ISBN 978-0-626-30511-6

NRS 011:2014
Edition 3

PILOT CABLES

N R S
NRS 011:2014

This specification is issued by

the Standardization Section, Eskom
on behalf of the
User Group given in the foreword.

Table of changes
Change No. Date Text affected

Correspondence to be directed to Printed copies obtainable from

The NRS Projects Manager SABS Standards Division

Standardization Section Private Bag X191
The Industry Association Resource Centre Pretoria 0001
Eskom
Private Bag X13
Halfway House 1685

Telephone : 011 651 6842 Telephone : 012 428 7911

Fax : 011 651 6827 Fax : 012 344 1568
E-mail : nrs@eskom.co.za E-mail : sales@sabs.co.za

Website : http://www.nrs.eskom.co.za Website : http://www.sabs.co.za

COPYRIGHT RESERVED

Printed in the Republic of South Africa

by the SABS Standards Division
1 Dr Lategan Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria
 NRS 011:2014

Foreword
This specification was prepared on behalf of the Electricity Suppliers Liaison Committee (ESLC)
and approved by it for use by supply authorities and other users.

This specification was prepared by a working group which, at the time of publication, comprised the
following members:

M Basson (Chairman) Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality

Y Brijmohan eThekwini Metropolitan Electricity
K Koekemoer Tshwane Electricity
M Magemba City Power, Johannesburg
V Nundlal (Project Leader) Technology Standardization, Eskom
M Wessels City of Cape Town

A Manufacturers’ Interest Group (MIG) was consulted on the contents of this specification and its
comments were incorporated where the working group was in agreement. The MIG comprised the
following members:

J Young Aberdare Cables

This document supersedes NRS 011:2001 (edition 2).

Annexes A and B are for information only.

NRS 011:2014

Introduction
This specification has been prepared to establish and promote uniform requirements for pilot cables
to enable purchasers to acquire the specified equipment without the need for detailed and extensive
contract documents.

The ESLC expresses the wish that, in the national interest and in support of government policy to
foster local manufacturing and stimulate exports, all purchasers will adopt the requirements of this
specification in so far as their particular conditions will permit. Any differences between the
requirements of this specification and the corresponding purchaser’s requirements should, as far as
possible, be clearly indicated in the schedules set out in the annexes, and which should, where
appropriate, be submitted for consideration in future revisions of this specification.

Keywords
medium-voltage reticulation, pilot cable, specifications
 1 NRS 011:2014

Contents
Page
Foreword .......................................................................................................................................3

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................4

1 Scope ......................................................................................................................................3

2 Normative references..............................................................................................................3

3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations ......................................................................................4

3.1 Terms and definitions .....................................................................................................4

3.2 Abbreviations .................................................................................................................5

4 Requirements..........................................................................................................................5

4.1 General ..........................................................................................................................5

4.2 Conductors .....................................................................................................................6
4.3 Insulation ........................................................................................................................7
4.4 Twinning .........................................................................................................................7
4.5 Cable configuration ........................................................................................................8
4.6 Interlayer lapping............................................................................................................8
4.7 Heat barrier and core covering ......................................................................................8
4.8 Filling ..............................................................................................................................8
4.9 Bedding ..........................................................................................................................8
4.10 Armouring.......................................................................................................................8
4.11 Outer sheath ..................................................................................................................9
4.12 Bending radius ...............................................................................................................9
4.13 Cable make-up ...............................................................................................................9
4.14 Sealing and drumming ...................................................................................................9

5 Tests .......................................................................................................................................9

5.1 Type tests .......................................................................................................................9

5.2 Routine tests ..................................................................................................................12

6 Marking and packing ...............................................................................................................13

6.1 Marking ..........................................................................................................................13

6.2 Packing ..........................................................................................................................13

Annex A (informative) Guide to purchasers on preparing an enquiry .........................................14

Annex B (normative) Model form for schedules A and B ............................................................16

Bibliography.................................................................................................................................17
NRS 011:2014 2

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 3 NRS 011:2014

PILOT CABLES

1 Scope
1.1 This specification specifies the characteristics of pilot cables to be used in pilot wire protection
systems and for telemetering, telecontrol, supervisory, telephone and all low-voltage, low frequency
system applications.

