Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 1d43f435-1e75-4f07-b818-d3b35d75812d
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Qualification of Safety-Related Cables and Field Splices for Nuclear Power Plants
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0825/ML082530205.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.211
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
cal characteristics be identified in both applications and compared to the qualification type test results. Further, Clause 6.1.2 of IEEE Std 383-2003, requires that suitable test specimen lengths and configuration be included in the DBE test to evaluate the potential for conductor shorting or loss of critical dielectric characteristics due to differential shrinkage or expansion in coaxial and triaxial cables. The NRC staff has witnessed cables which have passed a qualification type test without connectors only to fail the test when the connectors were attached. The failure was traced to RG 1.211, Page 3 unequal thermal expansion of the different cable components fixed at both ends of the cable with connectors. NRC research suggests the potential for cracking of age-embrittled cable materials during subsequent installation of field splices. Field splices of age-embrittled cables should be avoided. Power cables that are routed underground should be capable of performing their function when subjected to anticipated environmental conditions such as moisture or flooding. Also, based on recent underground power cable failures, the staff has concluded that field splices of medium-voltage cables in inaccessible locations should be avoided C. REGULATORY POSITION The NRC staff considers conformance with the requirements of IEEE Standard 383-2003 an acceptable method for use in satisfying the Commission’s regulations with respect to the qualification of safety-related cables and field splices, subject to the following exceptions: (1) Clause 6.2.1.4, “Shielding,” of IEEE Std. 383-2003 should be supplemented to include: (a) information on other shields such as insulation or overall static shield, and (b) percent overlap and lay for tape shields. (2) Clause 6.2.1.1, “Conductor,” should include the stranding configuration (i.e., round, compressed or compact). (3) Clauses 6.2.1.8 and 6.2.2.6, “Identification,” should include the date of applicable manufacturing