DIVISION 26
ELECTRICAL
SECTION 26 05 19
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND CABLES
PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1
RELATED DOCUMENTS
A.
1.2
Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplemental
Conditions and Division 01 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.
SUMMARY
A.
This Section includes the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.3
Building wires and cables rated 600 V and less.
Connectors, splices, and terminations rated 600 V and less.
Sleeves and sleeve seals for cables.
Low-voltage control cabling.
Control-circuit conductors.
DEFINITIONS
A.
SO: Service and oil resistant cable.
B.
SJOOW: Service, oil resistant, weatherproof cable.
C.
Low Voltage: As defined in NFPA 70 for circuits and equipment operating at less than 50 V or
for remote-control and signaling power-limited circuits.
D.
Plenum: A space forming part of the air distribution system to which one or more air ducts are
connected. An air duct is a passageway, other than a plenum, for transporting air to or from
heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning equipment.
1.4
SUBMITTALS
A.
Product Data: For each type of product indicated.
B.
Qualification Data: For testing agency.
C.
Field quality-control test reports.
1.5
QUALITY ASSURANCE
A.
13-173B
Testing Agency Qualifications: An agent with the experience and capability to conduct the
testing indicated, that is a member company of the International Electrical Testing Association
or is a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) as defined by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.7,
and that is acceptable to authorities having jurisdiction.
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SECTION 26 05 19 - ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND CABLES
1.
Testing Agent:
Person currently certified by the International Electrical Testing
Association or the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
B.
Electrical Components, Devices, and Accessories: Listed and labeled as defined in NFPA 70,
Article 100, by a testing agency acceptable to authorities having jurisdiction, and marked for
intended use.
C.
Comply with NFPA 70.
D.
Underwriter’s lab
1.6
COORDINATION
A.
Set sleeves in cast-in-place concrete, masonry walls, and other structural components as they
are constructed.
B.
All wiring shall be installed in conduit or other acceptable raceway, unless otherwise indicated.
Provide and install new conductors for all work as indicted on the plans.
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1
CONDUCTORS AND CABLES
A.
Available Manufacturers: Subject to compliance with requirements, manufacturers offering
products that may be incorporated into the Work include, but are not limited to, the following:
B.
Manufacturers: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide products by one of the
following:
1.
Alpha Wire Company.
2.
General Cable Corporation.
3.
Senator Wire & Cable Company.
4.
Southwire Company.
5.
Belden Inc.
6.
Cerro Wire LLC.
7.
Encore Wire Corporation..
8.
Senator Wire and Cable Company.
9.
West Penn Wire.
10. Tyco Electronics Corp
C.
600V Copper Conductor Insulation: Comply with NEMA WC 70 for Types THW, THHN-THWN,
XHHW. (90 degree C rated wire shall be used at its 75 degree C rating) All circuits shown on
plans are based on the use of type THHN/THWN 90 degree C rated wire and EMT raceway.
The use of other types of raceway or other copper conductor types shall be sized according to
the NEC.
1.
All grounding electrode conductors and all bonding conductors shall be bare or
insulated conductors shall be copper (CU) only-NO EXCEPTIONS.
D.
Use stranded conductors for sizes #12 and greater.
E.
Metal Clad Cable (MC): Metal Clad Cable (MC) shall be 600 Volt rated consisting of copper
circuit and grounding conductors covered with thermoplastic insulation, an overall polypropylene
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13-173B
SECTION 26 05 19 - ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND CABLES
cable assembly tape and an outer galvanized steel or aluminum interlocked armor. The armor
of interlocked Type MC cable is not an equipment grounding means. Type MC cable requires
an insulated green grounding conductor. Type MC cable should be cut with an manufacturer
approved cable rotary cutter. THHN/THWN solid or stranded conductors, 90 Deg C dry rating.
MC cable shall be plenum rated. MC shall meet requirements of UL 83, 1479, 1569, 1581 in
accordance with NEC article 330. Install in interior dry locations only. Install in accordance with
manufacturers recommendations. Do not use Metal Clad Cable (MC) in installations in concrete
slabs, in exterior walls, direct burial in earth, exposed applications or where subject to physical
damage. Comply with NEMA WC 70 for metal-clad cable. Used for 120 volt and 277 volt 3 wire
applications.
F.
2.2
All branch circuits shall consist of a homerun in an approved conduit system per this
specification from the first box or device in the circuit, Metal Clad cable (MC) may be used only
to extend branch circuit concealed into walls to devices.
CONNECTORS AND SPLICES
A.
Available Manufacturers: Subject to compliance with requirements, manufacturers offering
products that may be incorporated into the Work include, but are not limited to, the following:
B.
