KENYA STANDARD  KS 2705 : 2017  
ICS 29.035.01  
© KEBS 201 7 First Edition 201 7  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPECIFICATION FOR 
TELECOMMUNICATION  DROP 
WIRE  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 PUBLIC REVIEW  DRAFT , MARCH 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 KS 2705: 2017  
ii © KEBS 201 7 — All rights reserved  TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
 
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
 
Kenya Power and Lighting Co. Ltd.  
Metsec Cables   
Kenwest Cables Ltd. 
Consumer Information Network  
Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology  
SGS(K)  
KIRDI  
Kengen  
University Of Nairobi  
ASL Cables  
Intertek  
Cable Connect  
East African Cables  
Kenya Bureau of Standards  — Secretariat  
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVISION OF KENYA  STANDARDS  
 
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya standards shall be regularly reviewed. Suggestions 
for improvement to published standards, addressed to the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, 
are welcome.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 2017 
 
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 12 of 2001  of the Laws of Kenya, copyr ight 
subsists in all Kenya Standards and except as provided under Section 26 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of 
Standards may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in  writing 
from the Managing Director . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 KENYA STANDARD  KS 2705: 2017  
ICS 29.035.01  
© KEBS 201 7 — All rights reserved  iii  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPECIFICATION FOR 
TELECOMMUNICATION DROP 
WIRE  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KENYA BUREAU OF STANDARDS (KEBS)  
 
Head  Office:  P.O. Box 54974, Nairobi -00200, Tel.: (+254  020) 605490, 69028000, 602350, Mobile: 0722202137/8, 0734600471/2; 
Fax: (+254 020)  604031  
E-Mail: info@kebs.org,  Web:http://www.kebs.org  
 
KEBS Coast Region  
P.O. Box 99376, Mombasa 80100  
Tel: (+254 041) 229563, 230939/40  
Fax: (+254 041) 229448  
E-mail: kebs -msa@swiftmombasa.com  KEBS Lake Region  
P.O. Box 2949, Kisumu 40100  
Tel: (+254 057) 23549,22396  
Fax: (+254 057) 21814  
E-mail: kebs -ksm@swiftkisumu.com  KEBS North Rift Region  
P.O. Box 2138, Nakuru 20100  
Tel: (+254  051) 210553, 210555   
iv © KEBS 201 7 — All rights reserved  F O R E W O R D  
 
This Kenya Standard has been prepared by the Conductors and Cables Technical Committee, under the 
direct supervision of the Electrical Industry Standards Committee, and it is in accordance with the procedures 
of the Bureau.  
 
The standard specifies the requirements for prepayment split metering communicat ion cable (Telephone 
Drop wire).  
 
In the preparation of this Kenya Standard, assistance was derived from Kenya Power TSP 05 -034. 
Acknowledgement is made for the assistance de rived from this source.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  KS 2705 : 2017  
© KEBS 201 7 — All rights reserved  v  
 
Contents  
 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  6 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  6 
3.Terms and Definitions  
4.Requirements  
5.Tests and Inspection  
6.Marking and Packing  
 
  
6 © KEBS 201 7 — All rights reserved   
SPECIFICATION FOR TELECOMMUNICATION DROP WIRE  
 
 
 
1 Scope  
 
1.1 This specification covers telecommunication drop wires designed for use in wiring of telecommunication 
equipment or industrial and consumer electronic equipment. The shape may be in oval/dumbbell shape to aid 
in separation of conductors.  
 
This specification covers a black communication cable of 1.02mm diameter  z-core par allel construction as per 
KS 04 -1230 -1. 
 
2 Normative references  
 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this standard. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies.  
 
 
 
IEC 60189 -1: Low frequency cables and wires with PVC insulation and PVC sheath - Part 1 :  General test and 
measuring methods  
 
IEC 60815  Selection and dimensioning of high -voltage insulators in tended for use in polluted conditions  
 
KS EAS 114:1999 PVC-Insulated cables (non -armoured) for electrical power and lighting - Specification.  
 
 KS EAS 116:1999 Copper conductors in insulated cables - Specification.  
 
 
KS IEC 60502 -1:2004  Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages from 1kV 
(um = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) - Part 1: Cables for rated voltages of 1kV (Um = 1,2 kV) and 3 kV ( Um 
= 3,6kV).  
 
IEC 60332:                  Tests on electric cables under fire conditions -  Part 1: Tests on a single vertical 
insulated wire or cable -  Part 3: Tests on bunched wires and cables  
 
 
IEC 60028:                  International Standard of resistance for copper  
 
IEC 60304:                   Standard colours for insulation for low -frequency for cables wires  
 
ISO 105:                     Textiles - Tests for colour fastnes s - Part A01:  General principles of testing  
 
 
KS 04 -1230 -1,3:         Low frequency cables and wires with PVC insulation and PVC sheath - Part 1:   General 
requirements and measuring: Part 3: Equipment wires.  
 
KS 765:1986           Standard resistance for copper.  
 
 
  KS 2705 : 2017  
© KEBS 201 7 — All rights reserved  7  
3 Definitions  
 
For the purpose of this specification, the definitions given in the reference standards shall apply.  
 
