Determining Conductor Cross-Sectional Areas

507
6. Determining conductor cross-

sectional areas
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Industrial electrical network design guide T&D 6 883 427/AE

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6. DETERMINING CONDUCTOR CROSS-SECTIONAL AREAS
Owing to the respective characteristics of LV and MV conductors, they have been dealt with in
separate paragraphs.
6.1. Determining conductor cross-sectional areas and choosing protective

devices in low voltage
n definition of terms relating to low voltage wiring systems
(Insulated) cable
Assembly comprising:
- one or more insulated conductors
- their eventual individual screening
- any eventual assembly protection
- any eventual protective shielding
It may also comprise one or several bare conductors.
Multi-core cable
Cable comprising more than one conductor, which may eventually include bare conductors.
Note: the term three-core cable is used to designate the cable making up the phases of a three-phase
system.
Single-core cable
Cable comprising a single insulated conductor.
Note: the term single-core cable is especially used to designate a cable making up one of the phases of a
three-phase system.
Wiring system
Assembly made up of one or more electric conductors and the devices ensuring their fixation and, if
necessary, their mechanical protection.
Cable channel
Ventilated or enclosed duct located above or in the ground, having dimensions preventing persons from
moving around inside it but allowing access to the cables over their entire length during and after
installation.
Note: a cable channel may or may not form part of the building construction.
Cable tray
Holder made up of a base and sides but no cover.
Note: A cable tray may be perforated or unperforated.
Electrical circuit (of an installation)

All the electrical equipment of the installation fed from the same source and protected against
overcurrents by the same protective device(s).

509
(Insulated) conductor
Assembly comprising the conductor, its insulating envelope and eventual screens.
(Circular) conduit
Enclosed envelope, having a circular cross-section, designed for the installation or the replacement of
insulated conductors or cables by capstan, in electrical installations.
Ducting
Assembly of closed envelopes having a non circular cross-sectional area, designed for the installation or
the replacement of insulated conductors or cables by capstan, in electrical installations.
Brackets
Horizontal cable supports fixed at one of their ends, arranged from point to point and on which the cables
rest.
Design current of a circuit

Current to be carried in a circuit in normal service
(Continuous) current carrying capacity of a conductor

Maximum value of the current that, in given conditions, can continuously flow in a conductor without its
steady-state operating temperature being higher than the specified value.
Cable ladder
Cable support made up of a series of non-touching elements firmly fixed to main vertical rods.
Sleeve (or tube)

Element surrounding wiring and providing it with extra protection in building passages (walls, partitions,
floor, ceiling) or in buried passages.
Sheath
Enclosure located above ground level having dimensions preventing persons from moving around inside
it but allowing access to the cables over their entire length. A sheath may or may not be built into the
masonry.
Trough
Assembly of envelopes closed by a cover and ensuring mechanical protection of insulated conductors or
cables not installed or removed by a capstan and which allow other electrical equipment to be added .
Building void
Space in a structure or building parts which is only accessible at certain places.
Note: - spaces in walls, supported floors, ceilings and certain types of window or door frames and
jamb linings are examples of building voids.
- specially built building voids are also called "ducts".

510
6.1.1. Method principle

In compliance with the recommendations of IEC 364-4-43, the cross-sectional area of wiring
systems and the protective device must be chosen to meet several conditions necessary for
the security of the installation.
The wiring system must:
- carry the maximum design current and its normal transient peaks
- not generate voltage drops above the allowed values.
The protective device must:
- protect the wiring system against any overcurrents up to the short-circuit current
- ensure the protection of persons against indirect contact.
The logigram in figure 6-1 sums up the principle of the method which may be described by the
following stages:
1st stage:
- using the load power, the maximum design current I B is calculated and the rated current
I n of the protective device is deduced from this
- the maximum short-circuit current Isc at the origin of the circuit is calculated and the
breaking capacity of the protective device is deduced from this.
2nd stage:
- depending on the installation conditions (installation method, ambient temperature, etc.),

the overall correction factor f is determined
- the suitable conductor cross-sectional area is chosen in relation to I n and f .

511
3rd stage:
- the maximum voltage drop is checked
- the thermal withstand of the conductors in the event of a short circuit is checked
- for TN and IT systems, the maximum length relating to the protection of persons against
indirect contact is checked.
The conductor cross-sectional area meeting all these conditions is then chosen.
Note: an economic cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area determined above may
be chosen if necessary (see § 6.3).
apparent power short-circuit

to be carried power at the origin
upstream or of the circuit
downstream
network
short-circuit
design current
current
IB I sc
rated current of protective device

protective device breaking capacity
In
choice of
choice of protective device
protective device
installation wiring system conductor check of thermal

conditions cross-sectional area withstand in case
of short-circuit
maximum voltage IT or TN earthing system

drop check
maximum wiring
system length chek
TT earthing
system
conductor cross- confirmation of the choice of wiring system

sectional area cross-sectional area and its electrical protection
determination
economic
cross-sectional
area possibly chosen
Figure 6-1: wiring system cross-sectional area and protective device choice logigram

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6.1.2. Determining the maximum design current

The maximum design current ( I B ) is defined according to the type of installation fed by the
wiring system.
In the case of individual power supply to a device, the current I B will be equal to the rated
current of the device being fed. On the other hand, if the wiring system feeds several devices,
the current I B will be equal to the sum of currents absorbed, taking into account the
installation utilisation and coincidence factors.
In the case of motor starting or cyclical operating conditions of loads (spot welding station,
see § 3.4.2), current inrushes must be taken into account when their thermal effects are
cumulated.
Some installations are subject to future extensions. The current corresponding to this
extension will be added to the existing value.
P  power consumed (in W ) 

In direct current: I=  
U  duty voltage (in V ) 
S S
In alternating current: I = in single-phase and I = in three-phase.
U U 3
S : apparent power consumed (VA)
U : . voltage between the two conductors for a single-phase power supply
. phase-to-phase voltage for a three-phase power supply
When high harmonic currents circulate in the conductor, they must be taken into account. In
order to choose the cross-sectional area, the following must therefore be taken:
1
 ∞ 
I r .m.s. = 
 ∑ I p2 

(see § 8)
 p =1 
I1 : current value at 50 Hz (or 60 Hz)

I p : value of harmonic current of order p
Ir .m.s.
For example, for a speed variator ≅ 1.7
I1
When there are compensation capacitors downstream of the wiring system, the design current
is determined as follows:
- assuming that compensation is in operation: in case of failure of the capacitors, the wiring
system is placed out of service
- assuming that compensation is out of service; in case of failure of the capacitors, the
conductor cross-sectional area is sufficient and availability is thus improved.

513
n factor taking into account the power factor and efficiency: a
The apparent power of a load is:
P
S= in kVA
η × Fp
P : active power in kW
η : efficiency
Fp : power factor
1
We define the coefficient: a =
η × Fp
When a current stripped of harmonics flows through the conductor, Fp = cos ϕ .
n load utilisation factor: b
In an industrial installation, it is assumed that loads will never be used at their full power level.
A utilisation factor ( b ) is therefore introduced which generally varies from 0.3 to 1.
Without knowing the accurate values, we may take:
- b = 0.75 for motors
- b =1 for lighting and heating

514
n coincidence factor: c
In an industrial installation, the loads (of a workshop, for example) fed by the same wiring
system do not operate simultaneously in all cases. To take this phenomenon, which is linked to
the operating conditions of the installation, into account, the coincidence factor is applied to
the sum of the load powers in conductor sizing.
In the absence of precise indications resulting from experience of standard installations, the
values of tables 6-1 et 6-2 may be applied:
Use Coincidence factor c
Lighting 1
Lighting and air conditioning 1
Power outlets 0.1 to 0.2 (for a number > 20)
Table 6-1: coincidence factor for an administrative building
Number of circuits having Coincidence factor

similar nominal currents
2 and 3 0.9
4 and 5 0.8
5 to 9 0.7
10 and more 0.6
Table 6-2: coincidence factor for industrial distribution switchboards
n factor taking into account possible future extensions: d
The value of factor d must be estimated according to the foreseeable extensions of the
installation.
In the absence of precise indications, the value 1.2 is often used.

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n power conversion factor in current: e
The power conversion factor in current is:
- e = 8 in single-phase 127 V - e = 4.35 in single-phase 230 V

- e = 2.5 in three-phase 230 V - e = 1.4 in three-phase 400 V
n maximum design current
The maximum design current is thus:
IB = P × a × b × c × d × e
P : active power in kW
6.1.3. Choosing the protective device

516
n general rule
In compliance with IEC 364, a protective device (circuit-breaker or fuse) correctly fulfils its
function if the conditions outlined below are met.
o nominal or setting current
This must be between the design current and the current carrying capacity I a of the wiring
system:
I B ≤ I n ≤ I a , which corresponds to zone a in figure 6.2.
o conventional tripping current
This must meet the following relation:
I2 ≤ 1.45 I a , which corresponds to zone b in figure 6.2.
case of circuit-breakers
- For domestic circuit-breakers, standard IEC 898 specifies:
I2 = 1.45 In
- For industrial circuit-breakers, standard IEC 947-2 specifies:
I2 = 1.30 I set
we thus have I2 ≤ 1.45 I n (or I set )
while I n ≤ I a (above condition)
The condition I2 ≤ 1.45 I a (zone b ) is thus automatically met.

517
case of fuses
Standard IEC 269-1 specifies that I 2 is the current which ensures that the fuse fuses in the
conventional time (1 h or 2 h); I 2 is referred to as the conventional fusing current (see § 6.3.1
of the Protection guide).
I 2 = k2 × I n where k2 = 1.6 to 1.9 depending on the fuses
Let us define the coefficient k3 such that:
k2
k3 =
1.45
Thus, the condition I2 ≤ 1.45 I a is met if:
I
In ≤ a
k3
For gG fuses:
- I n ≤ 10 A à k3 = 1.31
- 10 A < I n ≤ 25 A à k3 = 1.21
- I n > 25 A à k3 = 1.10
o breaking capacity
This must be higher than the three-phase maximum short-circuit current ( Isc 3 ) at its
installation point:
Breaking capacity ≥ Isc 3 , which corresponds to zone c in figure 6.2.

518
o associating protective devices
The use of a protective device having a breaking capacity below the short-circuit current at the
point where it is installed is permitted by standard IEC 364 under the following conditions:
- there is another device upstream having at least the necessary breaking capacity
- the energy that the device placed upstream lets through is lower than the energy that the
downstream device and wiring systems protected by these devices can withstand without
being damaged.
This possibility is implemented:
. in circuit-breaker/fuse associations
. in the cascading technique which uses the high current limitation capacity of certain
circuit-breakers (e.g. the Compact).
The possible associations resulting from actual tests performed in a laboratory are given in
manufacturer catalogues.
6.1.4. Current-carrying capacity of wiring systems

This is the maximum current that the wiring system can continuously carry without this being
prejudicial to its lifetime.
To determine this current, it is necessary to carry out the following:
- using tables 6-3 to 6-5, define the installation method, its associated selection number and
letter, and correction factors to be applied
- using the installation conditions, the correction factor values which must be applied are
determined (see tables 6-6 to 6-15)
- calculate the overall correction factor f equal to the product of the correction factors
- using table 6-16 for selection letters B, C, E, F and table 6-17 for selection letter D, the
maximum current I 0 that the wiring system can carry under standard conditions
( f0 to f10 = 1 ) is determined
- calculate the maximum current that the wiring system can carry in relation to its installation
conditions: I a = f I 0 .