1.2 This specification is applicable to pilot cables used in areas subjected to high electromagnetic
and electrostatic interference, such as found along the route of power lines operating from 11 kV up
to 400 kV (where the mean distance between the lowest conductor of the power line and the pilot
cable ranges from 5 m to 13 m) and near to power cables operating at voltages from 6,6 kV
to 132 kV.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies. Information on currently valid national
and international standards can be obtained from the SABS Standards Division.

ASTM D 1693, Standard test method for environmental stress-cracking of ethylene plastics.

SANS 1411-1, Materials of insulated electric cables and flexible cords – Part 1: Conductors.

SANS 1411-2:2014, Materials of insulated electric cables and flexible cords – Part 2: Polyvinyl chloride
(PVC).

SANS 1411-6, Materials of insulated electric cables and flexible cords – Part 6: Armour.

SANS 1507-1:2007, Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation for fixed installations
(300/500 V to 1 900/3 300 V) – Part 1: General.

SANS 1507-4:2014, Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation for fixed installations
(300/500 V to 1 900/3 300 V) – Part 4: XLPE Distribution cables.

SANS 6282-3:2007, Test methods for bare conductors and conductors of insulated electric cables –
Part 3: Mechanical tests.

SANS 10198-2:2004, The selection, handling and installation of electric power cables of rating not
exceeding 33 kV – Part 2: Selection of cable type and methods of installation.

SANS 60794-1-2:2003/IEC 60794-1-2:2003, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-2: Generic specification –
Basic optical cable test procedures.

SANS 60811-1-1/IEC 60811-1-1, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of
electric cables and optical cables – Part 1-1: Methods for general application – Measurement of
thickness and overall dimensions – Tests for determining the mechanical properties.
NRS 011:2014 4

3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations

For the purposes of this specification, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1 Terms and definitions

armour
covering that consists of metal tape(s) or wires, and that is generally used to protect the cable from
external mechanical effects
bedding
cushioning layer or layers applied to a cable immediately beneath a metallic layer such as the
armour or the reinforcement
blown tube for fibre optic core
tube inserted in the centre of the pilot cable for the purpose of housing (an) optical fibre(s)
composite cable
cable that contains both elements of copper and optical fibre
conductor
part of a cable with the specific function of carrying current
conductor insulation
insulation applied on a conductor or a conductor screen
core
insulated conductor
assembly that comprises a conductor with its own insulation
filler
material used to fill the interstices between the cores of a multi-conductor cable
insulation
<of a cable> insulating materials incorporated in a cable with the specific function of withstanding
voltage

joint
connection between two conductors, sheaths or armour wires including their insulation, if any, to
form a continuous circuit
lapped separator
separator that consists of tapes applied helically in a concentric layer
length of lay
axial length of one complete turn of the helix formed by one cable component
outer sheath
non-metallic sheath applied over a metallic covering, such as armouring, constituting the outermost
sheath of the cable
screening
electrical screen of non-metallic or metallic material or both covering the insulation
sealed end
termination to the end of the cable providing a seal from the external environment and maintaining
the filling within the cable
separator
thin layer used as a barrier to prevent mutually detrimental effects between different components of
a cable, such as between the conductor and insulation or between insulation and sheath
sheath
uniform and continuous tubular covering of metallic or non-metallic material, generally extruded
twinning
process of twisting two cores together to form a pair
 5 NRS 011:2014

wrapping
one or more layers of an insulating material wrapped around all the cores of a cable before the
shield or sheath is applied

3.2 Abbreviations
Not applicable

4 Requirements
4.1 General
4.1.1 This specification makes allowance for two options in the choice of cable insulation:

a) where the induced voltage in the cores or armouring is expected not to exceed 5 kV; and

b) where the induced voltage in the cores or armouring is expected to exceed 5 kV but not to
exceed 15 kV.

