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Home / Technical Articles / The art of determining the right cross-section of low voltage conductors

Maximum current-carrying capacity

To be clear at the beginning of this article, determining the cross-section of conductors and cables is, for sure, not the most exciting part of electrical design. There are much more challenging and more exciting parts than staring at endless conductor tables. However, this part has to be done professionally the same way as all other parts of a design. So, take your glasses (if you wear one), get some coffee, and let’s start.

The art of determining the right cross-section of low voltage conductors
The art of determining the right cross-section of low voltage conductors

The determination of the cross-section of the conductors is based on knowledge of the maximum current-carrying capacity of the wiring system, which is itself determined based on the conductors and their operating conditions. Standard IEC 60364-5-52 determines the current values according to the basic operating principles for installations and safety of people. The main elements are given below.

The table of current-carrying capacities can be used to directly determine the cross-section of the conductors according to:

  1. Type of conductor
  2. Reference method (installation method)
  3. The theoretical current-carrying capacity Iz (Izth)

Izth is calculated by applying all the correction factors (f) to the operating current value (IB). The factors f are determined according to the installation method, grouping, temperature, etc.

IB = Izth× f giving Izth = IB / f

Determining the cross-section using the table of current-carrying capacities
Figure 1 – Determining the cross-section using the table of current-carrying capacities

This whole process of determining the right cross-section of low voltage conductors is explained through the following steps.

Table of contents:

  1. Characteristics of the conductors
  2. Wiring systems: Installation methods
    1. Anex 1 – “Installation groups” according to the type of cable
  3. Groups of circuits
  4. Ambient temperature
  5. Risks of explosion
  6. Parallel conductors
  7. Global correction factor
    1. Example of determining a three-phase circuit
  8. Cross-section of the neutral conductor
    1. Examples: Application of reduction factors for harmonic currents

1. Characteristics of the conductors

The following information is taken into consideration:

  1. The type of core: copper or aluminium.
  2. The type of insulation, which defines the maximum permissible temperature during operation, XLPE or EPR for insulation that can withstand 90 °C and PVC for insulation that can withstand 70 °C

Table 1 – Max. operating temperatures according to the type of insulation

Type of insulationMaximum temperature (1) °C
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)Conductor: 70
Cross-linked polyethylene (XlPE) and ethylene-propylene (EPr) ConductorConductor: 90 (1) 
Mineral (with or without PVC sheath, and accessible)Sheath: 70
Mineral (without sheath, accessible and not in contact with combustible materials)Sheath: 105 (2)

(1) If a conductor operates at a temperature greater than 70°C, it is advisable to check that the equipment connected to this conductor is suitable for the final temperature of the connection.

(2) Higher operating temperatures may be permitted for certain types of insulation, depending on the type of cable, its ends, the environmental conditions and other external influences.

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2. Wiring systems: Installation methods

The standard defines a number of installation methods which represent the various installation conditions. In the following tables, they are divided into groups and defined by the letters A to G which determine how to read the table of the current-carrying capacities in conductors (see Anex 1)

If several installation methods are used along the length of the wiring system, the methods for which the thermal dissipation conditions are the least favourable must be chosen.

There is no explicit provision in the standard on the determination of the cross-section of conductors inside low voltage distribution boards. However standard IEC 60439-1 defines the currents (used for the temperature rise tests) for PVC insulated copper conductors.

Table 2 – Installation group according to the type of cable

Installation groupCable type
 Insulated conductorsSingle-core cablesMulti-core cables
(A1) in a thermally insulated wall
(A1) in conduit in a thermally insulated wall
(A1-A2) in a thermally insulated wall
(B1-B2) in conduit on a wooden wall
(C) On a wooden wall
(C) fixed on a wooden wall
(D) in ducts in the ground
(E) in free air
(F) in free air
(G) Spaced in free air

For detailed view of each of installation group please refer to Anex 1 below.