519
n installation methods
Tables 6-3 to 6-5 give the main installation methods used in industrial networks.
For each installation method, the following is given:

- its associated selection number and letter
- the correction factors to be applied.
Factor f 0 corresponds to the installation method; factors f1 to f10 are explained below
(see tables 6-6 to 6-15).
Example Description N° Selection Correction factors

letter f0 to be applied
Single or multi-core cables with or
without armour
- fixed on a wall 11 C 1 f1 f4 f5
- fixed to a ceiling 11A C 0.95 f1 f4 f5
- on unperforated trays 12 C 1 f1 f4 f5
cables
multi-core single-
core
- on perforated trays run

horizontally or vertically 13 E F 1 f1 f4 f5
- on brackets 14 E F 1 f1 f4 f5
- on ladders 16 E F 1 f1 f4 f5
Table 6-3: installation methods for selection letters C, E and F

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Single or multi-core cables in

building voids 21 B 0.95 f1 f4 f5 --

conduits in building voids
22A B 0.865 f1 f4 f5 f6

ducting in building voids
23A B 0.865 f1 f4 f5 f6

ducting built into the masonry
24A B 0.865 f1 f4 f5 f7
Single or multi-core
conductors :
- in false ceilings
25 B 0.95 f1 f4 f5 --
- in suspended ceilings

troughs fixed to walls:
- run horizontally
31A B 0.9 f1 f4 f5 --
- run vertically 32A B 0.9 f1 f4 f5 --
Table 6-4: installation methods for selection letter B

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troughs built into floors 33A B 0.9 f1 f4 f5 --

suspended troughs 34A B 0.9 f1 f4 f5 --
Multi-core cables in enclosed

channels run horizontally or 41 B 0.95 f1 f4 f5 --
vertically

43 B 1 f1 f4 f5 --
open or ventilated channels
Table 6-4 (cont.): installation methods for selection letter B

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conduits or in buried ducting 61 D 0.8 f2 f3 f8 f9
Single or multi-core cables

buried without any extra
mechanical protection 62 D 1 f2 f3 f10 --
Single or multi-core cables

buried with extra mechanical
protection 63 D 1 f2 f3 f10 --
Table 6-5: installation methods for selection letter D

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n correction factors for ambient temperatures other than 30 °C (wiring systems above
ground): f1
When electrical wiring systems are built into walls having heating elements, it is generally
necessary to reduce current-carrying capacities by applying the reduction factors in table 6-6.
This supposes that the distribution of temperatures inside the heated walls in contact with the
electrical wiring system is known.
When the air temperature is other than 30 °C, the correction coefficient to be applied is given
in the formula:
θ p −θ0
f1 =
θ p − 30o
θ p : maximum temperature permitted by the insulating material under steady-state conditions, °C

θ 0 : air temperature, °C
The value of f1 is given in table 6-6 for different values of θ p and θ 0 .
Insulation
Ambient Elastomers PVC XLPE and EPR
temperatures (°C) (rubber)
θ0 θ p = 60 °C θ p = 70 °C θ p = 90 °C
10 1.29 1.22 1.15
15 1.22 1.17 1.12
20 1.15 1.12 1.08
25 1.07 1.06 1.04
35 0.93 0.94 0.96
40 0.82 0.87 0.91
45 0.71 0.79 0.87
50 0.58 0.71 0.82
55 - 0.61 0.76
60 - 0.50 0.71
65 - - 0.65
70 - - 0.58
75 - - 0.50
80 - - 0.41
85 - - -
90 - - -
95 - - -
Table 6-6: correction factors for ambient temperatures other than 30 °C

(above ground wiring systems)

524
n correction factors for ground temperatures other than 20 °C

(buried wiring systems): f 2
When the ground temperature is other than 20°C, the correction coefficient to be applied is
given in the formula:
θ p −θ0
f2 =
θ p − 20
θ p : maximum temperature permitted by the insulating material under steady-state conditions, °C

θ 0 : ground temperature, °C
The value of f 2 is given in table 6-7 for different values of θ p and θ 0 .
Ground temperature Insulation
θ 0 (°C) PVC XLPE and EPR

θ p = 70 °C θ p = 90 °C
10 1.10 1.07
15 1.05 1.04
25 0.95 0.96
30 0.89 0.93
35 0.84 0.89
40 0.77 0.85
45 0.71 0.80
50 0.63 0.76
55 0.55 0.71
60 0.45 0.65
65 - 0.60
70 - 0.53
75 - 0.46
80 - 0.38
Table 6-7: correction factor for ground temperatures other than 20 °C

(buried wiring systems)

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n correction factors for buried wiring systems, in relation to the soil thermal
resistivity: f 3
The soil thermal resistivity depends on the type and humidity of the ground. The correction
factor to be applied according to the soil resistivity is given in table 6-8.
Soil Correction Observations

thermal resistivity factor Humidity Type of soil
K.m/W
0.40 1.25 underwater installation marshes
0.50 1.21 very moist soil sand
0.70 1.13 moist soil clay
0.85 1.05 normal soil and
1.00 1.00 dry soil chalk
1.20 0.94
1.50 0.86 very dry soil ash
2.00 0.76 and
2.50 0.70 clinker
3.00 0.65
Table 6-8: correction factors for buried wiring systems

in relation to the soil thermal resistivity
n correction factors for a group of several multi-core cables or groups of single-core

cables
The circuits or cables may be:
- touching; the correction factor f 4 must be applied
- arranged in several layers; the correction factor f 5 must be applied
- both touching and arranged in several layers (see fig. 6-3); correction factors f 4 and f5
must then be applied.
Figure 6-3: 6 multi-core cables - 2 layers of 3 touching cables

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o touching multi-core or groups of single-core cables: f 4
The factors in table 6-9 are to be applied to homogenous groups of cables, equally loaded, for
the given installation methods.
When the horizontal distance between neighbouring cables is greater than twice their external
diameter, no reduction factor is necessary.
The same correction factors are applicable:
- to groups of two or three single-core cables
- to multi-core cables.
N° of installation Number of touching multi-core cables or

methods groups of single-core cables
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 16 20
21, 22A, 23A, 24A,

25, 31, 31A, 32, 32A, 1.00 0.80 0.70 0.65 0.60 0.55 0.55 0.50 0.50 0.45 0.40 0.40
33A, 34A, 41, 43
11, 12 1.00 0.85 0.79 0.75 0.73 0.72 0.72 0.71 0.70 No extra
11A 1.00 0.85 0.76 0.72 0.69 0.67 0.66 0.65 0.64 reduction
13 1.00 0.88 0.82 0.77 0.75 0.73 0.73 0.72 0.72 factor for
14, 16 1.00 0.88 0.82 0.80 0.80 0.79 0.79 0.78 0.78 more than 9 cables
Table 6-9: correction factors for touching multi-core cables or

groups of single-core cables
o multi-core cables or groups of single-core cables arranged in several layers: f 5
When cables are arranged in several layers, the correction factors in table 6-10 must be
applied.
Number of layers 2 3 4 or 5 6 to 8 9 plus
Correction factors f 5 0.80 0.73 0.70 0.68 0.66
table 6-10: correction factors for a group of multi-core cables

or groups of single-core cables arranged in several layers

527
n correction factors in relation to the number of conduits in air and their arrangement
(see table 6-11): f 6
Number of Number of conduits arranged horizontally

conduits arranged
1 2 3 4 5 6
vertically
1 1 0.94 0.91 0.88 0.87 0.86

2 0.92 0.87 0.84 0.81 0.80 0.79
3 0.85 0.81 0.78 0.76 0.75 0.74
4 0.82 0.78 0.74 0.73 0.72 0.72
5 0.80 0.76 0.72 0.71 0.70 0.70
6 0.79 0.75 0.71 0.70 0.69 0.68
Table 6-11: correction factors in relation to the number of conduits in the air and their arrangement
n correction factors in relation to the number of conduits buried or built into concrete
and their arrangement (see table 6-12): f 7
Number of conduits Number of conduits arranged horizontally

arranged vertically
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 1 0.87 0.77 0.72 0.68 0.65
2 0.87 0.71 0.62 0.57 0.53 0.50
3 0.77 0.62 0.53 0.48 0.45 0.42
4 0.72 0.57 0.48 0.44 0.40 0.38
5 0.68 0.53 0.45 0.40 0.37 0.35
6 0.65 0.50 0.42 0.38 0.35 0.32
Table 6-12: correction factors in relation to the number of conduits buried or built into concrete and their
arrangement

528
n correction factors for non-touching buried conduits run horizontally or vertically on

the basis of one cable or group of 3 single-core cables per conduit
(see table 6-13) : f 8
Distance between conduits (a)

Number of conduits 0.25 m 0.5 m 1.0 m
2 0.93 0.95 0.97

3 0.87 0.1 0.95
4 0.84 0.9 0.94
5 0.81 0.7 0.93
6 0.79 0.6 0.93
Table 6-13: correction factors for non-touching buried conduits run horizontally or vertically on the basis
of one cable or group of 3 single-core cables per conduit
The distances between conduits are measured as shown in figure 6-4.
a
multi-core cables
a
single-core cables
Figure 6-4: distance between conduits (a)

529
n correction factors in the case of several circuits or cables in the same buried conduit
(see table 6-14): f 9
This is applicable to groups of cables with varying cross-sectional areas but having the same
allowable maximum temperature.
Arrangement of Correction factors

touching circuits
or cables
Number of circuits or multi-core cables
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 16 20
Installed in a buried
1 0.71 0.58 0.5 0.45 0.41 0.38 0.35 0.33 0.29 0.25 0.22
conduit
Table 6-14: correction factors in the case of several circuits or cables

in the same buried conduit
n correction factors for a group of several cables installed directly in the ground - single
or multi-core cables arranged horizontally or vertically (see table 6-15): f10
Distance between cables or groups of 3 single-core cables (a)
Number of cables Zero One cable 0.25 m 0.5 m 1.0 m

or circuits (touching diameter
cables)
2 0.76 0.79 0.84 0.88 0.92

3 0.64 0.67 0.74 0.79 0.85
4 0.57 0.61 0.69 0.75 0.82
5 0.52 0.56 0.65 0.71 0.80
6 0.49 0.53 0.60 0.69 0.78
Table 6-15: correction factors for a group of several cables installed directly in the ground -
single or multi-core cables arranged horizontally or vertically
The distances between cables are measured as shown in figure 6-5.
a a
multi-core cables single-core cables
Figure 6-5: distance between cables (a)


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n current-carrying capacities (in amps) of wiring systems in standard installation

conditions for selection letters B, C, E, F
The current carrying capacities given in table 6-16 are valid for simple circuits made up of the
following number of conductors:
Selection letter B:
- two insulated conductors or two single-core cables or one two-core cable

- three insulated conductors or three single-core cables or one three-core cable
Selection letter C:
- two single-core cables or one two-core cable

- three single-core cables or one three-core cable
Selection letters E and F (see fig. 6-6):
- one two-core or three-core cable for letter E

- two or three single-core cables for letter F .
E E F F
Figure 6-6: illustration of installation methods for selection letters E and F
The number of conductors to be considered in a circuit is that of the conductors through which
the current actually flows. When, in a three-phase circuit, the currents are assumed to be
balanced, it is not necessary to take into account the corresponding neutral conductor.
When the current value of the neutral conductor is close to that of the phases, a reduction
factor of 0.84 is to be applied. Such currents may, for example, be due to the presence of third
harmonic currents in the phase conductors (see § 6.2).