Manufacturers:
following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
C.
2.3
Subject to compliance with requirements, provide products by one of the
AFC Cable Systems, Inc.
Hubbell Power Systems, Inc.
O-Z/Gedney; EGS Electrical Group LLC.
3M; Electrical Products Division.
Ideal Industries.
Gardner Bender.
ILSCO.
NSi Industries.
Description: Factory-fabricated connectors and splices of size, ampacity rating, material, type,
and class for application and service indicated. Use insulated spring wire or solderless pressure
connectors. For No. 8 AWG wire size and larger, use Burndy Servits, Thomas & Betts LockTite or Utilco connectors. For No. 10 AWG wire size and smaller, use 3M Company ScotchLoks, Ideal Industries Inc., Wingnuts, Thomas & Betts piggy connectors or Buchanan B-Caps.
Insulated wire nuts are not acceptable.
LOW-VOLTAGE CONTROL CABLE
A.
Paired Cable: NFPA 70, Type CMG.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
B.
13-173B
Multi-pair, twisted, No. 18 AWG, stranded (19x30) tinned-copper conductors.
PVC insulation.
Unshielded.
PVC jacket.
Flame Resistance: Comply with UL 1685.
All low voltage control cable run in free air in plenum ceiling spaces shall be plenum
rated.
Plenum-Rated, Paired Cable: NFPA 70, Type CMP.
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SECTION 26 05 19 - ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND CABLES
1.
2.
3.
4.
6.
2.4
Multi-pair, twisted, No. 18 AWG, stranded (19x30) tinned-copper conductors.
PVC insulation.
Unshielded.
PVC jacket.
Flame Resistance: Comply with NFPA 262.
CONTROL-CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS
A.
Class 1 Control Circuits: Stranded copper, Type THHN-2-THWN-2 in raceway, complying with
UL 44.
B.
Class 2 Control Circuits: Stranded copper, Type THHN-2-THWN-2 in raceway, complying with
UL 44.
C.
Class 3 Remote-Control and Signal Circuits: Stranded copper, Type THHN-2-THWN-2 in
raceway, complying with UL 44.
D.
All control circuit conductors run in free air in plenum ceiling spaces shall be plenum rated.
2.5
MISCELLANEOUS
A.
Conductor identification: Identify all conductors with Brady Quick Labels, Panduit Insta-Code
Markers, or T & B EZ Code Markers.
B.
Splicing tape: Electrical insulating tape shall be 8.5 mil thickness minimum, 10 megohm
resistance, and all-weather electrical tape.
C.
Wire pulling compounds: No oils or grease compounds. Wire pulling lubricants shall be used
for pulling-in of all conductors.
D.
Supports: Support conductors in vertical raceways with O-Z Gedney or Russell & Stoll supports
in junction boxes.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1
GENERAL
A.
Use no wire smaller than No. 12 AWG, rated at 600 volts, for power and lighting circuits and no
smaller than No. 14 for control wiring, unless otherwise specified or indicated. Where length of
branch circuit homerun exceeds 100 ft. for 277 volt lighting circuits, and 50 ft. for 120 volt
receptacle or lighting circuits, use No. 10 AWG minimum size for homerun, and No. 12
AWG minimum between devices. If length of homerun exceeds 100 ft., increase
conductor size to prevent voltage drop to last outlet from exceeding 2%. No reduction in
wire sizes based on ampacity or other reason will be permitted.
1.
Examination and preparation:
a.
b.
c.
26 05 19 - 4
Verify that interior of building has been physically protected from weather.
Verify that mechanical work which is likely to injure conductors has been
completed.
Completely and thoroughly swab raceway system before installing conductors.
13-173B
SECTION 26 05 19 - ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND CABLES
B.
Unless otherwise indicated on the plans, all conductors shall be copper only, no
exceptions.
C.
ALL BRANCH CIRCUITS SHALL HAVE INDIVIDUAL NEUTRALS INSTALLED PER PHASE,
I.E. DO NOT USE COMMON NEUTRALS.
D.
Circuit homeruns, as shown on drawings, shall be extended to panel individually. The Electrical
Contractor shall not be permitted to combine circuits more (3) Line to Neutral branch circuits in
a single homerun. All line to line or three phase circuit homeruns shall be extended to the panel
individually. Any other combining of circuits or homeruns is strictly prohibited without written
permission of the Engineer.
E.
Switches Controlling Lighting circuits: Switches controlling line-to-neutral lighting loads shall
have a neutral conductor provided at the switch location.
F.
General Requirements for Cabling:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
3.2
Cables may not be spliced.
Secure and support cables at intervals not exceeding 30 inches (760 mm) and not more
than 6 inches from cabinets, boxes, fittings, outlets, racks, frames, and terminals.
Bundle, lace, and train conductors to terminal points without exceeding manufacturer's
limitations on bending radii.
Do not install bruised, kinked, scored, deformed, or abraded cable. Do not splice cable
between termination, tap, or junction points. Remove and discard cable if damaged
during installation and replace it with new cable.
Cold-Weather Installation: Bring cable to room temperature before dereeling. Do not use
heat lamps for heating.
Support: Do not allow cables to lay on removable ceiling tiles.
Secure: Fasten securely in place with hardware specifically designed and installed so as
to not damage cables.
INSTALLATION OF CONDUCTORS AND CABLES
A.
Comply with NECA 1 and NFPA 70.
B.
Cables in finished walls, ceilings, and floors, unless otherwise indicated.
C.
Complete raceway installation between conductor and cable termination points according to
Division 26 Section "Raceways and Boxes for Electrical Systems" prior to pulling conductors
and cables.
D.
For grounding of all wiring and cabling, comply with requirements in Division 26 Section
"Grounding and Bonding for Electrical Systems."
E.
Place all wires of a circuit in the same raceway or cable.
F.
Use manufacturer-approved pulling compound or lubricant where necessary; compound used
must not deteriorate conductor or insulation. Do not exceed manufacturer's recommended
maximum pulling tensions and sidewall pressure values.
G.
Use pulling means; including fish tape, cable, rope, and basket-weave wire/cable grips, which
will not damage cables or raceway.
13-173B
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SECTION 26 05 19 - ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND CABLES
H.
Install exposed cables parallel and perpendicular to surfaces of exposed structural members,
and follow surface contours where possible.
I.
Support cables according to Division 26 Section "Hangers and Supports for Electrical Systems."
J.
Identify and color-code conductors and cables according to Division 26 Section "Identification
for Electrical Systems."
K.
Color code wire and cable in accordance with NEC and as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
L.
Install wiring continuous from outlet to outlet, without splices, except in outlet boxes, surface
metal raceways or accessible junction boxes. Where wires of more than one circuit enter pull
box, junction box or other enclosure, tag all conductors with Brady Quick Labels showing
voltage, circuit number and panelboard designation.
M.
Train and lace wiring inside equipment and panelboards with plastic wrap for workmanlike
neatness. Make all spare wires in cabinets or panelboards of adequate length for connection to
most remote terminal in enclosure. Terminate spare wires with insulating tape, and tag.
3.3
EMERGENCY CIRCUITS
A.
3.4
All emergency circuits for power, lighting and control power shall be run in separate raceways,
switchboard sections, panelboards, boxes etc. per NEC article 700.
CONTROL-CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS
A.
Minimum Conductor Sizes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
3.5
Class 1 remote-control and signal circuits; No 14 AWG.
Class 2 low-energy, remote-control, and signal circuits; No. 16 AWG.
Class 3 low-energy, remote-control, alarm, and signal circuits; No 12 AWG.
All control circuit conductors run in free air in plenum ceiling spaces shall be plenum
rated.
REMOVAL OF CONDUCTORS AND CABLES
A.
3.6
120/208V, 3-phase systems: Phase A - black, Phase B - red, Phase C - blue, Neutral white and Ground - green.
277/480V, 3 phase systems: Phase A - brown, Phase B - orange, Phase C - yellow,
Neutral - white with yellow stripe, Ground - green with yellow stripe.
Multiconductor control cables to be individually color-coded or numbered in accordance
with IPCEA Standards.
Tag control wires with numbers as shown on control drawings.
Remove abandoned conductors and cables. Abandoned conductors and cables are those
installed that are not terminated at equipment and are not identified for future use with a tag.
CONNECTIONS
26 05 19 - 6
13-173B
SECTION 26 05 19 - ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND CABLES
A.
Tighten electrical connectors and terminals according to manufacturer's published torquetightening values. If manufacturer's torque values are not indicated, use those specified in
UL 486A and UL 486B.
B.
Make splices and taps that are compatible with conductor material and that possess equivalent
or better mechanical strength and insulation ratings than unspliced conductors.
1.
Use oxide inhibitor in all conductor terminations for aluminum conductors.
C.
Wiring at Outlets: Install conductor at each outlet, with at least 12 inches of slack.
D.
Use insulated spring wire or solderless pressure connectors. Soldered joints will not be
permitted. Thoroughly tape all otherwise uninsulated joints with electrical tape. Use lugs or
connectors of sufficient size to enclose all strands of conductors. Insulated wire nuts are not
acceptable. Thoroughly clean wires before installing lugs and connectors so that joint will carry
full capacity of conductors without perceptible temperature rise.
