Armoured copper cable current carrying capacity table

Copper armoured cable current carrying capacity. 3 core copper armoured cable current carrying capacity. Armoured cable current carrying capacity table.

Current carrying capacity is defined as the amperage a conductor can carry before melting either the conductor or the insulation. Heat, caused by an electrical current flowing through a conductor, will determine the amount of current a wire will handle. Theoretically, the amount of current that can be passed through a single bare copper conductor
wire can be increased until the heat generated reaches the melting temperature of copper. There are many factors which will limit the amount of current that can be passed through a wire. These major determining factors are: Conductor Size: The larger the circular mil area, the greater the current capacity. The amount of heat generated should
never exceed the maximum temperature rating of the insulation. Ambient Temperature: The higher the ambient temperature, the less heat required to reach the maximum temperature rating of the insulation. Conductor Number: Heat dissipation is lessened as the number of individually insulated conductors, bundled together, is increased.
Installation Conditions: Restricting the heat dissipation by installing the conductors in conduit, duct, trays or raceways lessens the current carrying capacity. This restriction can also be alleviated somewhat by using proper ventilation methods, forced air cooling, etc. Taking into account all the variables involved, no simple chart of current ratings can
be developed and used as the final word when designing a system where amperage ratings can become critical. The chart shows the current required to raise the temperatures of single insulated conductor in free air (30°C ambient) to the limits of various insulation types. The following table gives a derating factor to be used when the conductors are
bundled. These charts should only be used as a guide when attempting to establish current ratings on conductor and cable. Derating Factors for Bundled Conductors Bundle# Derating Factor (X Amps) 2-5 0.8 6-15 0.7 16-30 0.5 Amperes Insulation Materials: PolyethyleneNeoprenePolyurethanePolyvinylchloride(Semi-Rigid)
PolypropylenePolyethylene(High Density) PolyvinylchloridePVC (Irradiated)Nylon Kynar (135°C)Polyethylene(Crosslinked)ThermoplasticElastomers KaptonPTFEFEPPFASilicone Copper Temp. 80°C 90°C 105°C 125°C 200°C 30 AWG 2 3 3 3 4 28 AWG 3 4 4 5 6 26 AWG 4 5 5 6 7 24 AWG 6 7 7 8 10 22 AWG 8 9 10 11 13 20 AWG 10 12 13 14 17 18
AWG 15 17 18 20 24 16 AWG 19 22 24 26 32 14 AWG 27 30 33 40 45 12 AWG 36 40 45 50 55 10 AWG 47 55 58 70 75 8 AWG 65 70 75 90 100 6 AWG 95 100 105 125 135 4 AWG 125 135 145 170 180 2 AWG 170 180 200 225 240 Single Conductor in Free Air 30°C Ambient Temp.
By: Michael Peace CEng MIET MCIBSE A question that arises periodically on the IET Engineering Communities forum concerns the current-carrying capacity of cables buried in the ground, in particular, the data used to select the appropriate cross-sectional area (CSA) of live conductors. The question is, ‘what is the difference between
manufacturer’s data and BS 7671?’ In this article we look at the information available and why the information is perceived as different. What are the effects of installing a cable in the ground? Where a cable is buried in the ground its ability to dissipate heat is reduced, the extent of which depends on the installation method. Typically, cables installed
in ducts will need to be larger than those buried direct in the ground as the air surrounding the cable is heated by thermal radiation from the cable, reducing heat dissipation. How do I select the current-carrying capacity for a cable buried in the ground? BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 provides tabulated current-carrying capacity values for common
installation methods. If cables are buried in the ground, either direct or inside ducting, reference method D (Figure 1) is applicable and the appropriate value should be selected according to its type from the relevant table identified in Appendix 4. The installation method takes into account assumed parameters, such as ambient ground temperature
(Ca), soil thermal resistivity (Cs), depth of laying (Cd) and spacing factor (Cg), the correction factors for which can be found in Tables 4B2, 4B3, 4B4 and 4C2 respectively. It is important to remember that it is unlikely the cable will be buried throughout its entire length, at some point the cable will exit the ground to be terminated, where it will no
longer be buried in the ground and a different reference method will also need to be considered. Figure 1 What if the cable or installation method is not included in BS 7671? Not every installation method is provided in BS 7671, as there are too many permutations. There are certain types of cables and installation methods that are not identified and
the electrical designer must make an engineering judgement or carry out bespoke calculations. Traditionally, tabulated values were not provided in the IEE Wiring Regulations, the current-carrying capacity ratings for cables buried directly in the soil first appeared in the 13th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations in 1955 as seen in Figure 2. Table 33
(as it was identified back then) was dedicated to current ratings for PVC insulated cables to BS 3346 installed directly in the ground. Figure 2: extract from the Thirteenth Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations However, the tables were not included in the next publication, the Fourteenth Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations in 1966 but, instead,
stated that current ratings shall comply with ERA report F/T 183 as seen below in Figure 3. Figure 3: extract from the Fourteenth Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations 1966 Later, in the reissued Fourteenth Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations incorporating Amendments 1970, 1974 and 1976 including metric units, it was stated that current ratings
shall be in accordance with ERA report 69-30 as seen below in Figure 4. It was not until the Seventeenth Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations in 2008 that tabulated values were reintroduced as Table 4D4A (thermoplastic) and Table 4E4A (thermosetting).
