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Home / Technical Articles / Five key factors to the correct cable selection and application

Cable selection and application

It is essential to know cable construction, characteristics, and ratings to understand problems related to cable systems. However, to correctly select a cable system and assure its satisfactory operation, additional knowledge is required. This knowledge may consist of service conditions, type of load served, mode of operation and maintenance, and the like.

5 key factors to the correct cable selection and application
5 key factors to the correct cable selection and application (photo credit: testguy.net)

The key to the successful operation of a cable system is to select the most suitable cable for the application, make a correct installation, and perform the required maintenance.

In this technical article, discussion is based on the correct cable selection and application for power distribution and utilization.

Cable selection can be based upon the following five key factors:

  1. Cable installation
  2. Cable construction
  3. Cable operation (voltage and current)
  4. Cable size
  5. Shielding requirements

1. Cable installation

Cables can be used for outdoor or indoor installations depending upon the distribution system and the load served.

A good understanding of local conditions, installation crews, and maintenance personnel is essential to assure that the selected cable system will operate satisfactorily! Many times cable insulation is damaged or weakened during installation by applying the incorrect pulling tensions.

Designs of conduit systems not only should minimize the number of conduit bends and distances between manholes but also should specify the pulling tensions.

The inspection personnel should ensure that installation crews do not exceed these values during installations. It is also important that correct bending radius be maintained in order to avoid unnecessary stress points. Once a correct installation is made, routine inspection, testing, and maintenance should be carried out on a regular basis to chart the gradual deterioration and upkeep of the cable system.

Cable systems are the arteries of the electric power distribution system and carry the energy required for the successful operation of a plant. Following is a brief discussion on cable installation and maintenance.

There are several types of cable systems available for carrying electrical energy in a given distribution system. The selection of a particular system may be influenced by local conditions, existing company policies, or past experience.

No set standards or established guidelines can be given for the selection of a particular system.

Go back to Factors affecting cable selection ↑


2. Cable construction

Selection and application of cable involves the type of cable construction needed for a particular installation. Cable construction involves conductors, cable arrangement, and insulation and finish covering.


2.1 Conductors

Conductor materials such as copper and aluminum should be given consideration with regard to workmanship, environmental conditions, and maintenance. The requirements for aluminum conductors with regard to these factors are more critical than for copper conductors.

Cable conductors should be selected based upon the class of stranding required for a particular installation.


2.2 Cable arrangement

Conductors can be arranged to form single-conductor or three-conductor cable. There are certain advantages and disadvantages to both types of arrangements. Single conductors are easier to install, easier to splice, and allow the formation of multiple-cable circuits.

On the other hand, they have higher reactance than three-conductor cable. Shielded single conductors carry high shield currents, and consideration must be given to preventing overheating of the cable.

Single-conductor cables are subject to considerable movement owing to the mechanical stresses produced by the short circuit currents or high inrush currents. Three-conductor cable with an overall jacket has the lowest reactance, and voltage stress distribution is balanced owing to equivalent spacing between conductors.

The availability of ground wire in three-conductor cable or a separate ground wire with single-conductor cable is an important consideration. Since the ground conductor in three-conductor cable construction provides the lowest impedance path, it offers a good system ground.

Similarly, a separate ground in the same conduit as the power conductors provides a better ground return path than a ground path via the equipment or building steel.

The selection and application of a cable system should be based on correct selection of the type of cable arrangement required for the purpose.


2.3 Insulation and finish covering

The selection of cable insulation and finish covering is normally based on the type of installation, ambient operating temperature, service conditions, type of load served, and other criteria as applicable. In many installations unusual conditions may be prevalent, such as corrosive atmosphere, high ambient temperature, insect and rodent hazard, presence of oil and solvents, presence of ozone, and extreme cold.

In certain applications, two or more of these unusual conditions may be present, in which case the selection of suitable cables becomes much more difficult.

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3. Cable operation

The insulation of the cable must be able to withstand the voltage stresses experienced during normal and abnormal operating conditions. Therefore the selection of the cable insulation should be made on the basis of the applicable phase-to-phase voltage and the general system category which are classified as either 100%, 133%, or 173% insulation levels.

These insulation levels are discussed as follows:

100% level:

Cables in this category may be applied where the system is provided with relay protection which normally clears ground faults within 1 minute This category is usually referred to as the grounded systems.


