WEST BENGAL STATE ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMPANY LIMITED

(A Govt. of West Bengal Enterprise)

Office of the Chief Engineer : Procurement & Contracts Department
Vidyut Bhavan (4th Floor) : Bidhannagar : Block-DJ, Sector-II, Kolkata-700 091
Phone No. 033-2359-8397 : Fax No. 033-2359-1921 / e-mail [email protected]
CIN- U40109WB2007SGC113473, website: www.wbsedcl.in
WBSEDCL

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
FOR HT AB CABLE
(amended on 01.06.2017)

SPEC. HT ABC WBSEDCL Page 1

 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR X-LINKED POLYETHYLENE INSULATED AND PVC
SHEATHED H.T. (11KV) AERIAL BUNCHED CABLES
1.0 SCOPE:
This specification covers design, manufacture, testing at manufacturer’s works before despatch,
transportation, supply and delivery of 11 KV grade XLPE insulated, screened all Aluminium conductor and
PVC sheathed Power Cables, manufactured with dry cure technology with CCV system HT Aerial Bunched
Cables for overhead lines.
2.0 LOCATION
11KV Aerial bunched Cables are composite Cable especially intended for overhead line use in forest areas
where tree clearance poses a serious problem and in other cases where it is difficult to get clearance for
bare conductor lines. The said cable will be used within the State of West Bengal under WBSEDCL area.
3.0 CLIMATIC AND ISOCERAUNIC CONDITIONS:
Maximum ambient temperature - 500C
Minimum ambient temperature - 40C
Thermal resistance of soil - 1500C –cm/watt
Maximum daily average ambient temperature: 450C
Maximum relative humidity- 100%
Average rainfall per annum-200 cm
Maximum height above the sea level -1000 meter
Maximum wind pressure/wind speed: 150 kg/sq. m/50m/sec
Average no. of thunderstorm days per annum: 200
4.0 COMPOSITION & DESCRIPTION OF THE CABLE:
The composite cable shall comprise three single-core Power cables twisted around Aluminium Alloy a bare
messenger wire, which will carry the weight of cable.
Single-core Power cables should consists of stranded compacted Circular Aluminium Conductor screened
with Black extruded semi-conducting Compound, natural coloured XLPE insulated core screened with Black
extruded semi-conducting compound and one layer of copper tape and covered with Black extruded
PVC.
Bare Messenger Conductor shall be stranded non-compacted Circular aluminium alloy conductor & will
carry the weight of the cable. It shall have smooth surface to avoid damage to the outer insulating
sheath of single core phase cables twisted around the messenger.
Aluminium Alloy wires shall be tested as per IS: 398(Part-IV)/1994.

5.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE CABLE

Description
11KV (E) Grade Aerial Bunched Cable with 3(three) Power Cores Sl. Designation
{Stranded, compacted Circular Aluminium Conductor screened with No.
Black extruded semi-conducting Compound, natural coloured XLPE 1. 3x35+1x70 sq mm
insulated core screened with Black extruded semi-conducting compound
2. 3x50+1x70 sq mm
and one layer of copper tape and covered with Black extruded PVC
(Core identification by colour tape marking red, yellow & blue with colour 3. 3x70+1x70 sq mm
tape placed longitudinally under the copper tape)} and one bare 4. 3x95+1x70 sq mm
Messenger wire shall be Stranded non- compacted circular Aluminium 5. 3x95+1x80 sq mm
Alloy conductor.
6. 3x120+1x125 sq mm
The Cable should conform to IS: 8130-1984, IS:398(Part-IV)-1994, 7. 3x150+1x148 sq mm
IS:7098(Part-II)-2011 & IS: 5831-1984 with up to date amendments, if any.

6.0 RATED VOLTAGE:

SPEC. HT ABC WBSEDCL Page 2

 The rated voltage of the cables shall be 6.35KV/11KV and the maximum operating voltage shall be 12 KV.