531
Selection letter Insulating material and number of loaded conductors

B PVC 3 PVC 2 XLPE 3 XLPE 2
C PVC 3 PVC 2 XLPE 3 XLPE 2
E PVC 3 PVC 2 XLPE 3 XLPE 2
F PVC 3 PVC 2 XLPE3 XLPE2
Copper cross-
section (mm²)
1.5 15.5 17.5 18.5 19.5 22 23 24 26
2.5 21 24 25 27 30 31 33 36
4 28 32 34 36 40 42 45 49
6 36 41 43 48 51 54 58 63
10 50 57 60 63 70 75 80 86
16 68 76 80 85 94 100 107 115
25 89 96 101 112 119 127 138 149 161
35 110 119 126 138 147 158 169 185 200
50 134 144 153 168 179 192 207 225 242
70 171 184 196 213 229 246 268 289 310
95 207 223 238 258 278 298 328 352 377
120 239 259 276 299 322 346 382 410 437
150 299 319 344 371 395 441 473 504
185 341 364 392 424 450 506 542 575
240 403 430 461 500 538 599 641 679
300 464 497 530 576 621 693 741 783
400 656 754 825 940
500 749 868 946 1083
630 855 1005 1088 1254
Aluminium cross-
section (mm²)
2.5 16.5 18.5 19.5 21 23 24 26 28
4 22 25 26 28 31 32 35 38
6 28 32 33 36 39 42 45 49
10 39 44 46 49 54 58 62 67
16 53 59 61 66 73 77 84 91
25 70 73 78 83 90 97 101 108 121
35 86 90 96 103 112 120 126 135 150
50 104 110 117 125 136 146 154 164 184
70 133 140 150 160 174 187 198 211 237
95 161 170 183 195 211 227 241 257 289
120 186 197 212 226 245 263 280 300 337
150 227 245 261 283 304 324 346 389
185 259 280 298 323 347 371 397 447
240 305 330 352 382 409 439 470 530
300 351 381 406 440 471 508 543 613
400 526 600 663 740
500 610 694 770 856
630 711 808 899 996
Table 6-16: current carrying capacities (in amps) of wiring systems in standard installation conditions
( f0 to f10 = 1) for selection letters B, C, E, F

532
n current-carrying capacities (in amps) of wiring systems in standard installation conditions

for selection letter D (buried wiring systems) (see table 6-17)
The number of conductors to be considered in a circuit is that of the conductors through which
the current actually flows. When, in a three-phase circuit, the currents are assumed to be
balanced, it is not necessary to take into account the corresponding neutral conductor.
When the current value of the neutral conductor is close to that of the phases, a reduction
factor of 0.84 is to be applied. Such currents may, for example, be due to the presence of third
harmonic currents in the phase conductors (see § 6.2).
Selection letter Insulating material and number of loaded conductors

D PVC 3 PVC 2 XLPE 3 XLPE 2
Copper cross-sectional
area (mm²)
1.5 26 32 31 37
2.5 34 42 41 48
4 44 54 53 63
6 56 67 66 80
10 74 90 87 104
16 96 116 113 136
25 123 148 144 173
35 147 178 174 208
50 174 211 206 247
70 216 261 254 304
95 256 308 301 360
120 290 351 343 410
150 328 397 387 463
185 367 445 434 518
240 424 514 501 598
300 480 581 565 677
Aluminium cross-sectional
area (mm²)
10 57 68 67 80
16 74 88 87 104
25 94 114 111 133
35 114 137 134 160
50 134 161 160 188
70 167 200 197 233
95 197 237 234 275
120 224 270 266 314
150 254 304 300 359
185 285 343 337 398
240 328 396 388 458
300 371 447 440 520
Table 6-17: current carrying capacities (in amps) of wiring systems in standard installation conditions
( f0 to f10 = 1) for selection letter D (buried wiring systems)

533
6.1.5. Practical method for determining the minimum cross-sectional area of an LV

wiring system
conductor design current

installation
conditions IB
determination of the protective device rated current I n or
setting current I set taken to be just higher than the design
current: I n or I set I B
I n or I set
determination of the
selection letter and determination of current I z of the wiring system to be
overall correction protected by the protective device
factor f
(see tab. 8-3 to 8-5)
fuse circuit-breaker
Iz 1.31 I n if I n 10 A
Iz 1.21 I n if I n 10 A
Iz I n or I set
and I n 25 A
Iz 1.10 I n if I n 25 A
I z1 I z2
determination of the cross-sectional area S of the wiring system

conductors able to carry I z1 or I z2 :
I z1 I '
- calculate the equivalent current I z or z 2 (1)
f f
'
- determine the cross-sectional area able to carry I z in standard
installation conditions, depending on the insulating material, the
number of loaded conductors and the type of conductor (copper or
aluminium) (see tab. 8-16 and 8-17)
check of other required conditions:
- maximum voltage drop
- maximum length for protection against indirect contact

(IT and TN earthing systems)
- check of thermal withstand in case of short circuit
(1) I z' is an equivalent current which, in standard installation

conditions, causes the same thermal effect as I z1 or I z2
in actual installation conditions
Figure 6-7: logigram for determining the cross-sectional area of a LV wiring system

534
6.1.6. Cross-sectional area of protective conductors (PE), equipotential bonding

conductors and neutral conductors (IEC 364)
In a low voltage installation, the protective conductors ensure that the exposed conductive
parts of loads are interconnected and insulation fault currents are evacuated to the ground.
The equipotential bonding conductors allow the exposed conductive parts and extraneous
conductive parts to be set at the same potential, or similar potentials.
In this chapter, we will limit ourselves to conductor sizing rules. Refer to paragraph 2 for the
protection and connection rules.
n cross-sectional area of protective conductors between MV/LV transformer and main

LV switchboard (see fig. 6-8)
main LV switchboard
PE
Figure 6-8: PE conductors between transformer and main switchboard
Table 6-18 gives the protective conductor cross-sectional areas (in mm²) in relation:
- to the nominal power of the MV/LV transformer
- to the operating time t (in seconds) of the MV protection. When protection is ensured by a
fuse, the cross-sectional area to be taken into account corresponds to t = 0.2 s
- to the insulating material and type of conductor metal.
In an IT earthing system, if an overvoltage limiter is inserted between the neutral and earth,
the same sizing is applied to its connecting conductors.
In the case where several transformers operate in parallel, the sum of their nominal powers will
be used to determine the cross-sectional area.

535
Transformer power Type of conductors Bare PVC-insulated XLPE-insulated

(kVA) conductors conductors conductors
LV voltage Copper t (s) 0.2 s 0.5 s - 0.2 s 0.5 s - 0.2 s 0.5 s -
127/220 V 230/400 V Aluminium - 0.2 s 0.5 s - 0.2 s 0.5 s - 0.2 s 0.5 s
≤ 63 ≤ 100 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25
100 160 25 25 35 25 25 50 25 25 35
125 200 25 35 50 25 35 50 25 25 50
160 250 25 35 70 35 50 70 25 35 50
200 315 Potective conductor 35 50 70 35 50 95 35 50 70
250 400 cross-sectional area 50 70 95 50 70 95 35 50 95
315 500 S PE (mm²) 50 70 120 70 95 120 50 70 95
400 630 70 95 150 70 95 150 70 95 120

500 800 70 120 150 95 120 185 70 95 150
630 1 000 95 120 185 95 120 185 95 120 150
800 1 250 95 150 185 120 150 240 95 120 185
Table 6-18: cross-sectional area of protective conductors

between MV/LV transformer and main LV switchboard
n cross-sectional areas of low voltage exposed conductive part protective conductors: (PE)
The cross-sectional area of the PE conductor is defined in relation to the cross-sectional area
of the phases (for the same metal conductor) as follows:
- for S phase ≤ 16 mm² , S PE = S phase (1)
- for 16 mm² < S phase ≤ 35 mm² , S PE = 16 mm²
S phase
- for S phase > 35 mm² , S PE =
2
(1) when the protective conductor is not part of the wiring system, it must have a cross-sectional area of
at least:
- 2.5 mm² if it comprises a mechanical protection
- 4 mm² if it does not comprise a mechanical protection

536
In the TT earthing system, the protective conductor cross-sectional area may be limited to:
- 25 mm² for copper

- 35 mm² for aluminium
on condition that the neutral and exposed conductive part earth electrodes are separate,
otherwise the conditions of the TN earthing system are applicable (in a TT earthing
system, there may be an involuntary connection via the metal structure or other part between
the two earth electrodes; the earth fault current is then high).
n cross-sectional area of equipotential bonding conductors
o main equipotential bonding conductor
Its cross-sectional area must be at least equal to half the cross-sectional area of the
installation's largest protective conductor, with a minimum of 6 mm². However, it may be limited
to 25 mm² for copper or 35 mm² for aluminium.
o supplementary equipotential bonding conductor
If it connects two exposed conductive parts, its cross-sectional area must not be smaller than
the smallest of the protective conductors connected to these parts (see fig. 6-9-a).
If it connects an exposed conductive part to an extraneous conductive part, its cross-sectional

area must not be smaller than half the cross-sectional area of the protective conductor
connected to this exposed conductive part (see fig. 6-9-b).
If S PE1 ≤ S PE 2
S
S LS = PE (*)
S LS = S PE1 2
S PE1 S PE2 S PE
S LS S LS
P1 P2 P
a) between two exposed conductive parts b) between an exposed conductive part and a
structure
Figure 6-9: cross-sectional area of supplementary equipotential bonding conductors
(*) with a minimum of: - 2.5 mm² if the conductors are mechanically protected
- 4 mm² if the conductors are not mechanically protected
Conductors which are not incorporated in a cable are mechanically protected when they are
installed in conduits, troughs or casing or protected in a similar way.

537
n cross-sectional area of PEN conductors
In the case of a TNC earthing system, the protective conductor also plays the role of the
neutral conductor.
In this case, the cross-sectional area of the PEN must be at least equal to the greatest value
resulting from the following requirements:
− 10 mm 2 for copper

- S PEN ≥ 
− 16 mm 2 for aluminium
- meet the conditions relating to the PE conductor
- meet the conditions required for the neutral conductor cross-sectional area.
n cross-sectional area of the neutral conductor
- The neutral conductor must have the same cross-sectional area as the phase conductors in
the following cases:
. single-phase circuit
. three-phase circuit having phase cross-sectional areas smaller than or equal to 16 mm²
for copper or 25 mm² for aluminium.
- For three-phase circuits having a phase cross-sectional area greater than 16 mm² for
copper or 25 mm² for aluminium, the neutral cross-sectional area may be smaller than that
of the phases as long as the following conditions are met:
. the maximum current likely to continuously circulate in the neutral is lower than the
current-carrying capacity of the chosen cross-sectional area. The unbalance of single-
phase loads and third and multiples of third harmonics which may require the use of a
cross-sectional area greater than the phases must be taken into account (see § 8.2 -
neutral conductor heating).
. the neutral conductor is protected against overcurrent by a fuse or a circuit-breaker trip

setting suitable to its cross-sectional area.
. the cross-sectional area of the neutral conductor is at least equal to 16 mm² for copper or
25 mm² for aluminium.

538
6.1.7. Checking voltage drops

The voltage drop over a wiring system is calculated using the following formula:
 L 
∆V = b  ρ1 cos ϕ + λ L sin ϕ  × I B
 S 
∆V : voltage drop, in volts

= 1 for three - phase circuit
b : coefficient 
= 2 for single - phase circuit
ρ1 : conductor resistivity during normal service, i.e. 1.25 times that at 20 °C
ρ1 = 0.0225 Ω mm²/m for copper; ρ1 = 0.036 Ω mm²/m for aluminium
L : length of wiring system, in metres
S : cross-sectional area of conductors, in mm²
cos ϕ : power factor, in the absence of specific indications we can take cos ϕ = 0.8 ( sin ϕ = 0.6)
IB : maximum design current, in amps
λ : reactance per unit length of the conductors, in Ω/m
The values of λ in LV are:
- 0.08 × 10 −3 Ω / m for three-core cables
- 0.09 × 10 −3 Ω / m for single-core cables in a flat formation or triangular formation
- 0.15 × 10 −3 Ω / m for single-core cables spaced by d = 8 r
d : mean distance between conductor

r : radius of conductor cores
The relative voltage drop is defined as:
∆V
for phase-to-neutral fed three-phase or single-phase circuits
Vn
∆V
for phase-to-phase fed single-phase circuits (in this case,
Un
∆V represents a phase-to-phase voltage drop)
Vn : nominal single-phase voltage

U n : nominal phase-to-phase voltage
Industrial electrical network design guide T&D 6 883 427/A

539
In accordance with IEC 364-5-52, in the absence of other considerations, it is recommended

that in practice the voltage between the origin of consumer's installation and the equipment
should not be greater than 4% of the nominal voltage of the installation.
n circuits feeding motors
The voltage drop is calculated by replacing the design current I B by the motor starting current.
Taking into account all the motors able to start simultaneously, the voltage drop must be lower
than 10% to ensure correct motor starting and not disturb the rest of the installation too much.

