Ampacity/Capacity Page: Cable Ampacity and Sizing

Ampacity Page - Cable Page 1 of 31
Ampacity/Capacity Page
Refer to Chapter Cable Ampacity and Sizing for detailed information.
mk:@MSITStore:F:\ETAP%201600\Etaps.chm::/IDH_CABLE_CABLEAMP.htm 5/20/2020
Calculation Methods and Standards

Depending on the cable installation type, different methods can be used to calculate cable current-carrying capability
(ampacity/capacity).
IEEE 399
This calculation method is according to the IEEE Std 399, IEEE Recommended Practice for Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems Analysis. It covers installation types of underground duct and directly buried. The calculation is based on ampacity at
a base condition and adjustment factors derived from detailed calculations using the Neher-McGrath Method.
These factors established a maximum feasible load capacity, which results in no reduction of the cable’s expected lifetime. The
overall derating factor is composed of several components as listed on the following page.
Fta = Derating factor for ambient temperature

Ftc = Derating factor for maximum allowable conductor temperature
Fth = Derating factor for underground soil thermal resistance
Fg = Derating factor for cable grouping
Fc = Derating factor for A/G tray covers
Fm = Derating factor for A/G tray maintained spacing

Fce = Cumulative effect factor for A/G trays
Fm = Derating factor for A/G conduit (NEC and diversity factor)
Ffc = Derating factor for A/G fire coating
Ffs = Derating factor for A/G fire stop
Ffw = Derating factor for A/G fire wrap
ICEA P-54-440
The method based on ICEA P-54-440 applies to cables in above ground trays using calculated derating factors based on tray
size, cable fill, and environment conditions. The actual values of tray depth, width, and % fill entries will be taken into
account, which gives more accurate results and is based on the method described in the Stolpe paper (Paper 70 TP 557-PWR)1.
However, the Stolpe method may provide a smaller ampacity for large cables (for example, 750 mm2) compared to those from
ICEA P-54-440.
In addition, if both the ambient temperature and conductor temperature differ from those shown in the ICEA standard (40 °C
ambient temperature and 90 °C conductor temperature), the resulting ampacity values may be smaller because the standard
used the product of both correction factors as the temperature correction. In ETAP calculations, the ambient temperature and
conductor temperature values are used directly in the calculation and, therefore, yield more accurate results.
In the used method, the following AC resistance equations for temperature corrections are employed:
R’ = R(234.5 + Tc) / (234.5 + Tb) Copper Conductors

R’ = R(228.1 + Tc) / (228.1 + Tb) Aluminum Conductors
Where:
R = Resistance at the base temperature Tb

R’ = Resistance at the operating temperature Tc
Tb = Conductor base temperature in °C
Tc = Conductor temperature limit in °C
NEC does not cover 1/C cables in A/G Trays that have a size < 1/0 AWG. Therefore, 1/C cable installed in A/G Trays shall be
size 1/0 AWG or larger. Same limitation is applied to ICEA P-54-440.
NEC (NFPA 70)

This method calculates derating factors according to National Electric Code (NEC). It applies to cables in above ground trays,
above ground conduits, air drop, and underground direct buried and underground conduits. NEC does not provide ampacity
derating due to bottom cover or correction of the ampacity multiplying factors due to the cumulative effects of combinations of
tray covers and fireproofing. In general, cable sizes of 2/0 AWG and smaller are installed in cable trays in a randomly filled
manner, with a maximum of two cables high.
Base ampacity of randomly filled trays are based on installations at a uniform depth up to the maximum of 30% fill for 3 or 4-
inch tray depths. The method applied here corresponds to a maximum fill condition and does not consider fill conditions
exceeding the nominal depths.
For NEC standard, the selected cable Base ampacity must be in accordance with the ampacities listed in the tables from NEC
Article 310 and Appendix B.
Users have the option to select to read the cable Base ampacity from either the Library or directly from the NEC tables. Please
contact the support team of ETAP in order to enable the Library Data option as this option is hidden in the standard release.
The default is set to use the NEC ampacity Tables.
The NEC method is only applicable to a cable insulation voltage rating of 35 kV or less.
Ambient temperature correction factor should be calculated based on the equation below, as required by NEC standard.
where:
I1 = ampacity from tables at ambient TA1

I2 = ampacity at desired ambient TA2
TC = conductor temperature in degree Celsius (°C)