The options in the choice of cable insulation required shall be specified in schedule A (see
annexes A and B).

Purchasers shall indicate the choice made in schedule A based, where appropriate, on the
expected conditions of service. A guide for the calculation of the interference with
telecommunication cables is contained in 4.6 of SANS 10198-2:2004.

Pilot cables will normally be laid directly in the ground at a depth of between 0,5 m and 2,0 m along
the route of a power line or cable. They may also be laid in draw-pipes in built-up areas or where
other considerations make this necessary.

4.1.2 The mean mutual capacitance of the pairs of a pilot cable, when measured in accordance
with 5.2.4 at 20 °C, shall be less than

a) 60 nF per kilometre of cable length for 0,5 mm insulation thickness, or

b) 50 nF per kilometre of cable length for 0,8 mm insulation thickness.

No correction for temperature need be applied, but in cases of dispute the results obtained at 20 °C
shall be taken as final.

4.1.3 The mutual capacitance of any one pair in a drum length, when measured in accordance
with 5.2.4, shall not deviate by more than 10 % from the mean mutual capacitance of all the pairs in
that particular drum length.

4.1.4 The insulation resistance of any core of a cable, when measured in accordance with 5.2.6,
shall be not less than 5 000 MΩ/km of cable.

4.1.5 When measured in accordance with 5.2.5, the capacitance unbalance pair-to-pair shall not
exceed 500 pF for a 500 m length of cable, and the capacitance unbalance pair-to-earth shall not
exceed 1 200 pF for a 500 m length of cable.

4.1.6 The nominal attenuation of cable per kilometre at an ambient temperature of 20 °C, shall be
as given in table 1.
NRS 011:2014 6

Table 1 — Nominal attenuation of cable per kilometre, at 20 °C

1 2 3
Attenuation
Frequency dB
Radial insulation thickness
Hz 0,5 mm 0,8 mm
300 0,50 0,45
1 000 0,89 0,80
2 000 1,21 1,09
3 000 1,43 1,29
4 000 1,60 1,46

4.1.7 The nominal impedance at an ambient temperature of 20 °C should be as given in table 2 for
filled cables with 0,9 mm diameter conductors.

Table 2 — Nominal impedance for filled cables per kilometre, at 20 °C

1 2
Insulation thickness Nominal impedance at 1 000 Hz
mm Ω
0,5 430
0,8 470

4.1.8 The number of pairs required in a pilot cable shall be specified in schedule A (see annex B).

4.2 Conductors
4.2.1 Each conductor shall consist of a solid wire of smoothly drawn annealed electrolytic copper
that is free from defects and approximately circular in shape, and that has the properties given in
table 3.

4.2.2 The nominal conductor diameter shall be 0,9 mm. If a bigger conductor size is required, it
should be specified in schedule A (see annex B).

Table 3 — Conductor requirements

1 2 3 4 5
Diameter Average resistance
Elongation at break,
per core per km,
mm min.
max.
Nominal Min. Max. Ω %
0,9 0,89 0,91 28,19 20

4.2.3 The conductor shall comply with the requirements of SANS 1411-1 in respect of annealed
copper wire.

4.2.4 Joints in a conductor shall be made by brazing, silver soldering or pressure jointing (cold
jointing), and shall be no more frequent than is dictated by wire batches.

4.2.5 The diameter of a conductor shall not be increased by a joint, nor shall the tensile strength of
a joint be less than 90 % of that of a similar sample without a joint.
 7 NRS 011:2014

4.2.6 The difference in resistance between the two conductors of a pair, expressed as the
percentage of the loop resistance of that pair, shall not exceed 20 % (see table 3).

4.2.7 To determine the average resistance, 10 cores distributed throughout the cable and selected
at random shall be connected in series and the resistance measured to obtain the average
resistance (see table 3).