7.0 APPLICABLE STANDARDS:

Unless otherwise stipulated in this specification, the following standard with latest amendment shall be
applicable:

IS:7098 (Part-II)-2011 Specification for Cross linked polyethylene insulated thermoplastic sheathed
and its amendment Cables- for working voltages from 3.3 KV up to and including 33 KV.
IS : 8130-1984 and its Specification for Conductors for Insulated Electric Cables and flexible Cords.
amendment
IS : 398 (Part-IV)-1994 Specification for Aluminium Conductors for overhead Transmission purposes:
and its amendment Aluminium Alloy Stranded Conductors (Aluminium-Magnesium- Silicon type)
IS:10418-1982 and its Specification for Drums for Electric Cables
.
amendment
IS: 5831-1984 and its Specification for PVC insulation and Sheath of Electric Cables.
amendment

8.0 GENERAL TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

8.1 DETAILS OF SINGLE-CORE POWER CABLE
The cable conductors shall be H4 grade cla ss 2 Aluminium Conductors complying with the requirements
as specified in IS-8130-1984 with latest amendments.
The conductor shall be stranded compacted circular. Conductor shall be clean & reasonably uniform in
size and shape and its surface shall be free from sharp edges.
Not more than two joints shall be allowed in any of the wires forming every complete length of conductor
and no joint shall be within 300 mm. of any other joint in the same layer. Joints shall be brassed, silver
soldered or electric or gas welded. No joint shall be made in the conductor, once it has been stranded.
Three Power Cores should be identified by colour tape marking (Red, Yellow & blue) with colour tape
placed longitudinally under the copper tape.
8.2 Conductor Screen
The conductor screen shall be non metallic & shall consists of a layer of extruded semi-conducting cross
linked polyethylene (XLPE) compound of thickness not less than 0.5 mm.
8.3 Insulation of XLPE
The insulation shall be of cross linked polyethylene (XLPE) of nominal insulation thickness 3.6 mm.
conforming to the physical, electrical and ageing properties of IS: 7098 (Part-II)-2011.
Cross-linking should be done by exposure to peroxide with Nitrogen Curing CCV Line only method with
intention to ensure lowest tree formation. Only natural unfilled compound shall be used for insulation.
XLPE insulation shall be done by method of extrusion. The insulation shall be so applied that it fits closely
on the conductor (or conductor screening or barrier, if any) and it shall be possible to remove it without
damaging the conductor.
The XLPE conductor shall be suitable for use where the combination of ambient temperature and
temperature rise due to load, including temperature on exposure to direct sunlight results in
conductor temperature not exceeding the following:

Normal continuous Operation Short circuit Operation

900C 2500C

8.4 Insulation Screen

The insulation screening shall consist of two parts; namely metallic & non metallic.
Non metallic part shall consist of a layer of extruded semi-conducting compound and shall be applied
directly over the insulation of each core. Thickness of non-metallic part should be 0.6 mm.

SPEC. HT ABC WBSEDCL Page 3

 The metallic part shall be non magnetic and shall be applied over the non-metallic part of insulation
screening of individual core. Metallic screening material shall be annealed Copper tape. Thickness of
Copper tape should be minimum 0.06 mm.

8.5 Outer Sheath

Over the metallic screen the Cable shall be provided with extruded PVC outer sheath. The composition of
the PVC compound for outer sheath shall be Type ST2 of IS-5831-1984 with latest amendments. The
colour of the outer sheath shall be black. The nominal & minimum thickness of the sheath shall not be
less than the standard values specified in the table No. 7 of IS-7098(Part-II)/2011. Outer surface of the
Cable shall be ultra-violet Ray resistant.
9.0 Dimensional And Electrical Data
The standard sizes and technical characteristics for Single Core Power Cable is given below:
Nominal Cross Maximum DC Minimum Nominal Max. Short Circuit
sectional Area of Al. resistance at 200C no. of thickness of Current for 1 sec.
Conductor ohm/km Strand insulation (mm) (KA)
(sq. mm)

35 0.868 6 3.6 3.4

50 0.641 6 3.6 4.72

70 0.443 12 3.6 6.7

95 0.32 15 3.6 8.96

120 0.253 15 3.6 11.32

150 0.206 15 3.6 14.16

Note : The resistance values given in the Table are the max. permissible one.
10.0 DETAILS OF MESSENGER (NEUTRAL CONDUCTOR)
Bare Messenger Conductor shall consist of aluminium alloy wires. Aluminium Alloy Wires shall be tested
as per IS:398(Part-IV) /1994 with latest amendments.
Messenger Conductor shall be Stranded non-compacted Circular & shall have smooth round surface
to avoid damage to the outer insulating sheath of single core phase cables twisted around the messenger.
There shall be no joints in any wire of the stranded messenger conductor except those made in the base
rod or wires before finally drawing.
The technical characteristics of the messenger wire shall be as follows:
Nominal Cross sectional Area Messenger Conductor Maximum DC
of Phase Conductor (Stranded Al Alloy IS 398 Part-4) resistance at
(sq. mm) Nominal Area of No. of Strand Strand dia. of 20oC
Aluminium Alloy in of Aluminium Alloy (ohm/km)
Messenger Wire Aluminium (mm)
(sq. mm) Alloy
35 70 7 3.57 0.48