TA1 = surrounding ambient from tables in degree Celsius (°C)
TA = desired ambient in degree Celsius (°C)
ΔTD = dielectric loss temperature rise.
ETAP currently uses the following equations:
These formulae come from AIEE-IPCEA – “Power Cable Ampacities – Copper Conductors”, p. III. B and IEEE Std. 242-
1986, section 8.5.2.4.
In case the Ta ambient temperature checkbox is checked under the Ampacity/Capacity page of the cable editor, these two
equations will be applied for the operating conductor temperatures that are outside the range provided by the NEC tables for
both A/G and U/G installations. The Ta adjustment will come from the NEC tables if the checkbox is checked. If the checkbox
is unchecked, these equations will apply to both the Ta and Tc temperature correction factors.
If the Base Tc of the selected cable from the Library does not match any of the NEC tables, the Base ampacity will be set to 0.
If the Base Ta of the selected cable from the Library does not match any of the NEC tables, ETAP will automatically convert
the ambient temperature to the one of the NEC tables, retrieve the ampacity, and convert back to display the ampacity at the
Base ambient temperature. The conversion factor will depend on whether the Ta adjustment per NEC Table is checked or not.
For U/G Duct and U/G Buried installations, if the Operating RHO is different than the Base RHO, then the following derating
rules are applied:
Using ETAP Library Data
 IEEE 399 Tables 13-5 through 13-7 are applied. In case a different RHO than the ones specified in these tables is
entered, interpolation between the two closest RHO values will be used.
Using NEC Tables
 For LV cables installed in U/G Ducts, at 50% Load Diversity, only Base RHO = 60 C.cm/W is allowed. If the header of
the selected cable from the library does not match this condition, 0 ampacity shall be provided. At No Load Diversity,
Base RHO of 90 and 120 C.cm/W are allowed. If the operating RHO is different than these two values, interpolation or
extrapolation between and outside these two given points is applied. Table 310.16 is specified for U/G Buried
installation but does not provide a RHO. Therefore, changing the Operating RHO will have no effect as this table is
RHO-independent. Tables B.310.8 through B.310.10 are provided at RHO of 90 C.cm/W. If the Operating RHO is
different than the Base RHO, then the IEEE 399 Tables 13-5 through 13-7 shall apply.
In case an insulation type is not listed in any of the NEC tables, e.g. XLPE, SBR, Neoprene, etc, no ampacity shall be provided
by the NEC ampacity calculation method. It is also important to know that both insulation type and conductor base
temperature (Base Tc) must match the header of the said NEC table. An exception shall be made for Rubber and Rubber 2
insulation types as they are general types of insulation and were present since the earliest version of ETAP and, therefore, were
mapped to any of the columns that supported rubber-based insulation types at 75 °C. For instance, the under-ground ampacity
tables in Appendix B are all listed at 75 °C. If the header of the selected cable mentions 90 °C instead of 75 °C, then the
method will read the base ampacity from NEC tables 310.16 and 310.17 based on the number of conductors per cable and
installation type.
Grouping factor is applied based on the number of conductors per cable and the number of cables per location or conduit
controlled by # C/Loc field under the Grouping section. Rows and Columns can be defined for cables installed underground
per NEC Figure 310.60 for high voltage cables and Figure B.310.2 for low voltage cables. Load diversity can be applied at 50
% and at 100 % (Without Load Diversity option). The entire grouping factor can be bypassed by checking the Without
Grouping Effect option under the Amp Adjustment section of the Ampacity/Capacity page of the cable editor. For more than 4
conductors in cable or location, NEC tables 310.15(B)(2)(a) and B.310.11 shall apply.
For above ground (A/G) installation in trays, NEC sections 392.11 for low voltage cables and 392.13 for high voltage cables
shall apply. These two sections also handle the Top Cover and Maintained Spacing options for A/G Trays installations as
displayed in the figure below.
NEC does not cover 1/C cables in A/G Trays that have a size < 1/0 AWG. Therefore, 1/C cable installed in A/G Trays shall be
size 1/0 AWG or larger.
In case the “Without Grouping” option is checked, even if the cable is a 4/C through 10/C, the grouping factor will be equal to
1 and the ampacity of that cable will be obtained from the NEC tables, which are designed for 1/C, 2/C, and 3/C only.
Therefore only 1 through 3 conductors of the cable will be considered for current-carrying.
The footnote (*) in NEC Tables 310.16 and 310.17 for cable sizes 14, 12 and 10 AWG in these tables refers to 240.4.D. The
overcurrent protection shall not be exceeded after any correction factor is applied:
14 AWG Copper: 15 amperes

12 AWG Aluminum and Copper-Clad Aluminum: 15 amperes
10 AWG Aluminum and Copper-Clad Aluminum: 25 amperes
On the Cable Editor: Protection page, check the Overload Protection nominal current In. It must be filled out as Protective
Device or User-Defined. If violation is found, ETAP posts a message: “Protective device’s In exceeds the limit of XX
amperes as specified in NEC 240.4(D)”. If this limitation is violated but there is no protective device defined, then the message
will not be posted.
BS 7671 Standard
This method is based on BS 7671 – 2008 (17th Edition): Requirements for Electrical Installation. It applies to a number of
types of installation, including above ground and underground configurations. This method can be used for cables at nominal
voltages up to and including 1000V a.c. and 1500V d.c.
The displayed cable Base ambient temperature (Ta) is fixed at 30 Co for cables in Air and 20 Co for buried cables directly in
soil or in ducts in the ground per BS 7671. The actual cable operating ambient temperature can be specified in the Operating
Ta field. The cable’s Base and Operating conductor temperature (Tc) is determined based on cable conductor type and
insulation type corresponding to Tables 4D1A and onwards of BS 7671.
Cable Base Ampacity (Current-Carrying Capability) is from Tables 4D1A and onwards of BS 7671. Under certain conditions,
the base ampacity may not be available from these tables and the “Base” Ampacity field will show zero or/ and a message will
be posted. In this case you may refer to ETAP log pane for more information.
Cable Ampacity/Capacity calculation result is displayed in the “Derated” Ampacity field. The following correction factors are
considered for cable Capacity calculation:
 Ca – Correction factor for ambient temperature. This factor is from Table 4B1 or Table 4B2 of BS 7671 Appendix 4.
 Cg – Correction factor for grouping. This factor is from Tables 4C1, 4C2, 4C3, 4C4 or 4C5 of BS 7671 Appendix 4.
 Ci – Correction factor for conductors embedded in thermal insulation. Refer to Section 523.7 of BS 7671 for detailed
information.
 Cc – Correction factor for the type of protective device or installation condition, such as a BS 3036 Fuse. A factor of
0.725 is applied for cables protected by a Fuse to BS 3036 and 0.653 is applied for cables protected by a Fuse to BS
3036 and the installation method is “in a duct in the ground” or “buried direct”. A factor of 0.9 is applied for cables
protected by other BS Regulation 433.1.201 protective devices. Refer to Section 5 of BS 7671 Appendix 4 for detailed
information. A BS 3036 Fuse or BS Reg. 433.1.201 protective device is specified on the Protection page of cable editor
by selecting Device ID or User-Defined Overload Protection device.
 Cr – Correction Factor for Soil Thermal Resistivity. Refer to Section 2.2 and Table 4B3 of BS 7671 for detailed
information.
 Cd – Correction Factor for Depth of Laying (Burial). Refer to Table 4B4 of Amendment 3, BS 7671 17th edition.
Note: Interpolation or extrapolation may be used if a factor cannot be found directly from the tables.
If a correction factor cannot be determined, the “Derated” Ampacity field on the Ampacity page will show zero. In this case
you may refer to ETAP log pane for more information.
Sheath/Armor and Jacket Layer

