borrowers with
specifications for 35 kV underground power cable for use in 25 kV
primary systems. These specifications cover single-phase and multi-
phase primary underground power cable which RUS electric borrowers use
to construct their rural underground electric distribution systems.
These changes provide standard requirements for 15kV and 25 kV single-
phase and multi-phase primary underground power cable with cross-linked
polyethylene with tree retardant or ethylene propylene rubber
insulation, concentric neutral, and insulating outer jacket and updates
the specifications for 15kV and 25 kV primary underground cable while
adding specifications for 35 kV primary underground power cable.
The following changes and updates are as follows:
1. Water blocking sealant would be required in all stranded
conductor cables.
2. The plain cross-linked polyethylene (XLP) would be removed and
be replaced by tree-retardant cross-linked polyethylene (TR-XLPE) as an
acceptable insulation material.
3. Nominal insulation thickness on 25 kV cable would be reduced
from 345 mils to 260 mils.
4. An optional semi-conducting jacketing material would be added to
the specification for cables of all three specified voltages. Cables
with semi-conducting jackets may be used by RUS borrowers in areas with
soil resistivity greater than 25 ohm-meter, in lieu of using cables
with an insulating jacket to help improve the effectiveness of system
grounding in locations of high soil resistivity.
Summary of Comments
A proposed rule entitled ``Specifications for Primary Underground
Power Cable,'' was published August 30, 2007, at 72 FR 50081, invited
interested parties to submit comments. The National Rural Electric
Cooperative Association Transmission and Distribution (NRECA T&D)
Engineering Underground Subcommittee and the cable manufacturers--
Prysmian Cables & Systems (PCS), Southwire, General Cable, Nexans
Energy, Hendrix Wire and Cable (HWC), submitted comments. No comments
from any other sources were received. The comments submitted by NRECA
represent the views of its members.
Comment: NRECA T&D suggested adding the abbreviations IEEE, LDPE,
LLDPE, MDPE and HDPE to the ``Abbreviations'' section.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule accordingly.
Comment: PCS suggested removing the word ``insulating'' as this
implies a voltage rating for the jacket. Jackets do not have a voltage
rating per the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule accordingly.
[[Page 19527]]
Comment: Southwire suggested updating the publication dates of
reference standards and adding ASTM B835-04, B836-00 (2005), B901-04,
B902-04a standards.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule accordingly.
Comment: Southwire, NRECA T&D, General Cable, and Nexans suggested
adding Insulated Cable Engineers Association, Inc. (ICEA) to the list
of addresses.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule accordingly.
Comment: General Cable suggested adding the address: IHS; 15
Inverness Way East; Englewood, CO 80112; Telephone: 800-854-7179; Web
Site: https://www. globe,ihs.com (7, section 3b, ``Availability of
Publications'').
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule accordingly.
Comment: Southwire recommended adding compressed and compact round
stranded copper conductors using single input wire construction in
accordance with ASTM B902-4a and B835-04 to this section.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule accordingly.
Comment: PCS suggested correcting the ``R14'' in the first line to
``H14''. This was a typo.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule accordingly.
Comment: General Cable, Nexans Energy, PCS, and Southwire suggested
the following changes: Central aluminum phase conductors shall be one
of the following:
This part should be changed to 4d which would require the conductor
to be filled whether it be copper or aluminum. The requirement to fill
the conductor interstices so as not to allow moisture to migrate
through the conductor should be for both aluminum and copper conductor
and not just for aluminum conductor. Filling the strands of a conductor
is done to pick moisture out to the conductor and whereby limiting the
moisture that can migrate into the insulation.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule accordingly.
Comment: PCS suggested replacing the word ``moisture'' with the
word ``water''. The test protocol is a Water penetration test.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule accordingly.