50 70 7 3.57 0.48

70 70 7 3.57 0.48

95 70 7 3.57 0.48

95 80 7 3.81 0.425

120 125 19 2.89 0.27

150 148 19 3.15 0.23

11.0 LAYING UP :
Three Power Cores having colour tape marking shall be twisted over bare messenger wire with right
hand direction of lay. This will from the Aerial Bunched Cable.

SPEC. HT ABC WBSEDCL Page 4

12.0 TESTS:
All the cable sizes i.e. items offered should have been fully type tested as per the relevant standards at any
NABL accredited Lab bearing an Accreditation body Logo/Central or State Govt. recognised test house or
laboratory.
The bidder shall furnish the type test reports along with the offer. These type tests must have been
conducted within last five years prior to date of Bid opening.
The following Type tests shall be carried out on the cables as per Relevant IS & Type tests certificates shall
be furnished invariably with the offer.
LIST OF TYPE TESTS :

a) Resistance Test on Conductor.

b) Test for thickness of insulation and sheath.

c) Physical tests for insulation.

i) Tensile strength and elongation at break.

ii) Ageing in air oven.

iii) Hot set test.

iv) Shrinkage test.

v) Water absorption (Gravimetric)

d) Physical Test for outer sheath :

i) Tensile Strength and elongation at break.

ii) Ageing in on oven.

iii) Shrinkage Test.

iv) Hot deformation.

v) Loss of mass in air oven, heat shock and thermal stability Test

e) Partial discharge test.

f) Bending test.

g) Dielectric Power Factor Test :

i) As a function of Voltage.

ii) As a function of temperature.

h) Insulation resistance (volume resistivity) test.

i) Heat cycle test.

j) Impulse withstand test.

k) High Voltage test.

l) Flammability test.

m) Cold impact test

n) Type test for messenger wire :

i) Ultimate Tensile Strength test on finished wire

ii) Resistance Test

SPEC. HT ABC WBSEDCL Page 5

 ACEPTANCE TESTS :

The following tests shall be carried out as acceptance tests :

a) Conductor resistance test for both messenger and phase Conductor.

b) Test for thickness of insulation and sheath of phase Conductor.

c) Partial discharge test (for screened cables only)

d) High Voltage test.

e) Hot set test for Insulation

f) Tensile Strength & elongation at break test for insulation & Sheath

g) Insulation resistance (volume resistivity) test

h) Breaking load test on finished wire for Messenger Wire

i) Resistance Test for Messenger Wire

ROUTINE TEST ;

The following tests shall be carried out as routine tests on all sizes of all drums of un armoured cables by
the supplier in presence of the purchaser’s representative if so directed by the purchaser and shall be got
approved before despatch.

a) Conductor resistance test (for aluminium)

b) Partial discharge test (for screened cables only)

c) High Voltage Test.

Type test/acceptance test/Routine tests and any other tests not covered as stated in different clauses of
the specification but required as per relevant Indian Standards shall also to be carried out.

13. INSPECTION :
The Cable shall be inspected at manufacturer’s works before despatch as per IS-7098 (Part- II)/2011
(with latest amendments). All the acceptance tests embodied in the above shall be performed by
the Inspecting Officer. The Manufacturer shall arrange without making any extra charges with all the
necessary machinery, apparatus and labour requirement for the testing purpose. The cost requirement
for testing shall be to Firm’s Account.
6 copies of type test certificate lot wise for each type of cable shall be sent to the purchaser for
acceptance. Type test certificate for each lot and routine test certificate for each drum of cables
shall be submitted to purchaser for approval before despatch of cables from the works. The test
certificate shall be completed with all results.
14. SEQUENTIAL MARKING :