According to BS 7671, sheath layer is an important factor in current-carrying capacity calculation and the sheath layer can be
either metallic or non-metallic.
Determination of the Base Ampacity for a cable for a particular installation method may require the cable to be Armored
and/or Sheathed. Such setup can be performed in the Physical page of the Cable Editor. In some cases a message will be
posted providing information of such requirement. In other cases Base and Derated Ampacity will be displayed as zero. You
may also refer to ETAP log pane for more information.
In the current version of ETAP, a sheath layer is only metallic: lead, aluminum or copper. For 1/C cables, Steel Armor is
considered as non-magnetic. A Jacket in ETAP is treated as non-metallic sheath for BS 7671 based calculation. Therefore, for
current- carrying capacity calculations based on BS 7671, a cable is considered to have a sheath layer if the cable has either a
sheath type or a jacket type specified. It is required to enter a nonzero thickness value if a Sheath/Armor or Jacket Type is
selected. Note that Paper type Jacket is not treated as a sheath for BS 7671 based calculation.
Note: For Mineral Insulated cables, only with a non-metallic (Jacket in ETAP) layer is treated as non-bare cable.
Note:
1. Unarmoured multicore cables installed in underground Conduits or Ducts are treated the same as armoured cables,
referring to section 16.8 of “Commentary on IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition” by Paul Cook.
2. Flexible cable is not handled in this ETAP release.
IEC 60364 Standard

This method is based on IEC 60364-5-52: Selection and erection of electrical equipment - Wiring systems. It applies to a
number of types of installation, including above ground and underground configurations. This method can be used for single
core or multiple core cables with nominal voltages up to and including 1000V a.c. and 1500V d.c.
The displayed cable Base ambient temperature (Ta) is fixed at 30° C for above ground installation and 20° C for underground
per IEC 60364-5-52. The actual cable operating ambient temperature can be specified in the Operating Ta field. The cable’s
Base and Operating conductor temperature (Tc) is determined based on cable conductor type and insulation type
corresponding to Tables B.52.2 to B.52.13 of Annex B, IEC 60364-5-52.
Cable Base Current-Carrying Capability is from Tables B.52.2 to B.52.13 of Annex B, IEC 60364-5-52. Under certain
conditions, the base current-carrying capability may not be available from these tables and the “Base” field will show zero. In
this case you may refer to ETAP cable editor log pane for more information.
Cable Current Carrying Capacity calculation result is displayed in the “Derated” field. The following correction factors are
considered for cable Current Carrying Capacity calculation:
 Ca – Correction factor for ambient temperature. This factor is from Table B.52.14 or Table B.52.15 of IEC 60364-5-52
Annex B.
 Cg – Correction factor for grouping. This factor is from Tables B.52-17 to B.51-21 of IEC 60364-5-52 Annex B. A
group containing different sizes of insulated conductors or cables is not considered for this ETAP release.
 Cr – Correction Factor for Soil Thermal Resistivity. Correction is considered based on Table B.52.16 for soil thermal
resistivities other than 2.5 K-m/W (250 C-cm/W).
If a correction factor cannot be determined, the “Derated” field on the Capacity page will show zero. In this case you may refer
to ETAP cable editor log pane for more information.
According to IEC 60364-5-52, sheath layer is an important factor in Current-Carrying Capacity calculation and it can be either
metallic or non-metallic. In ETAP, a sheath layer is only metallic. A Jacket in ETAP is treated as non-metallic sheath for
60364-5-52 based calculation. Therefore, for Current-Carrying Capacity calculation based on 60364-5-52, a cable is
considered to have a sheath layer if the cable has either a sheath type or a jacket type specified. It is required to enter a nonzero
thickness value if a Sheath or Jacket Type is selected. Note that Paper type Jacket is not treated as a sheath for 60364-5-52
based calculation.
Note:
1. For Mineral Insulated cables, only with a non-metallic (Jacket in ETAP) layer is treated as non-bare cable.
2. Armored multicore cables are treated the same as unarmored cables based on B.52.1.
IEC 60502 Standard