 
 
4.  REQUIREMENTS  
 
4.1       Service Conditions  
 
4.1.1 The equipment wires shall be suitable for continuous use outdoors in tropical areas at:  
 
a)  Altitudes of up to 2,200m above sea level,  
b)  Humidity of up to 95%,  
c)  Average ambient temperature of  +30°C with a minimum of -1°C  and a maximum of +40°C  
 
d)  Heavy saline conditions along the coast.  
 
e}  Pollution: Design pollution level to be taken as "Heavy" (Pollution level III) for inland and  
"Very Heavy"  (Pollution level IV) for coastal applications in accordance with IEC 60815.  
 
f)   Isokeraunic level:  180 thunderstorm days per year  
 
 
4.1.2  The cable should be suitable for laying in cable ducts and in air.  
 
  
 
 
4.2.    Material and Construction  
 
 
4.2.1.   Conductor  
 
 
       4.2.1.1.       Conductor  material - The conductor shall be made of plain annealed high conductivity copper   
with the following properties measured at 20°c in accordance with KS 765 and/or IEC 60028 :  
 
          a)  Volume resistivity -   0.0172410mm2/m, 
          b)  Density - 8.89g/cm3, 
          c)  Linear expansion - 0.000017f'C  
          d)  Coefficient of variation of resistance - 0.00393f'C,  
          e)  Mass resistivity - 0.153280g/m2 
 
4.2.1.2.       Type of conductor - The conductor shall consist of a single strand , circular  in section.  
 
4.2.1.3.       Conductor finish - The conductor shall be plain.  
 
4.2.1.4.     Conductor dimensions - The conduc tor designation shall be by its nominal cross  sectional area and 
nominal conductor diameter as per Table 1.  
  
4.2.1.5.       Conductor continuity  - The conductor shall be drawn in one piece.  
 
4.2.2.   Insulation   
8 © KEBS 201 7 — All rights reserved   
 
4.2.2.1.        Composition - The insulating material shall be PVC or its copolymers or both suitably compounded 
to meet the requirements of general -purpose insulation for 7 0°C operation in accordance with KS 1230 -1. 
 
4.2.2.2.        Thickness - The insulation shall be perfectly continuous having a thickness as uniform as possible 
and not less the values specified in Table 1.  
 
The minimum thickness of the insul ation shall be measured in accordance with the method specified in clause 
4.4.1.2   of KS 1230 -1 or in accordance with the method specified in clause 5.2.1 of IEC 60189 -1. 
 
4.2.2.3.  Application - The insulation shall be applied to fit closely  to the conductor without adhering to it.  
 
The stripping properties of the insulation shall be checked in accordance with the method specified in clause 
4.4.3.1   of KS 1230 -1 or in accordance with the method specified in 3.4.1 of  IEC 60189 -1. 
   
It shall be possible to strip the insulation from the conductor easily without damage to the conductor.  
 
4.2.2.4.       Colour - The insulated conductors shall be coloured by one colour. Colours shall correspond 
reasonably with the standard shown in IEC  60304.  
 
Colour fastness to daylight, checked according to ISO Standard 105, shall be rated at not less than standard 4, 
prolonging the exposure until the contrast is equivalent to grade 4 on the grey scale.  
 
The choice of colours or combination of colours  shall be made black.  
 
4.2.3.   The construction of the conductors shall be a pair of two insulated conductors as per Fig.  1.  
 
 
 
 
 
                                        Fig. 1: Pair of insulated  conductors  
 
 
 
4.2.4.    Identification of insulated conductors  - Identification  of insulated conductors shall be in accordance 
with 4.2.2.4 above.  
 
 
4.3.     Mechanical Properties  of Equipment Wire  
 
 
 KS 2705 : 2017  
© KEBS 201 7 — All rights reserved  9 4.3.1.     Conductor  
 
 
Elongation at break of the bare conductor shall be not less than 15.0% as per KS 04 -1230 -3. Compliance shall 
be checked by measuring the elongation at break in accordance with the method specified in 3.3 of  IEC 
60189 -1 
 
4.3.2.    Insulation  
 
 
4.3.2.1.       The insulation shall  have adequate mechanical strength elasticity. These properties shall remain 
sufficiently constant during normal use. Compliance shall be checked before and after accelerated ageing by 
measuring the tensile strength and the elongation at break on samples o f the insulation in accordance with the 
method specified in 6.2 of IEC 60189 -1. 
 
4.3.2.2.       The accelerated ageing conditioning is specified in 4.1 of IEC 60189 -1. 
 
4.3.2.3.        The median of the measured values of tensile strength shall be not less than 12.5  
N/mm2 (12.5 MPa).  (See Notes 1  and  2 hereafter).The median of the measured values of elongation at break 
shall be not less than 125 % for single -colour insulation, whose minimum thickness is 0.3 mm or less.  
 
4.3.2.4.      Moreover, the diff erence between the median values for tensile strength and elongation obtained 
before and after accelerated ageing shall not exceed 20 % of the median values before ageing.  
 
