Minimum requirements for the design, construction, manufacturing, testing, purchasing, and application of electric submersible pump cable are presented. The cable is round or flat, with polypropylene insulation, nitrile or polypropylene jacket, or metallic barrier or armor. These cables are for voltages not exceeding 8 kV (phase to phase) and conductor temperatures not exceeding 96 °C (205 °F) maximum or -10 °C (14 °F) minimum. Conductors, insulation, barrier (optional), assembly with or without jacket, and armor or encapsulating material, requirements for testing by the manufacturer, and cable ampacity are all covered in the document.

This recommended practice establishes requirements for three-conductor round-and-flat-type oil-well cable consisting of polypropylene insulated copper conductors and used in supplying three-phase ac electric power to submersible pump motors. These cables may also include additional coverings consisting of wraps, metallic armor or barriers, and/or nonmetallic jackets or sheaths selected on the basis of mechanical and environmental conditions.