Standard Wire and Cable Types | Electrical and Instrumentation

This technical specification defines for the contractor the standard wire and cable types used when performing electrical work in commercial buildings, plants and refineries projects.

STANDARD WIRE AND CABLE TYPES

Here we discussed 4 types of standard wire and cable types.

1. Medium Voltage Power Cable (5KV to 15KV): All medium voltage cables must be sourced from manufacturers approved and listed in the “Electrical Equipment Qualified Suppliers” spreadsheet. Substitutions will not be allowed unless they are approved by the relevant Electrical Engineering authority responsible for the project.

2. 600-Volt Power & Control Wire: 600-Volt Power & Control Wire is a type of electrical wire commonly used for power distribution and control circuits in various applications. This wire is designed to carry electrical currents at voltages up to 600 volts, making it suitable for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and residential electrical systems.

3. Low Voltage Instrument Cable (24VDC): Low Voltage Instrument Cable (24VDC) is a type of electrical cable designed for the transmission of low-voltage electrical signals and power in various industrial and instrumentation applications. It is specifically rated for use with direct current (DC) systems at a voltage of 24 volts.

4. Thermocouple Extension Cable: Thermocouple Extension Cable is a specialized type of electrical cable designed for use with thermocouples, which are temperature-sensing devices used for measuring and monitoring temperature in various industrial and scientific applications. Thermocouples work based on the Seebeck effect, where two different metal conductors generate a voltage proportional to the temperature difference between their ends.

Thermocouple extension cables are used to connect the thermocouple sensor to temperature measurement instruments or control systems while maintaining the accuracy of temperature readings.

Cable Code Structure: The complete identification of medium voltage cables comprises a two-digit prefix indicating the cable type, followed by a two-digit suffix specifying the conductor size.

SuffixConductor Size
066 AWG
044 AWG
022 AWG
111/0 AWG
212/0 AWG
414/0 AWG
25250 kcmil
35350 kcmil
50500 kcmil
75750 kcmil

Medium Voltage Cable Types

Medium voltage cables play a crucial role in electrical systems, providing reliable power transmission at elevated voltages. The following cable types (H2 to H9) outline various specifications for medium voltage cables, each designed for specific applications and voltage requirements:

Type 1 – Single Conductor Cable, 5 kV:

  • Class B stranded copper conductor.
  • UL type MV-105.
  • 105°C 133% EPR insulation.
  • CU tape shield.
  • PVC jacket.

Type 2 – Multiconductor Cable, 5 kV (Prysmian AIRGUARD™ Cable Design):

  • 3 class B stranded copper conductors
  • UL type MV-105
  • 105°C 133% EPR insulation
  • CU tape shield
  • Ground wire

Type 3 – Single Conductor Cable, 15 kV:

  • Class B stranded copper conductor
  • UL type MV-105
  • 105°C 133% EPR insulation
  • CU tape shield
  • PVC jacket

Type 4 – Multiconductor Cable, 5 kV:

  • 3 class B stranded copper conductors
  • UL type MV-105
  • 105°C 133% EPR insulation
  • CU tape shield
  • Ground wire
  • Aluminum interlocked armor or Continuous Corrugated Aluminum Armor (CCW)
  • Overall PVC jacket

Type 5 – Multiconductor Cable, 15 kV (Prysmian AIRGUARD™ Cable Design):

  • 3 class B stranded copper conductors
  • UL type MV-105
  • 105°C 133% EPR insulation
  • CU tape shield
  • Ground wire

Type 6 – Multiconductor Cable, 15 kV:

  • 3 class B stranded copper conductors
  • UL type MV-105
  • 105°C 133% EPR insulation
  • CU tape shield
  • Ground wire
  • Aluminum interlocked armor or Continuous Corrugated Aluminum Armor (CCW)
  • Overall PVC jacket

Type 7 – Multiconductor Cable, 5 kV:

  • 3 class B stranded copper conductors
  • UL type MV-105
  • 105°C 133% EPR insulation
  • CU tape shield
  • Ground wire
  • Overall PVC jacket

Type 8 – Multiconductor Cable, 15 kV:

  • 3 class B stranded copper conductors
  • UL type MV-105
  • 105°C 133% EPR insulation
  • CU tape shield
  • Ground wire
  • Overall PVC jacket

Each cable type is designed to meet specific voltage, insulation, shielding, and jacketing requirements, ensuring they are suitable for various applications and environmental conditions. The choice of cable type depends on the intended use and voltage level within an electrical system.