This method is based on IEC 60502-2: Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages from 1
kV (Um = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV– Part 2: Cables for rated voltages from 6 kV (Um = 7,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV). It
applies to above ground and underground installation. This method can be used for single core or multi-core cables with
nominal voltages greater than 1000V a.c. and less than 36000V a.c.
The displayed cable Base ambient temperature (Ta) is fixed at 30° C for above ground installation and 20° C for in
underground installation per IEC 60502-2. The actual cable operating ambient temperature can be specified in the Operating
Ta field. The cable’s Base and Operating conductor temperature (Tc) is determined based on cable conductor type and
insulation type corresponding to Tables B.2 to B.9 of IEC 60502-2.
Cable Base current rating is from Tables B.2 to B.9 of IEC 60502-2. Under certain conditions, the current rating may not be
available from these tables and the “Base” field will show zero. In this case you may refer to ETAP cable editor log pane for
more information.
 Ca – Correction factor for ambient temperature. This factor is from Table B.10 or Table B.11 of IEC 60502-2.
 Cg – Correction factor for grouping. This factor is from Tables B.18 to B.23 of IEC 60502-2. A group containing
different sizes of insulated conductors or cables is not considered for this ETAP release.
 Cd – Correction factor for installation to account for a depth of laying not 0.8 meters. This factor is from Table B.12
(for direct buried cables) or B.13 (for cables in ducts) of IEC 60502-2.
 Cr – Correction Factor for Soil Thermal Resistivity. Correction is considered based on Tables B.14 to B.17 for soil
thermal resistivity other than 1.5 K-m/W (150 C-cm/W).
Note: Interpolation or extrapolation may be used if a factor cannot be found directly from the tables
According to IEC 60502, the cable must be shielded (and unarmored if 1/C). Based on the current rating tables of IEC 60502-
2, current rating values are available only for cable sizes of 16 mm2 through 400 mm2. For all other sizes current rating is not
provided. As a result, based on this condition, if the selected cable size does not meet this criterion then the current rating will
not be available and the “Base” field will show zero.
IEC 60092 Standard

This method is based on IEC 60092-352: Electrical installations in ships. It applies to cable installations intended for fixed
electrical systems on ships for voltages up to and including 15 kV. This standard covers single and multiple core Copper
conductors. The current carrying capacity calculation covers both methods mentioned in Annex A and Annex B of IEC
60092. Annex A is applies to more detailed installation types, whereas Annex B is for general set of installations, which is
applicable to installations previous to 2003.
The displayed cable Base ambient temperature (Ta) is fixed at 45° C for any installation type per IEC 60092-352. The actual
cable operating ambient temperature can be specified in the Operating Ta field. The cable’s Base and Operating conductor
temperature (Tc) is defaulted to 90° C. The cable’s Operating temperature can be set to 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90° or 95°
C through the Operating Tc dropdown list as per IEC 60092. The conductor Base temperature (Tc) will automatically be set to
be the same as the selected Operating conductor temperature.
Cable Base current carrying capacity based on installations methods of Annex A is from Table A.1 to A.5 and Table B.1 to B.5
for calculation method based on Annex B of IEC 60092-352. If current carrying capacity calculations are performed using the
installation methods described in Annex A, interpolation is used to determine the Base capacity values of current for
conductor temperatures of 65°, 75° and 80° C since tables containing these values are not available. Under certain conditions,
the base current rating may not be available from these tables and the “Base” field will show zero. In this case you may refer to
ETAP cable editor log pane for more information.
 Ca – Correction factor for ambient temperature. This factor is from Table 3 of Annex A of IEC 60092-352 and it applies
to calculations for installation methods of Annex A and Annex B.
 Cg – Correction factor for grouping. This factor is from Tables A.6 to A.8 of IEC 60092-352 for the calculation for
installation methods based on Annex A. For calculation of installations based on Annex B, a correction factor of 0.85
is applied for installations in which more than six cables exist in a group.
 Cst – Correction factor is for short time duty. It is used to account for the installation conditions in which the cable is
meant to supply a motor or equipment operating for Short Time periods or Intermittently. This factor is calculated based
on section 3.3.5 of IEC-60092-352.
Note: Interpolation may be used if a factor cannot be found directly from the tables
Based on the current rating tables of IEC 60092-352, current rating values are available only for cable sizes of 1.5 mm2
through 630 mm2. As a result, based on this condition, if the selected cable size does not meet this criterion then the current
rating will not be available and the “Base” field will show zero.
NF C 15-100 Standard
This method is based on NF C 15-100: Low-voltage electrical installations. It applies to various types of installations,
including above ground and underground configurations. This method can be used for single core or multiple core cables with
nominal voltages up to and including 1000V a.c. and 1500V d.c.
The displayed cable Base ambient temperature (Ta) is fixed at 30° C for above ground installation and 20° C for underground
installations per NF C 15-100. The actual cable operating ambient temperature can be specified in the Operating Ta field. The
cable’s Base and Operating conductor temperature (Tc) is determined based on cable insulation type corresponding to Table
52H or Table 52J of Part 5-52, NF C 15-100.
Cable Base Current-Carrying Capability is from Table 52H or Table 52J of Part 5-52, NF C 15-100. Under certain conditions,
the base current-carrying capability may not be available from these tables and the “Base” field will show zero. In this case
you may refer to ETAP cable editor log pane for more information.
Cable Current-Carrying Capacity Calculation result is displayed in the “Derated” field. The following correction factors are
considered for cable Current-Carrying Capacity calculation:
 Ca – Correction factor for ambient temperature. This factor is from Table 52K or Table 52L of NF C 15-100 Part 5-52.
 Cg – Correction factor for grouping. This factor is from Tables 52N to 52T of NF C 15-100. A group containing
different sizes of insulated conductors or cables is not considered for this ETAP release.
 Cc – Correction factor according to methods of installation. This factor is from Table 52G.
 Cr – Correction Factor for Soil Thermal Resistivity. Correction is considered based on Table 52 M for soil thermal
resistivity other than 1.0 K-m/W (100 C-cm/W).
If a correction factor cannot be determined, the “Derated” field on the Ampacity page will show zero. In this case you may
refer to ETAP cable editor log pane for more information.
Type
If the option of Installation Type is selected, the Installation Type field contains all the installation types currently available in
ETAP. When one of these installation types is selected, the Standard field will contain only the standards applicable to the
selected installation type. The table below gives all the installation types and applicable standards.
Sub-Type
When the BS 7671, IEC 60364, IEC 60502 or NF C 15-100 Standard is selected in the Standard field, the installation Sub-
Type and installation Method will also show up along with the installation Type if applicable. You can select a different
installation Sub-Type from the list.
Method
This field displays the Reference method for the selected Sub-Type per Table 4A2 of BS 7671:2008, Requirements for
Electrical Installations as shown below.
This field displays the Reference method for the selected Sub-Type per Table B.52.1, IEC 60364-5-52, Selection and erection
of electrical equipment - Wiring systems as shown below.
This field displays the Reference method for the selected Sub-Type per Table A.1 of Annex A, IEC-60092, Electrical
installations in ships as shown below.
This field displays the Reference method for the selected Sub-Type per Table 52G, NF C 15-100, Low-voltage electrical
installations as shown below.
Note: Magnetic/Non-magnetic Installation

