260519-RIB-Low-Voltage Electrical Power Conductors and Cables-12-24-2025.pdf

25-388 CBI HVAC and Lighting Upgrade 260519 - 1 Low-Voltage Electrical Power

Conductors and Cables

SECTION 260519

LOW-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL POWER CONDUCTORS AND CABLES

PART 1 GENERAL

1.01 SECTION INCLUDES

A. Single conductor building wire.

B. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable.

C. Underground feeder and branch-circuit cable.

D. Service entrance cable.

E. Armored cable.

F. Metal-clad cable.

G. Power and control tray cable.

H. Manufactured wiring systems.

I. Wiring connectors.

J. Electrical tape.

K. Heat shrink tubing.

L. Oxide inhibiting compound.

M. Wire pulling lubricant.

N. Cable ties.

O. Firestop sleeves.

1.02 RELATED REQUIREMENTS

A. Section 078400 - Firestopping.

B. Section 260505 - Selective Demolition for Electrical: Disconnection, removal, and/or extension of existing electrical conductors and cables.

C. Section 260519.13 - Undercarpet Electrical Power Cables: Flat conductor cable and fittings for undercarpet power distribution.

D. Section 260526 - Grounding and Bonding for Electrical Systems: Additional requirements for grounding conductors and grounding connectors.

E. Section 260536 - Cable Trays for Electrical Systems: Additional installation requirements for cables installed in cable tray systems.

F. Section 260553 - Identification for Electrical Systems: Identification products and requirements.

G. Section 262100 - Low-Voltage Electrical Service Entrance: Additional requirements for electrical service conductors.

H. Section 263100 - Photovoltaic Collectors: Additional wiring requirements for photovoltaic systems.

I. Section 284600 - Fire Detection and Alarm: Fire alarm system conductors and cables.

J. Section 312316.13 - Trenching: Excavating, bedding, and backfilling.

1.03 REFERENCE STANDARDS

A. ASTM B3 - Standard Specification for Soft or Annealed Copper Wire; 2013 (Reapproved 2024).

B. ASTM B8 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft; 2023.

C. ASTM B33 - Standard Specification for Tin-Coated Soft or Annealed Copper Wire for Electrical

Purposes; 2010, with Editorial Revision (2020).

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D. ASTM B787/B787M - Standard Specification for 19 Wire Combination Unilay-Stranded Copper Conductors for Subsequent Insulation; 2004 (Reapproved 2020).

E. ASTM B800 - Standard Specification for 8000 Series Aluminum Alloy Wire for Electrical Purposes - Annealed and Intermediate Tempers; 2005 (Reapproved 2021).

F. ASTM B801 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Conductors of 8000 Series Aluminum Alloy for Subsequent Covering or Insulation; 2018 (Reapproved 2023).

G. ASTM D3005 - Standard Specification for Low-Temperature Resistant Vinyl Chloride Plastic Pressure-Sensitive Electrical Insulating Tape; 2024.

H. ASTM D4388 - Standard Specification for Nonmetallic Semi-Conducting and Electrically Insulating Rubber Tapes; 2020.

I. NECA 1 - Standard for Good Workmanship in Electrical Construction; 2023.

J. NECA 104 - Standard for Installing Aluminum Building Wire and Cable; 2012.

K. NECA 120 - Standard for Installing Armored Cable (AC) and Type Metal-Clad (MC) Cable;

2018.

L. NECA 121 - Standard for Installing Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable (Type NM-B) and

Underground Feeder and Branch-Circuit Cable (Type UF); 2024.

M. NEMA WC 70 - Power Cables Rated 2000 Volts or Less for the Distribution of Electrical

Energy; 2021.

N. NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code; Most Recent Edition Adopted by Authority Having

Jurisdiction, Including All Applicable Amendments and Supplements.