4.3 Insulation
4.3.1 Each conductor shall be uniformly covered with virgin polyethylene compound. Foam, foam
skin insulation and reclaimed polyethylene shall not be used.

4.3.2 The polyethylene compound shall also comply with the requirements given in table 4.

Table 4 — Polyethylene insulation requirements

1 2 3
Characteristic Requirement Test method
Shrinkage (max.) 6,0 mm 5.1.1
Bending when cold No cracks 5.1.2
Environmental stress No cracks 5.1.3
ASTM D 1693
Radial thickness of insulation for
conductors
a) not exceeding 5 kV induced 0,5 mm SANS 60811-1-1
voltage
b) exceeding 5 kV, but not 0,8 mm
exceeding 15 kV induced
voltage
Compatibility with filling compound No cracks visible to the naked eye. 5.1.4
after ageing No noticeable colour change.
NOTE The induced voltage is dependent on the proximity of the cable, when laid, to either overhead lines or
power cables and on the expected fault currents in the overhead line or cable.

4.3.3 The insulation shall be smooth and concentric and substantially free from pinholes, splits,
blisters or any other defects.

4.3.4 The insulation colouring shall comply with the requirements of annex A of
SANS 1411-2:2014, but small deviations from the standard colours will be acceptable provided that
all the colours viewed together are readily and separately identifiable.

4.3.5 Premixed coloured compound is preferred. As an alternative, the addition of colour

concentrates during the extrusion process is acceptable. Dry powder blending is not acceptable.

4.3.6 When the cable manufacturer test the polyethylene compound in accordance with
environmental stress conditions as specified in 5.1.3, there shall be no cracks.

4.3.7 The insulation shall withstand the ageing test specified in 5.1.4 without signs of cracking,
splitting or colour change (see table 4).

4.4 Twinning
4.4.1 Colour-coded pairs of the same pair number shall be twisted together.

4.4.2 The length of lay shall not exceed 150 mm.

NRS 011:2014 8

4.5 Cable configuration

4.5.1 The number of pairs as specified in schedule A (see 4.1.8) shall be laid up to form a compact
and symmetrical cable. The direction of lay shall alternate in successive layers.

4.5.2 As an option, provision shall be made, as shown in schedule A (see annex B), for blown
tubes for fibre optic core.

4.5.3 As an option, cable with a short length of lay shall be specified in schedule A.

4.6 Interlayer lapping

A polyethylene terephthalate or similar acceptable non-hygroscopic tape shall be applied as an
open-lapped separator over the centre layer and each other layer, except the outer layer of
conductors. An open lapping requires no overlap.

4.7 Heat barrier and core covering

4.7.1 After all the cores have been laid up, a wrapping of non-hygroscopic tape shall be applied
either helically or longitudinally to the cable to provide at least two thicknesses at any point. When
the wrapping is applied longitudinally, there shall be an overlap of at least 4 mm.

4.7.2 There shall be no adhesion between the wrapping and the conductor insulation, and the
physical properties of the insulation shall be unaffected.

4.8 Filling
The cable interstices shall be filled with petroleum jelly or other acceptable water-repellent
compound. The manufacturer shall provide, in schedule B (see annex B), the details of the
interstice filling offered.

4.9 Bedding
The core covering specified in 4.7 shall be sheathed with an extruded polyethylene compound. The
thickness of this extruded sheath shall comply with the requirements of table 11 of
SANS 1507-4:2014.

4.10 Armouring
4.10.1 Armoured pilot cables are preferred.

4.10.2 The type of armouring required (steel or aluminium) shall be specified in schedule A (see
annex B), and shall be in accordance with SANS 1411-6.

4.10.3 The armour diameter for steel wire shall comply with the requirements of table 10 of
SANS 1507-4:2014.

NOTE It should only be necessary to specify aluminium-wire armouring (which has an improved intrinsic
screening factor) when the induced voltage is expected to approach 15 kV.