Magnetically installed cables imply that there is a continuous raceway (conduit) around the cables with circulating current due
to the magnetic field of the cables. This circulating current will cause the cable reactance (X1 and X0) to increase by up to
15% for smaller size cables, and 5 to 10% for larger size cables. The following table shows when to use cable libraries
designated as Magnetically and Non-magnetically Installed cables:
Cable Library Header

Magnetically Non- Magnetically
Installed Installed
U/G Duct – PVC Conduits X
U/G Duct – Mag. Conduits X
U/G Buried X
A/G Tray – No Cover X
A/G Tray – Solid & Mag. Material X
A/G Conduit - PVC X
A/G Conduit – Mag. Conduit
Air Drop X
Results
Operating/FLA
This field displays the required load current for the cable. For a branch cable, the required current will be the Average or Phase
Max operating current entered by user or updated by load flow calculations in the Loading page of the cable editor. For an
equipment cable user can select to display either the operating or full load current (FLA) of the load.
Base
The full rated current value in amperes for the chosen cable before any correction occurs. Depending on the selected standard,
this value is the base Ampacity in ETAP cable library or is from NEC tables or is the Current-Carrying Capability from tables
of IEC 60364-5-52, IEC 60502, IEC 60092, BS 7671, or NF C15-100.
This is the ampacity stated or specified by the manufacturer or other authoritative sources, such as NEC, IEC, BS or NF
standards. Note that if the calculation standard is ICEA P-54-440, this field is hidden, since the base ampacity is not required
for the calculation by the standard.
Derated
The calculated maximum allowed current carrying Capacity (Ampacity) for the chosen cable after all the correction factors
have been applied to the Base Ampacity/Caapacity based on the specified installation conditions.
Allowable Ampacity / Capacity

This is the maximum allowable current carrying Capacity (Ampacity) of the cable. It is used in the output reports of Load
Flow type studies to indicate the percent of cable overloading. This value is also used as a base for the cable flow constraint in
the optimal power flow studies and for Star plot and Auto-Evaluation.
ETAP provides the following options for selecting the maximum allowable current:
Derated Select this option to make the derated ampacity the maximum allowable current for this cable.
User-Defined Select this option to enter the maximum allowable current for this cable
UGS Calculated Select this option to use the ampacity calculated by the Underground Raceways Systems module.
Temperature/RHO
This section includes information about cable temperature and earth soil thermal resistivity if the installation type is U/G Duct
or U/G Buried.
Base
Ta
This is the ambient temperature in degrees Celsius obtained from the library or from the current-carrying capability tables of
the corresponding Standard for the base capacity (ampacity). The ambient temperature is the temperature at a cable installation
location when the cable installation is absent. Base Capacity (Ampacity) for A/G (Above Ground) cables is usually given at 30
degree Celsius and for U/G (Under Ground) cables is usually given at 20 degrees Celsius.
Tc
This is the conductor temperature in degrees Celsius obtained from the library or from the current-carrying capability tables
based on the corresponding Standard for the base capacity (ampacity). This order is usually given at 90 degrees Celsius.
RHO
This is the thermal resistivity of the soil in degrees Celsius centimeters per Watt (C-cm/Watt) obtained from the library or from
tables of corresponding Standard for the base capacity (ampacity). This field will be hidden if the installation type is not U/G
Duct or U/G Buried.
Operating
Ta
This is the actual ambient temperature for the actual installations in degrees Celsius. The operating ambient temperature is the
temperature at the cable installation location when the installation is absent.
Tc
This is the maximum allowable actual operating conductor temperature for the actual installations in degrees Celsius.
RHO
This is the actual thermal resistivity of the soil for the underground installation in degrees Celsius centimeters per Watt.
Ta Adjustment per NEC Table

This Check Box only appears when NEC standard is selected. Please refer to NEC standard section.
Note: This checkbox is only available when Tools | Options (Preferences) set to “FALSE” and for cable insulation voltages
below 2 kV.
Ampacity (Capacity)
Ampacity (Capacity) ratings are displayed for comparison of base, derated and, required ampacities. The method used here is
based on a concept of a derating factor that is applied against a base ampacity (capacity) to calculate the derated ampacity
(capacity).
Id = F x Ib, where Id is the derated ampacity (capacity), F is the total derating factor and Ib is the base ampacity (capacity).
Tray
This section is enabled when the installation type is A/G Trays and the Standard is either ICEA P-54-440 or NEC.
Top Cover
Select Top Cover if there is a removable top cover on the cable tray.
Bottom Cover
Select bottom cover if there is a bottom cover on the cable tray, whether it is removable or solid, of more than 6 feet.
Cumulative Effect
Cumulative effect applies correction factors for combinations of barriers, fire coatings, and covers on cable trays. The
following table summarizes the factors ETAP uses:
Fire Coating Fire Stop Fire Wrap Top Cover Bottom Cover PS Uses…
X X Fire Wrap
X X Smaller
X X Smaller
X X X Top &
Bottom
X X Wrap
X X Wrap
X X X Wrap
Maintained Spacing
Check this box to indicate that cables are kept in the tray with maintained spacing.
Ampacity Adjustment
The Ampacity Adjustment section is enabled when the cable installation type is A/G conduit and the Standard is NEC. From
this section, you can select options to consider grouping effect.
Without Grouping Effect