NOTES:  
1.    The values specified for tensile strength and for elongation at break are independent and non concomitant 
minima. An insulation  with one characteristic of near -minimum value should present a value well above the 
minimum for the other characteristic.  
 
2.   The median value is the middle value if an odd number of values is obtained or the average of the two 
middle values if an even number of values is obtained. The test results should have been arranged in 
sequence of increasing values . 
 
4.4.    Thermal stability and climatic  requirements  for drop wire  
 
 
4.4.1.    Measurement  of  insulation  shrinkage  after over -heating  of conductor  
  
The insulation shall not shrink unduly when soldering the conductor. Compliance shall be checked in 
accordance with the method specified in 4.6 of IEC 60189 -1. The measured shrinkage shall be not more than 
4 %. 
 
4.4.2.   Resistance  to  flame  propagation  
 
 
Resistance to flame propagation shall be checked in accordance with the method specified in  
4.3.1 of IEC 60189 -1. 
 
 
4.4.3.   Heat shock test  
 
  
10 © KEBS 201 7 — All rights reserved  The insulation shall withstand variations in temperature without suffering damage. Compliance shall be 
checked in accordance with the method specified in 4.5.1 of IEC 60189 -1. The insulation shall show no cracks.  
 
4.4.4.   UV resistance  
 
The PVC compound shall be treated with anti -UV chemicals to prevent UV attack by sunlight. When exposed 
to a light of wavelength of 300nm to 400nm with an irradiance of  
60±2 W/ m2 at a black standard temperature of 65±3°C and a humidity of 50% for a period of  
102 min day, the insulation shall not fail. UV stability shall be tested in accordance to ISO  
4892 -2 method A.  
 
4.4.5.   Permissible continuous loading operating temperature shall be 70° C and short circuit temperature of 
160°C.  
 
4.5.     Electrical requirements for  telecommunication drop wire  
 
4.5.1.    Electrical resistance  of conductor  
 
The electrical resistance of the conductor measured at a temperature of 20 °C, shall not exceed the value 
specified in Table 1.  The method for measuring the resistance and also for correcting the measured values for 
length and temperature are specified in  8.1 of  IEC 
60189 -1. 
 
4.5.2.     Dielectric strength  
 
The insulation shall withstand the application for one minute without breakdown of the voltage specified in 
Table 1.   The method for checking the dielectric strength is specified in  
5.2 of IEC 60189 -1. 
 
4.5.3.     Insulation resistance  
 
 
Insulation resistance measured at a temperature of 20 °C shall be not less than the value specified in Table 1.  
The method for measuring the insulation resistance is specified in 5.3 of IEC 60189 -1. 
 
4.5.4.    Capacitance  
 
 
4.5.4.1.        Mutual capacitance  
 
 
The mutual capacitance of any pair of conductors shall not exceed 131 nF/km. The method for measurement 
of mutual capacitance is specified in 5.4 of IEC 60189 -1. 
 
4.5.4.2.        Capacitance unbal ance  
 
The capacitance unbalance between any two pairs of different cabling elements shall not exceed 400 pF per 
500 m length of cable.  The method for measurement of capacitance unbalance is specified in 5.5 of IEC 
60189 -1. 
KENYA STANDARD  KS 2705: 2017  
 
© KEBS 201 7 — All rights reserved  1  
 
 
 
 
 
Table 1: Physical and electrical properties of the cable  
 
 
 
Sr 
no Property  Requirement  
1. Conductor  Nominal diameter, mm  1.02 (+0.03 or -0.06)  
Nominal cross sectional area,mm2 0.827  
Maximum resistance at 200C,Ω/km  21.73  
Elongation at break,  min,%  18% 
3. Insulation  Minimum thickness, mm  1.02 
Nominal insulated conductor diameter, 
mm 3.06 
Tensile strength, MPa  12.5 
Elongation at break, min %  125 
Insulation shrinkage, min%  4 
Elongation and tensile strength after 
accelerated ageing, %  < 20 
4. Test 
Requirements  Dielectric strength test voltage, V  2500ac  
Minimum insulation resistance at 
200C,MΩ .KM  30 
5. Approximate weight, kg/km  36 
 
 
 
 
 
6. PACKING , MARKING  AND LABELLING  
6.1 CABLE MARKING  
 
The cable shall be be legibly and durably marked (by indenting, embossing or by printing), the following 
items;  
 
Name and/or trade mark of Manufacturer  
 
Standard of Manufacture  
 
Size of Cable  
 
6.2 PACKAGING  
 
The wires or cable shall be either wound on reels or coiled, packaged and labeled.  
 
6.3 LABELLING  
  
2 © KEBS 201 7 — All rights reserved  The label  which  shall be securely  attached  on the reel or coil and shall contain  the 
following  information;  
 
 
 
 
a) Name  and/or  trade  mark  of manufacturer  
b) Nominal  dimensions  of the conducto r of wire 
or cable .  
c) Type  of wire or cable   
d) Length  of cable  contained  in the 
reel or coil 
e)  Country  of manufacture.  
f) Standard  of manufactur e.