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3. Groups of circuits

The tables giving the installation methods also refer to specific tables to be used to determine the correction factors connected with the group of circuits and conduits.

Table 3 – Reduction factors for groups of more than one circuit or of more than one multi-core cable to be used with current-carrying capacities

Reduction factors for groups of more than one circuit or of more than one multi-core cable to be used with current-carrying capacities
Table 3 – Reduction factors for groups of more than one circuit or of more than one multi-core cable to be used with current-carrying capacities

These factors are applicable to uniform groups of cables, equally loaded. Where horizontal clearances between adjacent cables exceeds twice their overall diameter, no reduction factor need be applied.

The same factors are applied to:

  • Groups of two or three single-core cables;
  • Multi-core cables

If a system consists of both two-core and three-core cables, the total number of cables is taken as the number of circuits, and the corresponding factor is applied to the tables for two loaded conductors for the two-core cables, and to the tables for three loaded conductors for the three-core cables.

If a group consists of n single-core cables it may either be considered as n/2 circuits of two loaded conductors or n/3 circuits of three loaded conductors. The values given have been averaged over the range of conductor sizes and types of installation included in tables, the overall accuracy of tabulated values is within 5%.

For some installations and for other methods not provided for in the above table, it may be appropriate to use factors calculated for specific cases.

Table 4 – Reduction factors for groups of more than one circuit, cables laid directly in the ground installation method D – single-core or multi-core cables

Reduction factors for groups of more than one circuit, cables laid directly in the ground installation method D – single-core or multi-core cables
Table 4 – Reduction factors for groups of more than one circuit, cables laid directly in the ground installation method D – single-core or multi-core cables

Values given apply to an installation depth of 0,7 m and a soil thermal resistivity of 2,5 Km/W. They are average values for the range of cable sizes and types quoted for tables. The process of averaging, together with rounding off, can result in some cases in errors up to ±10%.

Where more precise values are required they may be calculated by methods given in IEC 60287-2-1.

Grouping circuits together results in a reduction of the current-carrying capacity (application of a correction factor)
Figure 2 – Grouping circuits together results in a reduction of the current-carrying capacity (application of a correction factor)

Table 5 – Reduction factors for groups of more than one circuit, cables laid in ducts in the ground installation method D multi-core cables in single-way ducts

Multi-core cables in single-way ducts
Table 5 – Multi-core cables in single-way ducts
Single-core cables in single-way ducts
Table 5 – Single-core cables in single-way ducts

Values given apply to an installation depth of 0,7 m and a soil thermal resistivity of 2,5 Km/W. They are average values for the range of cable sizes and types quoted for tables. The process of averaging, together with rounding off, can result in some cases in errors up to ±10 %.

Where more precise values are required they may be calculated by methods given in IEC 60287.

Table 6Reduction factors for groups of more than one multi-core cable to be applied to reference ratings for multi-core cables in free air – method of installation E

Reduction factors for groups of more than one multi-core cable to be applied to reference ratings for multi-core cables in free air - method of installation E
Table 6 – Reduction factors for groups of more than one multi-core cable to be applied to reference ratings for multi-core cables in free air – method of installation E

(1) Values are given for vertical spacings between trays of 300 mm and at least 20 mm between trays and wall. For closer spacing the factors should be reduced.

(2) Values are given for horizontal spacing between trays of 225 mm with trays mounted back to back. For closer spacing the factors should be reduced

Table 7 – Reduction factors for groups of more than one circuit of single-core cables (1) to be applied to reference rating for one circuit of single-core cables in free air – method of installation F

Reduction factors for groups of more than one circuit of single-core cables (1) to be applied to reference rating for one circuit of single-core cables in free air – method of installation F
Table 7 – Reduction factors for groups of more than one circuit of single-core cables (1) to be applied to reference rating for one circuit of single-core cables in free air – method of installation F

(1) factors are given for single layers of cables (or trefoil groups) as shown in the table and do not apply when cables are installed in more than one layer touching each other. Values for such installations may be significantly lower and must be determined by an appropriate method.

(2) Values are given for vertical spacings between trays of 300 mm. for closer spacing the factors should be reduced.

(4) Values are given for horizontal spacing between trays of 225 mm with trays mounted back to back and at least 20 mm between the tray and any wall. for closer spacing the factors should be reduced.

(5) for circuits having more than one cable in parallel per phase, each three phase set of conductors should be considered as a circuit for the purpose of this table.

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4. Ambient temperature

The ambient temperature has a direct influence on the sizing of the conductors. The temperature to be taken into account is that of the air around the cables (open air installation), and that of the ground for buried cables.

The following tables, taken from standard IEC 60364-5-52, can be used to determine the correction factor to be applied for temperatures ranging from 10 to 80 °C. The basic temperature in air is given at 30 °C and that of the ground at 20 °C for all these tables.

The ambient temperature around cables must not be confused with that taken into account for the protection devices, which is the internal temperature of the distribution swithboard in which these protection devices are installed.

Table 8 – Correction factors for ambient air temperatures other than 30 °C to be applied to the current-carrying capacities for cables in the air (1).

Correction factors for ambient air temperatures other than 30 °C to be applied to the current-carrying capacities for cables in the air
Table 8 – Correction factors for ambient air temperatures other than 30 °C to be applied to the current-carrying capacities for cables in the air

For higher ambient temperatures you should consult manufacturer.


Table 9 – Table correction factors for ambient ground temperatures other than 20°C to be applied to the current-carrying capacities for cables in ducts in the ground

Table correction factors for ambient ground temperatures other than 20°C to be applied to the current-carrying capacities for cables in ducts in the ground
Table 9 – Table correction factors for ambient ground temperatures other than 20°C to be applied to the current-carrying capacities for cables in ducts in the ground

Table 10 – Table correction factor for cables in buried ducts for soil thermal resistivities other than 2,5 K.m/W to be applied to the current-carrying capacities for reference method D

Table correction factor for cables in buried ducts for soil thermal resistivities other than 2,5 K.m/W
Table 10 – Table correction factor for cables in buried ducts for soil thermal resistivities other than 2,5 K.m/W to be applied to the current-carrying capacities for reference method D

The correction factors given have been averaged over the range of conductor sizes and types of installation considered in tables. The overall accuracy of correction factors is within ±5%. The correction factors are applicable to cables drawn into burried ducts; for cables laid direct in the ground the correction factors for thermal resistivities less than 2,5 K.m/W will be higher.

Where more precise values are required they may be calculated by methods given in IEC 60287. The correction factors are applicable to ducts buried at depths of up to 0,8 m.

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5. Risks of explosion

In installations where there is a risk of explosion (presence, processing or storage of materials which are explosive or have a low flash point, including the presence of explosive dust), wiring systems must include appropriate mechanical protection and the current-carrying capacity will be subject to a reduction factor.

The description and installation rules are given in standard IEC 60079.

Interesting reading:

Why substation equipment fails and why it’s wise to think of that much before failure

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6. Parallel conductors

As long as the arrangement of the conductors complies with the grouping rules, the current-carrying capacity of the wiring system can be considered as being equal to the sum of the current-carrying capacities of each conductor to which the correction factors connected with the group of conductors are applied.

Parallel conductors and cables
Figure 3 – Parallel conductors and cables (photo credit: nktphotonics.com)

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7. Global correction factor

When all the specific correction factors are known, it is possible to determine the global correction factor (f), which is equal to the product of all the specific factors. The procedure then consists of calculating the theoretical current-carrying capacity Izth of the wiring system:

Izth = IB / f

Knowing Izth then enables reference to be made to the tables for the current-carrying capacities for determining the necessary cross-section.

Read from the column corresponding to the type of conductor and the reference method. Then simply choose in the table the current-carrying capacity value immediately above the Izth value to find the cross-section.