NEC standards do not allow for grouping effects (that is, the number of rows and columns) of cables. If the check box is not
selected, grouping effects of number of rows and columns will be considered. Note that when this box is checked, the Rows
and Columns fields and the Fire Protection section will be hidden.
With 50% Load Diversity and Without Load Diversity

The level of load diversity used in calculating correction factors can be either 50% or none.
Layout
This section is enabled when the standard is BS 7671 and the installation type is one of the above ground types.
This section or part of this section is enabled when the standard is IEC 60364.
Horizontal
Select Horizontal layout with Touching or Spaced if applicable. Note that this field is hidden if it is not applicable for the
selected installation type.
Vertical
Select Vertical layout with Touching or Spaced if applicable. Note that this field is hidden if it is not applicable for the selected
installation type.
Spaced
Select this option if the cables are placed with required spacing (spaced by a clearance between adjacent surfaces of at least
one cable diameter (De) between them. Note that this field is hidden if it is not applicable for the selected installation type or
standard.
Touching
Select this option if the cables are placed touching each other in the installation. Note that this field is hidden if it is not
applicable for the selected installation type or standard.
Note: Please refer to BS 7671, IEC 60364, IEC 60502, IEC 60092 for the definitions of Spaced and Touching.
Trefoil
This field is hidden if it is not applicable for the selected installation type and mirrors the corresponding selection in the
Configuration page.
Flat
This field is hidden if it is not applicable for the selected installation type and mirrors the corresponding selection in the
Configuration page.
No. of Trays
Select No of Trays for determining correction factor for grouping based on Tables B.52.20 or B.52.21 of IEC 60364-5-52,
Tables B.22 or B.23 of IEC 60502 or Tables A.7 and A.8 of IEC 60092. If BS 7671 Standard is used, the correction factor is
based on Tables 4C4 or 4C5 of BS 7671 (17th Edition) .
<= 0.3*Cable OD or > 0.3*Cable OD

Switch between these two selections for different Installation Methods. Refer to Table B.52.1 of IEC 60364-5-52. If BS 7671
Standard is used, refer to Table 4A2 of BS 7671 (17th Edition).
1.5 De <= V < 20 De or V > 20 De

Switch between these two selections with different Installation Methods. Refer to Table B.52.1 of IEC 60364-5-52. If BS 7671
Standard is used, refer to Table 4A2 of BS 7671 (17th Edition).
Circuit Clearance
This field is enabled for Underground (U/G Duct or U/G Buried) installation of IEC 60364-5-52, IEC 60502 and BS 7671.
Refer to Tables B.52.18 and B.52.19 of IEC 60364-5-52 or Tables B.18 to B.21 of IEC 60502. If BS 7671 Standard is used,
refer to Tables 4C2 and 4C3 of BS 7671 (17th Edition).
This field is also enabled for NF C 15-100 standard only when installation types are U/G Buried - No Mechanical Protection or
With Mechanical Protection. Refer to Table 52R of NF C 15-100.
Conduit Clearance
This field is applicable only for NF C 15-100 standard and when Underground (U/G Duct or U/G Buried - In Conduit)
installation is selected. Refer to Table 52S of NF C 15-100.
# of Conduit
This field is applicable only for NF C 15-100. This field is enabled when Underground (U/G Duct or U/G Buried - In Conduit)
installation is selected. Refer to Table 52S of NF C 15-100.
# of Layer
This field is enabled only for NF C 15-100 standard. The field is used for installations where cables are arranged in multiple
layers. Refer to Table 52O of NF C 15-100.
Depth of Laying
This field is enabled only for IEC 60502 standard Underground installations. The field is used for installations where cables
are installed at a depth other than 0.8 meters. Refer to Table B.12 and Table B.13.
Grouping
In this section, user can specify the installation information related to the calculation of cable grouping factors. The fields in
this section are dependent on the installation type and standard selected.
Note: Under certain conditions this field may be hidden. For BS 7671 and IEC 60364 standards, this section is unavailable if a
cable is a Copper conductor, Mineral insulated and the Conductor Temperature (Tc) is set to 105 ° C based on the standard.
For more information refer to Tables B.52.7 and B.52.9 of IEC 60364-5-52 and Table 4G2A of BS 7171 BS 7671 (17th
Edition).
Parameters in Grouping Section for IEEE 399 Standard, U/G Raceway

Grouped cables operate at higher temperatures than isolated cables. To derate the ampacity, the number of rows and columns
of the duct bank must be specified to determine a cable grouping adjustment factor.
The cable ampacity adjustment factors are based on 7.5 inches center-to-center spacing. For more details see the IEEE Brown
Book.
Parameters in Grouping Section for NEC Standard

