Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
CAN CSA C68.5-13 (2018) – Shielded Power Cables for Commercial and Industrial Applications: Technical Overview
Understanding the Requirements, Testing, and Compliance for Medium-Voltage Cables in the Canadian Market
CAN CSA C68.5-13 (R2018) is the authoritative Canadian standard for extruded dielectric shielded power cables rated from 5 kV to 46 kV, specifically intended for commercial and industrial applications. Developed under the auspices of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group), this standard establishes uniform requirements for materials, construction, testing, and performance to ensure safe and reliable operation in a variety of environments. The 2018 reaffirmation confirms that the technical requirements remain current and aligned with industry best practices.
1. Scope and Application
The standard covers single-conductor and multi-conductor shielded cables with extruded insulation (cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), or similar thermosetting compounds) for use in power distribution systems at voltages up to 46 kV. It applies primarily to cables installed in ducts, conduits, trays, or direct burial, in commercial buildings, industrial plants, utility substations, and similar installations where continuous operation is critical.
Cables conforming to CAN CSA C68.5-13 (2018) are designed for use at conductor temperatures up to 90°C in normal operation, 130°C during emergency overload, and 250°C under short-circuit conditions. The standard explicitly excludes cables for mining, submarine, or nuclear applications, which are covered by other CSA or IEC standards.
| Characteristic | Requirement per CAN CSA C68.5-13 (2018) |
|---|---|
| Voltage classes | 5 kV, 8 kV, 15 kV, 25 kV, 28 kV, 35 kV, 46 kV |
| Insulation materials | XLPE, EPR, or HEPR (thermosetting) |
| Normal operating temperature | 90°C (conductor) |
| Emergency overload temperature | 130°C |
| Short-circuit temperature | 250°C |
| Shielding type | Wire shield or tape shield (copper or aluminum) |
| Color coding / identification | Surface marking per C22.2 No. 0.4 or direct printing |
2. Construction and Technical Requirements
The standard specifies detailed requirements for each cable component:
2.1 Conductor
Copper or aluminum conductors, either compact-stranded or compressed-stranded, must meet the requirements of CSA C22.2 No. 0 or applicable ASTM standards (e.g., ASTM B8 for copper, ASTM B231 for aluminum). Conductor surface must be smooth and free of defects to avoid stress concentrations.
2.2 Conductor Shield
An extruded semiconducting conductor shield is mandatory for all voltage classes. It must be firmly bonded to the insulation and meet volume resistivity limits (typically ≤ 500 Ω·cm at 90°C) to provide uniform electric field distribution.
2.3 Insulation
Insulation thickness is a function of voltage class and insulation material. The standard provides minimum average thicknesses and minimum thickness at any point. For example, 15 kV rated cables with XLPE insulation require average insulation thickness of 4.45 mm (0.175 in).
Important: Insulation thicknesses for EPR-insulated cables may differ from those for XLPE; always refer to the latest edition of the standard for exact values. Use of insulation that meets reduced thickness requirements (e.g., “thin wall” designs) is not permitted under this standard unless specifically included by the purchaser and subject to additional qualification tests.
2.4 Insulation Shield
An extruded strippable or bonded semiconducting insulation shield is required, designed to be compatible with the insulation. Strippable shields facilitate termination and splicing; some utilities require bonded shields for specific installations.
2.5 Metallic Shield
Copper wire shield or copper tape shield (or aluminum) providing path for fault current and electromagnetic shielding. Wire shields are commonly used for flexibility; tape shields for higher fault-current capacity. The standard specifies minimum shield area based on voltage class and system grounding.
2.6 Jacket
PVC, polyethylene (PE), or low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) jackets are typical. The jacket must pass cold bend, abrasion, and sunlight resistance tests as per CSA C22.2 No. 0.4 and the specific jacket material standards.
3. Testing and Type Qualification
CAN CSA C68.5-13 (2018) defines a comprehensive set of tests to ensure cable performance and safety:
- Physical and dimensional tests – verification of conductor size, insulation thickness, concentricity, shield coverage, jacket thickness.
- Electrical tests – conductor dc resistance, insulation resistance (IR), partial discharge (PD) test at 1.5 to 2.0 times operating voltage, AC voltage withstand test (e.g., 150% of rated voltage for 5 minutes), and a dc voltage test (e.g., 300% of rated voltage for 15 minutes) for acceptance.
- Insulation shield stripping force – for strippable shields, the force required to remove a 25 mm strip is measured; must be within specified range to ensure field workability without damage.
- Weathering and UV resistance – jacketed cables intended for outdoor exposure must pass a 720-hour xenon-arc accelerated weathering test.
- Flame test – CSA FT4 vertical-tray flame test for all cables, or FT1 for smaller cables, as required by the Canadian Electrical Code.