133% level:

Cables in this category may be applied where the system is provided with relay protection which normally clears ground faults within 1 hour This category is usually referred to as the low resistance grounded, or ungrounded systems.


173% level:

Cables in this category may be applied where the time needed to de-energize the ground fault is indefinite This level is recommended for ungrounded and for resonant grounded systems.

The current capacity that the cable needs to carry is determined by the load it serves.

The NEC is very specific in terms of sizing conductors for systems operating below 600 V. The current carrying ability of cable is based upon an operating ambient temperature. When cables are installed in multiple duct banks, it is essential to derate the cable current capacity in order not to exceed its thermal rating.

In cases where cables may be load cycled, the current carrying capacity may be calculated by the following formula:

Current carrying capacity

where:

  • Ieq is the equivalent current carrying capacity
  • I is the constant current for a particular time period
  • t is the time period of constant current
  • T is the total time of duty cycle
  • E is the voltage of the cable

The equivalent current carrying capacity should be used for selecting the conductor size for thermal withstand.

Go back to Factors affecting cable selection ↑


4. Cable size

The selection of cable size is based upon the following factors:

  1. Current carrying capacity
  2. Voltage regulation
  3. Short circuit rating

These factors should be evaluated before selecting a cable size! In many instances voltage regulation and short circuit rating factors are overlooked. This oversight can result in danger to property and personnel, as well as destruction of the cable itself.


4.1 Current carrying capacity

The current carrying capacity of a cable is based upon its thermal heating. The NEC publishes tables listing the current capacity for various-sized cables. The ICEA publishes current ratings for various types of insulations and installation conditions.

If it is required to carry capacity larger than 500 MCM, it is normal practice to parallel two smaller conductors.

The current rating of cable is based upon certain spacing to permit thermal dissipation. If this spacing is smaller where the cable is to be installed, then derating of cable is required.


4.2 Voltage regulation

In correctly designed electrical power systems, voltage regulation is usually not a problem. Voltage drops for excessively long runs at low voltage should be checked to ensure correct load voltage. In rotating loads, checks should be made both on steady-state voltage regulation and during starting.

The NEC specifies a 5% limit of voltage drop for electrical power distribution systems.


4.3 Short circuit rating

The cable size selected should be checked for short circuit withstand capability, which should be based upon the circuit opening time for short circuit condition. In other words, the cable should hold without any thermal damage to it until such time as the fault can be removed by the switching device, such as a circuit breaker or fuse.

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5. Shielding

In selecting and applying cables at medium voltage, a major consideration involves whether the cable should be shielded or non-shielded. The conditions under which shielded cable is to be selected and applied is explained in the following discussion.

The application of shielded cable involves the following considerations:

  1. Type of insulation system
  2. Whether the system neutral is grounded or ungrounded
  3. Safety and reliability requirements of the system

In power systems where there is no shield or metallic covering, the electric field is partly in the air and partly in the insulation system! If the electric field is intense, such as in the case of high and medium voltage, surface discharges will take place and cause ionization of the air particles. The ionization of air causes ozone generation, which can deteriorate certain insulations and finish coverings.

In the application of non-shielded cable on ungrounded systems, damage to insulation or jackets can be caused by leakage current if the surface of the cable is moist or covered with soot, grease, dirt, or other conducting film.

In duct-type installations where non-shielded, nonmetallic cable is used, the external electric eld may be high enough to pose a safety hazard to personnel working on single cable in multi-circuit installations.

In cases where portable cables, cable assemblies, or exposed overhead cable installations are used and may be handled by personnel, serious safety hazards may exist if non-shielded cable is used!!

There are five fundamental constituents that make a cable: conductor, insulation, shield, filler and strength member.
There are five fundamental constituents that make a cable: conductor, insulation, shield, filler and strength member (photo credit: plastics1.com)

Shielding should be considered for nonmetallic cable operating in excess of 2kV where any of the following conditions exist:

  1. Damp conduits
  2. Connection to aerial wires
  3. Transition from a conducting to a nonconducting environment (such as from moist to dry earth)
  4. Dry soil
  5. Dirty environment containing soot, salt, and other contaminants
  6. Where safety to personnel is required
  7. Where radio interference is expected

The ICEA has set up voltage limits above which insulation shielding is required for rubber and thermoplastic-insulated cables. These values are shown in Table 1.