Comment: All cable manufacturers recommended removing the
requirement for indent printing on a solid conductor. Requiring indent
print on solid conductors does not seem consistent with keeping the
interface of the conductor and extruded components smooth. Using indent
on a solid conductor will cause the surface of the conductor to have
some metal displacement and create irregularities on the conductor
surface. Indent printing on the center strand of a stranded conductor
is being used today on cables and this type of identification should be
limited to stranded conductor and not used on solid conductor use for
medium voltage cables.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule.
Comment: Conductor Shield, NRECA T&D suggested adding (for
discharge resistant EPR) after the first word ``insulating''--``The
void and protrusion limits on the conductor shield shall be in
compliance with ANSI/ICEA S-94-649'' as was done in the Insulation
Shield Section (or state the actual limits).
Agency Response: The RUS agrees with the recommendation and has
added ``The void and protrusion limits on the conductor shield shall be
in compliance with ANSI/ICEA S-94-649''.
Comment: PCS suggested replacing the words ``An insulating'' with
``A non-conducting''. This will align the wording with ANSI/ICEA S-94-
649 standard.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule.
Comment: Insulation, NRECA T&D suggested adding ``The void and
protrusion limits on the insulation shall be in compliance with ANSI/
ICEA S-94-649'' as was done in the Insulation Shield Section (or state
the actual limits).
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has added
``The void and protrusion limits on the conductor shield shall be in
compliance with ANSI/ICEA S-94-649''.
Comment: PCS suggested removing the words inside the parentheses
``(e.g., cross-linked polyethylene shield may be used with EPR
insulation)''. The term ``thermosetting polymeric layer'' sets forth
the requirement sufficiently. As a matter of technical clarification,
the insulation shield materials are not XLPE but are in fact a co-
polymer material. Polymeric layer is a good way to refer to these
materials.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule.
Comment: PCS stated there is no technical justification to have
different minimum stripping tensions for EPR and TRXLPE. This
requirement needs to be changed so both materials have the same minimum
tension of 3 pounds as required by the ANSI approved industry standard.
Agency Response: Stripping tensions values shall be 3 through 18
pounds (1.36 through 8.16 kg) for EPR discharge free and TR-XLPE
cables. Discharge resistant cables shall have strip tension of 0
through 18 pounds (0 through 8.16 kg).
Comment: General Cable suggested changing the requirement of
stripping tension for TR-XLPE cable to the industry standard of a
maximum of 24 lb. Limiting the maximum stripping tension to 18 lb will
cause quality cable to be rejected based on a difference of 6 lb. The
industry standards require that the cables be able to be stripped at
temperatures between -10c and 40c without tearing based on a defined
test procedure regardless of the actual stripping tension.
Agency Response: Stripping tensions values shall be 3 through 18
pounds (1.36 through 8.16 kg) for EPR discharge free and TR-XLPE
cables. Discharge resistant cables shall have strip tension of 0
through 18 pounds (0 through 8.16 kg).
Comment: HWC suggested the minimum strip tension should be 3 pounds
for both EPR and TR0XLPE discharge free cable designs as required by
the referenced ANSI/ICEA Standard. Specifying a difference without a
technical basis would only serve to provide a justified commercial
advantage.
Agency Response: Stripping tensions values shall be 3 through 18
pounds (1.36 through 8.16 kg) for EPR discharge free and TR-XLPE
cables. Discharge resistant cables shall have strip tension of 0
through 18 pounds (0 through 8.16 kg).
Comment: Nexans Energy suggested the minimum strip tension of 3
lbs. should be applicable to both EPR and TR-XLPE.
Agency Response: Stripping tensions values shall be 3 through 18
pounds (1.36 through 8.16 kg) for EPR discharge free and TR-XLPE
cables. Discharge resistant cables shall have strip tension of 0
through 18 pounds (0 through 8.16 kg).
Comment: PCS suggested the word ``uncoated'' in the beginning of
the second line should be removed as some manufacturers will only
provide flat
[[Page 19528]]
straps tin-coated and there is no technical reason to not allow this
construction.