4.10.4 Armouring shall be protected with an acceptable coating or waterproof compound. The
waterproof compound shall have a viscosity such that it does not drip from an open end of the cable
when the cable is in a vertical position in average ambient conditions. A drip test for the compound
is specified in 5.1.6.
 9 NRS 011:2014

4.11 Outer sheath

4.11.1 The outer sheath material shall be polyethylene. The type of outer sheath material shall be
a close-fitting, smooth-surfaced circular tube, free from pinholes and other defects.

4.11.2 When specified in schedule A (see annex B), provision shall be made for the coating of the
outer sheath with a conducting material such as graphite to permit a routine voltage test to be
carried out on the sheath. PVC that complies with the requirements of type S2 of SANS 1411-2 is
permitted if a semi-conducting layer is required.

4.11.3 The thickness of the outer sheath shall comply with the requirements of table 6 in
SANS 1507-4:2014.

4.12 Bending radius

The minimum bending radius shall be 10 times the nominal overall diameter.

4.13 Cable make-up

Cable construction shall comply with the requirements of SANS 1507-4, as far as bedding,
armouring and sheathing are concerned.

4.14 Sealing and drumming

4.14.1 All cables, after testing, shall be sealed at each end so that the sealed ends prevent ingress
of moisture and are suitable for storage.

4.14.2 Cables shall be packed on non-returnable drums or reels to comply with manufacturers’
standards accepted by the purchaser. Cable drums shall be arranged to take a round spindle with a
maximum diameter of 80 mm, and shall be lagged with close-fitting battens of a size commensurate
with the drum size to prevent damage to the cable. The inner end of the cable projecting from the
drum shall be protected against damage.

4.14.3 The running (outer) end of a cable length shall be marked red and the cable shall be so
drummed that the rotation of cores at this end is clockwise. The inner end of the cable length shall
be marked green. This marking is required to facilitate jointing with continuous rotation.

5 Tests
5.1 Type tests
5.1.1 Shrinkback test

Cut representative specimens of length 200 mm from the centre of a 1,5 m length of cable and trim
to a length of 150 mm. Place these specimens in an air-circulating convection oven at a
temperature of 100 °C ± 10 °C for 24 h. At the end of this period, after cooling to room temperature,
the insulation shrinkage at each end of the conductor shall not exceed the value given in table 4.

5.1.2 Cold bend test

NOTE This test is similar to that prescribed in SANS 60811-504.

5.1.2.1 Use the following:

a) one specimen of a suitable length cut at random from each core with a different insulation
colour; and

b) a mandrel of adequate length with a diameter three times that of the insulated conductors.
NRS 011:2014 10

5.1.2.2 Place the specimen and the mandrel in a cooling cabinet for 1 h at a temperature of -15 °C.

5.1.2.3 Then, at a uniform rate not exceeding one turn per 10 s, wind each specimen, while still in
the cooling cabinet, three times round the mandrel to form a close helix.

5.1.2.4 Thereafter, while the specimen is still cold, conduct a visual inspection for signs of cracking
(see table 4).

5.1.3 Environmental stress test

Subject the polyethylene compound used in the manufacture of pilot cables to the environmental
stress test specified in ASTM D 1693 and retain appropriate records of such test. Check for
compliance with 4.3.6. The purchaser may require assurance on this item by requesting permission
to witness check tests.

5.1.4 Material compatibility test

5.1.4.1 For this test, use samples of single cores of all the specified colours, taken either during
manufacture or from a completed cable. Ensure that each sample is of length 6 m.

5.1.4.2 Cut off 100 mm of core from each end of sample. Put these offcuts to one side and retain
them for colour comparison. Immerse the remaining lengths of the 6 m samples in filler without
excessive bending or twisting for 336 h at 70 °C ± 10 °C.

5.1.4.3 Remove the cores while still hot, and allow them to cool to room temperature. Wipe the
cores with a soft cloth to remove all filling compound from the surface and cut and discard 100 mm
of core from each end. Cut each of the remaining samples into three equal lengths as test pieces.

NOTE For cleaning purposes, lintless cloth is recommended.

