Preface 

This is the twelfth edition of CSA C22.2 No. 96, Portable power cables, one of a series of Standards issued by CSA Group under the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II. It supersedes the previous editions, published in 2017, 2013, 2009, 2003, 1998, 1992, 1989, 1974, 1964, 1958, and 1951. The following are major changes to this edition: a) the addition of a new Clause (Clause 16) to cover special construction cable types SHD-SP, SHD-GC-SP, and SHD-BGC-SP, rated 2 kV up to 35 kV; b) clarifications of the weather resistance requirements; and c) updates to the cross-section drawings in Annex B. This Standard is considered suitable for use for conformity assessment within the stated scope of the Standard. This Standard was prepared by the Subcommittee on Portable, Mine Power Feeder and Wind Turbine Cables, under the jurisdiction of the Technical Committee on Wiring Products and the Strategic Steering Committee on Requirements for Electrical Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group. 

Scope 

1.1 This Standard specifies construction and testing requirements for portable power cables normally used in applications where the cables are subject to frequent flexing and where installation is in accordance with CSA M421 and/or the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, where applicable. 

1.2 The cable constructions specified in Clauses 5 to 9 and Clauses 12 to 16 of this Standard are suitable for use at a maximum conductor temperature of 90 °C under normal operating conditions in wet or dry locations, outdoors or in underground mines, and in rugged environments. The special cable constructions described in Clauses 10 and 11 are suitable for use at a maximum conductor temperature of 105 °C. 

1.3 This Standard does not specify all types, sizes, and voltage ratings of portable power cables that can be required for particular applications. 

1.4 This Standard specifies the following categories of cables: Clause 5 / Category - Thermoset and PUR multiconductor round cables for mining and general applications rated 5 kV – 35 kV - Types: SHD, SHD-BGC (balanced ground check), SHD-GC Clause 6 / Category - Thermoset and PUR multiconductor round cables for mining and general applications rated 2 kV - Types: W, G, G-BGC (balanced ground check), G-GC, SHC-GC, SHD, SHD-BGC (balanced ground check), SHD-GC, SHD-R Clause 7 / Category - Thermoset single-conductor cables for mining and general applications rated 2 kV – 35 kV - Types: W, SH Clause 8 / Category - Thermoset two- and three-conductor flat cables for mining and general applications rated 2 kV — Suitable for underground applications only - Types: G, G-GC, W Clause 9 / Category - Thermoset three-conductor round cables with a central bonding conductor for underground coal mining applications rated 2 kV – 5 kV - Types: SHD-PCG Clause 10 / Category - Arc-welding cable Clause 11 / Category - Single-conductor portable power cable rated 600 V - Types: PPC, PPC/TPE Clause 12 / Category - Single and multiconductor portable power cables for general applications rated 600 V – 2 kV - Types: PPC, PPC/TPE Clause 13 / Category - Flexible multiconductor cable for use with cranes and hoists rated 600 V (festoon cable) Clause 14 / Category - Variable frequency drive cable, multiconductor, round, for mining and general applications rated 2 kV – 15 kV - Types: VFD, VFD-GC, VFD-BGC (balanced ground check) Clause 15 / Category - DLO (diesel locomotive) cable, single conductor, used for portable and general permanent applications rated 2 kV Clause 16 / Category - Thermoset and PUR multiconductor round special construction cables for mining and general applications rated 2 kV – 35 kV - Types: SHD-SP, SHD-BGC-SP (balanced ground check), SHD-GC-SP 

1.5 In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application. 

1.6 The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard.