SWA Cable (British Standard 7671) used on 120/208 V 60 Hz NEC System

[Mitch Hanf]

I'm a U.S. (Minnesota) Electrical Inspector newly working in Iraq. I'm getting ready to inspect a generator fed (120/208 volt 60 Hz) system of ATS (transfer switches), MDP's (main distribution panels), SDP's, CDP's. Yes, British. Panels are unlisted and counterfeit. I am also seeing SWA Cable ran from the Gen's to the ATS and from there to the various panel boards which they call MDP's, SDP's etc.

SWA is pretty common here and elsewhere covered by the British Standard 7671.

Two questions: Since I've never worked with this type of wire/cable system before.

1. If the Gen system was 230/400 volt (British) - the SWA Cable used would be fine. However, the use of it on a 120/208 system means I have to inspect as if it were a U.S. system using the NEC. I've never seen SWA used in the states in my 40 years of wiring.

Thoughts as if I should list the cable as unlisted/counterfeit when I write up my report?

2. When SWA is used for a British Standard 7671 install - they also run a separate CPC conductor (Earth/Grounding) separate along with the SWA cable. So, you have your SWA cable and laying next to it another CPC cable. In the U.S. our earth/grounding conductor is always ran in the cable assembly.

Thoughts on listing the CPC cable as non - NEC as it is not part of the cable assembly?

Thanks for any insight... Mitch

 

[MAC702]

Counterfeit seems a relative term. Do the laws/codes/contract you are working on require listing or name brands?

Why would the voltage be the factor that determines which country's codes you use?

 

[Besoeker3]

Thoughts as if I should list the cable as unlisted/counterfeit when I write up my report?

Counterfeit for what?

 

[kwired]

I'm a U.S. (Minnesota) Electrical Inspector newly working in Iraq. I'm getting ready to inspect a generator fed (120/208 volt 60 Hz) system of ATS (transfer switches), MDP's (main distribution panels), SDP's, CDP's. Yes, British. Panels are unlisted and counterfeit. I am also seeing SWA Cable ran from the Gen's to the ATS and from there to the various panel boards which they call MDP's, SDP's etc.

SWA is pretty common here and elsewhere covered by the British Standard 7671.

Two questions: Since I've never worked with this type of wire/cable system before.

1. If the Gen system was 230/400 volt (British) - the SWA Cable used would be fine. However, the use of it on a 120/208 system means I have to inspect as if it were a U.S. system using the NEC. I've never seen SWA used in the states in my 40 years of wiring.

Thoughts as if I should list the cable as unlisted/counterfeit when I write up my report?

2. When SWA is used for a British Standard 7671 install - they also run a separate CPC conductor (Earth/Grounding) separate along with the SWA cable. So, you have your SWA cable and laying next to it another CPC cable. In the U.S. our earth/grounding conductor is always ran in the cable assembly.

Thoughts on listing the CPC cable as non - NEC as it is not part of the cable assembly?

Thanks for any insight... Mitch

If NEC is the standard that must be followed, what section contains the rules for that type of cable?

No sections for that type of cable? It is not an NEC recognized wiring method. That answer your question?

If you have some sort of standard that is a mix of NEC and other codes, I imagine it can get pretty confusing.

 

[tortuga]

I'm a U.S. (Minnesota) Electrical Inspector newly working in Iraq. I'm getting ready to inspect a generator fed (120/208 volt 60 Hz) system of ATS (transfer switches), MDP's (main distribution panels), SDP's, CDP's. Yes, British. Panels are unlisted and counterfeit. I am also seeing SWA Cable ran from the Gen's to the ATS and from there to the various panel boards which they call MDP's, SDP's etc.

SWA is pretty common here and elsewhere covered by the British Standard 7671.

Two questions: Since I've never worked with this type of wire/cable system before.

1. If the Gen system was 230/400 volt (British) - the SWA Cable used would be fine. However, the use of it on a 120/208 system means I have to inspect as if it were a U.S. system using the NEC.

If I were an inspector tasked with inspecting civilian structures I would try to get a copy of the last code they had in 2003 or whenever we arrived. And I would ask the contractor(s) what code they are using / training there people on.
Then I would want to talk to the Utility and get all the info I could as to what types of transformers and distributions they have and grounding / earthing standards they follow.
NEC likely applies on base though? One can apply the NEC to non standard voltage systems such as 127Y220 133Y230 230Y400 systems as is done in the Philippines and Latin America, it requires some carefull amendments. I recommend taking a look at the Philippine electrical code. SWA Cable seems to be rated 600V and contain XHHW type conductors, and is available with a green / yellow stripe. If British Standard 7671 is the law of the land I would get a copy and see if it can be applied to 120Y208 @ 60HZ. Hope this helps.