Grouped cables operate at higher temperatures than isolated cables. To derate the cable ampacity, the number of rows and
columns of conduit installed next to each other, as well as the total number of conductors per location or conduit can be
specified to determine a cable grouping adjustment factor.
The number of Rows and Columns affects the grouping factor as followed:
Using ETAP Library Data
 For A/G Conduit installation, up to 6 by 6 Rows by 6 Columns can be defined per IPCEA P-46-426 Table IX.
 For U/G Buried and U/G Duct installations, the grouping derating factor is calculated based on IEEE 399 Tables 13-8
through 13-11 for the Rows and Columns entered.
Using NEC Tables
 For A/G Conduit installation, Rows and Columns are fixed to 1 as NEC does not provide any grouping factor for this
installation.
 For U/G Buried and U/G Duct installations, Rows and Columns fields are limited to the combinations allowed by NEC
Figure 310.60. This applies to MV and HV cables only (2 < kV ≤ 35).
NEC does not support grouping factors based on more than 4 current-carrying conductors per location or conduit for MV and
HV cables (2 < kV ≤ 35), therefore, the #C/Loc is fixed to 1 if such cable is selected. The number of current-carrying
conductors per location or conduit needs to be calculated as followed:
# of conductors per location = (# of current-carrying conductors per cable) x (# of cables per location or conduit)
NEC Table B.310.11 Ampacity Correction Factor

Number of Conductors 50 % Load Diversity
4 through 6 80 %
7 through 9 70 %
10 through 24 70 %
25 through 42 60 %
43 through 85 50 %
NEC Table 310.15(B)(2)(a) Ampacity Correction Factor

Number of Conductors No Load Diversity
4 through 6 80 %
7 through 9 70 %
10 through 20 50 %
21 through 30 45 %
31 through 40 40 %
41 and above 35 %
Parameters in Grouping Section for ICEA P-54-440 Standard, A/G Trays

The following items are displayed only when ICEA is selected.
Height
Height of cable tray specified in inches or centimeters
Width
Width of cable tray specified in inches or centimeters
% Fill
The total amount of cable tray cross-sectional area used by cables placed in the tray, including gap between cables.
Where ni is the number of cables in the tray with diameter di and l is the number of different sizes of cables in the tray.
Depth
Depth of cable mass calculated in inches or centimeters using Height*%Fill/100. If the calculated depth is smaller than the
cable diameter, an * sign will be displayed on the right of Depth and above Derated, and the cable diameter will be treated as
the depth for derating calculation.
No. of Circuit
This field is enabled when BS 7671, IEC 60364, IEC 60502 or NF C 15-100 is selected. This is used for reduction factor of
grouping. The maximum allowable number of circuits is limited based on the appropriate standards.
Parameters in Grouping Section for NF C 15-100 Standard

The following items may be displayed when NF C 15-100 Standard is selected. To calculate the cable current-carrying
capabilities, for some installation types, the number of rows and columns can be specified to determine a cable grouping
correction factor.
Rows
This field is used to specify the number of conduits arranged vertically. Please refer to Table 52P and 52Q of NF C 15-100.
Columns
This field is used to specify the number of conduits arranged horizontally. Please refer to Table 52P and 52Q of NF C 15-100.
Additional Derating
This section applies to ampacity/capacity calculation based on all the standards.
The additional derating section provides the ability for user to enter an additional derating (correction) factor. This allows
using the Total Derated ampacity/capacity.
User Defined
Check this box to consider additional ampacity/capacity derating (correction) of the cable.
User Defined Factor

Enter the additional derating (correction) factor (0-9.90) to be considered.
Tot. Derated
Displays the total derated ampacity/capacity of the cable when the installation conditions differ from those for which the
capacity (ampacity) value was calculated based on a standard. This “Tot. Derated” value will overwrite the “Derated” value in
the Results section and to be used as the Allowable Ampacity/Capacity and to be applied for cable sizing calculation.
Short Time Duty

This option only applies to current carrying capacity calculation based on IEC 60092 Standard.
Check the Short Time Duty box to consider the correction factor for Short Time Duty.
Service
Select this option if the cable supplies a motor or equipment which is intended to operate for a specific service period.
Typically the periods of service are half an hour or one hour.
Service Period
Enter the service period in minutes for which the cable is intended to supply the motor or equipment.
Intermittent
Select this option if the cable supplies a motor or equipment which operates at an intermittent service.
Intermittent Period
Enter the intermittent period in minutes for which the cable is intended to supply the motor or equipment.
Constant Load
Enter the constant load duration in minutes, which is the time that the motor or equipment operates at a constant load.
Fire Protection for ICEA or NEC Standards, A/G Installation

The fire protection area provides optional libraries from which to choose various fire protection devices. Each of the three
libraries may be selected individually to best describe the fire protection associated with the cable tray. The fire protection data
is used to further derate cables based on the fire protection material specifications selected from ETAP library. The ampacity
correction factors applied for fire protection is based on 10 CFR 50, Appendix R for Fire Wrap, Fire Stop, and Fire Coating.
Note: Fire Protection only applies to ICEA P-54-440 and NEC based Above Ground (A/G) installations.
Fire Coating
The Fire Coating Library provides a selection of configurations. Each configuration has an ampacity correction factor (ACF)
associated with it, which is applied against the base ampacity.
For maintained spacing trays, if the fire retardant coating results in a reduction of the spacing between adjacent cables or
groups to less than the required values, the cable shall be considered to be non-maintained spacing. On the other hand, if
remaining space in a randomly filled tray is used up by cable coating and no other cable can be installed in the tray; credit may
be taken for a reduction in cable % fill below nominal value.
Fire retardant coating is not a standard procedure for A/G conduits.
Fire Stop
The Fire Stop Library provides a selection of configurations with ampacity correction factors for cables in tray routed through
fire stops. Note: for A/G conduits, there may not be any reason to derate the cable for fire stops since typical fire stops are
constructed with expanded foam depth of 4 inches or less. This is considered to be insufficient to cause an increase in cable
temperature.
Fire Wrap
The Fire Wrap Library provides a selection of configurations. Each fire barrier configuration has an ampacity correction factor
(ACF) associated with it. This ACF must be applied whenever the raceway is wrapped for a length exceeding 6 feet and
whenever the raceway has multiple, wrapped segments whose combined length exceeds 6 feet and which are spaced less than
10 feet apart.
Fire Protection for BS 7671 Standard, A/G Installation

