On Oct. 16, the National Electrical Contractors Association and the National Cable Splicing Certification Board released NECA/NCSCB 600-2014, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Medium-Voltage Cable.
NECA/NCSCB 600-2014 (Index: #NECA 600-14) is the latest revision in the National Electrical Installation Standards series published by NECA. This standard has been carefully revised to reflect the latest provisions and requirements in the NECand other applicable standards including NFPA 70 Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. It includes periodic routine maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for these types of power cables. This revision also includes recommended practices for testing of medium voltage cables in accordance with IETA standards. This Standard covers periodic routine maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for medium-voltage cable, and special procedures used after adverse operating conditions such as a short circuit or ground-fault.
This standard describes installation procedures for shielded and non-shielded solid-dielectric medium-voltage cables rated from 2,001V to 35,000V AC and installed in conduits or ducts, or direct buried. This publication applies to single-and multi-conductor cables used for distributing power for commercial, institutional, and industrial loads in nonhazardous locations both indoors and outdoors.
“Splicing and terminating medium voltage cables is a critical step in the safe performance of the final installation” explains Michael Johnston, NECA executive director of standards and safety. “This standard provides the essentials not only for quality installation, but essentially procedures for high-potential testing these cables prior to energizing.” The standard addresses cables terminated with kits in accordance with manufacturer’s directions, and terminations of existing cables terminated or spliced without use of a kit.
The NECgenerally requires that medium voltage cables be installed qualified electrical workers. The common method of demonstrating qualifications is through licensing or certification. Another value of NECA/NCSCB 600 is that it is one of the standards used as a basis for demonstrating qualifications through certification.