540
6.1.8. Maximum lengths of wiring systems for protection against indirect contact ( TN
and IT earthing system)
Standard IEC 364 specifies that the fault current for TN and IT earthing systems must be
cleared in a time compatible with the protection of persons.
This time is determined by a curve in relation to the prospective touch voltage; it is based on
the physiological effects of the electrical current on the human body. To simplify matters, using
this curve, it is possible to determine a maximum disconnecting time in relation to the nominal
voltage of the installation (see table 6-20 and 6-21).
Nominal a.c. voltage Disconnecting time

Vn / U n (seconds) (*)
(Volts)
non-distributed neutral distributed neutral
120/240 0.8 5
230/400 0.4 0.8
400/690 0.2 0.4
580/1000 0.1 0.2
Table 6-20: maximum disconnecting times in the IT earthing system (second fault)
Nominal a.c. voltage Vn Disconnecting time

(Volts) (**) (seconds) (*)
120 0.8
230 0.4
277 0.4
400 0.2
> 400 0.1
Table 6-21: maximum disconnecting times in the TN earthing system
(*) these values are not valid in premises containing a bath or shower.

541
Note 1: if the disconnecting time is more than the time t0 , but less than 5 seconds, protection is
allowed by IEC 364 (§ 413.1.3.5) in the following cases:
- in distribution circuits when the protective conductor at the downstream end of the circuit is
directly connected to the main equipotential bonding.
- in terminal circuits supplying stationary equipment only and having a protective conductor
that is connected to the main equipotential bonding and which is located in the area that is
influenced by the main equipotential bonding.
Note 2 : in the TT earthing system, protection is in general ensured by residual current devices which
are set to meet the following condition (see IEC 364, § 413.1.4.2):
RA IA ≤ 50 V
RA : resistance of the earth electrode of the exposed conductive parts

IA : rated residual current of the circuit-breaker
If selectivity is seen to be necessary, an operating time at the most equal to 1 second is

allowed in the distribution circuits without taking into account the touch voltage
Note 3 : in an IT earthing system, when the exposed conductive parts are earthed individually or in
groups, the conditions of the TT earthing system given in Note 2 must be met (see IEC 364,
§ 413.1.5.3).
n circuit-breaker protection
IEC 364 specifies that the magnetic tripping threshold of the circuit-breaker in TN and IT
earthing systems must be lower than the minimum short-circuit current. Furthermore, any
eventual circuit-breaker time delay must be shorter than the maximum disconnecting time
defined in tables 6-20 and 6-21.
For a given circuit-breaker and cross-sectional area, there is thus a maximum circuit length not
to be exceeded in order to comply with the requirements concerning the protection of persons
against indirect contact.
In the following part of the chapter, we will apply the conventional method for determining
maximum circuit lengths. This is more restrictive than the impedance method, but can be
applied by carrying out the calculations by hand.
In the conventional method, we neglect the influence of the reactance of the conductors for
cross-sectional areas smaller than 150 mm².
For large cross-sectional areas, we will take into account the influence of the reactance by dividing
Lmax by:
- 1.15 for a cross-sectional area of 150 mm²

- 1.30 for a cross-sectional area of 300 mm².

542
Note: for minimum short-circuit current calculations, refer to the "Industrial network protection guide"
§ 4.4.1.
o TN earthing system
The maximum length of a circuit in a TN earthing system is:
0.8 × Vn × S ph
Lmax =
ρ × (1 + m) × Im
Lmax : maximum length in m

Vn : single-phase voltage in volts
S ph : cross-sectional area of the phases in mm²
ρ : resistivity of the conductors taken to be equal to 1.5 times that at 20 °C ( ρ = 0.027 Ω mm 2 / m for
copper; ρ = 0.043 Ω mm 2 / m for aluminium)
 S ph : cross - sectional area of phases 
m = 
 SPE : cross - sectional area of protective conductor 
Im : circuit-breaker magnetic trip operating current
o IT earthing system
The maximum length of a circuit in an IT earthing system is:
- if the neutral conductor is not distributed:
0.8 × 3 × Vn × S ph
Lmax =
2 ρ × (1 + m) × I m
- if the neutral conductor is distributed:
0.8 × Vn × S1
Lmax =
2 ρ × (1 + m) × Im
= Sph if the outgoing feeder considered does not have a neutral

S1 : 
= Sneutral if the outgoing feeder considered has a neutral
o TT earthing system
No condition on the wiring system length is specified since the protection of persons is
ensured by the residual current device.

543
n fuse protection
Using the fuse fusing curve, we can determine the current I a ensuring fusion of the fuse in
the time t 0 specified in tables 6-20 and 6-21 (see fig. 6-10). We can then calculate the
maximum length of the wiring system in the same way as for the circuit-breaker replacing I m
by I a .
t0
Ia I
Figure 6-10: fuse fusing curve
n application
In practice, checking the cross-sectional area of the wiring system in relation to the protection
of persons against indirect contact consists in making sure that the length of the wiring system
is less than Lmax for a given arrangement.
If the wiring system length is greater than Lmax , we can take the following measures:
- choose a circuit-breaker (or trip relay) with a lower magnetic threshold if the selectivity
requirements permit this
- install a residual current circuit-breaker for TNS and IT earthing system (in a TNC
earthing system it is not possible to use a RCD)
- take larger phase and protective conductor cross-sectional areas meeting the maximum
length condition.

544
6.1.9. Checking the thermal withstand of conductors

When a short-circuit current flows through the conductors of a wiring system for a very short
time (up to five seconds), the heating of the conductors is considered to be adiabatic; this
means that the energy stored remains in the metal of the core and is not transmitted to the
insulating material. It is therefore necessary to check that the short-circuit thermal stress is
lower than the conductor thermal withstand:
2
tdis I sc ≤ k2 S2
tdis : protective device disconnecting time in seconds

S : cross-sectional area of conductors in mm²
Isc : short-circuit current in A
The value of k depends on the core metal and the type of insulating material
(see table 6-22).
Insulating material PVC XLPE

Core
Copper 115 135
Aluminium 74 87
Table 6-22: value of factor k in accordance with IEC 364-4-43
If the disconnecting time is given, the cross-sectional area must comply with:
I
S ≥ sc × tdis
k

545
n circuit-breaker protection
The check must be carried out for the maximum short-circuit current at the circuit-breaker
location.
The curves in manufacturers' catalogues give the maximum disconnecting time of the circuit-
breaker. When circuit-breaker tripping is time delayed, the disconnecting time is taken to be
equal to the time delay.
To check the thermal withstand, the short-circuit current value must be calculated with a
resistivity ρ of the conductors taken to be equal to 1.5 times that at 20 °C :
- ρ = 0.027 Ω mm 2 / m for copper
- ρ = 0.043 Ω mm 2 / m for aluminium
o case of current-limiting circuit-breakers
On occurrence of a short circuit, current-limiting circuit-breakers only let a current below the
prospective fault current through (see fig. 6-11).
Isc prospective peak I sc
prospective Isc
limited peak I sc
Figure 6-11: current limiting curve
The wiring system protected by this type of device is not therefore subjected to the
(prospective) calculated Isc thermal stress, but a much smaller stress defined by
manufacturers' limiting curves for each type of circuit-breaker.
2
The limiting curves give the thermal stress tdis I sc expressed in A 2 × second .

546
o example
We want to check the thermal withstand of a PVC-insulated 6 mm² copper conductor protected
by a Compact NS 80H-MA 380/415 V circuit-breaker fitted with an LR2-D33 63 thermal relay.
The themal withstand of the cable is: k 2 S 2 = (115) 2 × 6 2 = 4.76 × 10 5 A2 × s .
The limiting curves in figure 6-12 give the maximum thermal stress of the circuit-breaker:
2 × 105 A2 × s .
The cable is thus protected up to the circuit-breaker breaking capacity.
The curves are in the table order
Figure 6-12: thermal stress limiting curves

for Compact NS 80H-MA-380/415V circuit-breakers
n fuse protection
The current causing the most stress is the minimum short-circuit current at the end of the
wiring system.
The fusing time t f of the fuse corresponding to I sc min must comply with the relation:
2 2 2
t f Isc min ≤ k S
The method for calculating I sc min is given in paragraph 4.4.1 of the Protection guide.

547
6.1.10. Application example

n hypotheses
Let us consider the diagram in figure 6-13 the data of which is given below.
Since the installation feeds loads requiring good continuity of service the IT earthing system
without distributed neutral is chosen.
o W2 wiring system
This is made up of a PVC insulated copper three-core cable which is installed touching 3 other
multi-core cables on perforated trays in an ambient temperature of 40°C. It is protected by
fuses. It feeds a load having the following characteristics:
- active power P = 15 kW
- efficiency η = 0.89
- cos ϕ = 0.85
- utilisation factor b = 0.9 .
o W1 wiring system
This is made up of 3 XLPE-insulated copper single-core cables in a triangular formation. The

cables are buried alone, without any extra mechanical protection, in soil which has a thermal
resistivity of 0.85 K.m/W and a temperature of 35 °C. They are protected by a circuit-breaker.
The wiring system feeds load L1 and 3 other outgoing feeders the I B current values of which
are given in figure 6-13.

548
250 kVA
U sc = 4 %
unearthed neutral
400 V
W1
L1 = 100 m
cos = 0.8
400 V
25 A 50 A 40 A W2
L2 = 15 m
IB
R1
Figure 6-13: diagram of the installation
n determining the maximum design current
o W2 wiring system
- P = 15 kW
1
- the factor a = = 1.32
η cos ϕ
- the utilisation factor b = 0.9
- for a single load the coincidence factor is c = 1
- no extension is planned, thus d = 1
- for a 400 V three-phase network, the power conversion factor in current is e = 1.4 .
We then have: I B = P × a × b × c × d × e = 15 × 1.32 × 0.9 × 1 × 1.4 = 24.9 A

549
o W1 wiring system
The maximum design current of the W1 wiring system is obtained by calculating the sum of
currents ( I B ) of all the outgoing feeders fed by W1 and by applying a coincidence factor
estimated at 0.8 (see table 6-2):
I B = (25 + 50 + 40 + 24.9) × 0.8 = 115.9 A
n correction factors
o W2 wiring system
Table 6-3 gives the installation method N° 13 and the selection letter E .
The correction factors to be applied are:
- ambient temperature (see table 6-6) : f1 = 0.87

- cable group (see tables 6-9 et 6-10) : f 4 = 0.77 and f 5 = 1
The overall correction factor is:
f = 0.87 × 0.77 × 1 = 0.67
o W1 wiring system
Table 6-3 gives the installation method N° 62 and the selection letter D .
- ground temperature (see table 6-7) : f 2 = 0.89

- soil thermal resistivity (see table 6-8) : f 3 = 1.05
- cable group (see table 6-15) : f10 = 1
The overall correction factor is:
f = 0.89 × 1.05 × 1 = 0.935

550
n determining the cross-sectional area and choosing the protective device
o W2 wiring system
I B = 24.9 A
f = 0.67
The fuse nominal current must comply with the condition I n ≥ I B .
The fuse with a rating of I n = 25 A is chosen.
For 10 A < I n ≤ 25 A , the current I z of the wiring system protected by this fuse is:
I z = k3 In = 1.21 In = 30.3 A
The equivalent current that the wiring system must be able to carry in standard installation
I
conditions is: I 'z = z = 451
. A
f
Table 6-16 (selection letter E , PVC3, copper) gives a minimum cross-sectional area of
S = 10 mm2 which has a current-carrying capacity of I 0 = 60 A .
o W1 wiring system
I B = 115.9 A
f = 0.935
For an adjustable circuit-breaker, the setting current must comply with the condition Iset ≥ I B ;
I set = 120 A is chosen.
The current I z of the wiring system protected by this setting is:
I z = I n = 120 A
The equivalent current that the wiring system must be able to carry in standard installation
I
conditions is: I 'z = z = 128.3 A
f
Table 6-17 (selection letter D , XLPE3, copper) gives a minimum cross-sectional area of
S = 25 mm2 which has a current-carrying capacity of I 0 = 144 A .

