09-01M

SECTION 16127
CABLES, LOW VOLTAGE (600 VOLTS AND BELOW)

SPEC WRITER NOTE: Delete between //_____//

if not applicable to project. Also delete
any other item or paragraph not applicable
to the section and renumber the
paragraphs.

PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 DESCRIPTION
A. This section specifies the furnishing, installation, and connection of
the low voltage power and lighting wiring.
//B. Definitions: The term HCF Type AC cable, as used in this specification,
shall mean Type AC cable in accordance with the National Electrical Code
with an insulated equipment grounding conductor, an internal bonding
strip of copper or aluminum and the outer metal armor or sheath of the
assembly shall be approved and identified as an acceptable grounding
return path. HCF Type AC cable may be used in Health Care Facilities
only as permitted by this specification. //
1.2 RELATED WORK
A. Excavation and backfill for cables that are installed in conduit:
Section 02200, EARTHWORK.
B. Sealing around penetrations to maintain the integrity of time rated
construction: Section 07270, FIRESTOPPING SYSTEMS.
C. General electrical requirements that are common to more than one section
in Division 16: Section 16050, BASIC METHODS AND REQUIREMENTS
(ELECTRICAL).
D. Conduits for cables and wiring: Section 16111, CONDUIT SYSTEMS.
E. Requirements for personnel safety and to provide a low impedance path
for possible ground fault currents: Section 16450, GROUNDING.
1.3 SUBMITTALS
In accordance with Section 01340, SAMPLES AND SHOP DRAWINGS, furnish the
following:
A. Manufacturer's Literature and Data: Showing each cable type and rating.
B. Certificates: Two weeks prior to final inspection, deliver to the
Resident Engineer four copies of the certification that the material is
in accordance with the drawings and specifications and has been properly
installed.

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//C. Where Type AC cable is used, manufacturer's literature shall indicate

that the outer metal sheath is approved and identified as an acceptable
grounding return path. //
1.4 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS
A. Publications listed below (including amendments, addenda, revisions,
supplements and errata) form a part of this specification to the extent
referenced. Publications are reference in the text by the basic
designation only.
B. Federal Specifications (Fed. Spec.):
J-C-30B-89..............Cable and Wire, Electrical
HH-I-595C-76............Insulation Tape, Electrical, Pressure-Sensitive
Adhesive, Plastic
W-F-406E-93.............Fittings for Cable, Power, Electrical And
Conduit, Metal, Flexible
C. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
70-99...................National Electrical Code (NEC)
D. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL):
4-96....................Armored Cable
44-99...................Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables
83-98...................Thermoplastic-Insulated Wires and Cables
467-93..................Electrical Grounding and Bonding Equipment
486A-97.................Wire Connectors and Soldering Lugs for Use with
Copper Conductors
486C-97.................Splicing Wire Connectors
486D-97.................Insulated Wire Connector Systems for Underground
Use or in Damp or Wet Locations
486E-94.................Equipment Wiring Terminals for Use with Aluminum
and/or Copper Conductors
493-95..................Thermoplastic-Insulated Underground Feeder and
Branch Circuit Cable
514B-97.................Fittings for Cable and Conduit
1479-94.................Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Fire Stops
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 CABLE AND WIRE (POWER AND LIGHTING)
A. Cable and Wire shall be in accordance with Fed. Spec. J-C-30B, except as
hereinafter specified.
B. Single Conductor:

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1. Annealed copper.
2. Shall be stranded for sizes No. 8 AWG and larger, solid for sizes No.
10 AWG and smaller.
3. Shall be minimum size No. 12 AWG, except where smaller sizes are
allowed herein.
C. Insulation:
1. THW, XHHW, or dual rated THHN-THWN shall be in accordance with UL 44,
and 83.
2. Direct burial: UF or USE shall be in accordance with UL 493.
3. Isolated power system wiring: Type XHHW with a dielectric constant of
3.5 or less.
D. Color Code:
1. Secondary service, feeder and branch circuit conductors shall be
color coded as follows:

208/120 volt Phase 480/277 volt

Black A Brown
Red B Orange
Blue C Yellow
White Neutral Gray *
* or white with colored (other than green) tracer.

2. Use solid color compound or solid color coating for No. 12 AWG and
No. 10 AWG branch circuit conductors and neutral sizes.
3. Phase conductors No. 8 AWG and larger shall be color-coded using one
of the following methods:
a. Solid color compound or solid color coating.
b. Stripes, bands, or hash marks of color specified above.
c. Color as specified using 19 mm (3/4 inch) wide tape. Apply tape in
half overlapping turns for a minimum of 75 mm (three inches) for
terminal points, and in junction boxes, pull boxes, troughs,
manholes, and handholes. Apply the last two laps of tape with no
tension to prevent possible unwinding. Where cable markings are
covered by tape, apply tags to cable stating size and insulation
type.
4. For modifications and additions to existing wiring systems, color
coding shall conform to the existing wiring system.