Agency Response: RUS disagrees and its previous experience
indicates tin-coated neutral may accelerate corrosion at holidays. RUS
will not allow tin-coated neutral.
Comment: PCS suggested this paragraph to read as follows: ``The
jacket type shall be an Extruded-to-Fill Jacket that fills the area
between the concentric neutral wires and covers the wires to the proper
thickness. The jacket shall be free stripping. The jacket shall have
three red stripes longitudinally extruded into the jacket surface 120
degrees apart per ANSI/ICEA S-94-649.''
Agency Response: RUS disagrees and the current text is in an
acceptable format and remains unchanged.
Comment: PCS stated ICEA does a good job specifying the jacket
materials. ASTM has requirements that only pertain to base resins which
typically can not be measured on compounds received or have pertinence
to the performance of the jacket material in its intended environment.
The Extruded-to-Fill jacket materials are limited to LLDPE and LDPE.
The references to (insulating) and to the ASTM D1248 specification
should be removed. This paragraph should be changed to ``Nonconducting
jackets shall be LDPE or LLDPE compound meeting the requirements of
ANSI/ICEA S-94-649.''
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule accordingly.
Comment: NRECA T&D suggested checking with Dow Chemical and/or
Borealis to confirm the vapor transmission rate of 2 g/m2/24 hours is
valid for current semi-conducting jacket compounds.
Agency Response: RUS has verified and confirmed with Dow Chemical
of the current physical properties specification of the DOW DHDA-7708
Black moisture vapor transmission rate at 38 degree C, 90% RH is 1.5
gms/m2/24 hrs (ASTME96).
Comment: PCS stated this paragraph indicates a maximum moisture
vapor transmission rate of 2 g/m\2\/24 hours at 38 [deg]C and 96%
relative humidity in accordance with ASTM E 96. They believe there is
no test data to support there are materials commercially available to
meet this maximum value. They suggest that this value be removed.
Agency Response: RUS has verified and confirmed with Dow Chemical
of the current physical properties specification of the DOW DHDA-7708
Black moisture vapor transmission rate at 38 degree C, 90% RH is 1.5
gms/m2/24 hrs (ASTME96).
Comment: ``Overall Outer Jacket'', paragraph a (3), Southwire
stated the requirement for maximum moisture transmission rate of 2 g/
m\2\/24 hours at 38 [deg]C (100 [deg] F) and 96% relative humidity in
accordance with ASTM E 96 does not agree with existing data sheets from
the material provider, Dow Chemical. Their product was tested at 90%
RH. Southwire suggested this requirement be verified with the material
supplier or deleted.
Agency Response: RUS has verified and confirmed with Dow Chemical
of the current physical properties specification of the DOW DHDA-7708
Black moisture vapor transmission rate at 38 degree C, 90% RH is 1.5
gms/m2/24 hrs (ASTME96).
Comment: ``Overall Outer Jacket'', paragraph a (3), Southwire
suggested the word ``maximum'' should be added to the first sentence--
Semi-conducting jackets shall have a maximum radial resistivity of 100
ohm-meter.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule accordingly.
Comment: NRECA T&D, General Cable, PCS, Nexans Energy, and
Southwire suggested deleting Dimensional Tolerances--this section come
from the old U-1 and ICEA S-94-649 has minimum and maximum tolerances
on each layer of the cable construction but not on the overall cable
core. There is an Appendix C in ICEA to calculate these tolerances and
they will vary greatly by conductor size and insulation thickness.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule accordingly.
Comment: General Cable suggested changing ``Partial Discharge
Tests'' to Discharge Tests: Manufacturers shall demonstrate that their
cable meets either the partial discharge test for Discharge Free cable
design or the Discharge Resistance test for Discharge Resistant cable
designs as required per ICEA S-94-649 and as described in b(1) or b(2)
of this bulletin.
Agency Response: RUS disagrees. The current text is acceptable.