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Partial discharge (PD) | No discharge above 5 pC at 1.5–2× Vrms |
| AC withstand (5 min) | 150% rated voltage, no breakdown |
| DC withstand (15 min) | 300% rated voltage, no breakdown |
| Insulation resistance (IR) | Min. 2000 MΩ·km at 90°C |
| Shield stripping force | 6–30 lbf (27–133 N) for 25 mm strip |
| Flame test (FT4) | Pass per CSA C22.2 No. 0.3 |
Tip for buyers: Always request a certified test report from the manufacturer showing compliance with the full set of type tests. Routine tests (e.g., PD, AC withstand) should be performed on every production length.
4. Compliance and Certification in Canada
To be legally sold or used in Canadian electrical installations, cables must be certified by a recognized certification body (e.g., CSA, QPS, UL Canada) to the applicable standard. For shielded power cables within the scope of this standard, compliance with CAN CSA C68.5-13 (2018) is a prerequisite for CSA certification mark or equivalent.
The standard works in concert with the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code, CSA C22.1). The CE Code references CSA C68.5-13 for medium-voltage power cables (e.g., Rules 12-220, 38-000). However, the standard does not cover cable ampacity, installation methods, or termination requirements; those are governed by the CE Code and other installation standards.
Note: While CAN CSA C68.5-13 (2018) is the primary Canadian standard for industrial shielded cables, many projects also require compliance with special specifications (e.g., ICEA S-93-639, AEIC CS8) for additional test parameters. The CSA standard is often harmonized with these industry specifications but may include stricter Canadian requirements, especially regarding flame testing and cold performance.
Caution: Use of uncertified or non-compliant cables in Canadian installations can lead to regulatory penalties, voiding of insurance, and safety hazards. Always verify the certification mark and the standard number printed on the cable jacket.
Manufacturers must maintain a quality control program and undergo periodic factory inspections by the certification body to ensure ongoing compliance. Any significant design change (e.g., new insulation compound, thinner jacket) may require additional type testing.
5. Implementation Highlights for Engineers and Specifiers
When specifying cables to CAN CSA C68.5-13 (2018), consider the following:
- Voltage class selection must consider system line-to-line voltage and grounding conditions (solidly grounded, impedance grounded, or ungrounded). For ungrounded systems, the phase-to-ground voltage can increase; the next higher voltage class may be required.
- Shield grounding must follow CE Code rules to ensure safety during faults. Wire shields require a lower resistance ground path compared to tape shields.
- For environments with moisture or chemicals, specify a jacket material appropriate for the exposure (e.g., LSZH for confined spaces, HDPE for direct burial).
- Bend radii during installation should be based on the cable diameter and jacket type; the manufacturer’s recommendations must be followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CAN CSA C68.5-13 (2018) cover armored cables?
A: No. Armored cables (e.g., interlocked armor, corrugated coaxial armor) are covered by other standards, such as CSA C22.2 No. 51 or ICEA S-68-516. Shielded power cables per C68.5-13 are unarmored but may be installed in conduit or tray for mechanical protection.
A: No. Armored cables (e.g., interlocked armor, corrugated coaxial armor) are covered by other standards, such as CSA C22.2 No. 51 or ICEA S-68-516. Shielded power cables per C68.5-13 are unarmored but may be installed in conduit or tray for mechanical protection.
Q: Can cables produced to ICEA S-93-639 be accepted as compliant with CSA C68.5-13?
A: Not automatically. While ICEA S-93-639 covers similar 5–46 kV shielded cables, the Canadian standard has unique requirements for flame testing (FT4), UV resistance (720 h), and certain dimensional tolerances. Dual certification to both standards is common; always request the specific CSA mark.
A: Not automatically. While ICEA S-93-639 covers similar 5–46 kV shielded cables, the Canadian standard has unique requirements for flame testing (FT4), UV resistance (720 h), and certain dimensional tolerances. Dual certification to both standards is common; always request the specific CSA mark.
Q: Is the insulation thickness the same for all insulation types (XLPE, EPR)?
A: No. The standard provides separate thickness tables for different insulation materials due to differences in dielectric strength. For example, at 15 kV, XLPE insulation has a minimum average thickness of 4.45 mm, whereas EPR may require 5.08 mm. Always verify the current edition for exact values.
A: No. The standard provides separate thickness tables for different insulation materials due to differences in dielectric strength. For example, at 15 kV, XLPE insulation has a minimum average thickness of 4.45 mm, whereas EPR may require 5.08 mm. Always verify the current edition for exact values.
Q: What is the significance of the “R2018” designation?
A: It indicates that the standard was reaffirmed in 2018 without technical changes. The technical content remains the same as the 2013 edition. Reaffirmation typically occurs when the technical committee judges that the standard remains current and fit for purpose.
A: It indicates that the standard was reaffirmed in 2018 without technical changes. The technical content remains the same as the 2013 edition. Reaffirmation typically occurs when the technical committee judges that the standard remains current and fit for purpose.
With the publication year noted as 2026, this article reflects the enduring applicability of CAN CSA C68.5-13 (R2018) as a foundation for safe and reliable medium-voltage power cables in commercial and industrial environments across Canada.