551
n maximum length of the wiring system
o W2 wiring system
For S ph = 10 mm² , we have S PE = S ph = 10 mm²

S ph
whence m= =1
S PE
Table 6-20 gives a maximum disconnecting time of t = 0.4 s for a network with non-distributed neutral.
The time-current characteristic for a 25 A rated fuse gives us a current of I a = 200 A for a
disconnecting time of 0.4 s.
The neutral is not distributed and we thus have:
0.8 × 3 × Vn × S ph 0.8 × 3 × 230 × 10

Lmax = = = 147.5 m
2 ρ (1 + m ) Ia 2 × 0.027 × 2 × 200
The length of the W2 wiring system (15 m) is far smaller than Lmax and the protection of
persons against indirect contact is thus ensured.
o W1 wiring system
For 16 mm² < S ≤ 35 mm² , we have S PE = 16 mm²
S ph 25
whence m= = = 1.56
SPE 16
The circuit-breaker chosen is a Compact NS 125E with an STR 22SE trip relay having a
magnetic tripping threshold set at I m = 1 250 A because of the selectivity.
The neutral is not distributed and we thus have:
0.8 × 3 × Vn × S ph 0.8 × 3 × 230 × 25

Lmax = = = 46.1 m
2 ρ (1 + m) I m 2 × 0.027 × 2.56 × 1 250
The length of the W1 wiring system (100 m) is greater than Lmax .
By taking cross-sectional areas greater, i.e. S ph = 35 mm² and S PE = 35 mm² ( m = 1) , we find

Lmax = 82.6 m < 100 m ; which is not sufficient.
So as not to oversize the conductors, it is decided that the outgoing feeder should be fitted
with a residual current device which ensures the protection of persons against indirect contact.

552
n checking the voltage drop
o W2 wiring system
S = 10 mm² , L = 15 m , I B = 24.9 A
The cable is three-core and we thus have λ = 0.08 × 10 −3 Ω / m .
The power factor is cos ϕ = 0.85 , whence sin ϕ = 0.53 .
For a three-phase circuit b = 1 .
For copper ρ1 = 0.0225 Ω mm 2 / m .
 15 
We deduce from this that ∆ V =  0.0225 × × 0.85 + 0.08 × 10 −3 × 15 × 0.53 × 24.9
 10 
∆ V = 0.73 V
∆ V 0.73
whence = = 0.3 %
Vn 230
The total voltage drop is 4.2 % (the voltage drop in the W1 wiring system is 3.9 %, see below).
o W1 wiring system
S = 25 mm² , L = 100 m , I B = 115.9 A
The 3 single-core cables are in a flat formation and we thus have:
λ = 0.09 × 10 −3 Ω / m
The overall power factor of the installation is cos ϕ = 0.8 , whence sin ϕ = 0.6 .
∆ V =  0.0225 × × 0.8 + 0.09 × 10 −3 × 100 × 0.6 × 115.9

100
We deduce from this that
 25 
∆ V = 8.97 V
∆ V 8.97
whence = = 3.9 %
Vn 230

553
n checking the thermal stress
o W2 wiring system
For fuse protection, the current to be taken into account is the minimum short-circuit current at
the end of the wiring system. For the IT earthing system, this is the short-circuit current for a
double phase-earth fault.
By applying the conventional method (see § 4.4.1.2 of the Protection guide), we can calculate:
3 × Vn × 0.8 3 × 230 × 0.8

Isc min = = = 1.97 kA
 1 1  2 × 15 × 0.027  1 + 1 
2 L 2 ρ  +   10 10 
 S ph SPE 
The time-current characteristic of the 25 A rated fuse gives us a fusing time of t f = 5 ms for a
current of 1.97 kA.
The maximum thermal stress is thus:
( )
2
2
Isc min × t = 1.97 × 10
3
× 5 × 10 −3 = 19.4 × 10 3 A2 × s
The permitted cable thermal withstand is: k 2 S 2 = (115) × 102 = 1322 × 103 A2 × s .
2
The cross-sectional area of S = 10 mm2 is thus largely able to withstand to the fuse thermal
stress.
o W1 wiring system
The maximum short-circuit current of the circuit-breaker (neglecting the connection linking the
circuit-breaker to the transformer) is:
Sn 1 250 × 103 100

Isc = × = × = 9.02 kA
3 Un Usc 3 × 400 4
We assume that the circuit-breaker trip relay is delayed by 0.1 second, the maximum short-
circuit thermal stress is then:
( )
2
2
Isc t = 9.02 × 10 3 × 0.1 = 8.14 × 10 6 A2 × s
The permitted cable thermal withstand is: k 2 × S 2 = 1432 × 252 = 12.78 × 10 6 A2 × s

The cross-sectional area of S = 25 mm2 is thus largely able to withstand the circuit-breaker
thermal stress.

554
n conclusion
The cross-sectional areas to be chosen are:
- W1 wiring system: 3 × 35 mm 2 + 1 × 16 mm 2 copper
- W2 wiring system: 3 × 10 mm 2 + 1 × 10 mm 2 copper

555
6.2. Determining conductor cross-sectional areas in medium voltage
6.2.1. Method principle

The method for determining the cross-sectional area of conductors in medium voltage consists
in:
- determining the maximum design current I B of the loads to be supplied
- determining the cross-sectional area S1 complying with the heating of the cable core under
normal operating conditions, which may be continuous or discontinuous. To do this, it is
necessary to know:
. the actual installation conditions of the wiring system and consequently the overall
correction factor f
. the current-carrying capacities of the different types of cable in standard installation

conditions.
- determining the cross-sectional area S 2 required for the thermal withstand of the cable in
the event of a three-phase short circuit
- determining the cross-sectional area S3 required for the thermal withstand of the cable
screen in the event of an earth fault
- possibly checking the voltage drop in the wiring system for the chosen cross-sectional
area S. The technical cross-sectional area S to be selected is the maximum value among
cross-sectional areas S1 , S 2 and S3 .
- possibly calculating and choosing the economical cross-sectional area.
6.2.2. Determining the maximum design current

The maximum design current I B is determined on the basis of the sum of powers of the loads
fed, applying if necessary utilisation and coincidence coefficients (see § 6.1.2.).
In medium voltage, a wiring system most often feeds a single load (transformer, motor,
furnace, steam generator), in this case I B is taken to be equal to the rated current of the
device.

556
6.2.3. Current-carrying capacities in wiring systems
n general rules
The current-carrying capacity is the maximum current that a wiring system can continuously
carry without this affecting its life span.
The current-carrying capacities of cables are given in standards or by manufacturers for

standard installation conditions.
To determine the current-carrying capacity of a wiring system in actual installation conditions,

the following must be carried out:
- using table 6-23, define the installation method, its associated table column number and
correction factors to be applied
- using the installation conditions, determine the correction factor values which must be
applied (see tables 6-24 to 6-28)
- calculate the overall correction factor f equal to the product of the correction factors
- using table 6-29 for impregnated paper-insulated cables and tables 6-30 to 6-34 for
synthetically-insulated cables, determine the maximum current that the wiring system can
carry in standard conditions ( f0 to f6 = 1)
- calculate the maximum current-carrying capacity of the wiring system in relation to its
installation conditions: I a = f I 0 .

557
n installation methods
Table 6-23 gives, for each installation method, the current-carrying capacity table column to be
used for choosing the cross-sectional area of the conductors (see tables 6-29 to 6-34).
Factor f 0 corresponds to the installation method; factors f1 to f 6 are explained below

(see tables 6-24 to 6-28).
Installation methods Example Table Correction factors

column f0 to be applied
A Conduits on wall
(3) 0.90 f1 f5
B Flush mounted
conduits (3) 0.90 f1 f5
F Installed on cable
trays (3) 1 f1 f5
G Installed on brackets
or cable ladders (3) 1 f1 f6
H Troughs (enclosed) (3) 0.90 f1 f5
J Ducts (open troughs)

(3) 1 f1 f6
L1 Conduits in open or
ventilated channels (3) 0.80 f1 f5

558
Installation method Example Table Correction factors

L3 Directly installed in
open or ventilated
channels (3) 0.90 f1 -- f5
enclosed channels
(3) 0.80 f1 -- f5
channels filled with
sand (3) 0.80 f1 -- f5
N Troughs (in masonry)

(3) 0.90 f1 -- f5
P Manufactured blocks
(3) 0.90 f1 -- f5
P D
S1 Directly buried ____
___
(armoured cables) (1) (2)
1 f2 f3 f4
S2 Buried with
mechanical protection (1) (2) 1 f2 f3 f4
P : steady-state operating conditions

D : discontinuous operating conditions

559
Installation method Example Table Correction factors

P D
S3 Buried in sleeves _______
(1) (2)
0.8 f2 f3 f4
S4 Cables installed in
trefoil formation in a
prefabricated channel, (1) (2) 0.8 f2 f3 f4
buried directly in the
ground, possibly with
extra backfill
S5 Single-core cables
installed in individual
channels, buried
directly in the (1) (2) 0.8 f2 f3 f4
extra backfill
Single-core cables in a
flat formation spaced
out in a prefabricated
channel, buried
directly in the
(1) (2) 0.8 f2 f3 f4
extra backfill
V Overhead lines (3) 1,1 f1 -- --
P : steady-state operating conditions

D : discontinuous operating conditions
Table 6-23: installation methods

560
n correction factors for ambient temperatures other than 30 °C (cables installed in air): f1
Temperature Type of insulating material
°C PVC XLPE
PE EPR
10 1.22 1.15
15 1.17 1.12
20 1.12 1.08
25 1.06 1.04
30 1.00 1.00
35 0.94 0.96
40 0.87 0.91
45 0.79 0.87
50 0.71 0.82
55 0.61 0.76
Table 6-24: correction factors for ambient temperatures other than 30 °C (cables installed in air)

561
n correction factors for ground temperatures other than 20 °C (buried cables): f 2
Temperature Type of insulating material
°C PVC XLPE
PE EPR
0 1.18 1.13
5 1.14 1.10
10 1.10 1.07
15 1.05 1.04
20 1.00 1.00
25 0.95 0.96
30 0.89 0.93
35 0.84 0.89
40 0.77 0.85
45 0.71 0.80
50 0.63 0.76
60 0.45 0.65
65 - 0.60
70 - 0.53
75 - 0.46
80 - 0.38
Table 6-25: correction factors for ground temperatures other than 20 °C (buried cables)

562
n correction factors for soil thermal resistivities other than 1 K.m/W (buried cables): f 3
Soil thermal Humidity Type of soil Assembly of Three-core

resistivity three single- cables
(K.m/W) core cables
0.5 Very moist soil 1.25 1.20
0.7 Moist soil 1.14 1.10
0.85 Normal soil Clay 1.06 1.05
1 Dry soil and 1.00 1.00
1.2 Sand Chalk 0.93 0.95
1.5 Very dry soil Ash 0.85 0.88
2 and 0.75 0.79
2.5 Clinker 0.68 0.72
3 0.62 0.68
Tableau 6-26: correction factors for soil thermal resistivities other than 1 K.m/W (buried cables)
n correction factors for a group of several wiring systems (buried cables): f 4
Number of Distance between cables "a"

circuits
Zero (cables One cable 0.125 m 0.25 m 0.5 m
touching) diameter
2 0.75 0.80 0.85 0.90 0.90
3 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 0.85
4 0.60 0.60 0.70 0.75 0.80
5 0.55 0.55 0.65 0.70 0.80
6 0.50 0.55 0.60 0.70 0.80
Determination of the distance "a" in the case of single-core cables installed in a flat or trefloid
formation and three-core cables.
single-core cables three-core cables
a
a
Table 6-27: correction factors for a group of several wiring systems (buried cables )

563
n correction factors for a group of several circuits or several cables

(cables installed in air and away from direct sunlight): f 5 , f 6
Installation Arrangement Number of circuits or

method multi-core cables
2 3 4 6 >9
f5 On unperforated horizontal trays......................... 0.85 0.80 0.75 0.70 0.70
f6 On perforated horizontal trays

or on brackets .................................................... 0.90 0.80 0.80 0.75 0.75
Table 6-28: correction factors for a group of several circuits or several cables (cables installed in air and
away from direct sunlight)
n current-carrying capacities of cables in standard installation conditions ( f0 to f6 = 1)
References (1), (2) and (3) of tables 6-29 to 6-34 correspond to the column number given in
table 6-23.
o impregnated paper-insulated cables
Impregnated paper-insulated cables have stopped being manufactured for several years.
However, for calculation purposes for existing installations, the current-carrying capacities may
be calculated to an approximate value of ± 5% using the following formula:
I = 10 B × S A
I : current-carrying capacity, in A
S : nominal cross-sectional area of the cable, in mm²
A and B : are coefficients given for each type of cable (see table 6-29)