Figure 4: extract from the Fourteenth Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations 1966 incorporating Amendments 1970, 1974 and 1976 The ERA 69-30 series are still referred to in BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 today. Appendix 4 of item 7.1 reference method D states ‘if the specific installation parameters are known (thermal resistance of the ground, ground
ambient temperature, cable depth), reference can be made to the cable manufacturer or the ERA 69-30 series of publications, which may result in a smaller cable size being selected.’ as seen in Figure 5. Figure 5 What are the ERA 69-30 series reports?
The ERA was commissioned to produce a series of reports on the current-carrying capacities of cables. The series of reports are called the ERA 69-30 series, previously called F/T183 and first published in 1955 have been referred to in the IEE Wiring Regulations for many years. There are nine parts to the ERA 69-30 report series, covering different
types of cables and installation methods. Part III of the ERA 69-30 provides values of current-carrying capacity and calculation methods for, ‘sustained current ratings for 600/1000 V and 1900/3300 V cables with 70°C thermoplastic insulation (ac 50 Hz and dc).’ The values of current-carrying capacity tabulated in the report are in accordance with IEC
60287 Electric cables - Calculation of the current rating. The ERA series of reports are still available and can be purchased from the RINA website. An important note in the ERA 69-30 report Part III, states ‘cables installed in and around buildings subject to the provisions of the IEE Wiring Regulations, BS 7671, should be rated in accordance with
those Regulations.’, which is probably where the ‘in or around buildings’ comes from in the description under reference method D in Table 4D4A as seen in Figure 6. Figure 6 What is soil thermal resistivity? Thermal resistivity of soil is different to soil resistance. Soil resistance is the ability to pass electrical current, which is relevant to earthing
systems.

The thermal resistivity of soil refers to its ability to dissipate heat, which is relevant to the current-carrying capacity of cables. Soil resistivity is affected by many factors including geographic location, soil composition and water flow and it will also change seasonally. It is important to consider that if the cables are supplying a continuous heavy load,
this can cause the soil to dry out and increase the thermal resistivity. Note the unit used for thermal resistivity of the soil in the Thirteenth Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations was thermal ohm-cm as seen in Figure 2. Today we use K.m/W, Kelvin Metre per Watt, 120 thermal ohm-cm converts to 1.2 K.m/W (120/100 = 1.2). These values were based
on the conditions identified in the supplement to Report No. F/T 183 issued by the ERA. What are typical values of soil thermal resistivity? By the time tabulated values for buried cables were reintroduced in the Seventeenth Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations in 2008, the IEE Wiring Regulations had become a British Standard, BS 7671:2008, based
on the European CENELEC HD 60364 series of standards. HD 60364-5-52 Selection and erection of electrical equipment. Wiring systems, states a general value of 2.5 K.m/W is considered necessary as a precaution for worldwide use when the soil type and geographical location are not specified. The ERA 69-30 report assumes a soil thermal
resistivity of 1.2 K.m/W, which corresponds with typical soil thermal resistivity for the UK in Annex A (A.22.2) of BS IEC 60287-3-1 Electric cables - Calculation of the current rating: Operating conditions - Site reference conditions, although this is considered to be a broad-brush statement. It is important to remember that the testing carried out for
the ERA 69-30 reports was under controlled conditions and using consistent backfill material, for example, in the real world it is much different. Cement bound sand is a product that is available and can be used as backfilling material to ensure the thermal conductivity is of a known value and will remain consistent for the lifetime of the cable.
However, this is unlikely to be a cost-effective option for smaller CSA cables when compared with using a more conservative cable size. Why are cables selected smaller when using manufacturers’ cable data? Typically, electrical design software is used for cable selection on larger installations. Some electrical design software packages specifically
refer to ‘BICC cable data’ but other manufacturer’s data also exists, other software packages refer to ‘ERA 69-30’. Most cable manufacturers data is based on the values used in the ERA 69-30 series but not all, so it is worth checking. Issues can arise when manufacturer’s cable data has been used by a consultant to complete the design, but when
checked by the contractor against tables in BS 7671 directly, the sizing can appear to be inadequate. However, when the appropriate correction factors are applied, the results will be the similar as they are based on calculation methods derived from IEC 60287 Electric cables - Calculation of the current rating. The assumed values for each publication
are identified in Table 1 below, the main influencing factor is the soil thermal resistivity. Table 1 BS 7671 ERA 69-30 Correction factor (Table) Ca Ambient ground temperature 20oC 15oC 1.05 (4B2) Cs Soil thermal resistivity 2.5 K.m/W 1.2 K.m/W 1.40 (4B3) Cd Installation depth 0.7 m 0.5 m 1.03 (4B4) The values used for calculation will depend
on the actual ground conditions and material used for backfilling.