A tolerance of 5% on the value of iz is generally permitted. for example, an operating current IB of 140 A would lead to the selection of a 35 mm2 cross-section with a current-carrying capacity of 169 A. Applying this tolerance enables a smaller cross-section of 25 mm2 to be chosen, which can then withstand a current of 145 A (138 + 0.5% = 145 A).

Table 11 – Current-carrying capacities in amperes

Current-carrying capacities in amperes
Table 11 – Current-carrying capacities in amperes

Where (1)

  • PVC 2: PVC insulation, 2 loaded conductors
  • PVC 3: PVC insulation, 3 loaded conductors
  • PR 2: XLPE or EPR insulation, 2 loaded conductors
  • PR 3: XLPE or EPR insulation, 3 loaded conductors.

Use PVC 2 or PR 2 for single phase or two-phase circuits and PVC 3 or PR 3 for three-phase circuits.

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7.1 Example

Determining a three-phase circuit constituting the link between a main distribution board and a secondary distribution board.


Hypotheses

  • The estimation of the loads has enabled the operating current of the conductors to be calculated: IB = 600 A
  • The wiring system consists of single-core copper cables with PR insulation
  • The conductors are installed touching one another in perforated cable ducting
  • Preference is given to install the cables in parallel to limit the unit cross-section to 150 mm2

Solution

Installing single-core cables in a perforated cable tray corresponds to reference method F

Extract from the installation methods table
Table 12 – Extract from the installation methods table

If a single conductor per phase is sufficient, no correction need be applied. If two conductors per phase are necessary, a reduction factor of 0.88 must be applied.

Extract from the table giving the correction factors for groups
Table 13 – Extract from the table giving the correction factors for groups

The theoretical value Izth will therefore be determined by: Izth = IB/F = 600/0.88 = 682 A i.e. 341 A per conductor.

Reading from the table of current-carrying capacities
Table 14 – Reading from the table of current-carrying capacities

For a PR 3 conductor in reference method f and a current-carrying capacity of 382 A (value immediately above 341 A) the table gives a cross-section of 120 mm2.

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8. Cross-section of the neutral conductor

In principle, the neutral must be the same cross-section as the phase conductor in all single phase circuits. In three-phase circuits with a cross-section greater than 16 mm2 (25 mm2 alumin.), the cross-section of the neutral can be reduced to cross-section/2.

However this reduction is not permitted if:

  • The loads are not in practice balanced
  • The third harmonic content is greater than 15 %.
If this content is greater than 33 %, the cross-section of the live conductors of multi-core cables is chosen by increasing current IB. Standard IEC 60364-5-52 gives a table showing the correction factors according to the THD (Total Harmonic Distortion), followed by an example of determining the current-carrying capacity of the cable.

Table 15 – Table reduction factors for harmonics currents in 4-core and 5-core cables

Table reduction factors for harmonics currents in four-core and five-core cables (IEC 60364-5-52)
Table 15 – Table reduction factors for harmonics currents in four-core and five-core cables (IEC 60364-5-52)

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8.1 Examples

Application of reduction factors for harmonic currents (IEC 60352-5-52)

Consider a three-phase circuit with a design load of 39 A to be installed using four-core PVC insulated cable clipped to a wall, installation method C. A 6 mm2 cable with copper conductors has a current-carrying capacity of 41 A and hence is suitable if harmonics are not present in the circuit.

If 20 % third harmonic is present, then a reduction factor of 0,86 is applied and the design load becomes: 39/0,86 = 45 A. For this load a 10 mm2 cable is necessary.

If 40 % third harmonic is present, the cable size selection is based on the neutral current which is: 39×0,4×3 = 46,8 A, and a reduction factor of 0,86 is applied, leading to a design load of: 46,8/0,86 = 54,4 A. For this load a 10 mm2 cable is suitable.

If 50% third harmonic is present, the cable size is again selected on the basis of the neutral current, which is: 39×0,5×3 = 58,5 A. In this case the rating factor is 1 and a 16 mm2 cable is required.

