Electrical Cable Aging and Condition Monitoring Codes and Standards for Nuclear Power Plants March 28, 2013 Electrical Cable Task Group (ECTG) Lead: Dr. Stephanie Watson (301)

ECTG Scope Expected results:  Inventory of relevant standards with gaps and overlaps analysis.  Recommendations for revisions or new electrical cable standards.  Review of current citations of electrical cables codes and standards in NRC regulatory documents. Initial focus:  Electrical cable installation in new construction. Expanded focus:  Includes electrical cable condition monitoring in existing plants.

Recent Guidance from DOE and NRC Focus not only compilation of: Standards NRC Documents But also: Understand Drivers for Revisions of Standards: Emerging Technical Issues Demand from End-Users Final Report should show connection between technical issues and end-user demand. Task Group: Re-engaged and expanded following new guidance.

ECTG Membership Representation CategoryOrganizations Number of People Cable or connection manufacturer CableLAN Products RSCC Wire and Cable TE Connectivity 6 EducationUniversity of SC1 Federal governmentDOE, DOE/SNL, NIST, NRC8 Industry AMS, ARES Bechtel Power Brian K. Grimes Bruce Bernstein Consulting Fauske Associates John Knott Associates 9 Industry associationEPRI3 Owner/Operator Entergy Services First Energy Nuclear Operating Co Next Era Energy, TVA 6 SDOIEC, IEEE, NFPA, UL5 Membership: ~ 40 participants Recently added 4 owner/operators Seeking to add end users: owners/operators, vendors

ECTG Tasks Identify and review current standards documents related to materials, testing, installation, and service life: Excel file has been updated - need input from Task Group about needs for revision Categorize standards  Status today: in uses, up to date, needs clarification  What needs to be changed for application to a nuclear power plant? Is there overlap between this standard and another?  Why does the standard need to be changed?  Is this specific to safety or non-safety related applications?  Is the gap related to a lack of research, material data, or a specific application of the nuclear industry? Is the gap critical? Does it inhibit the wide application of a specific material or structure class to the nuclear industry? Identify and describe technical issues:Compiling Data Identify and describe end-user applications:Compiling Data Draft and submit report on findings with recommendations to NESCC

Discussion Points (Previously discussed; Still relevant) 1.After review of standards, most have been revised or in the revision process – Report will show specific examples of changes made in recent IEEE revisions of IEEE 323 and IEEE 383; highlight any technical advances and/or safety improvements 2.New standards are being created to monitor condition of electrical cables 3.Looking outside the conventional standards for electrical cables a.Review of Military Specifications b.Non-Class 1E requirements c.Research Documents d.DOE-Sandia, Brookhaven, etc.; NRC document, EPRI reports 4.Challenge: New versus Old NPP Construction 5.Challenge: Qualification of cables upon accident conditions 6.Challenge: SDOs prefer NRC to cite most recent version of standards in licensing process

Gaps in Research (Previously discussed; Still relevant) 1.Determination of aging mechanisms a.Low voltage cable under wet conditions b.High voltage cables under temperature, radiation, and wet conditions c.Accident condition qualification d.Newly developed insulation materials 2.Determination of extended service life of aged cables 3.Determination of the effectiveness of cable splicing and aging process 4.Standardization of procedures for condition monitoring test methods a.Calibration of equipment and optimization of test parameters b.Optimization of acceptance criteria

New Discussion Points 1.RG 1.218: Condition and Monitoring Techniques A.Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Techniques, such as dielectric spectroscopy, on-line partial discharge, VLF - include B.Cable Indenter - discuss caveats Acceptable for elastomer polymers, but NOT reliable for semi-crystalline polymers like PE and XLPE Complex results for multi-component/multi-polymer cables C.DC HiPot: clarify potential harmful influence with regard to degree of degradation D. Note that EPRI guides , , and are being used by US NPPs for programmatic and condition monitoring techniques. 2.Use of Line Resonance Analysis (LIRA) A.Low voltage cable applications; SDOs need to develop a method B.Currently used in NPPs (I&C, power), T&D, Wind Parks (on/offshore), Process Industry, Oil and Gas Industry (above ground, underground, submarine, umbilical cables), Cable Manufacturers (reference measurements, QC)

New Discussion Points (continued) 3.Even if we determine new or revisions-needed standards, how will the changes be driven? SDOs have processes for revisions; revisions are not always from emerging technical issues or demands of users. 4.Cable field tests for non-shielded cables A.Low voltage-determine condition, life extension or effect of submersion B.Medium voltage- same as for low voltage concerns 5.Universal procedure for walk-downs of cable installations

Path Forward Initial review of rough draft report Late April: Preliminary Review of Report by Sponsor Committee to determine if the task group is on the right track and identify Expert Panel members for final review. Review and approval of draft report by Task Group April:Reach out to TG members, especially utilities; attend IEEE Insulated Conductors Committee (ICC) meeting April 29 - May1 Mid-May: Complete draft report for Task Group review Late May:Review of Report by Task Group Finalization of draft report Early-June:Review of draft final report to the Sponsor Committee Late-June:Expert Panel Review Completion of final report July:Present to NESCC August:Publish report