Comment: Jacket tests, cable manufacturers suggested the (cold bend
test) requirement be omitted. Since polyethylene's (low, medium and
high density) have excellent cold temperature properties, there is no
need to do cold bend test. ICEA standards do not require a cold bend
test for these jacket materials for the reason stated above. Jacket
material such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Chlorinated Polyethylene
(CPE) do require a cold bend test but are not allowed to be used in
this specification.
Agency Response: RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised
the final rule accordingly.
Comment: HWC suggested that jacket type is only printed if the
jacket is semi-conducting as required by the referenced ANSI/ICEA
Standard.
Agency Response: RUS disagrees. The current text and format are
acceptable.
Comment: PCS stated the cable reel is not for protection but to
allow ease of handling and installation of the cable. They recommend
that the purchaser define the class of reels and reel covering material
that one want specified per NEMA WC26. The reel and covering should be
at the mutual agreement of the purchaser and the manufacturer.
Agency Response: RUS disagrees. The current text and requirement
are acceptable.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1728
Electric power, Incorporation by reference, Loan programs--energy,
Rural areas.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 7 CFR part 1728 is amended
as follows:
PART 1728--ELECTRIC STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS AND
CONSTRUCTION
0
1. The authority citation for part 1728 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.; 7 U.S.C.
6941 et seq.
0
2. In Sec. 1728.97, redesignate paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) as
paragraphs (f), (h), and (i), respectively, revise paragraph (d), and
add new paragraphs (e) and (g) to read as follows:
Sec. 1728.97 Incorporation by reference of electric standards and
specifications.
* * * * *
(d) The American National Standards Institute/Insulated Cable
Engineers Association, Inc. (ANSI/ICEA) makes the following material
available for purchase from Global Engineering Documents for a fee at
the following address: IHS Global Engineering Documents, 15 Inverness
Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, Phone: (303) 397-7956; (800)-854-7179,
Fax: (303) 397-2740, email: ihs.com">global@ihs.com, Web site: https://global.ihs.com.
(1) ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004--Standard for Concentric Neutral Cables
Rated 5 Through 46 KV (ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004), approved September 20,
2005, incorporation by reference approved for Sec. 1728.204.
[[Page 19529]]
(2) ANSI/ICEA T-31-610-2007--Test Method for Conducting
Longitudinal Water Penetration Resistance Tests on Blocked Conductors
(ANSI/ICEA T-31-610-2007), approved October 31, 2007, incorporated by
reference approved for Sec. 1728.204.
(e) Copies of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
publications referenced in this specification can be obtained from ASTM
for a fee at the following address: ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, Telephone: (610) 832-9585, Web site:
https://astm.org.
(1) ASTM B 3-01 (Reapproved 2007)--Standard Specification for Soft
or Annealed Copper Wire, (ASTM B 3-01) approved March 15, 2007,
incorporated by reference approved for Sec. 1728.204.
(2) ASTM B 8-04--Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded
Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft (ASTM B 8-04), approved
April 1, 2004, incorporated by reference approved for Sec. 1728.204.
(3) ASTM B 230/B 230M-07--Standard Specification for Aluminum 1350-
H19 Wire for Electrical Purposes (ASTM B 230/B 230M-07), approved March
15, 2007, incorporated by reference approved for Sec. 1728.204.
(4) ASTM B 231/B 231M-04--Standard Specification for Concentric-
Lay-Stranded Aluminum 1350 Conductors (ASTM B 231/B 231M-04), approved
April 1, 2004, incorporated by reference approved for Sec. 1728.204.
(5) ASTM B 400-08--Standard Specification for Compact Round
Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum 1350 Conductors (ASTM B 400-08),
approved September 1, 2008, incorporated by reference approved for
Sec. 1728.204.
(6) ASTM B 496-04--Standard Specification for Compact Round
Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors (ASTM B 496-04), approved
April 1, 2004, incorporated by reference approved for Sec. 1728.204.