All the above cable selections are based on the current-carrying capacity of the cable; voltage drop and other aspects of design have not been considered.

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Anex 1 – “Installation groups” according to the type of cable

Anex 1 - “Installation groups” according to the type of cable
Anex 1 – “Installation groups” according to the type of cable

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Sources:

  • Legrand

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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.

15 Comments


  1. Festus
    Nov 14, 2021

    Very interesting write up on electrical power systems


  2. Z. Hasan
    Nov 03, 2021

    Pls share the info about effect of %THDv on selection of cable cross-section


  3. Chirantan Gupta
    Jul 27, 2021

    Cable sizing is a complex activity and different approaches are adopted based on project, geographical location, applicable standards etc. Using the correct tables from the accepted standards is very important. However, there are limitations of the standards too and all practical situations are not addressed in the standards. Sometimes over conservative approach results in oversized cable system. Erring towards undersized cable too is not a safe practice. Years of experience is required to understand cable sizing properly.


  4. C Gupta
    Jul 27, 2021

    MS Excel indeed provides a highly accurate method to store and use data. However, care needs to be exercised to see that data is correctly applied across projects at different geographical locations and also across IEC/NEC world. Customizing worksheets and spending some quality time for spreadsheets is very important. Also any hidden factor which may not be relevant is to be investigated, especially if you are not the the original author. Same holds true for the equations/formulae and the units used.


  5. Mohamed Eid
    Jan 31, 2021

    I don’t know why table 3 were used instead of table 7 for calculating the cables group derating factor in the example. I understood that table 7 should be applied to the current carrying capacity, which do not taken the method of operation into account and table 7 should be applied to the current carrying capacity that take the method of installation into account. So better to use table 7 instead as we already know the method of installation.
    From other hand it is more logic to apply the derating factors to the current carrying capacity from the tables rather than the IB. The cable manufacturers have current carrying capacity tables according to the method of installation that means a derating factor has been already used so why we do not continue the same practice.


  6. Mohamed Omar Morad
    Apr 26, 2020

    I want to download articles without premium


  7. Mohamed Omar Morad
    Apr 26, 2020

    I want to download article without premium


  8. lui dal
    Apr 01, 2020

    Do you have a blog about using DC cables? The proceed is similar i Belice however, if from DC source cable to final load was say 10meters, would you done the length in the calculation due to being a DC circuit?


  9. alberto malaver tossut
    Mar 20, 2020

    Excellent your contribution Edvard. Thank you.


  10. Martin Mishko
    Mar 17, 2020

    Not the first time the metric system has me lost. Great system we just don’t use it in North America. If this is a website designed for Europeans I guess I feel a little left out. Suppose a great way to blog about electrical engineering would be to write in all measurements or at very least use Metric and SAE tables.

    I admit AWG system is antiquated but that’s what we still use and I don’t see it changing.


  11. mahmud sardar
    Mar 16, 2020

    What about short circuit carrying capacity effect in selection of LV cable , by mean suppose if i select a cable sized 120mm2 but as per the short circuit current the per mm current is higher than the acceptable limit then i must modify my selection .


  12. Claudio Costa
    Mar 16, 2020

    Good reading. Excel spreadsheets are common practice to size cables in offshore projects. They include voltage drop calculations and short circuit withstand capacity in addition to the cable current carrying capacity. Major Class Societies provide temperature-based cable current rating charts, which go into the excel spreadsheets program, along with the derating factors.


    • Joaquin
      Mar 20, 2020

      Hi Claudio, could you provide me the excel spreadsheets you mention to dimension the wires ??

      Thanks!


    • Hafizie
      Apr 07, 2021

      Hi Claudio. It would be nice if you can share the excel spreadsheets


  13. Genghiz Khan
    Mar 16, 2020

    Hello Edvard,
    This is a very good article with an explanation and examples.

    I wish you to do much more…articles similar to this.

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