5.1.4.4 Loosely wind each of the test pieces onto a separate glass tube of diameter
approximately 45 mm and of length approximately 200 mm, to form loose helical coils with
between 3 mm and 5 mm separation between turns.

5.1.4.5 Place each test piece in a glass tube of diameter approximately 67,5 mm and of
length 300 mm, sealed at one end, and fitted with a close-fitting but not airtight lid at the other end.
This is now termed an ageing cell.

5.1.4.6 Place the ageing cells in an air-circulating convection oven maintained at 105 °C ± 10 °C
for 3 000 h.

5.1.4.7 After ageing there shall be no signs of damage (see table 4 and 4.3.7).

5.1.4.8 After ageing, the colour of the test pieces on the glass tubes shall show no noticeable
change from the colour of the offcuts referred to in 5.1.4.2.

5.1.4.9 Remove the test pieces from the glass tubes and cut a length of 400 mm from the centre of
each test piece. Manually wind one end of each specimen tightly over the other end to give at
least 20 continuous turns. Check for compliance with 4.3.7.

5.1.5 Elongation-at-break test

Carry out the elongation-at-break test in accordance with clause 2 of SANS 6282-3:2007.
 11 NRS 011:2014

5.1.6 Drip test for waterproof compound

NOTE This test is applicable to aluminium-wire armoured cable where the compound is applied over the
armour and under the outer sheath.

Freely suspend a sample of cable of length 1 000 mm vertically in a controlled atmosphere with a
temperature of 70 °C ± 2 °C for 1 h. At the end of this period, no compound shall have dripped from
the cable (see 4.10.4).

5.1.7 Water-penetration test for waterproof compound

5.1.7.1 General

This test method is derived from SANS 60794-1-2:2003, method F5B for optical fibre and
composite cables.

5.1.7.2 Object

This test applies to completely filled cables, and is intended to check whether the interstices of a
cable core and armouring wires are continuously filled with compound to prevent water from
penetrating the cable.

5.1.7.3 Apparatus

The test apparatus, as shown in figure 1, provides a means of applying a 1 m head of water to the
cable. The seals where the cable exits the apparatus should not exert any mechanical stress on the
cable. Normal tap water may be used for the test.

Figure 1 — Water-penetration test

5.1.7.4 Procedure

5.1.7.4.1 Take a maximum cable length of 3 m from the central portion of the sample.

5.1.7.4.2 Apply a watertight seal to one end of the sample entering the apparatus to allow a 1 m
head of water to be applied.

5.1.7.4.3 Support the sample horizontally and apply a 1 m head of water for 24 h, at a temperature
of (20 ± 5) °C. The water shall contain sufficient soluble fluorescent dye or other suitable colouring
agent for the detection of seepage.

5.1.7.5 Results

No water shall be detected at the unsealed end of the sample. If a fluorescent dye is used, an
ultraviolet light may be used.
NOTE A few drops of dye outside the cable core and its wrapping should not be regarded as indicating a
failure.
NRS 011:2014 12

5.2 Routine tests

5.2.1 General

Perform the tests in 5.2.2 to 5.2.7 on all drums of the completed cable, before delivery, and attach
the test results to the drum in a clear waterproof envelope.

5.2.2 Conductor resistance test

Determine the average conductor resistance and test all pairs for loop resistance imbalance. Check
for compliance with the relevant requirements of table 3.

5.2.3 High-voltage test

The cable armour shall be earthed for this test. Carry out this test at the appropriate test voltage as
given in table 5, at any frequency from 40 Hz to 62 Hz inclusive. The waveshape shall be
approximately sinusoidal.

NOTE Where the capacitance limitations of the test equipment preclude an a.c. test, a d.c. test at double the
r.m.s. a.c. voltage specified for at least 1 min is acceptable.

Increase the test voltage gradually, and maintain it at the values given in table 5 for at least 1 min
without any breakdown of the insulation.

Table 5 — High voltage test

1 2 3
Expected induced r.m.s. voltage Test voltage r.m.s.
Application
kV kV
Up to 5 5 Between conductors
Up to 5 5 Between conductors and armour
Exceeding 5 but not exceeding 15 10 Between conductors
Exceeding 5 but not exceeding 15 15 Between conductors and armour

5.2.4 Mutual capacitance test

Measure the mutual capacitance between the two cores of each pair with all the other cores and the
armouring (if any) earthed using a suitable a.c. bridge. Record the mean value of all the pairs. Check
the results of the test for compliance with 4.1.2 and 4.1.3.

5.2.5 Capacitance imbalance test

Measure the capacitance imbalance from pair-to-pair and from any pair-to-earth at an audio frequency
in the range 800 Hz to 1 000 Hz. All conductors and any armouring, other than those under test, shall
be connected to earth.

Cable lengths of less than 100 m shall be regarded as being 100 m long.

Pair-to-pair: Divide the measured values by:

 L L 
0,5   
 500 500 
 13 NRS 011:2014
Pair-to-earth: Multiply the measured values by:

500
L

where

L is the length of cable tested in metres (m).

Capacitance unbalance measurements, corrected as above, shall not exceed the values given
in 4.1.5.

Record the measured capacitance unbalance and make it available to the purchaser to enable him to
meet the necessary cross-talk requirements when cables are jointed.

5.2.6 Insulation resistance test

Measure the insulation resistance between each core and all other cores and any armour connected
together and earthed after a d.c. voltage of 500 V has been applied for 1 min to the core being tested.
The measured value shall be not less than that given in 4.1.4.

5.2.7 Outer sheath integrity test

Where the outer sheath with a conducting material is required or provided, it shall withstand a d.c.
voltage of 5 kV applied for 1 min between the armour and the outer conducting surface, which shall be
earthed.

6 Marking and packing

6.1 Marking
6.1.1 The marking of pilot cables shall comply with the requirements of SANS 1507-1.

6.1.2 The cable drums shall be marked in accordance with the requirements of SANS 1507-1, and
the number of pairs and conductor diameter should be marked on the drum.

6.1.3 In addition to the length (in metres) of the cable, the start and finish lengths of the sequential
marking shall be shown on the drum label, for example "sequential mark Start-502 Finish-1002".

6.2 Packing
6.2.1 Cables shall be packed on drums that comply with the requirements of clause 4 of
SANS 1507-1:2007.

6.2.2 Standard cable lengths of 500 m on a drum are preferred but, if so specified by the purchaser in
schedule A, any special requirements for cable length, drum sizes and maximum drum mass shall be
provided.

6.2.3 Lengths of cable may be wound on drums beginning at any sequential mark.
NRS 011:2014 14

Annex A
(informative)

Guide to purchasers on preparing an enquiry

A.1 General
A model form is given in annex B to provide the purchaser with a convenient aid to purchasing. The
use of this form is intended to obviate the need for preparing a detailed technical specification.

The purchaser needs only specify compliance with this specification, provide the tenderer with
details of his particular requirements, and set out the information he requires the tenderer to
provide, as indicated below.

A.2 Schedules
A.2.1 General
The model form in annex B provides the purchaser with examples of a schedule A and a
schedule B. In his enquiry, the purchaser should provide his own schedule A and schedule B,
based on these examples.

A.2.2 Schedule A
Schedule A lists the requirements to be specified by the purchaser in enquiries and orders. These
requirements include references to the relevant subclauses in this specification, to assist in compiling
the schedules.

Where the text of any referenced standard stipulates that the purchaser shall indicate his
requirements, these requirements should also be specified in schedule A. The purchaser should set
out his specific requirements and choices in his own schedule A.

A.2.3 Schedule B
The purchaser should draw up his own schedule B (based on the schedule B in the model form in
annex B), and require the tenderer to fill in this schedule. By doing this, the tenderer will be stating
compliance with this specification and will provide the information the purchaser has requested.
NOTE 1 Where this specification allows the purchaser to make a choice, the example of schedule A (in the
model form in annex B) lists the preferred items/values/quantities. In the interests of standardization,
purchasers are encouraged not to deviate from these preferences.

