Coaxial cables and connectors are extensively used in the experimental and operational program at the NSLS.  Because these components can be used at a wide range of voltages extending from low voltage signal application to activities involving thousands of volts, there is a significant potential for use of cables or connectors in an inappropriate manner.  The purpose of this standard is to define the requirements for use of coaxial cables and connectors at the NSLS over several voltage ranges.

Responsibilities

NSLS Department Chairman - shall ensure that the requirements of this PRM are implemented. The Chairman shall appoint an NSLS Safety Officer for day-to-day support and interpretation of these requirements.

Supervisors & Local Contacts - Each supervisor has the responsibility to ensure that the activities under his/her jurisdiction are planned and conducted in accordance with these requirements.

NSLS Safety Officer shall:

• assist in determining whether any NSLS component complies with the requirements of this PRM.
• participate in the writing of any NSLS Energized Electrical Work Procedures and Permits.
• in consultation with the Laboratory Electrical Safety Committee (LESC) or the Laboratory Electrical Safety Officer (LESO), provide interpretation in the requirements of this PRM.

1.      General - Red coaxial cables and SHV connectors are expected to be installed in all new systems with potentials of 50 volts or more. However, because of the extensive use of coaxial cables for many years at the NSLS, you will find black coaxial cables and BNC connectors with 50 volts or more on them; these systems have been identified by using red electrical tape near the end of the cable next to the bayonet type connector (see this link for pictures and more information).

a.      Great care shall [1] be exercised to ensure that cables and connectors appropriate for signal and low voltage systems are not introduced into systems with voltages of 50 volts or more. Only components properly rated for the intended application shall be used in all coaxial systems.

b.      Unless exempted by the NSLS Safety Officer, the use of BNC connectors is limited to systems in which the maximum voltages are less than 50 volts. The use of MHV connectors in systems at 50 volts or more is not permitted because of the compatibility with BNC connectors.

c.      For all systems at 50 volts or more, only red-jacketed cables shall be used.  Use of red-jacketed cables should be avoided for systems less than 50 volts, but is acceptable if the cable is clearly labeled at appropriate intervals that voltages are less than 50 volts.

d.      Work with exposed surfaces energized to at 50 volts or more is not permitted. In those situations where it is not possible to eliminate an exposed surface, interlocks or a work procedure approved by the NSLS Safety Officer is required.

e.      Questions about interpretation of this standard should be referred to the NSLS Safety Officer.

     2.      Systems operating at less than 50 volts

a.      Appropriate signal cable should be used for this application.  Use of red-jacketed cables should be avoided for systems less than 50 volts, but is acceptable if the cable is clearly labeled at appropriate intervals that the voltages are less than 50 volts.

b.      BNC or K - Loc (Lemo) connectors should be used in systems less than 50 volts (see also Section 3.b for use of K-loc connectors up to 500 volts). High voltage connectors are acceptable when required by the existing equipment configuration, but such use should be avoided where possible.

BNL stocks the following connectors for systems operating at less than 50 volts:

BNC: A-69604, A-69804

K-Loc: A-69905, A-69906

3.      Systems operating at 50 volts and up to 5,000 volts DC

a.      Red-jacketed RG-59B/U cable or approved equivalent[2] shall be used for this application. (BNL Stock #A-30304)

b.      Only SHV or approved equivalent[2]connectors can be used in these systems. K-loc connectors are acceptable in systems up to 500 volts.

c.      No adapters which permit the use of BNC or MHV connectors may be used.

d.      Although not required, a “D” hole should be used for mounting all panel connectors except flange-mount type connectors.

BNL stocks the following SHV connectors:

·        Plug - Kings Electronics 1705-01 (BNL Stock #A-69852)

·        Panel connector (flange mount) - Kings 1707-1 or AMP 51421 (BNL Stock #A-69853)

·        Panel connector (D hole-mount) - Kings 1704-1 or AMP 51494, BNL Stock # A-69854

·        Bulkhead adapters (not recommended) - King Electronics 1709-1 or AMP 225064, BNL Stock #A-69857

4.            Systems operating greater than 5,000 volts and up to 20,000 volts DC

a.      Red-jacketed RG-213/U cable or approved equivalent[2] shall be used for this application.

b.      The standard coaxial cable connector shall be the Reynolds Industries P/N167-3516 or approved equivalent[2].

c.      The standard coaxial panel connector shall be the Reynolds Industries P/N167-3517, or approved equivalent[2].

d.      A "D" hole shall be used for mounting all panel connectors except flange-mount type connectors.

e.      No adapters which permit the use of BNC or MHV connectors may be used.

     5.      Systems Greater than 20,000 volts DC 

Only cables and connectors properly rated for these voltages shall be used.  Discuss all applications prior to fabrication or purchase with the NSLS Safety Officer.