This section is about thermal insulation. Refer to Section 523, BS 7671 for detailed information
According to BS 7671-16th Edition, thermal insulation for fire protection may be considered for all installation types, except
Installation Methods 4 and 6. For Installation Method 4 or 6, cables are in conduits which are in thermally insulated walls or
above thermally insulated ceilings, and the effect of thermal insulation is already considered in the current-carrying capacity
tables.
Refer to Section 523.7, BS 7671–17th Edition for detailed information.
According to BS 7671-17th Edition, thermal insulation for fire protection may be considered for all installation types, except
Installation Methods 1, 2, and 3. For Installation Methods 1, 2 and 3 the cables are in conduits which are in thermally insulated
walls or above thermally insulated ceilings, and the effect of thermal insulation is already considered in the current-carrying
capacity tables.
Thermal Insulation Applied

Check this box if the cable has thermal insulation.
Insulation Length
Enter the length of able thermal insulation in mm.
Correction Factors
The Correction Factors button is only available when BS-7671, IEC 60364, IEC 60502, IEC 60092 or NF C 15-100 standard is
selected.
Correction Factor Button

Click on the Correction Factors button to display the Correction Factors Editor
Correction Factors Editor
The editor displays the correction factor value that is being applied when the installation conditions differ from those for which
the base capacity (ampacity) value was specified.
Ambient Temperature
Ca – Correction factor for Ambient Temperature
Grouping
Cg – Correction factor for Grouping.
Short Time Duty

Cst – Correction factor for Short Time Duty.
Thermal Insulation
Ci – Correction factor for conductors embedded in thermal insulation.
Protective Device or Installation Condition

Cc – Correction factor for the type of protective device or installation condition.
Note: Protective (Cc) applies for BS 7671 while the BS 3036 Fuse option or BS Reg. 433.1.201 is checked in Overload
Protection device section of the Cable Protection Page, for installation method being "in a duct in the ground" or "buried
direct".
Installation (Cc) also applies for NF C 15-100 to reflect the correction factor being used for methods of installation based on
Table 52G.
Soil Thermal Resistivity

Cr – Correction Factor for Soil Thermal Resistivity
Depth of Laying
Cd – Correction Factor for Depth of Laying
Note: Cd applies for IEC 60502 and BS 7671 to reflect the correction factor being used for the Depth of Laying.
Cable Report Selection List

This list contains all the output files from the cable calculations in the current project folder. Select a file to view the report or
to create a new report.
Note: In the latter case, the existing file will be overwritten. When Prompt is selected, a new file will be created.
Cable Report Manager Button

The Cable Report Manager button is used to access the various output reports.
DC Cable Editor Overview
Cable
Info Page
Physical Page
Impedance Page
Configuration Page
Loading Page
Ampacity Page
Protection Page (3 Phase)
Protection Page (1 Phase)
Sizing Phase Page
Sizing Gnd/PE Page
Reliability Page
Routing Page
Remarks Page
Comment Page
AC Elements Editor Overview

Ampacity/Capacity Page: Cable Ampacity and Sizing

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Ampacity Page - Cable Page 1 of 31

Calculation Methods and Standards

Fta = Derating factor for ambient temperature

Fm = Derating factor for A/G tray maintained spacing

R’ = R(234.5 + Tc) / (234.5 + Tb) Copper Conductors

R = Resistance at the base temperature Tb

NEC (NFPA 70)

I1 = ampacity from tables at ambient TA1

TC = conductor temperature in degree Celsius (°C)

ETAP currently uses the following equations:

Using ETAP Library Data

Using NEC Tables

14 AWG Copper: 15 amperes

Sheath/Armor and Jacket Layer

IEC 60364 Standard

IEC 60502 Standard

IEC 60092 Standard

Note: Magnetic/Non-magnetic Installation

Cable Library Header

Allowable Ampacity / Capacity

Ta Adjustment per NEC Table

Without Grouping Effect

With 50% Load Diversity and Without Load Diversity

<= 0.3*Cable OD or > 0.3*Cable OD

1.5 De <= V < 20 De or V > 20 De

Parameters in Grouping Section for IEEE 399 Standard, U/G Raceway

Parameters in Grouping Section for NEC Standard

Using ETAP Library Data

Using NEC Tables

NEC Table B.310.11 Ampacity Correction Factor

NEC Table 310.15(B)(2)(a) Ampacity Correction Factor

Parameters in Grouping Section for ICEA P-54-440 Standard, A/G Trays

Parameters in Grouping Section for NF C 15-100 Standard

User Defined Factor

Short Time Duty

Fire Protection for ICEA or NEC Standards, A/G Installation

Fire retardant coating is not a standard procedure for A/G conduits.

Fire Protection for BS 7671 Standard, A/G Installation

Refer to Section 523.7, BS 7671–17th Edition for detailed information.

Thermal Insulation Applied

Correction Factor Button

Correction Factors Editor

Short Time Duty

Protective Device or Installation Condition

Soil Thermal Resistivity

Cable Report Selection List

Cable Report Manager Button

DC Cable Editor Overview

AC Elements Editor Overview

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<= 0.3Cable OD or > 0.3Cable OD