(7) ASTM B 609/B 609M-99--Standard Specification for Aluminum 1350
Round Wire, Annealed and Intermediate Tempers, for Electrical Purposes
(ASTM B 609/B 609M-99), approved April 1, 2004, incorporated by
reference approved for Sec. 1728.204.
(8) ASTM B 786-08--Standard Specification for 19 Wire Combination
Unilay-Stranded Aluminum 1350 Conductors for Subsequent Insulation
(ASTM B 786-08), approved September 1, 2008, incorporated by reference
approved for Sec. 1728.204.
(9) ASTM B 787/B 787M-04--Standard Specification for 19 Wire
Combination Unilay-Stranded Copper Conductors for Subsequent Insulation
(ASTM B 787/B 787M-04), approved September 1, 2004, incorporated by
reference approved for Sec. 1728.204.
(10) ASTM B 835-04--Standard Specification for Compact Round
Stranded Copper Conductors Using Single Input Wire Construction (ASTM B
835-04), approved September 1, 2004, incorporated by reference approved
for Sec. 1728.204.
(11) ASTM B902-04a--Standard Specification for Compressed Round
Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft Using Single
Input Wire Construction (ASTM B902-04a), approved September 1, 2004,
incorporated by reference approved for Sec. 1728.204.
(12) ASTM D 1248-05--Standard Specification for Polyethylene
Plastics Extrusion Materials for Wire and Cable (ASTM D 1248-05),
approved March 1, 2005, incorporated by reference approved for Sec.
1728.204.
(13) ASTM D 2275-01 (Reapproved 2008)--Standard Test Method for
Voltage Endurance of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials Subjected to
Partial Discharges (Corona) on the Surface (ASTM D 2275-01), approved
May 1, 2008, incorporated by reference approved for Sec. 1728.204.
(14) ASTM E 96/E 96M-05--Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor
Transmission of Materials (ASTM E 96/E 96M-05), approved May 1, 2005,
incorporated by reference approved for Sec. 1728.204.
* * * * *
(g) The following material is available from the Insulated Cable
Engineers Association (ICEA) and may be purchased from Global
Engineering Documents for a fee at the following address: IHS Global
Engineering Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112,
Phone: (303) 397-7956; (800)-854-7179, Fax: (303) 397-2740, email:
ihs.com">global@ihs.com, Web site: https://global.ihs.com.
(1) ICEA T-32-645-93--Guide for Establishing Compatibility of
Sealed Conductor Filler Compounds with Conducting Stress Control
Materials (ICEA T-32-645-93), approved February 1993, incorporated by
reference approved for Sec. 1728.204.
(2) [Reserved]
0
3. Add and reserve new Sec. 1728.203 to read as follows:
Sec. 1728.203 [Reserved]
0
4. Add new Sec. 1728.204 to read as follows:
Sec. 1728.204 Electric standards and specifications for materials and
construction.
(a) General specifications. This section details requirements for
15 and 25 kV single phase, V-phase, and three-phase power cables for
use on 12.5/7.2 kV (15 kV rated) and 24.9/14.4 kV (25 kV rated)
underground distribution systems with solidly multi-grounded neutral.
Cable complying with this specification shall consist of solid or
strand-filled conductors which are insulated with tree-retardant cross-
linked polyethylene (TR-XLPE) or ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), with
concentrically wound copper neutral conductors covered by a
nonconducting or semiconducting jacket. 35 kV rated cables may be used
in 24.9/14.4 kV application where additional insulation is desired.
(1) The cable may be used in single-phase, two (V)-phase, or three-
phase circuits.
(2) Acceptable conductor sizes are: No. 2 AWG (33.6 mm\2\) through
1000 kcmil (507 mm\2\) for 15 kV cable, No. 1 AWG (42.4 mm\2\) through
1000 kcmil (507 mm\2\) for 25 kV, and 1/0 (53.5 mm\2\) through 1000
kcmil (507 mm\2\) for 35 kV cable.