Supplier shall provide non-erasable sequential marking of length on any one of phase cores by
printing/engraving for each metre of length with sequential marking machine having automatic length
measuring meter. The Cable supplied without sequential marking will not be accepted and no deviation
shall be allowed under any circumstances

SPEC. HT ABC WBSEDCL Page 6

 15. PACKING & MARKING :
The Cable shall be supplied in suitable non-returnable wooden drums of suitable size in standard
lengths subject to a tolerance of + 5%. Manufacture will provide the Multiplying Factor considering the
Lay Ratio of the cable to measure the length of cable in a drum. Multiplying factor would be provided
in the GTP instead of drum. Sequential length of the core & the declared cable length shall be marked
on the cable drum. Generally IS: 7098-II/2011 with latest amendments shall be marked on the cable
drum.
The Cable shall be wrapped with polythene under wooden covering. Each metre length shall be
embossed with the Trade Name of Manufacturer, year of manufacturing, the word ELECTRIC and
WBSEDCL or WBSEDCL/IPDS or WBSEDCL/DDUGJY (whichever is applicable). ISI mark Cable shall be
preferred.
The ends of the Cable shall be sealed by means of non-hygroscopic sealing material. Each drum shall
carry the following information either stencilled on flange or label attached to it

a) Manufacturer’s Name

b) Trade Mark, if any.

c) A reference to ISS i.e. IS-7098 (Part-II)/2011.

d) Length of the Cable on the drum.

e) Voltage Grade and type of the Cable.

f) Colour of outer sheath.

g) Nominal cross-sectional area of the Cable Conductor.

h) Purchase Order No. & date.

i) Name and address of Consignee – WBSEDCL or WBSEDCL/IPDS or WBSEDCL/DDUGJY.

j) Number of Cores.

k) Gross Weight of packed and net weight of the composite Cable.

l) Drum No. & its direction of rotation (with an arrow)

m) Year of Manufacture.

The standard Drum Length will be 250 mtrs. in each Drum for all sizes subject to a maximum
tolerance of + 5% and overall quantity tolerance should be -1%.

16. LITERATURE AND MANUAL :

To be submitted as per General Terms & Conditions of Contract.

17. GUARANTEED TECHNICAL PARTICULARS :

To be submitted along with Tender documents in triplicate as per format annexed herewith Technical
characteristic shall be guaranteed by the bidder. In case of failure of materials to meet the guarantee,
WBSEDCL shall have right to reject the material.

SPEC. HT ABC WBSEDCL Page 7

 GTP OF HT AB CABLE

1 Manufacturer’s Name & Address

2 AB Cable Sizes 3X ..........+1X ................... sq. mm
3 Lists of Standard applicable. IS: 7098 (Part-II)-2011, IS: 8130-1984, IS:
398 (Part-IV)-1994, IS: 10418: 1982, IS:
5831-1984

4 Details of Power Core Conductor

a) Material Aluminium conductor shall be H4 grade

complying with the requirements of IS-8130-
1984 with up to date amendments
b) Flexibility Class as per IS : 8130-1984 Class-2

c) Form of Conductor. Stranded Compacted Circular

d) Maximum Continuous Conductor 900C
Temperature (in 0C)
e) Maximum Short time Conductor 2500C
Temperature (in 0C)
5 Power Core
a) No of Core 3
b) Nominal cross sectional area
c) No. of strands
d) Strand dia
e) Dia of compacted Conductor (mm)

f) Insulation Nominal Thickness

g) Insulation Minimum Thickness

h) Approximate dia over insulation

i) Maximum Continuous Load (Amps)

j) Maximum Short Circuit. current for 1 sec

(KA)
k) Identification of Power Cores By colour tape marking (Red, Yellow & blue)

l) Max. DC resistance of conductor at

200C(ohm/km)
m) Approx. Mass (Kg/KM)
6 Bare Messenger Core
a) Material Aluminium Alloy Wires.
b) No of Core 1
c) Nominal cross sectional area
d) No. of strands
e) Strand dia
f) Dia. of non- compacted Conductor(mm)

