scope:

This guide provides recommendations for red stripe and raised ridge identification markings on insulating and semiconducting linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) jacketed underground power cables, and HDPE duct containing jacketed or unjacketed underground power cables. The red stripe recommendations include the number of stripes, color, width, thickness, retention characteristics, physical properties, storage criteria, and testing methods. The raised ridge recommendations include physical properties, width, height, and circumferential spacing. It is the intent of this guide to provide a minimum level of physical, chemical, and color durability on red stripes used to identify underground power cables and ducts.

Purpose

Jacketed underground power cables and their related duct systems are similar in size and appearance to communication cables and underground pipes. Identification and differentiation of underground power cables and ducts has been attempted by marker tapes, raised ridges, indent printing, colors (other than black), and striped jackets. In the absence of a standard or guide on the properties of red stripes used as identification markings, some utilities have reported that red stripes whiten after limited (in some cases, less than one year) outdoor storage. This guide provides recommendations for the properties, design, dimensional requirements, and testing of red stripes used as identification markings on underground power cables and ducts. In addition, this guide provides physical attribute recommendations for raised ridge identification.