(3) Except where provisions therein conflict with the requirements
of this specification, the cable shall meet all applicable provisions
of ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004 (incorporated by reference in Sec.
1728.97). Where provisions of the ANSI/ICEA specification conflict with
this section, Sec. 1728.204 shall apply.
(b) Definitions. As used in this section:
Agency refers to the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of
the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA), hereinafter
referred to as the Agency.
EPR Insulating Compound is a mixture of ethylene propylene base
resin and selected ingredients.
TR-XLPE Insulating Compound is a tree retardant crosslinked
polyethylene (TR-XLPE) insulation compound containing an additive, a
polymer modification filler, which helps to retard the growth of
electrical trees in the compound.
(c) Phase conductors. (1) Central phase conductors shall be copper
or aluminum as specified by the borrower within the limit of Sec.
1728.204(a)(2).
(2) Central copper phase conductors shall be annealed copper in
accordance with ASTM B 3-01 (incorporated by reference in Sec.
1728.97). Concentric-lay-stranded phase conductors shall conform to
ASTM B 8-04 (incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97) for Class B
stranding. Compact round concentric-
[[Page 19530]]
lay-stranded phase conductors shall conform to ASTM B 496-04
(incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97). Combination unilay
stranded phase conductors shall conform to ASTM B 787/B 787M-04
(incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97). Compact round atranded
copper conductors using single input wire construction shall conform to
ASTM B835-04 (incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97). Compressed
round stranded copper conductors, hard, medium-hard, or soft using
single input wire construction shall conform to ASTM B902-04a
(incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97). If not specified,
stranded phase conductors shall be Class B stranded.
(3) Central aluminum phase conductors shall be one of the
following:
(i) Solid: Aluminum 1350 H12 or H22, H14 or H24, H16 or H26, in
accordance with ASTM B 609/B 609M-99 (incorporated by reference in
Sec. 1728.97).
(ii) Stranded: Aluminum 1350 H14 or H24, H142 or H242, H16, or H26,
in accordance with ASTM B 609/B 609M-99 (incorporated by reference in
Sec. 1728.97) or Aluminum 1350-H19 in accordance with ASTM B 230/B
230M-07 (incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97). Concentric-lay-
stranded (includes compacted and compressed) phase conductors shall
conform to ASTM B 231/B 231M-04 (incorporated by reference in Sec.
1728.97) for Class B stranding. Compact round concentric-lay-stranded
phase conductors shall conform to ASTM B 400-08 (incorporated by
reference in Sec. 1728.97). Combination unilay stranded aluminum phase
conductors shall conform to ASTM B 786-08 (incorporated by reference in
Sec. 1728.97). If not specified, stranded phase conductors shall be
class B stranded.
(4) The interstices between the strands of stranded conductors
shall be filled with a material designed to fill the interstices and to
prevent the longitudinal migration of water that might enter the
conductor. This material shall be compatible with the conductor and
conductor shield materials. The surfaces of the strands that form the
outer surface of the stranded conductor shall be free of the strand
fill material. Compatibility of the strand fill material with the
conductor shield shall be tested and shall be in compliance with ICEA
T-32-645-93 (incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97). Water
penetration shall be tested and shall be in compliance with ANSI/ICEA
T-31-610-2007 (incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97).
(5) The center strand of stranded conductors shall be indented with
the manufacturer's name and year of manufacture at regular intervals
with no more than 12 inches (0.3 m) between repetitions.
(d) Conductor shield (stress control layer). A non-conducting (for
discharge resistant EPR) or semi-conducting shield (stress control
layer) meeting the applicable requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004
(incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97) shall be extruded around
the central conductor. The minimum thickness at any point shall be in
accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004. The void and protrusion limits
on the conductor shield shall be in compliance with ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-
2004. The shield shall have a nominal operating temperature equal to,
or higher than, that of the insulation.