SPEC. HT ABC WBSEDCL Page 8

 g) Approx. Weight (Kg/KM)
h) Max. DC resistance of conductor at 200C
i) Ultimate tensile Strength (Kg)
j) Earth fault current carrying capacity for 1
sec (KA)
k) Modulus of Elasticity (Kg/cm2X106)
l) Co-efficient of linear expansion (per 0CX
10-6)
7 Insulation
a) Material XLPE
b) Method of application of Insulation Extrusion
c) Type of curing of XLPE Insulation Nitrogen Curing through CCV line only.
Completed Cable.
d) Colour of Insulation Natural Coloured
8 Conductor Screening
a) Material Semi conducting XLPE Compound
b) Minimum Thickness 0.5 mm
c) Method of application Extrusion
9 Insulation Screening
A Non-Metallic Part
a) Material Semi conducting compound
b) Minimum Thickness 0.6 mm
c) Method of application Extrusion
B Metallic Part
a) Material Annealed Copper Tape

b) Minimum Thickness 0.06 mm

10 Outer Sheath
a) Material PVC compound of type ST2 of IS 5831-1984

b) Nominal Thickness
c) Method of application Extrusion
d) Colour Black
11 Voltage Grade of Cable
a) Maximum operating voltage of the Cable 12 KV

b) Rated Voltage of the Cable 11 KV

c) Neutral to Phase voltage 6.35 KV
De-rating factor: De-rating factors for
variation in Air Temp.
12

Air Temp. 0C
13 Direction of Laying Right Hand Direction

SPEC. HT ABC WBSEDCL Page 9

 14 Completed Cable :
a) Approx. overall diameter(mm).
b) Approx. Weight(Kg/KM)
c) Allowable sag as a percentage of span
length at 40C ambient temperature
15 Cable Drums :
a) Standard drum length & tolerance of each 250 Mtr, +-5%
drum
b) Dimension of Drum As per IS:10418-1982
c) Shipping Weight.
16 Overall quantity tolerance -1%
17 Sequential marking Marking of the sequential length shall be
provided on any one of phase conductor by
printing/ engraving for each meter of length.
18 Embossing Each metre length shall be embossed with the
Trade Name of Manufacturer, year of
manufacturing, ELECTRIC and WBSEDCL or
WBSEDCL/IPDS or WBSEDCL/ DDUGJY (whichever
is applicable) on any one phase conductor
19 Multiplying Factor considering Lay
Ratio of cable to Measure the Length
of cable in Drum

Signature of bidder with official Seal

SPEC. HT ABC WBSEDCL Page 10

Similarities between two specification
WBSEDCL IPDs
Aluminium Alloy bare Messenger Wire Aluminium Alloy bare Messenger Wire

Difference between two specification

WBSEDCL IPDs
Non metallic part of Insulation Screen shall Non metallic part of Insulation Screen shall
consist of a layer of extruded semi- consist of a layer of extruded semi-
conducting compound conducting compound and/or
semiconducting tape.
Thickness of Copper Tape (metallic part of Thickness of Copper Tape (metallic part of
Insulation Screen) should be minimum 0.06 Insulation Screen) should be minimum
mm 0.045 mm
Outer sheath – Material is PVC of type ST2 of Outer sheath – Material is Polyethylene of
IS 5831-1984 with latest amendment Type ST- 7 of IEC-60502 (Part-II)-2005

Applicable Standard Applicable Standard

IS: 5831-1984 and Specification for IEC-60502 (Part- Specification for
its amendment PVC insulation and II)-2005 Polyethylene
Sheath of Electric Outer Sheath
Cables.

Both polyethylene and PVC are waterproof, but PVC is more so. Additionally, PVC is much
more fire-resistant than polyethylene, because the chlorine atoms it releases during a fire
inhibit the process of combustion. PVC in its native form is brittle and hard, so it needs to
be softened and made flexible by adding other compounds called plasticizers.
Polyethylene's properties depend on the type. LDPE is much softer and more malleable than
linear polyethylenes such as high-density polyethylene, or HDPE.

There is no scope in our spec to include the following details of Messenger Conductor
Nominal dia of compacted Conductor
Approx. Mass Kg/KM
Breaking Load (KN)
There is no scope in our spec to include Designation and Parameters of finished Cables

Following Type Tests of Outer sheath (Test conducted as perr IEC-60502(Part-II0-2005 )

are not included in our Spec
i) Carbon Black Content
ii) UV Stability as per ASTM G-53/DIN:53387

SPEC. HT ABC WBSEDCL Page 11