600-Volt Power & Control Wire and Cable Types

Electrical systems rely on various types of wire and cable to transmit power and control signals effectively. The following descriptions outline the characteristics and applications of different 600-volt power and control wire and cable types (M1 to M10):

Type 1 – 600-Volt Wire, NEC Type THW:

  • Moisture and heat-resistant thermoplastic wire
  • Single conductor
  • Stranded copper
  • Rated for use up to 75°C

Type 2 – 600-Volt Wire, NEC Type XHHW:

  • Moisture-resistant thermoset wire
  • Single conductor
  • Stranded copper
  • Rated for use up to 90°C

Type 3 – 600-Volt Wire, NEC Type THWN-THHN:

  • Moisture and heat-resistant thermoplastic wire
  • Single conductor
  • Stranded copper
  • Rated for use up to 90°C

Type 4 – 600-Volt Wire, NEC Type TFE:

  • Extended polytetrafluoroethylene wire
  • Single conductor
  • Stranded tin-coated copper
  • Rated for use up to 250°C

Type 5 – 600-Volt Cable, NEC Type TC:

  • Tray cable
  • Multiconductor power cable
  • Individual stranded copper conductors
  • NEC Type THWN-THHN
  • Ground wires installed in interstices
  • Overall PVC sheath
  • Rated for use up to 90°C

Type 6 – 600-Volt Cable, NEC Type TC:

  • Tray cable
  • Multiconductor control cable
  • Individual stranded copper conductors
  • NEC Type THWN-THHN
  • Overall PVC sheath
  • Rated for use up to 90°C

Type 7 – 600-Volt Cable, NEC Type TC:

  • Tray cable
  • Multiconductor control cable
  • Individual stranded copper conductors
  • NEC Type THWN-THHN
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire and PVC jacket
  • Rated for use up to 90°C

Type 8 – 600-Volt Cable, NEC Type MC:

  • Metal-clad multiconductor power cable
  • Individual stranded copper conductors
  • XLP insulation
  • Ground wires installed in interstices
  • Interlocked aluminum armor
  • Overall PVC jacket
  • Rated for use up to 90°C

Type 9 – 600-Volt Cable, NEC Type MC:

  • Metal-clad multiconductor control cable
  • Class B stranded copper conductors
  • Interlocked aluminum armor
  • Overall PVC jacket
  • XLP insulation
  • Rated for use up to 90°C

Type 10 – 600-Volt Cable, NEC Type MC-HL:

  • Metal-clad multiconductor power cable
  • Individual stranded copper conductors
  • XLP (XHHW-2) insulation
  • Ground wires installed in interstices
  • Corrugated aluminum armor (CCW)
  • Overall PVC jacket
  • Rated for use up to 90°C
  • Suitable for Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) use

These wire and cable types are designed to meet specific requirements and standards, making them suitable for various applications within electrical systems, from power transmission to control and protection. The choice of wire or cable type depends on the intended use, environmental conditions, and temperature requirements of the electrical installation.

Low Voltage Instrument Cable (24VDC)

Low voltage instrument cables are essential for transmitting signals and power in control and instrumentation applications. The following cable types and descriptions provide options for various wiring needs:

Nom. Conductor DC Resistance @ 20 Deg. C (Ω/1000 ft) 

Types 1:

  • 300-volt instrument cable
  • NEC Type PLTC (power limited tray cable)
  • Single-twisted pair
  • #16 AWG insulated stranded copper wire
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Suitable for single-pair applications
Low Voltage Instrument Cable Type 1

Type 2:

  • 300-volt instrument cable
  • NEC Type PLTC
  • Multiple-twisted pair
  • #16 AWG insulated stranded copper wire
  • Individual aluminum Mylar shield and copper drain wire
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Available in various pair configurations.
Low Voltage Instrument Cable Type 2

Type 3:

  • 300-volt instrument cable
  • NEC Type PLTC
  • Multiple-twisted pair
  • #16 AWG insulated stranded copper wire
  • No shield or drain wire for individual pairs
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Available in various pair configurations.
Low Voltage Instrument Cable Type 3

Type 4:

  • 300-volt instrument cable
  • NEC Type PLTC
  • Multiple-twisted pair
  • #20 AWG insulated stranded copper wire
  • Individual aluminum Mylar shield and copper drain wire
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Available in various pair configurations
Low Voltage Instrument Cable Type 4

Type 5:

  • 300-volt instrument cable
  • NEC Type PLTC
  • Single-twisted triad (3/c)
  • #16 AWG insulated stranded copper wire
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Suitable for triad (3/c) applications.
Low Voltage Instrument Cable Type 5

Type 6:

  • 300-volt instrument cable
  • NEC Type PLTC
  • Multiple-twisted triad
  • #20 AWG insulated stranded copper wire
  • Individual aluminum Mylar shield and copper drain wire
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Available in various triad configurations.
Low Voltage Instrument Cable Type 6

Type 7:

  • 600-volt instrument cable
  • NEC Type TC (tray cable)
  • Single-twisted pair
  • #16 AWG insulated stranded copper wire
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Suitable for single-pair applications.
Low Voltage Instrument Cable Type 7

Type 8:

  • 600-volt instrument cable
  • NEC Type TC
  • Multiple-twisted pairs
  • #18 AWG insulated stranded copper wire
  • Individual aluminum Mylar shield and copper drain wire
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Available in various pair configurations.
Low Voltage Instrument Cable Type 8

Type 9:

  • 600-volt instrument cable
  • NEC Type TC
  • Single-twisted triad (3/c)
  • #16 AWG insulated stranded copper wire
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Suitable for triad (3/c) applications.
Low Voltage Instrument Cable Type 9

Type 10:

  • 600-volt instrument cable
  • NEC Type TC
  • Multiple-twisted triads
  • #16 AWG insulated stranded copper wire
  • Individual aluminum Mylar shield and copper drain wire
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Available in various triad configurations.
Low Voltage Instrument Cable Type 10

These low voltage instrument cables come in a range of configurations to accommodate different wiring requirements in control and instrumentation systems. The choice of cable type depends on factors such as the application, environmental conditions, and specific wiring needs.

Thermocouple Extension Cable

Here are various types of thermocouple extension cables with their specifications:

Type 1:

  • 300-volt thermocouple extension cable
  • NEC Type PLTC (power limited tray cable)
  • Twisted pair
  • Instrument Society of America (ISA) Type “EX”
  • #16 AWG solid chromel-constantan conductors
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Suitable for 1 pair applications.
Thermocouple Extension Cable Type 1

Type 2:

  • 300-volt thermocouple extension cable
  • NEC Type PLTC
  • Twisted pair
  • ISA Type “JX”
  • #16 AWG solid iron-constantan conductors
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Suitable for 1 pair applications.
Thermocouple Extension Cable Type 2

Type 3:

  • 300-volt thermocouple extension cable
  • NEC Type PLTC
  • Twisted pair
  • ISA Type “KX”
  • #16 AWG solid chromel-alumel conductors
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Suitable for 1 pair applications.
Thermocouple Extension Cable Type 3

Type 4:

  • 300-volt thermocouple extension cable
  • NEC Type PLTC
  • Twisted pair
  • ISA Type “TX”
  • #16 AWG solid copper-constantan conductors
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Suitable for 1 pair applications.
Thermocouple Extension Cable Type 4

Type 5:

  • 300-volt thermocouple extension cable
  • NEC Type PLTC
  • Multiple-twisted pairs
  • ISA Type “EX”
  • #20 AWG solid chromel-constantan conductors
  • Individual aluminum Mylar shield and copper drain wire
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Available in various pair configurations.
Thermocouple Extension Cable Type 5

Type 6:

  • 300-volt thermocouple extension cable
  • NEC Type PLTC
  • Multiple-twisted pairs
  • ISA Type “JX”
  • #20 AWG solid iron-constantan conductors
  • Individual aluminum Mylar shield and copper drain wire
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Available in various pair configurations.
Thermocouple Extension Cable Type 6

Type 7:

  • 300-volt thermocouple extension cable
  • NEC Type PLTC
  • Multiple-twisted pairs
  • ISA Type “KX”
  • #20 AWG solid chromel-alumel conductors
  • Individual aluminum Mylar shield and copper drain wire
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Available in various pair configurations.
Thermocouple Extension Cable Type 7

Type 8:

  • Thermocouple cable
  • NEC Type PLTC
  • Multiple-twisted pairs
  • ISA Type “TX”
  • #20 AWG solid copper-constantan conductors
  • Individual aluminum Mylar shield and copper drain wire
  • Overall aluminum Mylar shield
  • Copper drain wire
  • PVC jacket
  • Available in various pair configurations.
Thermocouple Extension Cable Type 8

Type 9:

  • 300-volt thermocouple extension cable
  • Twisted pair
  • ISA Type “BX”
  • #24 AWG solid copper-copper conductors
  • PVC jacket
  • Suitable for single-pair applications
Thermocouple Extension Cable Type 9`

These thermocouple extension cables are designed to meet various thermocouple type and pair configurations, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial and instrumentation applications. The choice of cable type depends on the specific thermocouple type and wiring requirements of the application.

Article is Sourced from Following standards.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

  1. NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code (NEC)
  2. NEC Article 310 – Conductors for General Wiring – Latest edition.
  3. NEC Article 330 – Metal-Clad Cable: Type MC.
  4. NEC Article 336 – Power and Control Tray Cable: Type TC.

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