(e) Insulation. (1) The insulation shall conform to the
requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004 (incorporated by reference in
Sec. 1728.97) and may either be tree retardant cross-linked
polyethylene (TR-XLPE) or ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), as specified
by the borrower. The void and protrusion limits on the insulation shall
be in compliance with ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004.
(2) The thickness of insulation shall be as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cable rated voltage Nominal thickness Minimum thickness Maximum thickness
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15 kV............................. 220 mils (5.59 mm)... 210 mils (5.33 mm)... 250 mils (6.35 mm).
25 kV............................. 260 mils (6.60 mm)... 245 mils (6.22 mm)... 290 mils (7.37 mm).
35 kV............................. 345 mils (8.76 mm)... 330 mils (8.38 mm)... 375 mils (9.53 mm).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(f) Insulation shield. (1) A semi-conducting thermosetting
polymeric layer meeting the requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004
(incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97) shall be extruded tightly
over the insulation to serve as an electrostatic shield and protective
covering. The shield compound shall be compatible with, but not
necessarily the same material composition as, that of the insulation
(e.g., cross-linked polyethylene shield may be used with EPR
insulation). The void and protrusion limits on the semi-conducting
shields shall be in compliance with the ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004.
(2) The thickness of the extruded insulation shield shall be in
accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004 (incorporated by reference in
Sec. 1728.97).
(3) The shield shall be applied such that all conducting material
can be easily removed without the need for externally applied heat.
Stripping tension values shall be 3 through 18 pounds (1.36 through
8.16 kg) for TR-XLPE and EPR discharge free cables. Discharge resistant
cables shall have strip tension of 0 through 18 pounds (0 through 8.16
kg).
(4) The insulation shield shall meet all applicable tests of ANSI/
ICEA S-94-649-2004 (incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97).
(g) Concentric neutral conductor. (1) Concentric neutral conductor
shall consist of annealed round, uncoated copper wires in accordance
with ASTM B 3-01 (incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97) and shall
be spirally wound over the shielding with uniform and equal spacing
between wires. The concentric neutral wires shall remain in continuous
intimate contact with the extruded insulation shield. Full neutral is
required for single phase and \1/3\ neutral for three phase
applications unless otherwise specified. The minimum wire size for the
concentric neutral is 16 AWG (1.32 mm\2\).
(2) When a strap neutral is specified by the borrower, the neutral
shall consist of uncoated copper straps applied concentrically over the
insulation shield with uniform and equal spacing between straps and
shall remain in intimate contact with the underlying extruded
insulation shield. The straps shall not have sharp edges. The thickness
of the flat straps shall be not less than 20 mils (0.5 mm).
(h) Overall outer jacket. (1) An electrically nonconducting
(insulating) or semi-conducting outer jacket shall be applied directly
over the concentric neutral conductors.
(2) The jacket material shall fill the interstice area between
conductors, leaving no voids. The jacket shall be free stripping. The
jacket shall have three red stripes longitudinally extruded into the
jacket surface 120[deg] apart.
(3) Nonconducting jackets shall consist of low density, linear low
density, medium density, or high density HMW black polyethylene
[[Page 19531]]
(LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE, HDPE) compound meeting the requirements of ANSI/
ICEA S-94-649-2004 (incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97) and
ASTM D 1248-05 (incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97) for Type I,
Class C, Category 4 or 5, Grade J3 before application to the cable.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) jackets are
not acceptable.
(4) Semi-conducting jackets shall have a maximum radial resistivity
of 100 ohm-meter and a maximum moisture vapor transmission rate of 1.5
g/m\2\/24 hours at 38[deg] C (100[deg] F) and 90 percent relative
humidity in accordance with ASTM E 96/E96M-05 (incorporated by
reference in Sec. 1728.97).
(5) The minimum thickness of the jacket over metallic neutral wires
or straps shall comply with the thickness specified in ANSI/ICEA S-94-
649-2004 (incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97).
(i) Tests. (1) As part of a request for Agency consideration for
acceptance and listing, the manufacturer shall submit certified test
data results to the Agency that detail full compliance with ANSI/ICEA
S-94-649-2004 (incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97) for each
cable design.
(i) Test results shall confirm compliance with each of the material
tests, production sampling tests, tests on completed cable, and
qualification tests included in ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004 (incorporated
by reference in Sec. 1728.97).
(ii) The testing procedure and frequency of each test shall be in
accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004 (incorporated by reference in
Sec. 1728.97).
(iii) Certified test data results shall be submitted to the Agency
for any test, which is designated by ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004
(incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97) as being ``for Engineering
Information Only,'' or any similar designation.
(2) Partial discharge tests. Manufacturers shall demonstrate that
their cable is not adversely affected by excessive partial discharge.
This demonstration shall be made by completing the procedures described
in paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (i)(2)(ii) of this section.
(i) Each shipping length of completed cable shall be tested and
have certified test data results available indicating compliance with
the partial discharge test requirements in ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004
(incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97).
(ii) Manufacturers shall test production samples and have available
certified test data results indicating compliance with ASTM D 2275-01
(incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97) for discharge resistance
as specified in the ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004 (incorporated by reference
in Sec. 1728.97). Samples of insulated cable shall be prepared by
either removing the overlying extruded insulation shield material, or
using insulated cable before the extruded insulation shield material is
applied. The sample shall be mounted as described in ASTM D 2275-01 and
shall be subjected to a voltage stress of 250 volts per mil of nominal
insulation thickness. The sample shall support this voltage stress, and
not show evidence of degradation on the surface of the insulation for a
minimum of 100 hours. The test shall be performed at least once on each
50,000 feet (15,240 m) of cable produced, or major fractions thereof,
or at least once per insulation extruder run.
(3) Jacket tests. Tests described in paragraph (i)(3)(i) of this
section shall be performed on cable jackets from the same production
sample as in paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (i)(2)(ii) of this section.
(i) A Spark Test shall be performed on nonconducting jacketed cable
in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2004 (incorporated by reference
in Sec. 1728.97) on 100 percent of the completed cable prior to its
being wound on shipping reels. The test voltage shall be 4.5 kV AC for
cable diameters <1.5 inches and 7.0 kV for cable diameters >1.5 inches,
and shall be applied between an electrode at the outer surface of the
nonconducting (insulating) jacket and the concentric neutral for not
less than 0.15 second.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) Frequency of sample tests shall be in accordance with ANSI/ICEA
S-94-649-2004 (incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97).
(5) If requested by the borrower, a certified copy of the results
of all tests performed in accordance with this section shall be
furnished by the manufacturer on all orders.
(j) Miscellaneous. (1) All cable provided under this specification
shall have suitable markings on the outer surface of the jacket at
sequential intervals not exceeding 2 feet (0.61 m). The label shall
indicate the name of the manufacturer, conductor size, type and
thickness of insulation, center conductor material, voltage rating,
year of manufacture, and jacket type. There shall be no more than 6
inches (0.15 m) of unmarked spacing between texts label sequence. The
jacket shall be marked with the symbol required by Rule 350G of the
National Electrical Safety Code and the borrower shall specify any
markings required by local safety codes. This is in addition to
extruded red stripes required in this section.
(2) Watertight seals shall be applied to all cable ends to prevent
the entrance of moisture during transit or storage. Each end of the
cable shall be firmly and properly secured to the reel.
(3) Cable shall be placed on shipping reels suitable for protecting
it from damage during shipment and handling. Reels shall be covered
with a suitable covering to help provide physical protection to the
cable.
(4) A durable label shall be securely attached to each reel of
cable. The label shall indicate the purchaser's name and address,
purchase order number, cable description, reel number, feet of cable on
the reel, tare and gross weight of the reel, and beginning and ending
sequential footage numbers.
Dated: March 8, 2012.
Jonathan Adelstein,
Administator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-7610 Filed 3-30-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