564
Wiring systems Columns Copper Aluminium
A B A B
Three-core (1) 0.540 1.446 0.549 1.321

collectively (2) 0.543 1.492 0.544 1.386
screened cable (3) 0.588 1.371 0.598 1.293
3 single-core (1) 0.556 1.269 0.571 1.130
cables (2) 0.567 1.286 0.573 1.179
(3) 0.587 1.196 0.605 1.064
Three-core individually (1) 0.581 1.215 0.594 1.089
screened cables (2) 0.573 1.264 0.578 1.155
(3) 0.600 1.117 0.608 1.004
Table 6-29: values of coefficients A and B for impregnated paper-insulated cables
o synthetically-insulated cables
The detailed calculation method for current-carrying capacities of cables under steady-state
operating conditions is given in IEC publication 287.
The current-carrying capacities are given in tables 6-30 to 6-34, according to the type of
conductor, the type of insulating material and the rated voltage.
The rated voltage for which a cable is designed is expressed by a set of three values, in kV, as
U 0 / U (Um) , where:
- U0 : voltage between the conductor core and a reference potential (screen or earth)
- U : voltage between the cores of two phase conductors
- Um : maximum voltage which may occur between the network phases in normal operating
conditions
The expression of the rated voltage differs depending on whether the cable is an individually
screened type or not (see fig. 2.2.a and 2.2.b). For an individually screened cable, U 0 is
different from U , both values being generally in the ratio of 3 .
However, due to the way it is made, a collectively screened cable has an equivalent insulation
level between two phases and between one phase and the screen. This results in U 0 and U
having identical values.

565
PVC-insulated Nominal EPR or XLPE-insulated

cross-
sectional
area (mm²)*
(1) (2) (3) Copper (1) (2) (3)
72 78 62 10 86 94 78
94 100 81 16 110 120 100
120 130 105 25 145 155 130
145 160 130 35 170 190 165
185 205 165 50 215 240 205
225 250 205 70 260 295 255
270 300 250 95 315 355 310
310 345 290 120 360 405 360
345 390 330 150 405 455 410
385 430 370 185 450 505 460
445 500 440 240 525 590 550
(1) (2) (3) Aluminium (1) (2) (3)
56 61 48 10 67 73 60
72 79 62 16 86 94 79
94 100 82 25 110 120 105
115 125 100 35 135 145 125
145 160 130 50 165 185 160
175 195 160 70 205 230 195
210 235 195 95 245 275 240
240 270 225 120 280 315 280
270 300 255 150 315 355 320
300 335 285 185 350 395 360
350 390 345 240 410 460 430

(*) Above 50 mm², the values are calculated for sector conductors
Table 6-30: current-carrying capacities in three-core collectively screened cables having a rated voltage
lower than or equal to 6/6 (7.2) kV

566
Nominal PVC-insulated PE-insulated* EPR or XLPE-insulated

cross-
sectional
area (mm²)
Copper (1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3)
10 80 89 71 86 97 76 99 110 93
16 105 115 95 110 125 100 125 145 120
25 135 150 125 140 160 130 165 185 160
35 160 180 150 170 195 160 195 225 200
50 190 215 180 200 230 190 230 265 235
70 235 265 230 245 285 240 285 325 295
95 285 320 280 295 340 295 340 390 360
120 320 365 320 335 385 340 385 445 420
150 360 410 370 375 435 385 430 500 475
185 410 470 425 425 490 445 485 560 550
240 475 540 500 490 570 530 560 650 650
300 540 610 580 550 640 600 630 730 740
400 610 700 670 600 690 700 720 840 860
500 680 780 760 700 810 790 800 940 990
630 770 880 870 790 920 920 910 1 060 1 140
800 850 980 990 870 1 010 1 040 1 000 1 170 1 300
1 000 930 1 070 1 110 950 1 100 1 160 1 100 1 270 1 450
1 200 980 1 130 1 210 1 000 1 160 1 260 1 160 1 350 1 570
1 400 1 030 1 190 1 290 1 050 1 220 1 350 1 220 1 420 1 680
1 600 1 080 1 250 1 360 1 100 1 280 1 420 1 280 1 480 1 770
Aluminium (1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3)
10 62 69 55 67 76 59 77 87 72
16 80 89 73 86 97 78 98 110 95
25 105 115 96 110 125 100 125 145 125
35 125 140 115 130 150 125 150 175 150
50 150 170 140 160 180 150 180 205 185
70 180 205 175 190 220 185 220 250 230
95 220 250 215 230 265 230 260 300 280
120 250 285 250 260 300 265 300 345 325
150 280 320 285 290 335 300 335 385 370
185 320 365 330 330 380 345 380 440 425
240 370 425 390 385 445 410 440 510 510
300 420 485 455 435 500 470 500 580 580
400 480 550 530 495 580 550 570 660 680
500 540 630 610 560 650 640 640 750 790
630 620 720 710 640 750 750 740 860 920
800 700 810 820 720 840 860 830 970 1 070
1 000 780 900 940 800 930 980 920 1 070 1 220
1 200 840 970 1 030 860 1 000 1 080 990 1 150 1 340
1 400 890 1 030 1 110 910 1 060 1 160 1 050 1 230 1 450
1 600 940 1 080 1 180 950 1 110 1 230 1 100 1 290 1 530
(*) For cables having high density polythene insulation, the values are to be multiplied by:
1.05 for columns (1) and (2)
1.06 for column (3)
Table 6-31: current-carrying capacities in cables made up of three single-core cables having a rated
voltage lower than or equal to 6/10 (12) kV

567
PE-insulated* Nominal EPR or XLPE-insulated

cross-
sectional
area (mm²)
(1) (2) (3)* Copper (1) (2) (3)

110 125 105 16 125 140 130
140 160 135 25 165 185 170
170 195 165 35 195 220 200
200 230 200 50 230 260 245
250 280 250 70 280 320 305
295 335 300 95 335 385 375
335 385 350 120 385 440 425
375 430 395 150 430 495 485
425 490 455 185 490 560 560
490 560 530 240 560 650 660
550 640 610 300 640 730 750
630 720 710 400 720 830 870
700 810 810 500 810 940 1 000
790 920 930 630 910 1 060 1 150
870 1 010 1 050 800 1 010 1 170 1 300
960 1 100 1 180 1 000 1 110 1 280 1 470
1 010 1 170 1 270 1 200 1 180 1 360 1 590
1 070 1 240 1 360 1 400 1 240 1 440 1 700
1 110 1 290 1 430 1 600 1 290 1 500 1 790
(1) (2) (3) Aluminium (1) (2) (3)
86 96 81 16 98 110 99
110 125 105 25 125 140 130
130 150 130 35 150 170 160
155 180 155 50 180 205 190
190 220 190 70 220 250 235
230 260 235 95 260 300 290
260 300 270 120 300 340 330
290 335 305 150 335 385 375
330 380 355 185 380 435 430
385 445 420 240 440 510 510
435 500 480 300 500 570 590
495 570 560 400 570 660 680
560 650 650 500 640 740 790
640 740 750 630 740 850 930
720 830 860 800 830 960 1 060
800 930 990 1 000 930 1 070 1 230
860 1 000 1 090 1 200 1 000 1 160 1 350
920 1 060 1 170 1 400 1 060 1 230 1 450
960 1 110 1 240 1 600 1 110 1 290 1 540
1.06 for column (3)
Table 6-32: current-carrying capacities in cables made up of three single-core cables having a rated
voltage greater than 6/6 (7.2) kV and lower than or equal to 18/30 (36) kV

568
Nominal PVC-insulated PE-insulated* EPR or XLPE-insulated

cross-
sectional
area (mm²)
Copper (1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3)
10 80 87 71 85 94 75 97 110 92
16 100 115 90 110 120 98 125 140 120
25 130 145 120 140 155 125 160 180 155
35 160 175 145 165 190 155 190 215 190
50 185 205 175 195 220 185 225 250 225
70 230 255 215 240 270 230 275 310 280
95 275 305 260 285 320 275 330 370 340
120 310 345 300 325 365 315 370 420 385
150 345 385 340 365 415 365 420 475 445
185 390 435 385 410 465 410 470 535 510
240 450 500 450 475 530 485 540 610 590
300 500 560 520 530 605 560 610 690 680
Aluminium (1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3)
10 62 68 55 66 73 58 75 84 71
16 79 87 71 84 94 76 96 110 92
25 100 115 93 110 120 99 125 140 120
35 120 135 115 130 145 120 150 165 145
50 145 160 135 150 170 140 175 195 175
70 180 195 165 185 210 175 215 240 215
95 210 235 205 220 250 215 255 285 260
120 240 270 235 250 285 245 290 325 300
150 270 300 265 285 325 280 325 370 345
185 305 340 300 320 360 320 365 415 395
240 350 390 355 370 420 380 425 480 465
300 395 440 405 420 475 435 480 540 530
1.06 for column (3)
Table 6-33: current-carrying capacities in three-core individually screened cables having a rated voltage
lower than or equal to 6/10 (12) kV

569
Nominal cross- EPR or XLPE-insulated

sectional area (mm²)
Copper (1) (2) (3)
16 125 140 125
25 160 175 160
35 190 210 195
50 225 250 230
70 270 305 280
95 330 370 345
120 370 420 395
150 415 465 450
185 465 525 510
240 540 610 600
Aluminium (1) (2) (3)
16 96 105 95
25 125 135 125
35 145 165 150
50 175 195 175
70 210 235 220
95 255 285 265
120 290 325 305
150 320 360 345
185 360 410 395
240 420 475 470
Table 6-34: current-carrying capacities in three-core individually screened cables having a rated voltage
greater than 6/6 (7,2) kV and lower than or equal to 18/30 (36) kV

570
6.2.4. Thermal withstand of conductors in the event of a short circuit and

determination of the cross-sectional area S 2
The thermal withstand of live conductors must be checked for the maximum short-circuit
current at the origin of the cable. It is calculated using the impedance method taking into
account the participation of all the network elements (motors, generators, etc., see Protection
guide § 4.2).
In the case of an installation with an internal generator set, the thermal withstand is
established on the basis of the short-circuit current during the transient period, this
approximately corresponding to the short-circuit clearance time (see Protection guide § 4.1.2).
For a short-circuit time less than 5 seconds, cable heating is considered to be adiabatic; this
means that the energy stored stays in the core and is not transmitted to the insulating material.
The thermal calculations are then simplified. They are given below.
Note: to check the thermal withstand of protective and equipotential bonding conductors, the earth
fault current must be taken into account (see § 4.2.2 of the Protection guide)
n general method
The heating calculation results are shown by the curves in figure 6-14. They give the current
density withstands δ 0 in different types of cable for a short-circuit time of one second, in
relation to the cable temperature before the short circuit.
The minimum conductor cross-sectional area complying with heating in the case of a short
circuit is determined by the fomula:
I
S = sc
δ
Isc : maximum short-circuit current, in A

δ : current density withstand, in A / mm²
for a short-circuit time other than one second, we have:
δ0
δ=
t
t : short-circuit time