E.
Use proper UL Listed connectors for MC Cable terminations.
3.7
SLEEVE INSTALLATION FOR ELECTRICAL PENETRATIONS
A.
Coordinate sleeve selection and application with selection and application of firestopping
specified in Division 07 Section "Penetration Firestopping."
B.
Concrete Slabs and Walls: Install sleeves for penetrations unless core-drilled holes or formed
openings are used. Install sleeves during erection of slabs and walls.
C.
Use pipe sleeves unless penetration arrangement requires rectangular sleeved opening.
D.
Rectangular Sleeve Minimum Metal Thickness:
1.
2.
For sleeve rectangle perimeter less than 50 inches and no side greater than 16 inches,
thickness shall be 0.052 inch.
For sleeve rectangle perimeter equal to, or greater than, 50 inches and 1 or more sides
equal to, or greater than, 16 inches, thickness shall be 0.138 inch.
E.
Fire-Rated Assemblies: Install sleeves for penetrations of fire-rated floor and wall assemblies
unless openings compatible with firestop system used are fabricated during construction of floor
or wall.
F.
Extend sleeves installed in floors 2 inches above finished floor level.
G.
Size pipe sleeves to provide 1/4-inch annular clear space between sleeve and cable unless
sleeve seal is to be installed.
H.
Seal space outside of sleeves with grout for penetrations of concrete and masonry and with
approved joint compound for gypsum board assemblies.
I.
Interior Penetrations of Non-Fire-Rated Walls and Floors: Seal annular space between sleeve
and cable, using joint sealant appropriate for size, depth, and location of joint according to
Division 07 Section "Joint Sealants."
13-173B
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SECTION 26 05 19 - ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND CABLES
J.
Fire-Rated-Assembly Penetrations: Maintain indicated fire rating of walls, partitions, ceilings,
and floors at cable penetrations. Install sleeves and seal with firestop materials according to
Division 07 Section "Penetration Firestopping."
K.
Aboveground Exterior-Wall Penetrations: Seal penetrations using sleeves and mechanical
sleeve seals. Size sleeves to allow for 1-inch annular clear space between pipe and sleeve for
installing mechanical sleeve seals.
L.
Underground Exterior-Wall Penetrations: Install cast-iron "wall pipes" for sleeves. Size sleeves
to allow for 1-inch annular clear space between cable and sleeve for installing mechanical
sleeve seals.
3.8
SLEEVE-SEAL INSTALLATION
A.
Install to seal underground exterior-wall penetrations.
B.
Use type and number of sealing elements recommended by manufacturer for cable material
and size. Position cable in center of sleeve. Assemble mechanical sleeve seals and install in
annular space between cable and sleeve. Tighten bolts against pressure plates that cause
sealing elements to expand and make watertight seal.
3.9
FIRESTOPPING
A.
3.10
Apply fire stopping to electrical penetrations of fire-rated floor and wall assemblies to restore
original fire-resistance rating of assembly according to Division 07 Section "Penetration
Firestopping."
IDENTIFICATION
A.
Identify and color-code conductors and cables according to Division 26 Section "Identification
for Electrical Systems."
B.
Identify each spare conductor at each end with identity number and location of other end of
conductor, and identify as spare conductor.
3.11
FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
A.
Testing Agency: Engage a qualified testing agency to perform tests and inspections and
prepare test reports.
B.
Perform tests and inspections and prepare test reports.
C.
Tests and Inspections:
1.
2.
3.
26 05 19 - 8
After installing conductors and cables and before electrical circuitry has been energized,
test service entrance and feeder conductors, and conductors feeding the following critical
equipment and services for compliance with requirements.
Perform each visual and mechanical inspection and electrical test stated in NETA
Acceptance Testing Specification. Certify compliance with test parameters.
Cable Tests: Make megger tests on cables between each conductor and ground with
other conductors in a cable or conduit tied to ground. Perform operational tests only on
13-173B
SECTION 26 05 19 - ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND CABLES
all 120 volt circuits. Perform continuity tests on all power and control circuits. Check all
control and interlocking wiring for proper operation. Perform operational tests with Owner
to assure that control wiring has been properly installed. Test cables for (208) & (480)
volt service with a (500) (1000) volt megger respectively between phases, and between
each phase and ground, with test maintained until readings are steady for three (3)
minutes. Test (480) volt transformer primaries in the same manner with a minimum
megger reading of (45) megohms. (Similarly, test cables and transformer secondaries for
lower voltages, utilizing a 500 volt megger with megger readings of 30 megohms.)
D.
Cables will be considered defective if they do not pass tests and inspections.
END OF SECTION 26 05 19
13-173B
26 05 19 - 9