A cable schedule is the document that ties every cable in a project to its source, destination, size and route. A complete schedule lets the purchasing team order the right lengths, lets the installer pull the right cable, and lets the maintenance team find the cable years later. Gaps in the schedule show up on site as wrong lengths, wrong sizes or cables with no clear owner.
Columns to include
| Column | What to record | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cable number | A unique tag, repeated on the cable at both ends | The link between drawing, cable and test record |
| From and to | Source and destination equipment tags, with panel and terminal | Defines the run and the routing |
| Service | Power, control, instrumentation, data, earthing | Drives segregation in trays |
| Voltage grade | For example 600/1000 V | Sets insulation level |
| Cores and size | Number of cores and conductor area, with conductor material | The core of the order |
| Construction | Insulation, armour or screen, sheath grade | Fire, mechanical and interference performance |
| Standard | Applicable standard, for example IS 7098 Part 1 | Basis for testing and acceptance |
| Design current | Full-load current and, where relevant, starting current | Input to the size check |
| Route length | Measured route length, plus the allowance for terminations | Basis for drum planning and for the voltage-drop check |
| Voltage drop | Calculated percentage at full load and, for motors, at starting | Confirms the size chosen |
| Tray or route | Tray, conduit, trench or duct reference | Coordinates cables with containment |
| Termination | Gland type and lug type at each end | Prevents ordering errors for accessories |
| Remarks | Special conditions, such as hazardous area or fire survival | Catches exceptions |
Example row
| Field | Entry |
|---|---|
| Cable number | P-101 |
| From | MCC-1, feeder 4 |
| To | Pump 1 motor terminal box |
| Service | Power |
| Voltage grade | 600/1000 V |
| Cores and size | 3.5 core, 70 mm², aluminium |
| Construction | XLPE, steel wire armoured, PVC sheath |
| Route length | 85 m |
The example values are placeholders to show the layout and are not a recommendation for any load.
Good practice
- Build the schedule in a spreadsheet, so lengths and voltage drops are calculated from the same data that goes into the order.
- Add the spare core count for control cables at the planning stage. The control cable core-count and spare-core planning guide covers this in detail.
- Issue the schedule with a revision number, and update it when the routes change.
- Send the final schedule, or the extract for the order, with the enquiry. The cable enquiry specification sheet lists what a manufacturer needs to quote.
For the cable constructions APAR makes in low-voltage power sizes, see LV XLPE insulated power cables, and for the cores and conductor sizes in control cables see LV XLPE/PVC control cables.