NEMA Publishes Standard For Control, Thermocouple Extension, and Instrumentation Cables

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published ANSI/NEMA WC 57/ICEA S-73-532-2014 American National Standard For Control, Thermocouple Extension, and Instrumentation Cables. This standard applies to materials, construction, and testing of multiconductor control, thermocouple extension, and instrumentation cables rated up to and including 125°C. Users and producers of insulated cable will find this standard useful.

Control cables are multiconductor cables that convey electrical signals used for monitoring or controlling electrical power systems and their associated processes. They convey signals between devices interfaced directly with the electrical power system, such as current transformers, potential transformers, relays, switches, and meters.

Instrumentation cables and thermocouple extensions are multiconductor cables that convey low energy electrical signals (circuits which are inherently power limited) used for monitoring or controlling electrical power systems and their associated processes.  Both convey signals from process monitors to process analyzers (usually electronic equipment), and from the analyzers to control equipment in the electric power system.

Construction details and test requirements for cables rated above 125°C can be found in the NEMA HP-100 series of standards.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents nearly 400 electrical, medical imaging, and radiation therapy manufacturers.The combined industries account employ 400,000 people in7,000 facilities. The industry is at the forefront on electrical safety, reliability, resilience, efficiency, and energy security.

Download or order a hard copy of ANSI/NEMA WC 57/ICEA S-73-532-2014 (US$146) here: http://www.nema.org/Standards/Pages/Standard-for-Control-Thermocouple-Extension-and-Instrumentation-Cables.aspx.