Saudi Electricity Company

Distribution Services Sector

SPECIFICATIONS FOR LOW VOLTAGE Issue Date: 01/2021 Page: 1 of 13

POWER AND CONTROL CABLES 11-SDMS-01 REV.03

11-SDMS-01
Rev.03

SPECIFICATIONS FOR LOW VOLTAGE POWER AND

CONTROL CABLES

This document contains proprietary information developed by and for exclusive use of Saudi
Electricity Company (SEC) Distribution Network. Your acceptance of the document is an
acknowledgment that it must be used for the identified purpose/application and during the
period indicated. It cannot be used or copied for any other purposes nor released to others
without prior written authorization of SEC Distribution Sector. SEC shall assume no
responsibility for any type of misuse and/or misapplication, and any arm resulting there from.
SEC also reserves the right take any necessary actions to protect its interest against
unauthorized use.
Saudi Electricity Company
Distribution Services Sector

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POWER AND CONTROL CABLES 11-SDMS-01 REV.03

11-SDMS-01
Rev.03

SPECIFICATIONS FOR LOW VOLTAGE

POWER AND CONTROL CABLES
Saudi Electricity Company
Distribution Services Sector

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POWER AND CONTROL CABLES 11-SDMS-01 REV.03

Revision History
# Date Revision Revised By Major Revision Description
No.
1 01/2020 03 Add 1x800mm2 AL power cable
2 01/2020 03 Change warranty duration to 5 years
3
4
5
6
7
8

9
10
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Distribution Services Sector

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POWER AND CONTROL CABLES 11-SDMS-01 REV.03

Table of Contents
1. Scope ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2. Cross references ........................................................................................................................ 5
3. Applicable codes and standards ................................................................................................ 5
4. Design and construction requirements ..................................................................................... 5
5. Tests .......................................................................................................................................... 8
6. Packing and shipping ................................................................................................................ 9
7. guarantee ................................................................................................................................. 10
8. Submittals ............................................................................................................................... 10
9. Technical data schedule .......................................................................................................... 11

List of Tables:
Table 1: List of applicable standards ……...…………………. 5
Table 2: Cable type overview…………….………………..…. 6
Table 3: Low voltage power and control cables – Design and Construction Requirements
(SEC Ref: 4.0)………………………………………. 11
Table 4: Low voltage power and control cables – Packing and Shipping (SEC Ref:
6.0)………………………………………………..….12
Table 5: Low voltage power and control cables – Submittals (SEC Ref:
8.0)……...……………………………………….. 12
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Distribution Services Sector

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POWER AND CONTROL CABLES 11-SDMS-01 REV.03

1. Scope
This SEC Distribution Materials Specification specifies the minimum technical requirement
for design, engineering, manufacturing, inspection, testing and performance of XLPE
insulated, unarmored, four core Aluminum or single core Copper power cables, PVC
insulated multi core control cables rated up to 750V, suitable for direct burial or installation
in ducts or in air within cable guard on poles intended to be used in the low voltage system of
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), Saudi Arabia.

2. CROSS REFERENCES
This Specification shall always be read in conjunction with SEC General Specification No.
01-SDMS-01 latest revision titled “General Requirements for all Equipment/Materials”,
which shall be considered as an integral part of this SDMS.
This SDMS shall also be read in conjunction with SEC Purchase Order or Contract Schedules
and the Scope of Work and Technical Specifications for project, as applicable.

3. APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS

The latest revision of the following Codes and Standards shall be applicable for the
equipment/material covered in this SDMS. In case of conflict, the vendor/manufacturer may
propose equipment/material conforming to one group of Codes and Standards quoted
hereunder without jeopardizing the requirements of this SDMS.

Standard # Title
IEC 60228 Conductors of Insulated Cables
IEC 60502-1 Cables for Rated Voltages of 1kV (Um=1.2KV) and 3KV (Um=3.6KV)
Polyvinyl Chloride Insulated Cables Of Rated Voltages Up To And Including
IEC 60227
450/750V
Table 1: List of applicable standards
4. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
4.1. GENERAL
4.1.1 Cables shall meet or exceed the requirements of this Specification in all respects.
4.1.2 Manufacturer's drawings, as required by 01-SDMS-01 latest revision, shall show the
outline of the cables, together with all pertinent dimensions. Any variations in these
dimensions due to manufacturing tolerances shall be indicated.
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Distribution Services Sector

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POWER AND CONTROL CABLES 11-SDMS-01 REV.03

4.2. DESIGN CRITERIA

4.2.1 Unless otherwise specified, the cable shall be manufactured and tested in accordance
with the referred standards.
4.2.2 Cables shall be designed for ambient temperature conditions specified in 01-SDMS-
01 latest revision.
4.2.3 The cable shall be designed for a maximum permissible continuous temperature of
90°C, emergency loading temperature of 105°C and maximum conductor short
circuit withstand temperature of 250°C.
4.2.4 The ratings and dimensions shall be as indicated in Data Schedule.

4.3. MATERIALS
4.3.1. CONDUCTOR
4.3.1.1 The conductor shall be uncoated annealed copper or aluminum class 2 as per
IEC 60228 and shall be compacted and stranded.
4.3.1.2 Copper power and control cable shall be soft drawn multi-strands with
4.3.1.3 minimum number of strands as specified in the relevant IEC. The conductor
size, shape and material shall be as specified in Data Schedule and shall be as
shown in Table 2 below:

Conductor size
Material Design Insulation Shape
(mm2)
2.5 Copper Control 2 core PVC Round
2.5 Copper Control 12 core PVC Round
70, 185, 300 Aluminum Power 4 core XLPE Sector
35, 120, 185, 630 Copper Power 1 core XLPE Round
800 Aluminum Power 1 core XLPE Round
Table 2: Cable type overview

4.3.2. INSULATION
4.3.2.1 Power cables insulation shall be extruded solid dielectric cross-linked
polyethylene (XLPE), Control cables insulation shall be polyvinyl chloride
(PVC). Insulation shall comply with the appropriate requirements specified in
IEC 60502-1.
4.3.2.2 The nominal insulation thickness shall be as per values specified in IEC
60502-1, with respect to voltage rating and cable cross-section.
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POWER AND CONTROL CABLES 11-SDMS-01 REV.03

4.3.2.3 The nominal minimum insulation thickness of control cables shall be

according to relevant standard.
4.3.2.4 The average insulation thickness shall not be less than the specified
nominal value.
4.3.2.5 The minimum thickness of the insulation at any point shall not fall below the
nominal value by more than 0.1 mm + 10% of the specified nominal value.
4.3.3. INNER COVERING AND FILLERS REQUIREMENTS
4.3.3.1 The inner covering is not required as power cables are unarmored, however,
the outer shape of the cable shall remain practically circular and no adhesion
occurs between cores and sheath.
4.3.3.2 Multi-core, sector shape cables shall have non hygroscopic film fillers in
order to form a compact circular outer shape.
4.3.3.3 Inner covering in control cables shall be according to relevant standard.
4.3.3.4 Filler material shall be compatible with the insulation and suitable for the
operating temperature of the cable.
4.3.4. OUTER SHEATH
4.3.4.1 The outer sheath material shall be black PVC, type ST2 as per IEC 60502-1.
4.3.4.2 The nominal thickness of the outer sheath shall be as per IEC 60502-1.
4.3.4.3 Minimum thickness at any point shall not be less than value specified as
per IEC 60502-1 of the nominal value.
4.34.4 Thickness in control cables shall be according to relevant standard.

4.4. CORE IDENTIFICATION

4.4.1 The XLPE insulation of the Four-core cable shall be colored, Red, Yellow,
Blue and Black.
4.4.2 Single core Copper cable shall be with Black XLPE insulation.
4.4.3 Single core (800mm2) Aluminum cable shall be with Dark green XLPE
insulation.
4.4.4 The core insulation of control cables shall be black PVC marked with indelible
clear white print numerals.

4.5. FABRICATION
All cables shall be free of material and manufacturing defects, which would prevent it from
meeting the requirements of this Specification.
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Distribution Services Sector

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POWER AND CONTROL CABLES 11-SDMS-01 REV.03

4.6. MARKING
4.6.1 The jacket for all cables shall be marked by embossing at intervals not
exceeding one meter with the following minimum information:
a. The manufacturer's name (in English, Arabic or trademark)
b. Voltage designation (in English)
c. Type of insulation, XLPE (in English)
d. Conductor size and material (in English and Arabic)
e. Year of manufacture (in English and Arabic)
f. Cumulative length at every one meter with the highest length mark on
the outer end of the cable.
4.6.2 All cables shall be marked with “Property of Saudi Electricity Company” in
both Arabic and English.
4.6.3 All marking/numbering shall be indelible, marking by matrix print shall not be
acceptable.

5. TESTS
5.1. GENERAL
5.1.1 All cables shall be tested in accordance with the latest standards and as
specified herein. Supplier shall provide all test results for review and
acceptance by SEC.
5.1.2 The full range of Routine, Sample and Type tests specified in IEC 60502-1,
clause 14, 15, 16 and 17 shall be carried out as applicable.
5.1.3 Routine and/or special tests shall be carried out in the supplier’s factory. Type
test report/certificate from SEC approved independent testing laboratory shall
be submitted to SEC.
5.2. ROUTINE TESTS
The following routine tests shall be carried out on all finished cables:
5.2.1. ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF CONDUCTORS
resistance values shall be in accordance with IEC 60228.
5.2.2. AC VOLTAGE TEST
Cable shall be tested for 5 minutes at the following voltages:
a. Phase to ground = 3.5kV for single core cable
b. Phase to Phase = 6kV for multi core cable
5.2.3. SAMPLE TESTS
Conductor Examination shall be in accordance with IEC 60228.
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Distribution Services Sector

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POWER AND CONTROL CABLES 11-SDMS-01 REV.03

Dimensional Check shall be in accordance with IEC 60502-1, clauses listed

below:
a. For insulation, clause 4.2 and table 3
b. For outer sheath, clause 12.3
Hot Set Test for XLPE insulation, as per IEC 60502, clause 15.10.
5.3. TYPE TESTS
Complete test (electrical and non-electrical) shall be carried out as per the relevant IEC
standards.

6. PACKING AND SHIPPING

In addition to the applicable items per 01-SDMS-01, packing and shipping of the cable
shall conform to the following:
a. The cable ends shall be sealed with a waterproof, heat shrinkable plastic
or elastomeric end cap with adhesive type sealing compound. Cable ends
shall be properly secured to the reel.
b. The cable shall be delivered without splices, on standard sized returnable
wooden reel of sturdy construction properly packed and lagged externally
to prevent possible damage to the cable during transportation. Wood
lagging or better material shall also be secured with steel straps to provide
physical protection for the cables during transit and during customary
storage and handling operations.
c. The minimum diameter of the drum of the shipping reel shall not be less
than the minimum bending diameter of the cable.
d. Cables shall be supplied in lengths of 500 meters. The allowable tolerance
on the specified length shall be ± 5%.

6.1. REEL MARKINGS

6.1.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Cable reels/drums shall be marked in legible and indelible letters on
aluminum plate 30x20 cm plate, giving the following particulars:
a. Cable voltage and conductor material and size
b. Type of cable
c. Length and weight of cable on reel
d. Gross weight
e. Dimensions of reel
f. Manufacturer's name and country of origin
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Distribution Services Sector

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POWER AND CONTROL CABLES 11-SDMS-01 REV.03

g. SEC address and purchase order number

h. Serial number of reel
i. SEC stock number in bold numerals
j. Direction of rolling of reel
k. 11-SDMS-01

6.1.2 All markings shall appear on both sides of the reel.

6.1.3 Cable reel identification shall include any additional information as required by
SEC shipping instructions.

7. GUARANTEE
The Supplier shall guarantee the cables against all defects arising out of faulty design or
workmanship, or of defective material for a period of five (5) years from the date of
delivery.