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5. Color code for isolated power system wiring shall be in accordance

with the NEC.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Consult with user for
approval to use HCF Type AC armored cable.
If approved for use on the project,
drawings must clearly indicate by symbols
where Type AC cable is used. Type AC cable
may be used for interior branch circuits
only and is not permitted for essential
electrical system circuits.
//2.2 ARMORED CABLE: HCF TYPE AC
A. Cable assembly shall in accordance with Fed. Spec. J-C-30B, NEC and UL
4.
B. Assembly shall include an insulated green equipment grounding conductor,
sized in accordance with the NEC in addition to an internal bonding
strip of copper or aluminum in intimate contact with the armor for its
entire length. Minimum size bonding strip shall be No. 16 AWG. The outer
metal armor or sheath of the assembly shall be approved and identified
as an acceptable grounding return path.
C. Armored Cable Fittings:
1. Fed. Spec. W-F-406E and UL 514B, except only steel or malleable iron
material is acceptable.
2. Clamp type with insulating throat.
D. Supports:
1. Parts and hardware: Zinc-coated or equivalent corrosion protection.
2. Individual hangers: Straps, hangers or similar fittings shall be used
and installed at intervals so as not to damage the cable. Staples are
not permitted to be used for supports.
3. Cable trays: In lieu of individual hangers, a single cable tray may
be used to support all armored cable runs within an area.
4. Color Coding: Color coding for conductors shall be in accordance with
paragraph 2.1D above.
2.3 SPLICES AND JOINTS
A. In accordance with UL 486A, C, D, E and NEC.
B. Branch circuits (No. 10 AWG and smaller):
1. Connectors: Solderless, screw-on, reusable pressure cable type, 600
volt, 105 degree C with integral insulation, approved for copper and
aluminum conductors.
2. The integral insulator shall have a skirt to completely cover the
stripped wires.

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3. The number, size, and combination of conductors, as listed on the

manufacturers packaging shall be strictly complied with.
C. Feeder Circuits:
1. Connectors shall be indent, hex screw, or bolt clamp-type of high
conductivity and corrosion-resistant material.
2. Field installed compression connectors for cable sizes 250 kcmil and
larger shall have not less than two clamping elements or compression
indents per wire.
3. Insulate splices and joints with materials approved for the
particular use, location, voltage, and temperature. Insulate with not
less than that of the conductor level that is being joined.
4. Plastic electrical insulating tape: Fed Spec. HH-I-595 shall apply,
flame retardant, cold and weather resistant.
2.4 CONTROL WIRING
A. Unless otherwise specified in other sections of these specifications,
control wiring shall be as specified for power and lighting wiring,
except the minimum size shall be not less than No. 14 AWG.
B. Control wiring shall be large enough so that the voltage drop under
inrush conditions does not adversely affect operation of the controls.
2.5 COMMUNICATION AND SIGNAL WIRING
A. Shall conform to the recommendations of the manufacturers of the
communication and signal systems; however, not less than what is shown.
B. Wiring shown is for typical systems. Provide wiring as required for the
systems being furnished.
C. Multi-conductor cables shall have the conductors color coded.
2.6 WIRE LUBRICATING COMPOUND
A. Suitable for the wire insulation and conduit it is used with, and shall
not harden or become adhesive.
B. Shall not be used on wire for isolated type electrical power systems.
2.7 FIREPROOFING TAPE
A. The tape shall consist of a flexible, conformable fabric of organic
composition coated one side with flame-retardant elastomer.
B. The tape shall be self-extinguishing and shall not support combustion.
It shall be arcproof and fireproof.
C. The tape shall not deteriorate when subjected to water, gases, salt
water, sewage, or fungus and be resistant to sunlight and ultraviolet
light.

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D. The finished application shall withstand a 200-ampere arc for not less
than 30 seconds.
E. Securing tape: Glass cloth electrical tape not less than 0.18 mm
(7 mils) thick, and 19 mm (3/4 inch) wide.
2.8 WARNING TAPE
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Use non-detectable type
for cemeteries only.