571
Figure 6-14: short circuit in the core

572
n simplified method
This assumes that the cable temperature before the short circuit is equal to the temperature
allowed in steady-state operating conditions.
In this case, the conductor cross-sectional area must meet the following condition:
I
S ≥ sc t
k
Isc : maximum short-circuit current

t : short-circuit time
k : coefficient the value of which is given in table 6-35
For protective conductors, the current to be taken into account is the earth fault current I f .
Insulating material
PVC XLPE
PE EPR
Live conductors
- in copper 115 143
- in aluminium 74 94
Protective conductors a b a b
- in copper 143 115 176 143
- in aluminium 95 75 116 94
- in steel 52 _ 64 _
a protective conductors not incorporated in cables

b protective conductors incorporated in cables
Table 6-35: coefficient k values

573
6.2.5. Short-time withstand currents in cable screens with extruded synthetic

insulation (determination of S3 )
In the event of a phase-to-screen short circuit, the thermal withstand resulting from the
passage of the fault current I f for a time t , must not exceed the thermal withstand of the
cable screen. If is the earth fault current and the method for determining its value is
described in the Protection guide, paragraph 4-2.
The calculation of the overcurrent permitted in the cable screens depends on what the screen
is made of and the type of cable.
In the absence of precise indications, the values of tables 6-37, 6-38 and 6-39 can be used.
These values correspond to a screen made up of a copper band 0.1 mm thick wrapped around
the insulating material with an overlap of 15 %.
Table 6-36 gives, for each type of insulating material, the temperatures during normal service
and at the end of overcurrents used for calculating cable screen heating.
Type of insulating Temperature on the screen during Final temperature following

material service (°C) overcurrent
(°C)
XLPE 70 250
EPR 70 250
PE 60 150
PVC 60 160
Table 6-36: temperature conditions used for the calculation

574
o overcurrent values permitted in cable screens with extruded synthetic insulation
See tables 6-37, 6-38 and 6-39.
Rated voltage 6/10 (12) kV 8.7/15 (17.5) kV 12/20 (24) kV 18/30 (36) kV
Short-circuit time 0.5 s 1s 2s 0.5 s 1s 2s 0.5 s 1s 2s 0.5 s 1s 2s
Conductor cross-sectional
area in mm²
16 1 100 900 650 1 350 1 000 800 1 800 1 400 1 100
25 1 200 950 700 1 400 1 050 800 1 800 1 400 1 100
35 1 400 1 000 900 1 650 1 250 1 000 1 850 1 400 1 100
50 1 600 1 150 1 000 1 750 1 350 1 050 1 950 1 450 1 150 2 500 1 950 1 550
70 1 750 1 250 1 050 1 900 1 450 1 150 2 100 1 600 1 250 2 700 2 050 1 650
95 1 850 1 350 1 100 2 050 1 550 1 200 2 200 1 700 1 300 2 800 2 150 1 700
120 1 900 1 400 1 150 2 150 1 650 1 300 2 500 1 950 1 550 3 100 2 400 1 900
150 2 150 1 650 1 300 2 400 1 850 1 500 2 600 2 000 1 600 3 150 2 450 1 950
185 2 400 1 850 1 450 2 600 2 000 1 600 2 750 2 150 1 700 3 350 2 600 2 100
240 2 700 2 050 1 650 2 800 2 150 1 700 3 100 2 400 1 950 3 600 2 750 2 200
300 2 800 2 150 1 750 3 150 2 450 1 950 3 300 2 550 2 050 3 800 2 950 2 350
400 3 050 2 350 1 800 3 450 2 650 2 150 3 650 2 800 2 250 4 200 3 300 2 650
500 3 400 2 550 1 950 3 800 2 950 2 350 4 100 3 200 2 550 4 550 3 550 2 850
630 3 750 3 000 2 300 4 250 3 300 2 650 4 450 3 450 2 800 4 950 3 850 3 100
800 4 400 3 400 2 600 4 650 3 600 2 900 4 850 3 750 3 000 5 300 4 150 3 300
1 000 5 100 3 900 3 050 5 200 4 050 3 250 5 350 4 200 3 350 5 850 4 550 3 650
1 200 5 350 4 100 3 300 5 450 4 250 3 400 5 650 4 400 3 550 6 150 4 800 3 850
1 400 5 600 4 400 3 550 5 900 4 550 3 650 6 050 4 700 3 800 6 550 5 100 4 100
1 600 6 000 4 700 3 800 6 200 4 850 3 900 6 400 5 000 4 000 6 900 5 350 4 300
Table 6-37: single-core or three-core individually screened cables with XLPE or EPR insulation -
short-circuit current permitted in the screen (A)

575
Rated voltage 6/10 (12) kV 8.7/15 (17.5) kV 12/20 (24) kV 18/30 (36) kV
Short-circuit time 0.5 s 1s 2s 0.5 s 1s 2s 0.5 s 1s 2s 0.5 s 1s 2s
Conductor cross-sectional
area in mm²
16 800 650 490 1 000 740 560 1 200 870 660
25 900 700 510 1 000 750 570 1 200 870 660
35 1 000 750 540 1 100 800 600 1 200 880 660
50 1 100 800 580 1 150 840 640 1 250 1 000 770 1 750 1 300 990
70 1 300 920 700 1 350 990 760 1 450 1 100 820 1 750 1 300 1 000
95 1 350 1 000 750 1 450 1 050 820 1 550 1 150 880 2 050 1 550 1 200
120 1 450 1 050 800 1 500 1 150 860 1 650 1 200 930 2 150 1 650 1 230
150 1 550 1 100 840 1 600 1 200 910 1 700 1 300 1 000 2 250 1 700 1 300
185 1 650 1 150 900 1 700 1 250 970 2 000 1 500 1 200 2 350 1 800 1 400
240 1 800 1 450 1 100 2 000 1 550 1 200 2 150 1 650 1 250 2 650 2 050 1 600
300 2 000 1 550 1 200 2 150 1 650 1 300 2 300 1 750 1 350 2 800 2 150 1 700
400 2 300 1 750 1 400 2 600 2 000 1 550 2 650 2 050 1 600 3 000 2 300 1 800
500 2 550 1 900 1 500 2 900 2 200 1 750 3 050 2 350 1 850 3 400 2 600 2 050
630 2 750 2 050 1 550 3 000 2 300 1 800 3 150 2 400 1 900 3 500 2 650 2 050
800 3 000 2 250 1 700 3 300 2 500 2 000 3 450 2 600 2 100 3 700 2 800 2 200
1 000 3 300 2 400 1 800 3 500 2 700 2 100 3 650 2 800 2 200 3 950 3 000 2 400
1 200 3 550 2 550 1 900 3 700 2 850 2 200 3 850 2 950 2 300 4 200 3 200 2 550
1 400 3 650 2 750 2 000 3 900 3 000 2 350 4 050 3 100 2 450 4 350 3 350 2 650
1 600 3 750 2 850 2 100 4 000 3 100 2 400 4 150 3 200 2 500 4 500 3 400 2 700
Table 6-38: single-core or three-core individually screened cables with PE insulation -


576
Conductor cross- Short-cicuit time

sectional area
mm²
0.5 s 1s 2s
10 1 550 1 200 980
16 1 700 1 300 1 050
25 1 950 1 450 1 200
35 2 050 1 550 1 250
50 2 150 1 600 1 300
70 2 300 1 700 1 400
95 2 550 1 900 1 550
120 2 750 2 100 1 650
150 2 900 2 200 1 750
185 3 350 2 450 2 050
240 3 500 2 650 2 200
Table 6-39: PVC-insulated three-core collectively screened cables with a rated voltage of 6/6 (7.2 kV) -
o example
Let us consider a PE-insulated single-core cable in a 10 kV network having an earth fault

current I f limited to 1 000 A.
According to table 6-38, the minimum cross-sectional area of the conductor depends on the
short-circuit time:
- for t = 0.5 s , S min = 35 mm²

- for t= 1s , S min = 95 mm²
- for t= 2s , S min = 240 mm² .
The cross-sectional area S3 is selected in relation to I f and the short-circuit time, which is
taken to be equal to the longest time needed to clear the fault (e.g., the back-up protection
time delay).

577
6.2.6. Checking voltage drops

Voltage drops in medium voltage cables in industrial networks are in general negligible.
However, it seems useful to give the calculation method able to be applied notably for very
long wiring systems.
For a three-phase circuit, the voltage drop (single-phase voltage) is calculated by the fomula:
 L 
∆V =  ρ1 cos ϕ + λ L sin ϕ  I B
 S 
ρ1 : conductor resistivity during normal service, i.e. 1.25 times that at 20 °C
ρ1 = 0.0225 Ω mm 2 / m for copper; ρ1 = 0.036 Ω mm 2 / m for aluminium

L : length of wiring system, in metres
S : conductor cross-sectional areas, in mm²
cos ϕ : power factor; in the absence of precise indications, we may take cos ϕ = 0.8 (sin ϕ = 0.6)
IB : maximum design current in A
λ : reactance per unit length of the wiring system, in Ω/m .
The values of λ in MV are:
- 0.08 × 10 −3 Ω / m for three-core cables

- 0.15 × 10 −3 Ω / m for single-core cables
We define the relative voltage drop as:
∆V
Vn
Vn : nominal single-phase voltage

578
6.2.7. Practical determination of the minimum cross-sectional area of a medium

voltage cable (see fig. 6-15)
cable installation determination of

conditions maximum design
current I B
determination of the equivalent current (1) determination of the cross-sectional area S1 of the cable
cable column and IB able to carry I z in standard installation conditions in
overall correction Iz relation to the type of cable, its insulation and rated
f
factor (see tab. 8-23) voltage (see tab. 8-29 to 8-34)
thermal withstand Isc max

S2 t
I sc max k
screen thermal S3 function I f , t

withstand: If
(see tab. 8-37 to 8-39)
voltage drop S max ( S1 , S 2 , S3 )

check
economic cross-sectional
area possibly chosen
(1) I z is an equivalent current which, in standard installation conditions,

causes the same thermal effect as I B in actual installation
conditions
Figure 6-15: logigram for determining the minimum cross-sectional area of a medium voltage cable

579
6.2.8. Cable screen earthing conditions
n single-core cables
The passage of a current in the cable core produces an induced voltage in the screen. This
voltage depends on the geometrical arrangement of the cables, the length and the current
carried:
E0 = 0.145 × log10   × l × I
2a
 d
a : distance between cable axes (mm)

d : mean diameter of the screen (mm)
l : connection length (km)
I : current carried in the core (A).
For very long cables, E0 may reach dangerous values for persons. The standard
recommends screen earthing at both ends when E0 is likely to exceed the limit of 50 V
under steady-state operating conditions.
However, screen earthing at both ends produces currents continuously circulating in the
screen.
For screen earthing at one end only, on occurrence of a short circuit, the potential induced on
the second end may be high and cause a breakdown of the screen insulation where it is
connected. The necessary precautions must therefore be taken.
o calculation of the current circulating in screens earthed at both ends
In balanced steady-state operating conditions (or during a three-phase short circuit), the
induced voltage in screens earthed at both ends causes a three-phase current to circulate.
This current is given by the formula:
E0
I0 =
Rs2 + Xs2
Xs = 0.145 × log10   × l
2a
where
 d 
Rs : screen resistance (Ω)

Xs : screen reactance (Ω)
l : length of cable or line

580
o example
Let us consider a 20 kV aluminium single-core cable with a cross-sectional area of 300 mm² ,
with PE insulation and a length of l = 3 km , buried in soil having a resistivity of ρ = 100 Ω ⋅ m ,
the characteristics of which are as follows:
- Icapacity = 500 A
- d = 33.5 mm
- a = 38.5 mm
- Rs = 0.45 Ω / km
It is installed in a network such that:
- I B = 400 A
- Isc = 8 kA
The induced voltage under steady-state operating conditions is:
 2a 
E0 = 0.145 × log10   × I B × l = 63 V
 d
The 50 V limit is exceeded and the screen must therefore be earthed at both ends.
The circulation current in the screen is in this case:
E0
I0 =
Rs2 + Xs2
Rs = 1.35 Ω
X s = 0.145 × log10   × l = 0.157 Ω

2a
 d
whence I0 = 46.4 A
Note: the circulation current in the screen is independent of the cable length.

581
The induced voltage in the event of a short circuit is:
 2a 
E0 sc = 0.145 × log10   × I sc × l = 1 260 V
 d
The circulation current in the screen is then:
I0 sc = 927 A
This current must be withstood by the screen for the maximum short-circuit time. This is the
case since it can withstand 1 350 A for 2 s (see table 6-38).
Note: if the cable length was 2 km, the screen would be earthed at one end only. The voltage induced
in the screen on occurrence of the short circuit will then be equal to 840 V. In this case it is
necessary to check that the screen insulation at the point where the terminal box is located is
sufficient.
Evaluation of Ws losses in the screen
Ws = Rs I02
for Rs = 0.45 Ω / km , l = 3 km and I0 = 46.4 A
Ws = 0.45 × 3 × (46.4 )2 = 2.9 kW
The losses in the core are:

Wc = Rc × I B2
Rc : core resistance
For an aluminium conductor with a cross-sectional area of S = 300 mm² , Rc = 0.1 Ω / km

whence Wc = 0.1 × 3 × ( 400)2 = 48 kW
Ws
We determine the ratio =6%
Wc
The screen losses represent 6 % of the core losses. They must therefore be taken into
account when determining the maximum current-carrying capacity of the cable.