O. UL 4 - Armored Cable; Current Edition, Including All Revisions.

P. UL 44 - Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables; Current Edition, Including All Revisions.

Q. UL 83 - Thermoplastic-Insulated Wires and Cables; Current Edition, Including All Revisions.

R. UL 183 - Manufactured Wiring Systems; Current Edition, Including All Revisions.

S. UL 267 - Outline of Investigation for Wire-Pulling Compounds; Current Edition, Including All

Revisions.

T. UL 486A-486B - Wire Connectors; Current Edition, Including All Revisions.

U. UL 486C - Splicing Wire Connectors; Current Edition, Including All Revisions.

V. UL 486D - Sealed Wire Connector Systems; Current Edition, Including All Revisions.

W. UL 493 - Thermoplastic-Insulated Underground Feeder and Branch-Circuit Cables; Current

Edition, Including All Revisions.

X. UL 510 - Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyethylene, and Rubber Insulating Tape; Current Edition, Including All Revisions.

Y. UL 719 - Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cables; Current Edition, Including All Revisions.

Z. UL 854 - Service-Entrance Cables; Current Edition, Including All Revisions.

AA. UL 1277 - Electrical Power and Control Tray Cables with Optional Optical-Fiber Members;

Current Edition, Including All Revisions.

BB. UL 1569 - Metal-Clad Cables; Current Edition, Including All Revisions.

1.04 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

A. Receive, inspect, handle, and store conductors and cables in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

PART 2 PRODUCTS

2.01 CONDUCTOR AND CABLE APPLICATIONS

A. Do not use conductors and cables for applications other than as permitted by NFPA 70 and product listing.

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B. Provide single conductor building wire installed in suitable raceway unless otherwise indicated, permitted, or required.

C. Manufactured wiring systems are permitted only as follows:

1. Where not otherwise restricted, may be used:

a. For branch circuits where concealed under raised floors, where concealed above accessible ceilings for lighting, and in open ceiling areas for lighting.

1) Exception: Provide single conductor building wire in raceway for circuit homerun from distribution box to panelboard.

2.02 CONDUCTOR AND CABLE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Provide products that comply with requirements of NFPA 70.

B. Provide products listed, classified, and labeled as suitable for the purpose intended.

C. Unless specifically indicated to be excluded, provide all required conduit, boxes, wiring, connectors, etc. as required for a complete operating system.

D. Comply with NEMA WC 70.

E. Thermoplastic-Insulated Conductors and Cables: Listed and labeled as complying with UL 83.

F. Thermoset-Insulated Conductors and Cables: Listed and labeled as complying with UL 44.

G. Conductor Material:

1. Provide copper conductors except where aluminum conductors are specifically indicated.

Substitution of aluminum conductors for copper is not permitted. Conductor sizes indicated are based on copper unless specifically indicated as aluminum. Conductors designated with the abbreviation "AL" indicate aluminum.

2. Copper Conductors: Soft drawn annealed, 98 percent conductivity, uncoated copper conductors complying with ASTM B3, ASTM B8, or ASTM B787/B787M unless otherwise indicated.

3. Tinned Copper Conductors: Comply with ASTM B33.

4. Aluminum Conductors (only where specifically indicated or permitted for substitution): AA-

8000 series aluminum alloy conductors recognized by ASTM B800 and compact stranded in accordance with ASTM B801 unless otherwise indicated.

H. Minimum Conductor Size: 12 AWG.

I. Where conductor size is not indicated, size to comply with NFPA 70 but not less than applicable minimum size requirements specified.

J. Conductor Color Coding:

1. Color code conductors as indicated unless otherwise required by the authority having jurisdiction. Maintain consistent color coding throughout project.

2. Color Coding Method: Integrally colored insulation.

3. Color Code:

a. 480Y/277 V, 3 Phase, 4 Wire System:

1) Phase A: Brown.

2) Phase B: Orange.

3) Phase C: Yellow.

4) Neutral/Grounded: Gray.

b. 208Y/120 V, 3 Phase, 4 Wire System:

1) Phase A: Black.

2) Phase B: Red.

3) Phase C: Blue.

4) Neutral/Grounded: White.

c. 240/120 V High-Leg Delta, 3 Phase, 4 Wire System:

1) Phase A: Black.