The insulation shield must be grounded at least at one end and preferably at two or more points. The cable shield must be grounded also at all terminations, splices, and taps with stress cones. The shield should be operated at ground potential.

Multiple grounding will ensure safety and reliability of the cable circuits. The ground path from the shield should be of low resistance to keep the shield near ground potential.

TABLE 1 // Insulation Shielding Requirements for Rubber and Thermoplastic-Insulated Cables

Single ConductorThree Conductor
No.Cable TypeGrounded
[kV]
Grounded
[kV]
Grounded
[kV]
Grounded
[kV]
1Sheathed cable5555
2Interlocked cable5555
3Fibrous covered cable2222
4Nonozone resistant2222
5Ozone resistant
In metallic conduits5355
Ungrounded conduits3355
Aerially in ties3355
Aerially with metallic binder5555
Direct buried3355

Go back to Factors affecting cable selection ↑

Reference // Electrical Power Equipment Maintenance and Testing by Paul Gill (Purchase hardcopy from Amazon)

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author-pic

Edvard Csanyi

Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized for design of LV/MV switchgears and LV high power busbar trunking (<6300A) in power substations, commercial buildings and industry facilities. Professional in AutoCAD programming.

19 Comments


  1. Alexandra
    Jun 09, 2021

    Hello Edvard, thanks for your contribution, it’s been very useful.

    Regarding cable operation, I have the following question:

    If i have a 34.5 kV +/- 10% system which mean that under normal circunstances the system can be operated between 31.05 kV and 37.95 kV, a type MV cable of 35 kV could be used? Do you know where to find the utilization voltage range for this cable type? Is there any american standard that talk about it?

    Thank you in advance


  2. B BAIKUNTHO RAO SUBUDHI
    Apr 19, 2021

    Thanks


  3. Asif Ibrahim
    Mar 01, 2021

    Following this blog since 2014-15! Best ever


  4. eleczo
    Jan 04, 2021

    Very detailed blog. All the Infos are good. must-read blog.


  5. Nebiyu
    Sep 01, 2020

    EEP is one world wide highest engineering and i glad to join you . And i want to participate on the research with this company.

    thank you in advance.


  6. Samantha
    May 25, 2020

    Great article. I am sure going to check them out. Thanks for sharing it with us.


  7. D verma
    May 10, 2020

    Cable size different for 150 HP motor.
    If fed with HRC fuse and starter
    Or breaker with relay and motor starter?


  8. Philip Oyas
    Jan 17, 2020

    Good article you published. Pls, need documents on cable size selections ([email protected]). Thanks


  9. chathuranga samarasinghe
    Dec 20, 2019

    it is a very useful lesson for all electrical technologist thanks mr.edvard eep.


  10. Enamul David
    Dec 18, 2019

    Dear Sir,
    Best Regards, please send me a copy of this documents of cable selection topics at my email address, thanking you.


  11. Moustapha O Soumare
    Oct 12, 2018

    This is more of a question than comment:
    To feed a subdivision from a 1000 Kcmil Primary cable, a loop of SNC switch gears are install in the lot in question from which the utility transformers are going to be connected. From the main primary, would it be correct to tap with a 1/0AL primary to tie the switch gears? The loop is being closed back n the same 1000 kcmil main primary after circling around the subdivision. There no specification in the NESC.
    Thank you.


  12. PRAMOD
    Sep 19, 2018

    Very Helpful and detailed information.
    Thnaks


  13. eddy
    Aug 14, 2018

    thanks for the explicit expansion of information, your contributions are indeed impact-full.


  14. chinmay
    Apr 20, 2018

    Very helpful article.


  15. John kimathi
    Dec 23, 2017

    Excellent ,you are a luck to us mostly in Africa ,your journals is highly helpful to us


  16. Jim Cook
    Nov 07, 2016

    Edvard,

    The NEC does NOT specify or require voltage drop limits for any circuit. Statements in the NEC regarding voltage drop appear in Informational Notes which recommend such limits. But Informational Notes are NOT part of the Code itself. It would, however, be a poor design that ignored the NEC recommendations.


  17. Anirudh
    Nov 01, 2016

    Good article


  18. Jose Luis Mendoza Bejarano
    Oct 31, 2016

    Gracias por el aporte


  19. Andres Olea
    Oct 31, 2016

    Hello Edvard: Excellent article

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