582
o thermal effect in the cable screens
As we saw in the previous example, when the screen is earthed at both ends, the continuous
circulation of induced current in the screen causes extra heating in the cable and consequently
reduces its current-carrying capacity.
Generally, this phenomenon is only to be taken into account for cables with a cross-sectional
area greater than 240 mm².
We can apply the following rule:
- thin screen without armour, for S > 1 000 mm² the current-carrying capacity is reduced by 5 %
- non-thin screen without armour, the current-carrying capacity is to be reduced by:
. 5 % for 240 mm² ≤ S ≤ 800 mm²

. 10 % for S > 800 mm²
- cables with screen and armour, the current-carrying capacity is to be reduced by:
. 5 % for 240 mm² ≤ S ≤ 400 mm²

. 10 % for 500 mm² ≤ S ≤ 800 mm²
. 15 % for S > 800 mm²
n three-core cables
For three-core collectively screened cables, the electromagnetic field is zero in balanced
operating conditions.
In normal operating conditions, there is no circulation current in the screen.

583
6.2.9. Application example

Let us determine the conductor cross-sectional area of the W1 wiring system inserted into the
network illustrated in figure 6-17.
The W1 wiring system is made up of three single-core three-phase 6/10 (12) kV aluminium
cables with XLPE insulation, directly installed in a enclosed channel in a temperature of 35 °C.
The time delay of the protection against phase-to-phase short circuits is: t = 0.2 s .
20 kV
T1
S n = 10 MVA
U sc = 8 %
1000 A
U n = 5.5 kV
W1 wiring system
l = 1200 m
T2 S n = 630 kVA
U sc = 4 %
400 V
Figure 6-17: diagram of the installation

584
n determining the maximum design current I B
The W1 wiring system only feeds the 630 kVA power transformer T2 .
The current I B is thus taken to be equal to the nominal transformer current:
Sn 630 × 10 3
I B = In = = = 66 A
3 Un 3 × 5.5 × 10 3
n correction factors and choice of S1
The direct installation in an enclosed channel corresponds to installation type L4 (see

table 6-23). Column (3) in the current-carrying capacity tables must be used.
- installation method: f0 = 0.8
- ambient temperature (see table 6-24): f1 = 0.96
- group of several cables (see table 6-28): f 5 = 1
The overall correction factor is: f = 0.8 × 0.96 = 0.77
The equivalent current that the cable must be able to carry in standard installation conditions
is:
I
I z = B = 86 A
f
Table 6-31 (column (3), XLPE, aluminium) gives a minimum cross-sectional area of
S1 = 16 mm2 which has a current-carrying capacity of I 0 = 95 A .

585
n checking thermal withstand (S 2 )
Neglecting the impedance upstream of the transformer and the impedance of the transformer-
busbar connection, the maximum short-circuit current at the origin of the cable is equal to the
short-circuit current of the transformer.
The impedance of the transformer T1 is:
( )
2
Un2 U sc 5.5 × 10 3 8
ZT 1 = × = × = 0.242 Ω
Sn 100 10 × 10 6 100
The maximum short-circuit current is thus:
Un 5.5 × 10 3
Isc = 11
. = 11
. × = 14.4 kA (see Protection guide § 4.2.1)
3 ZT 1 3 × 0.242
The cross-sectional area complying with the short-circuit requirement is:
I
S2 ≥ sc t
k
k = 94 : value of the coefficient corresponding to a XLPE-insulated aluminium conductor (see table 6-35)
t = 0.2 s : short-circuit time equal to the protection time delay
whence S 2 ≥ 69 mm2
The minimum cross-sectional area to be chosen is thus S 2 = 70 mm2

586
n checking the cable screen thermal withstand ( S3 )
The 5.5 kV distribution network has an earthing system with a 1 000 A current limiting resistor.
The fault current is then:
Vn
If = + IC (see Protection guide § 4.3.2)
RN
Vn : single-phase network voltage

RN : limiting resistance
I C : 5.5 kV network capacitive current ( I C = 3 j C ω Vn )
The capacitive current of an industrial network is of the order of several amps to several dozen
amps and it can thus be neglected in relation to the 1 000 A limiting current.
We thus have I f = 1 000 A
We assume that the screen must be able to withstand the fault current for 2 seconds, in order
to take into account the maximum time delay of the protection against phase-earth faults and
eventual reclosing.
The cross-sectional area of the conductor complying with the thermal withstand of the cable
screen is then:
S3 = 50 mm2 (see table 6-37)

587
n checking voltage drops
The voltage drop is given by the formula:
 l 
∆V =  ρ1 cos ϕ + λl sin ϕ  I B
 S 
l = 1 200 m ; S = 70 mm² ; λ = 0.15 × 10 −3 Ω / m ; I B = 66 A ; ρ1 = 0.036 Ω ⋅ mm 2 / m
We assume that the cable load has a cos ϕ = 0.6 (sin ϕ = 0.8)
 1 200 
whence ∆V =  0.036 × 0.8 + 0.15 × 10 −3 × 1 200 × 0.6 × 66
 50 
∆V = 53 V
∆V 53
The relative voltage drop is: = = 1.7 %
Vn  5500 
 3 
In spite of a very long cable length for an industrial network, the voltage drop is acceptable.
n choosing the technical cross-sectional area
The calculations carried out give the following cross-sectional areas:
S1 = 16 mm²
S 2 = 70 mm²
S3 = 50 mm²
The technical cross-sectional area to be chosen is thus:
S = 70 mm²

588
6.3. Calculating the economic cross-sectional area

The methods described in chapters 6-1 and 6-2 lead to the choice of technical cross-sectional
areas of wiring systems, complying with the different thermal withstands, voltage drops and
protection of persons.
But it may be useful to take into account the economic criterion, based on the cost of
investment and the operating costs, when looking for the optimum cross-sectional area.
The investment cost is essentially composed of:
- the cable cost, linear function of the cross-sectional area S and length L ,
i.e. K1 L + K2 L S
- the cost of civil engineering and installation, depending on the length and regardless of the
cross-sectional area in a limited interval, i.e. K3 L .
The operating costs comprise:
- the Joule losses in the cable
- the maintenance costs.
To calculate the economic cross-sectional area, only the cost of the Joule losses w relative to
the wiring system is taken into account:
L HC
w=n×ρ × I2 Euros.
S 1 000
n : number of live conductors

ρ : resistivity of the live conductor during normal service, i.e. 1.25 times that at 20 °C.
ρ = 0.0225 Ω mm ²/ m for copper; ρ = 0,036 × Ω mm² / m for aluminium
L : cable length
S : cross-sectional area of conductors
I : current carried, assumed to be constant, in A
H : number of cable operating hours (for a year H = 8 760)
C : cost of kWh, Euro/kWh.
The cost of investment and the cost of losses w do not have the same term of payment. It is
necessary to change in order to carry out the sum of their values. This can be done by
converting the operating costs paid at the end of consecutive years to current value, i.e. by
converting them to the period in which the cable is purchased.

589
If N (years) is the amortizement time forecast for the cable, and if the price of energy and
the cable load are assumed to be constant for the entire period, the sum of converted values
of Joule losses is:
 1 1 1  (1 + t ) N − 1
W =w + + ....... +  = w×
1 + t (1 + t ) 2
(1 + t ) N  t (1 + t )
N
 
t being the forecast conversion to current value rate.
t (1 + t )
N
w
We can write W = , where A =
A (1 + t ) N − 1
The total cost is therefore:
L 2 HC
P ( S) = K3 L + K1 L + K2 L S + n ρ I
S 1 000 × A
∂ P 
The function P ( S ) goes via a minimum  = 0
∂ S 
nρHC
for a cross-sectional area of S0 = I
K2 A × 1 000
For an approximate calculation we can use the following formula:
KI HC
S0 = , mm²
100 A
where K = 2.56 for copper and 4.61 for aluminium.
The value of the economic cross-sectional area to be chosen is the closest standard
value to S 0 .

590
n example
Taking the elements from the application example of § 6.2.9:
- design current I B = 66 A
- energy cost: C = 0.061 Euro/kWh
- aluminium conductor, K = 4.61
- conversion to current value rate of 8 %
- amortizement time N = 20 years
- number of operating hours H = 3 800 hours.
0.08 × (1 + 0.08)
20
A= = 0.102
(1 + 0.08)20 − 1
66 × 4.61 3 800 × 0.061

S0 = = 145 mm ²
100 0.102
The economic cross-sectional area is the closest standard value to S 0 , i.e. S = 150 mm2 .
In practice, the economic cross-sectional area is often greater than the technical cross-
sectional area.
n advantages of cable oversizing
- Improved voltage quality under normal operating conditions and reduced amplitude of
voltage surges during motor or other machine starting.
- Presence of reserve power offering the possibility of future extensions.

Determining Conductor Cross-Sectional Areas

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6. Determining conductor cross-

Industrial electrical network design guide T&D 6 883 427/AE

6. DETERMINING CONDUCTOR CROSS-SECTIONAL AREAS

6.1. Determining conductor cross-sectional areas and choosing protective

n definition of terms relating to low voltage wiring systems

Electrical circuit (of an installation)

Industrial electrical network design guide T&D 6 883 427/AE

Design current of a circuit

(Continuous) current carrying capacity of a conductor

Sleeve (or tube)

Industrial electrical network design guide T&D 6 883 427/AE

6.1.1. Method principle

The wiring system must:

- not generate voltage drops above the allowed values.

The protective device must:

- ensure the protection of persons against indirect contact.

- depending on the installation conditions (installation method, ambient temperature, etc.),

- the suitable conductor cross-sectional area is chosen in relation to I n and f .

Industrial electrical network design guide T&D 6 883 427/AE

- the maximum voltage drop is checked

apparent power short-circuit

rated current of protective device

installation wiring system conductor check of thermal

maximum voltage IT or TN earthing system

conductor cross- confirmation of the choice of wiring system

Industrial electrical network design guide T&D 6 883 427/AE

6.1.2. Determining the maximum design current

P  power consumed (in W ) 

I1 : current value at 50 Hz (or 60 Hz)

Industrial electrical network design guide T&D 6 883 427/AE

n factor taking into account the power factor and efficiency: a

The apparent power of a load is:

When a current stripped of harmonics flows through the conductor, Fp = cos ϕ .

n load utilisation factor: b

Without knowing the accurate values, we may take:

- b = 0.75 for motors

- b =1 for lighting and heating

Industrial electrical network design guide T&D 6 883 427/AE

Use Coincidence factor c

Lighting and air conditioning 1

Power outlets 0.1 to 0.2 (for a number > 20)

Table 6-1: coincidence factor for an administrative building

Number of circuits having Coincidence factor

10 and more 0.6

Table 6-2: coincidence factor for industrial distribution switchboards

n factor taking into account possible future extensions: d

In the absence of precise indications, the value 1.2 is often used.

Industrial electrical network design guide T&D 6 883 427/AE

n power conversion factor in current: e

The power conversion factor in current is:

- e = 8 in single-phase 127 V - e = 4.35 in single-phase 230 V

n maximum design current

The maximum design current is thus:

6.1.3. Choosing the protective device

Industrial electrical network design guide T&D 6 883 427/AE

o nominal or setting current

I B ≤ I n ≤ I a , which corresponds to zone a in figure 6.2.

o conventional tripping current

This must meet the following relation:

I2 ≤ 1.45 I a , which corresponds to zone b in figure 6.2.

- For domestic circuit-breakers, standard IEC 898 specifies:

- For industrial circuit-breakers, standard IEC 947-2 specifies: