Assistance with a Cable Issue

[TBIRD18]

We have recently encountered an issue with M17/113-RG316 cable in which the braid wire strands are displaying what appears to be corrosion. The substance identified appears in varying colors and color combination's (green, red, black). Our analysis has identified that all of the affected cable contains braid wire damage (exposed copper areas) and, in some cases, areas of plating that are less than the Mil-Spec requirements. We have spoken to the cable manufacturers and have been told that the Mil-Spec plating requirements for the braid wire are (per industry standard) considered pre-processing requirements. Does anyone have any experience with this type of issue? Also, is there anywhere we can obtain a definitive explanation of what the Mil-Spec does, or does not, require?

[Marc]

I'm not a cable person, but what specific Mil-Spec is being referenced?

[TBIRD18]

Marc,
Thanks for the response! The specification in question is MIL-C-17.

[Jim Wynne]

In Reply to Parent Post by TBIRD18

Marc,
Thanks for the response! The specification in question is MIL-C-17.

A copy of the standard is attached. Happy reading! BTW, many, if not most, MIL standards are freely available on the web. Just Google for the standard number.

[TBIRD18]

Jim,
Thanks very much for the spec document. I took a look and I still have some concerns. The cable manufacturers are referencing the spec, but making statements regarding industry standards. Unfortunately, the statements they are making are not supported by any specifics in the spec. Is there a "final" authority with responsibility for interpreting the mil-spec?

[Jim Wynne]

In Reply to Parent Post by TBIRD18

Jim,
Thanks very much for the spec document. I took a look and I still have some concerns. The cable manufacturers are referencing the spec, but making statements regarding industry standards. Unfortunately, the statements they are making are not supported by any specifics in the spec. Is there a "final" authority with responsibility for interpreting the mil-spec?

If they're referencing the MIL spec in the contract, but what they want isn't addressed by the MIL spec, you need to get it clarified in writing, and not rely on any nebulous "industry standards." The only real standards are those that both parties agree to, and if it's not in writing, you shouldn't agree to it. If what you're producing complies with the referenced standard, you've done what was asked for. Anything beyond that needs to be specified.