A. The tape shall be standard, 76 mm (3 inch) wide, 4-Mil polyethylene //

detectable // non-detectable // type.
B. The tape shall be red with black letters indicating “CAUTION BURIED
ELECTRIC LINE BELOW”.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION, GENERALLY
A. Install in accordance with the NEC, and as specified.
B. Install all wiring in raceway systems, except where direct burial or HCF
Type AC cables are used.
C. Splice cables and wires only in outlet boxes, junction boxes, pull
boxes, manholes, or handholes.
D. Install cable supports for all vertical feeders in accordance with the
NEC. Provide split wedge type which firmly clamps each individual cable
and tightens due to cable weight.
E. For panelboards, cabinets, wireways, switches, and equipment assemblies,
neatly form, train, and tie the cables in individual circuits.
F. Seal cable and wire entering a building from underground, between the
wire and conduit where the cable exits the conduit, with a nonhardening
approved compound.
G. Wire Pulling:
1. Provide installation equipment that will prevent the cutting or
abrasion of insulation during pulling of cables.
2. Use ropes made of nonmetallic material for pulling feeders.
3. Attach pulling lines for feeders by means of either woven basket
grips or pulling eyes attached directly to the conductors, as
approved by the Resident Engineer.
4. Pull in multiple cables together in a single conduit.
//3.2 ARMORED CABLE SYSTEM INSTALLATION, GENERAL
A. Installation: Shall be in accordance with UL, NEC, as shown on drawings
and as hereinafter specified.

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B. Install HCF Type AC cable as follows:

1. Flattened, dented, deformed, or opened armor is not permitted. If
damaged during installation, damaged cables shall be replaced with
new undamaged material.
2. Assure that cable installation does not encroach into the ceiling
height head room, walkways, or doorways.
3. Cut square with manufacturer's armor stripping tool and remove burrs.
4. Remove enough armor from cable to permit sufficient conductor to
extend into the enclosure.
5. Cable shall be mechanically and electrically continuous.
6. Secure cable to cabinets, junction boxes, and outlet boxes with
fittings approved for grounding.
7. Cables shall be run parallel or perpendicular to the building lines.
C. Bends: Bends shall be made so that the cable is not damaged. The radius
of the curve of the inner edge of any bend shall not be less than five
times the diameter of the cable.
D. Concealed Work Installation: Cables installed above furred or suspended
ceilings or in walls shall be supported as specified below.
E. Exposed Work Installation: Cables may be run exposed only in unfinished
areas such as electrical closets or mechanical rooms. Where installed
exposed, cables shall closely follow the surface of the building finish
and be supported as specified below.
F. HCF Type AC cable shall not be installed embedded in concrete.
G. Cable Identification: HCF Type AC cable shall be marked in accordance
with the NEC except the cable shall have ready identification of the
manufacturer by distinctive external markings on the cable sheath
throughout its entire length.
H. Cable Supports, Installation:
1. The cable shall be secured by approved straps, hangers, or similar
fittings designed and installed as to not damage the cable.
2. Independently support the cable or install in cable trays. Do not use
other supports i.e., suspended ceilings, suspended ceiling supporting
members, lighting fixtures, mechanical piping, or mechanical ducts.
3. Where independent supports are used for the cable, support at
intervals not exceeding 1350 mm (4 1/2 feet) and within 300 mm (one
foot) of each outlet box, junction box, cabinet, or fitting.

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4. Where cable trays are used to support the cables, each cable shall be
securely fastened to transverse members of the cable trays. Cable
trays shall be independently supported in accordance with
manufacturer's recommendations and NEC.
5. Through Metal Framing: Cable shall be supported in accordance with
the NEC where run through metal framing members.
6. Fished Cables: Cables may be fished in existing structures only.
Supports are not required where cables are fished through existing
walls or above non-removable ceilings. Where cables are installed in
new structures, appropriate supports shall be provided.
I. PENETRATIONS
1. Cutting of Holes
a. Cut holes in concrete and masonry in new and existing structures
with a diamond core drill or concrete saw. Pneumatic hammer,
impact electric, hand or manual hammer type drills are not
allowed, except where permitted by the Resident Engineer as
required by limited working space.
2. Fire Stops: Where HCF Type AC cable passes through fire partitions,
fire walls or smoke partitions, install a fire stop that provides an
effective barrier against the spread of fire, smoke and gasses as
specified in Section, FIRESTOPPING SYSTEMS, with rock wool fiber or
silicone foam sealant only. Completely fill and seal clearances
between cables and openings with the fire stop material. Penetrations
shall meet the requirements of UL 1479.
3. Waterproofing: Where Type AC cable passes through floors, floors
shall be core drilled and appropriately sized sleeves shall be
installed for the cables. Sleeves shall terminate not less than 75 mm
(3 inches) above floor slabs and not less than 75 mm (3 inches) below
the ceiling of the floor below. Completely seal clearances between
the cable and sleeve and make watertight as specified in section,
SEALANTS AND CAULKING. //
3.3 INSTALLATION IN MANHOLES
A. Install and support cables in manholes on the steel racks with porcelain
or equal insulators. Train the cables around the manhole walls, but do
not bend to a radius less than six times the overall cable diameter.
//B. Fireproofing:

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1. Where low voltage cables are installed in the same manholes with high
voltage cables, also cover the low voltage cables with arc proof and
fireproof tape.
2. Use tape of the same type as used for the high voltage cables, and
apply the tape in a single layer, one-half lapped or as recommended
by the manufacturer. Install the tape with the coated side towards
the cable and extend it not less than 25 mm (one inch) into each
duct.
3. Secure the tape in place by a random wrap of glass cloth tape.//
3.4 SPLICE INSTALLATION
A. Splices and terminations shall be mechanically and electrically secure.
B. Where the Government determines that unsatisfactory splices or
terminations have been installed, remove the devices and install
approved devices at no additional cost to the Government.
3.5 CONTROL, COMMUNICATION AND SIGNAL WIRING INSTALLATION
A. Unless otherwise specified in other sections of these specifications,
install wiring and connect to perform the functions shown and specified
in other sections of these specifications.
B. Except where otherwise required, install a separate power supply circuit
for each system so that malfunctions in any system will not affect other
systems.
C. Where power supply circuits are not shown for systems, connect them to
the nearest panelboards of suitable voltages, which are intended to
supply such systems and have suitable spare circuit breakers or space
for installation.
D. Install a red warning indicator on the handle of the branch circuit
breaker for the power supply circuit for each system to prevent
accidental de-energizing of the systems.
E. System voltages shall not exceed 120 volts and shall be lower voltages
where shown on the drawings or required by the NEC.
3.6 CONTROL, COMMUNICATION AND SIGNAL SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION
A. Install a permanent wire marker on each wire at each termination.
B. Identifying numbers and letters on the wire markers shall correspond to
those on the wiring diagrams used for installing the systems.
C. Wire markers shall retain their markings after cleaning.
D. In each manhole and handhole, install embossed brass tags to identify
the system served and function.

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3.7 FEEDER IDENTIFICATION

A. In each interior, pullbox and junction box, install metal tags on each
circuit cables and wires to clearly designate their circuit
identification and voltage.
B. In manholes and handholes, provide tags of the embossed brass type, and
also show the cable type and voltage rating. Attach the tags to the
cables with slip-free plastic cable lacing units.
3.8 DIRECT BURIAL CABLE INSTALLATION
A. Tops of the cables:
1. Below the finished grade: Minimum 600 mm (24 inches) unless greater
depth is shown.
2. Below road and other pavement surfaces: In conduit as specified,
minimum 750 mm (30 inches) unless greater depth is shown.
3. Do not install them under railroad tracks.
B. Under road and paved surfaces, install cables in bituminous coated
galvanized steel rigid conduits, not less than 50 mm (two inch) trade
size with bushings at each end of each conduit run.
C. Work with extreme care near existing ducts, conduits, cables and other
utilities to prevent any damage.
D. Cut the trenches neatly and uniformly:
1. Excavating and backfilling is specified in Section, EARTHWORK.
2. Place a 75 mm (3 inch) layer of sand in the trenches before
installing the cables.
3. Place a 75 mm (three inch) layer of sand over the installed cables.
4. Install continuous horizontal, 25 mm by 200 mm (one inch by eight
inch) preservative impregnated wood planking 75 mm (three inches)
above the installed cables before backfilling.
E. Provide horizontal slack in the cables for contraction during cold
weather.
F. Install the cables in continuous lengths. Splices within cable runs will
not be accepted.
G. Connections and terminations shall be submersible type designed for the
cables being installed.
H. Warning tape shall be continuously placed 300 mm (12 inches) above
buried cable.

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3.9 FIELD TESTING

A. Feeders and branch circuits shall have their insulation tested after
installation and before connection to utilization devices such as
fixtures, motors, or appliances.
B. Tests shall be performed by megger and conductors shall test free from
short-circuits and grounds.
C. Test conductors phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground.
D. The Contractor shall furnish the instruments, materials, and labor for
these tests.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Delete the following
paragraph if HCF Type AC cable is not
included in this project.

//3.10 INSTRUCTIONS
A. Furnish the services of a competent factory trained engineer or
technician for two, 2 hour periods for instructing VA personnel in the
use and installation of HCF Type AC cable. Sessions shall be
accomplished at the job site and the location will be determined by the
VA. The first 2 hour session shall be presented after submittal
approval, but before installation of any of the cable. Session may be
attended by contractor's staff (maximum of 4 personnel) in addition to
VA personnel. The last two hour session shall be accomplished two weeks
prior to the final inspection and shall be attended by VA staff only.//
- - - E N D - - -

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