NOTE 2 When preparing his own schedule A and schedule B from the examples in the model form in
annex B, the purchaser need only include the items he considers to be relevant or necessary.

NOTE 3 The purchaser’s schedule A, when completed, is intended to be issued as the technical schedule of
an enquiry specification.

NOTE 4 These schedules, when completed, become normative annexes to the enquiry specification.

A.3 Commercial conditions

A purchaser will furthermore need to indicate the commercial conditions applicable and to draw up
a price schedule. Requirements for delivery, storage, packaging and marking should be considered
in this part of the enquiry.
 15 NRS 011:2014

Annex A
(concluded)

A.4 Quality assurance

This specification does not cover the purchaser’s possible requirements in respect of quality
assurance, quality control, inspections, etc., since each purchaser needs to consider the criticality
of the application of each component and existing policy towards these matters. Purchasers are
referred to SANS 9001 for guidance.

A.5 Testing
Attention should be paid to the subject of testing and related costs. Tests should be carried out by
an accredited laboratory and tenderers should be requested to provide formal assurances in this
regard. Price schedules should be so drawn up and covering letters so worded that the costs of all
services, such as tests, delivery and spares, are declared and allowed for in the tender.

Before type tests, routine tests and sample tests are carried out, the number of samples used and
the frequency of sampling should be agreed upon with the supplier.

A.6 Revisions of standards used as normative references

This specification, as has been indicated, is based on a set of defined standards, which might have
been revised or amended. Most purchasers would, in principle, wish to employ the latest standards.
The recommended approach is to secure an undertaking from a supplier to review the latest
versions and amendments and to incorporate these where possible and agreeable to both parties.
A blanket commitment to work to the "latest" versions of standards creates legal difficulties of
interpretation and risks for both parties and should be properly assessed. This invariably cannot be
done in the time available
NRS 011:2014 16

Annex B
(normative)

Model form for schedules A and B

The model form is provided as a convenient aid to purchasing. Guidance on preparing an enquiry
using this form is given in annex A.

Schedule A: Purchaser's specific requirements

Schedule B: Particulars of equipment to be supplied (to be completed by tenderer)

Sub-
Description Schedule A Schedule B
clause
4.1.1 Choice of cable insulation
4.1.8 Number of pairs _________ xxxxxxxxxx
4.2.2 Conductor diameter required mm _________ xxxxxxxxxx
(if not 0,9 mm)
4.5.2 Blown tube for fibre optic core required Yes/No _________ xxxxxxxxxx
4.5.3 Length of lay required (if not 150 mm) mm _________ xxxxxxxxxx
4.8 Filler offered xxxxxxxxxx _________
4.10.2 Type of armouring required _________ xxxxxxxxxx
4.11.2 Coating of outer sheath material _________ _________
required/provided
6.2.2 Cable length required m xxxxxxxxxx
6.2.2 Maximum drum mass kg xxxxxxxxxx
 17 NRS 011:2014

Bibliography
SANS 1507-2, Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation for fixed installations
(300/500 V to 1 900/3 300 V) – Part 2: Wiring cables.

SANS 1507-3, Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation for fixed installations
(300/500 V to 1 900/3 300 V) – Part 3: PVC Distribution cables.

SANS 1507-5, Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation for fixed installations
(300/500 V to 1 900/3 300 V) – Part 5: Halogen-free distribution cables.

SANS 1507-6, Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation for fixed installations
(300/500 V to 1 900/3 300 V) – Part 6: Service cables.

SANS 9001/ISO 9001, Quality management systems – Requirements.

SANS 60811-1-4/IEC 60811-1-4, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of
electric and optical cables – Part 1-4: Methods for general application – Test at low temperature.

SANS 60811-504, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 504: Mechanical tests – Bending tests at low temperature for insulation and sheaths.

© SABS
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