2) Phase B (High-Leg): Orange.

3) Phase C: Blue.

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4) Neutral/Grounded: White.

d. Equipment Ground, All Systems: Green.

e. For modifications or additions to existing wiring systems, comply with existing color code when existing code complies with NFPA 70 and is approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

2.03 SINGLE CONDUCTOR BUILDING WIRE

A. Manufacturers:

1. Copper Building Wire:

a. Cerro Wire LLC: www.cerrowire.com/#sle.

b. Encore Wire Corporation: www.encorewire.com/#sle.

c. General Cable Technologies Corporation: www.generalcable.com/#sle.

d. Southwire Company: www.southwire.com/#sle.

2. Aluminum Building Wire (only where specifically indicated or permitted for substitution):

a. Encore Wire Corporation: www.encorewire.com/#sle.

b. Southwire Company: www.southwire.com/#sle.

c. Stabiloy, a brand of General Cable Technologies Corporation:

www.stabiloy.com/#sle.

B. Description: Single conductor insulated wire.

C. Conductor Stranding:

1. Feeders and Branch Circuits:

a. Size 10 AWG and Smaller: Solid.

b. Size 8 AWG and Larger: Stranded.

D. Insulation Voltage Rating: 600 V.

E. Insulation:

1. Copper Building Wire: Type THHN/THWN or THHN/THWN-2, except as indicated below.

a. Size 4 AWG and Larger: Type XHHW-2.

b. Installed Underground: Type XHHW-2.

2.04 NONMETALLIC-SHEATHED CABLE

A. Manufacturers:

1. Cerro Wire LLC: www.cerrowire.com/#sle.

2. Encore Wire Corporation: www.encorewire.com/#sle.

3. Southwire Company: www.southwire.com/#sle.

B. Description: NFPA 70, Type NM multiple-conductor cable listed and labeled as complying with UL 719, Type NM-B.

C. Conductor Stranding:

1. Size 10 AWG and Smaller: Solid.

2. Size 8 AWG and Larger: Stranded.

D. Insulation Voltage Rating: 600 V.

2.05 UNDERGROUND FEEDER AND BRANCH-CIRCUIT CABLE

A. Manufacturers:

1. Cerro Wire LLC: www.cerrowire.com/#sle.

2. Encore Wire Corporation: www.encorewire.com/#sle.

3. Southwire Company: www.southwire.com/#sle.

B. Description: NFPA 70, Type UF multiple-conductor cable listed and labeled as complying with UL 493, Type UF-B.

C. Provide equipment grounding conductor unless otherwise indicated.

D. Conductor Stranding:

1. Size 10 AWG and Smaller: Solid.

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2. Size 8 AWG and Larger: Stranded.

E. Insulation Voltage Rating: 600 V.

F. Cable Jacket: Listed and labeled as sunlight resistant.

2.06 SERVICE ENTRANCE CABLE

A. Manufacturers:

1. Copper Service Entrance Cable:

a. Cerro Wire LLC: www.cerrowire.com/#sle.

b. Encore Wire Corporation: www.encorewire.com/#sle.

c. Southwire Company: www.southwire.com/#sle.

2. Aluminum Service Entrance Cable:

a. Encore Wire Corporation: www.encorewire.com/#sle.

b. General Cable Technologies Corporation: www.generalcable.com/#sle.

c. Southwire Company: www.southwire.com/#sle.

d. Stabiloy, a brand of General Cable Technologies Corporation:

www.stabiloy.com/#sle.

B. Service Entrance Cable for Underground Use: NFPA 70, Type USE single-conductor cable listed and labeled as complying with UL 854, Type USE-2, and with UL 44 Type RHH/RHW-2.

C. Conductor Stranding: Stranded.

D. Insulation Voltage Rating: 600 V.

2.07 ARMORED CABLE

A. Manufacturers:

1. AFC Cable Systems Inc: www.afcweb.com/#sle.

2. Encore Wire Corporation: www.encorewire.com/#sle.

3. Southwire Company: www.southwire.com/#sle.

B. Description: NFPA 70, Type AC cable listed and labeled as complying with UL 4, and listed for use in classified firestop systems to be used.

C. Conductor Stranding:

1. Size 10 AWG and Smaller: Solid.

2. Size 8 AWG and Larger: Stranded.

D. Insulation Voltage Rating: 600 V.

E. Insulation: Type THHN.

F. Grounding: Combination of interlocking armor and integral bare bonding wire.

1. Provide additional full-size integral insulated equipment grounding conductor for redundant grounding, suitable for general purpose, non-essential electrical systems in non-hazardous patient care areas of health care facilities.

G. Armor: Steel, interlocked tape.

2.08 METAL-CLAD CABLE

A. Manufacturers:

B. Description: NFPA 70, Type MC cable listed and labeled as complying with UL 1569, and listed for use in classified firestop systems to be used.

C. Conductor Stranding:

1. Size 10 AWG and Smaller: Solid.

2. Size 8 AWG and Larger: Stranded.

D. Insulation Voltage Rating: 600 V.

E. Insulation: Type THHN, THHN/THWN, or THHN/THWN-2.

F. Grounding: Full-size integral equipment grounding conductor.

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G. Armor: Steel, interlocked tape.

2.09 POWER AND CONTROL TRAY CABLE

A. Manufacturers:

1. Encore Wire Corporation: www.encorewire.com/#sle.

2. General Cable Technologies Corporation: www.generalcable.com/#sle.

3. Okonite: www.okonite.com/#sle.

4. Southwire Company: www.southwire.com/#sle.

B. Description: NFPA 70, Type TC cable listed and labeled as complying with UL 1277.

C. Conductor Stranding: Stranded.

D. Insulation Voltage Rating: 600 V.

E. Insulation: Type XHHW or XHHW-2.

F. Jacket: PVC or Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE).

2.10 MANUFACTURED WIRING SYSTEMS

A. Manufacturers:

1. AFC Cable Systems Inc: www.afcweb.com/#sle.

2. D&P Custom Lights & Wiring Systems, Inc: www.dandpcustomlights.com/#sle.

3. RELOC Wiring Solutions, a brand of Acuity Brands, Inc: www.relocwiring.com/#sle.

4. Wiremold, a brand of Legrand North America, Inc: www.legrand.us/#sle.

B. Description: Manufactured wiring assemblies complying with NFPA 70 Article 604, and listed and labeled as complying with UL 183.

C. Provide components necessary to transition between manufactured wiring system and other wiring methods.

D. Branch Circuit Cables:

1. Conductor Stranding (Size 10 AWG and Smaller): Solid.

2. Insulation Voltage Rating: 600 V.

3. Insulation: Type THHN.

4. Grounding: Full-size integral equipment grounding conductor.

5. Armor: Steel, interlocked tape.

E. Connectors: Keyed and color-coded to prevent interconnection of different voltages.

F. Fixture Leads: Type TFN insulation.

2.11 WIRING CONNECTORS

A. Description: Wiring connectors appropriate for the application, suitable for use with the conductors to be connected, and listed as complying with UL 486A-486B or UL 486C as applicable.

B. Connectors for Grounding and Bonding: Comply with Section 260526.

C. Wiring Connectors for Splices and Taps:

1. Copper Conductors Size 8 AWG and Smaller: Use twist-on insulated spring connectors.

2. Copper Conductors Size 6 AWG and Larger: Use mechanical connectors or compression connectors.

D. Wiring Connectors for Terminations:

1. Provide terminal lugs for connecting conductors to equipment furnished with terminations designed for terminal lugs.

2. Provide compression adapters for connecting conductors to equipment furnished with mechanical lugs when only compression connectors are specified.

3. Where over-sized conductors are larger than the equipment terminations can accommodate, provide connectors suitable for reducing to appropriate size, but not less than required for the rating of the overcurrent protective device.

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4. Copper Conductors Size 8 AWG and Larger: Use mechanical connectors or compression connectors where connectors are required.

5. Aluminum Conductors: Use compression connectors for all connections.

E. Do not use insulation-piercing or insulation-displacement connectors designed for use with conductors without stripping insulation.

F. Twist-on Insulated Spring Connectors: Rated 600 V, 221 degrees F for standard applications and 302 degrees F for high temperature applications; pre-filled with sealant and listed as complying with UL 486D for damp and wet locations.

G. Mechanical Connectors: Provide bolted type or set-screw type.

1. Manufacturers:

a. Burndy LLC: www.burndy.com/#sle.

b. Ilsco: www.ilsco.com/#sle.

c. Thomas & Betts Corporation: www.tnb.com/#sle.

H. Compression Connectors: Provide circumferential type or hex type crimp configuration.

1. Manufacturers:

a. Burndy LLC: www.burndy.com/#sle.

b. Ilsco: www.ilsco.com/#sle.

c. Thomas & Betts Corporation: www.tnb.com/#sle.

I. Crimped Terminals: Nylon-insulated, with insulation grip and terminal configuration suitable for connection to be made.

1. Manufacturers:

a. Burndy LLC: www.burndy.com/#sle.

b. Ilsco: www.ilsco.com/#sle.

c. Thomas & Betts Corporation: www.tnb.com/#sle.

2.12 ACCESSORIES

A. Electrical Tape:

1. Manufacturers:

a. 3M: www.3m.com/#sle.

b. Plymouth Rubber Europa: www.plymouthrubber.com/#sle.

2. Vinyl Color Coding Electrical Tape: Integrally colored to match color code indicated; listed as complying with UL 510; minimum thickness of 7 mil; resistant to abrasion, corrosion, and sunlight; suitable for continuous temperature environment up to 221 degrees F.

3. Vinyl Insulating Electrical Tape: Complying with ASTM D3005 and listed as complying with UL 510; minimum thickness of 7 mil; resistant to abrasion, corrosion, and sunlight;

conformable for application down to 0 degrees F and suitable for continuous temperature environment up to 221 degrees F.

4. Rubber Splicing Electrical Tape: Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) tape, complying with ASTM D4388; minimum thickness of 30 mil; suitable for continuous temperature environment up to 194 degrees F and short-term 266 degrees F overload service.

B. Heat Shrink Tubing: Heavy-wall, split-resistant, with factory-applied adhesive; rated 600 V;

suitable for direct burial applications; listed as complying with UL 486D.

1. Manufacturers:

a. 3M: www.3m.com/#sle.

b. Burndy LLC: www.burndy.com/#sle.

c. Thomas & Betts Corporation: www.tnb.com/#sle.

C. Oxide Inhibiting Compound: Listed; suitable for use with the conductors or cables to be installed.

1. Manufacturers:

a. Burndy LLC: www.burndy.com/#sle.

b. Ideal Industries, Inc: www.idealindustries.com/#sle.

c. Ilsco: www.ilsco.com/#sle.

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D. Wire Pulling Lubricant:

1. Listed and labeled as complying with UL 267.

2. Suitable for use with conductors/cables and associated insulation/jackets to be installed.

3. Suitable for use at installation temperature.

E. Cable Ties: Material and tensile strength rating suitable for application.

F. Sealing Systems for Roof Penetrations: Premanufactured components and accessories as required to preserve integrity of roofing system and maintain roof warranty; suitable for cables and roofing system to be installed; designed to accommodate existing penetrations where applicable.

G. Firestop Sleeves: Listed; provide as required to preserve fire resistance rating of building elements.

PART 3 EXECUTION

3.01 EXAMINATION

A. Verify that interior of building has been protected from weather.

B. Verify that work likely to damage wire and cable has been completed.

C. Verify that raceways, boxes, and equipment enclosures are installed and are properly sized to accommodate conductors and cables in accordance with NFPA 70.

D. Verify that field measurements are as indicated.

E. Verify that conditions are satisfactory for installation prior to starting work.

3.02 PREPARATION

A. Clean raceways thoroughly to remove foreign materials before installing conductors and cables.

3.03 INSTALLATION

A. Circuiting Requirements:

1. Unless dimensioned, circuit routing indicated is diagrammatic.

2. Maintain separation of Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in accordance with NFPA 70.

3. Maintain separation of wiring for emergency systems in accordance with NFPA 70.

4. Circuiting Adjustments: Unless otherwise indicated, when branch circuits are indicated as separate, combining them together in a single raceway is not permitted.

a. Increase size of conductors as required to account for ampacity derating.

5. Common Neutrals: Unless otherwise indicated, sharing of neutral/grounded conductors among up to three single phase branch circuits of different phases installed in the same raceway is not permitted. Provide dedicated neutral/grounded conductor for each individual branch circuit.

B. Install products in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

C. Perform work in accordance with NECA 1 (general workmanship).

D. Install aluminum conductors in accordance with NECA 104.

E. Install nonmetallic-sheathed cable (Type NM-B) in accordance with NECA 121.

F. Install underground feeder and branch-circuit cable (Type UF-B) in accordance with NECA 121.

G. Install armored cable (Type AC) in accordance with NECA 120.

H. Install metal-clad cable (Type MC) in accordance with NECA 120.

I. Installation in Raceway:

1. Tape ends of conductors and cables to prevent infiltration of moisture and other contaminants.

2. Pull all conductors and cables together into raceway at same time.

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3. Do not damage conductors and cables or exceed manufacturer's recommended maximum pulling tension and sidewall pressure.

4. Use suitable wire pulling lubricant where necessary, except when lubricant is not recommended by the manufacturer.

J. Paralleled Conductors: Install conductors of the same length and terminate in the same manner.

K. Secure and support conductors and cables in accordance with NFPA 70 using suitable supports and methods approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Provide independent support from building structure. Do not provide support from raceways, piping, ductwork, or other systems.

L. Terminate cables using suitable fittings.

1. Armored Cable (Type AC):

a. Use listed fittings and anti-short, insulating bushings.

b. Cut cable armor only using specialized tools to prevent damaging conductors or insulation. Do not use hacksaw or wire cutters to cut armor.

2. Metal-Clad Cable (Type MC):

a. Use listed fittings.

b. Cut cable armor only using specialized tools to prevent damaging conductors or insulation. Do not use hacksaw or wire cutters to cut armor.

M. Install conductors with a minimum of 12 inches of slack at each outlet.

N. Neatly train and bundle conductors inside boxes, wireways, panelboards and other equipment enclosures.

O. Group or otherwise identify neutral/grounded conductors with associated ungrounded conductors inside enclosures in accordance with NFPA 70.

P. Make wiring connections using specified wiring connectors.

1. Make splices and taps only in accessible boxes. Do not pull splices into raceways or make splices in conduit bodies or wiring gutters.

2. Remove appropriate amount of conductor insulation for making connections without cutting, nicking or damaging conductors.

3. Do not remove conductor strands to facilitate insertion into connector.

4. Clean contact surfaces on conductors and connectors to suitable remove corrosion, oxides, and other contaminates. Do not use wire brush on plated connector surfaces.

5. Connections for Aluminum Conductors: Fill connectors with oxide inhibiting compound where not pre-filled by manufacturer.

6. Mechanical Connectors: Secure connections according to manufacturer's recommended torque settings.

7. Compression Connectors: Secure connections using manufacturer's recommended tools and dies.

Q. Insulate splices and taps that are made with uninsulated connectors using methods suitable for the application, with insulation and mechanical strength at least equivalent to unspliced conductors.

R. Insulate ends of spare conductors using vinyl insulating electrical tape.

S. Install firestopping to preserve fire resistance rating of partitions and other elements, using materials and methods specified in Section 078400.

T. Unless specifically indicated to be excluded, provide final connections to all equipment and devices, including those furnished by others, as required for a complete operating system.

END OF SECTION

260519 - Low-Voltage Electrical Power Conductors and Cables