The electrical designer must choose which is the most appropriate and apply the relevant correction factors. Unless specific values can be obtained, using the values direct from BS 7671 could be considered a safe option for the electrical designer. When considering energy efficiency and the cost associated with a cable throughout its lifetime, it is
important to remember that a smaller CSA cable will have higher energy losses (I2R), when compared with larger CSA, this is because more heat is dissipated. Other considerations There are other considerations to be taken into account by the electrical designer when selecting a suitable CSA of cable, such as length, voltage drop, energy let through
(I2t) from the protective device and thus the energy withstand rating of the cable. Summary The current-carrying capacities of cables buried in the ground used in BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 and the ERA 69-30 report series are derived from the same calculation methods identified in the relevant parts of IEC 60287. The current-carrying capacities
published in BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 are based on tabulated values in HD 60364-5-52, whereas the current-carrying capacities used for manufacturers’ data are based on the ERA 69-30 report series. The assumed values for ambient ground temperature, soil thermal resistivity and installation depth used in each publication are different which will
result in a different cable size being selected. If the appropriate correction factors are applied, the results will be the same. Unless specific details are known, the electrical designer should use the tabulated values provided in BS 7671:2018+A1:2020. Reference method D of BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 should be applied for cables buried in the ground in
and around buildings. It is the electrical designer’s responsibility to apply the appropriate factors to ensure the cable is sized adequately, it would not be deemed acceptable to blame the electrical design software for any errors. Power cables are mainly used for power transmission and distribution purpose. It is an assembly of one or more individually
insulated electrical conductors, usually held together with an overall sheath. The assembly is used for transmission and distribution of electrical power. Electrical power cables may be installed as permanent wiring within buildings, buried in the ground and run overhead or exposed.……Including: rubber cable, welding cable, URD cable, XLPE
insulated power calbe etc. Bare Overhead Conductors are used in overhead transmission and distribution network applications.They are also used for un-insulated hook ups, jumpers, grounding conductors and other applications. Our Conductors conform to ASTM, IEC, BS, BS EN and DIN standards.…… Including: AAC conductor, AAAC conductor,
ACSR conductor, ACAR conductor, AACSR conductor, etc. Aerial bundled cables (also aerial bundled conductors or simply ABC) are overhead power lines using several insulated phase conductors bundled tightly together, usually with a bare neutral conductor. Our abc calbe conform to ASTM, IEC, SANS standards.……Including: abc cables, cvered
line wire, service drop wire etc. The carrying capacity of the wire & cable is related to the conductor cross section, the wire material, the model, the laying method and the environment temperature. The carrying capacity of a variety of wires is usually obtained from the manual. Cable is used to transport electrical energy, and the calculation of the
power: Formula: kW– electric power, unit kW COSφ — system natural power factor To transport power, the line will have current flow, the greater the current through the line, the more power transmission. Carrying capacity refers to the current amount of transmission line conductor.

Specific specifications of each wire allowing the maximum load flow, the state regulations have provisions.
Copper/aluminium conductor unarmored or armoured cable carrying capacity: Conductor Conductor cross section Unarmored cable Armoured cable single core 3 core single core 3 core in the air in the soil in the air in the soil in the air in the soil in the air in the soil Copper conductor 1.5 30 43 21 25 – – – – 2.5 40 57 28 33 – – 28 33 4 53 74 37 44 – –
37 43 6 67 94 46 54 – – 47 54 10 93 127 63 73 105 125 63 71 16 124 165 84 94 136 162 84 92 25 168 213 109 120 180 210 110 118 35 207 256 132 144 220 253 134 141 50 252 304 159 169 265 299 161 167 70 308 372 195 205 322 366 197 203 95 384 449 237 245 398 442 239 242 120 439 512 273 278 465 505 275 274 150 507 575 310 309 521
567 314 305 185 591 650 355 347 604 639 354 341 240 694 757 416 399 706 744 414 392 300 810 855 473 446 819 842 – – 400 937 976 – – 949 962 – – 500 1078 1110 – – 1094 1094 – – Aluminum conductor 10 71 97 48 56 81 96 49 55 16 121 162 82 92 133 159 82 90 25 130 165 85 93 140 163 85 92 35 160 199 102 111 170 196 104 110 50 195 235
123 131 205 272 124 129 70 239 289 152 159 250 284 153 158 95 298 348 184 190 208 343 185 188 120 340 398 213 216 361 392 214 213 150 392 445 241 240 404 439 242 237 185 459 505 277 271 469 497 277 267 240 539 589 326 312 549 578 325 308 300 629 664 272 351 636 654 – – 400 731 762 – – 741 751 – – 500 845 870 – – 858 858 – –
More detail: Three core armoured cable carrying capacity list