8. SUBMITTALS
Submittals required with the tender:
a. The supplier shall complete and return one copy of the attached Data
Schedule for every type of cable offered
b. Guaranteed Ex-works delivery date
c. Type test certificates
d. Dimensional cross-sectional drawings of each cable and cable drum along
with technical data and catalogues shall be submitted by the supplier to
facilitate evaluation of the offer
Submittals required following the award of contract:
a. Details of manufacturing and test programs
b. Factory test reports
All of the above required shall be in hard and soft copy.
Saudi Electricity Company
Distribution Services Sector

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POWER AND CONTROL CABLES 11-SDMS-01 REV.03

9. TECHNICAL DATA SCHEDULE

SEC Inquiry No: _____________________ Item No:_________________
Vendor
SEC Specified
No Description proposed
Values
values**
1 Reference manufacturing standard IEC 60502/IEC 60227-7
2 Max. permissible continuous conductor temperature 90°C
3 Max. permissible continuous temp. of outer sheath (°C) *
4 Rated voltage (control/power) 750/1000 V
5 No. of cores As per Table 2
6 Conductor material CU or AL
7 Shape of conductor Sector/round
8 Conductor cross-section (mm2) *
9 Approximate diameter of conductor (mm) *
10 No. of strands of conductor As per IEC
11 Insulation material PVC/XLPE
12 Nominal thickness As per IEC
13 Diameter over insulation *
14 Core identification (red, yellow, blue, black) YES
15 Filler material *
16 Outer sheath material PVC type ST2
17 Thickness of outer sheath As per IEC
18 Color of outer sheath Black/Dark green
19 Marking embossed as specification Yes
20 Overall diameter of the cable *
21 Net weight per km (kg/km) *
22 Conductor DC resistance at 20°C (ohms/km) *
23 Conductor AC resistance at operating temp. (ohms/km) *
24 Inductance (Mh/km) *
25 Inductive reactance (ohms/km) *
Conductor impedance at maximum continuous operating
26 *
temperature (ohms/km)
27 Capacitance *
Short Circuit Rating of Cable Based on maximum Conductor
28 *
Operating Temp. 1 sec. (kA)
Table 3: Low voltage power and control cables – Design and Construction Requirements (SEC Ref: 4.0)
Saudi Electricity Company
Distribution Services Sector

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POWER AND CONTROL CABLES 11-SDMS-01 REV.03

SEC Inquiry No: _____________________ Item No:_________________

SEC Specified Vendor proposed

No Description
Values values**
1 Drum type Returnable

2 Length of cable (m) 500 meters

3 Dimensions (m) *

4 Gros weight (kg) *

5 Net weight (kg) *

6 Marking as per the Specification Yes

Table 4: Low voltage power and control cables – Packing and Shipping (SEC Ref: 6.0)

SEC Inquiry No: _____________________ Item No:_________________

SEC Specified Vendor proposed

No Description
Values values**
1 All submittals as per the Specification Yes
Table 5: Low voltage power and control cables – Submittals (SEC Ref: 8.0)

(*) – Values to be provided/proposed by the Vendor

(**) – Please provide explanation for deviations, if any
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Distribution Services Sector

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POWER AND CONTROL CABLES 11-SDMS-01 REV.03

Low voltage power and control cables

SEC Inquiry No: ____________________ Item No: __________________

g. Additional Technical Information or Features Specified by SEC

h. Additional Supplementary Data or Features Proposed by

Bidder/Vendor/Supplier.

i. Other Particulars to be filled-up by the Bidder/Vendor/Supplier.

j. List of Deviations and Clauses to which exception is taken by the

Bidder/Vendor/Supplier. (Use separate sheet, if necessary).

Manufacturer of
Description Vendor/Supplier
Material/Equipment

Name of Company

Location and Office Address

Name and Signature of Authorized

Representative with Date

Official Seal / Stamp