rca cables: Are you an electrician student looking to understand the fundamental elements of Current Carrying Capacity of Aluminium Cable? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we will be discussing all aspects related to current carrying capacity including important factors such as cable size, insulation type and temperature. By the end of this post, you’ll have a thorough understanding of aluminum cable designs and their capabilities – essential knowledge for any aspiring electrician! So what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the world of aluminum cords and gain valuable insights that will propel your career to new heights.
The Current Carrying Capacity of Aluminium Cable refers to the maximum amount of current that it can safely handle without being damaged. When it comes to cables, aluminum and copper are the most commonly used materials. The current carrying capacity is mainly determined by the type of material used for the cable conductor. However, other factors can affect the current carrying capacity or amperage of the cable.
If we compare the size of copper and aluminum cables, the aluminum cable carries less current due to its lower conductivity compared to copper. The conductivity of copper is 5.98 X 107 s/m at 200 C, while the conductivity of aluminum is 3.5 X 107 s/m at 200 C. This means that the conductivity of aluminum is only 0.58 times that of copper.
Aluminum cables theoretically carry 42% less current than copper cables. Taking into account all other factors that affect conductivity, in practice, an aluminum cable carries approximately 35% less current than a copper cable. However, it is important to note that copper cable is around 55% more expensive than aluminum cable.
What is the current capacity of 1 Sq.mm aluminum cable?
Aluminum cables have become a popular choice for electrical installations due to their high conductivity, durable nature and better resistance to rust. One of the most important factors that determine the safety and efficiency of an electrical installation is determining the current carrying capacity of the cables used. In the case of a 1 sq. mm aluminum cable, it has a current carrying capacity of roughly 10 amperes.
Though this may vary based on the ambient temperature, cable exposure, insulation type and cable route, knowing the Current Carrying Capacity of Aluminium Cable is essential to ensure that electrical installations operate effectively and safely. As a professional electrician, being informed about the latest developments in the industry, including the current carrying capacity of aluminum cabling, is crucial to stay at the forefront of electric technology and provide the best possible service to clients.
Affecting Factors Current Carrying Capacity of Aluminium Cable
The Current Carrying Capacity of Aluminium Cable can be influenced by various factors. These factors affect the conductor’s conductivity and subsequently reduce the cable’s ability to carry current. Some of these factors include:
- Types of insulation
- Exposure to direct solar radiation
- Ambient air temperature
- Groups of cables
- Number of cores in the cable
- Soil resistivity (for underground cables)
- Ambient soil temperature (for underground cables)
- Touching and non-touching cables
- Voltage level
- Types of voltage (AC or DC)
- Conductor construction (solid or stranded)
- Armoured or un-armoured cables
Aluminium Cable Current-Carrying Calculation Chart
XLPE Insulated Cable:
Based on the IS 7098 Part-1 specification, the following table displays the maximum current carrying capacities of XLPE insulated aluminium armoured cables.
Current Carrying Capacity of 1.1 kV Aluminium Armoured cable (XLPE insulated)
Cable Size (Sq. mm) | Single-Core | Two-Core | Three-Core |
4 | 35 | 30 | 30 |
6 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
10 | 53 | 53 | 53 |
16 | 73 | 70 | 70 |
25 | 115 | 99 | 99 |
35 | 140 | 117 | 117 |
50 | 170 | 140 | 140 |
70 | 210 | 176 | 176 |
95 | 255 | 221 | 221 |
120 | 300 | 258 | 259 |
150 | 342 | 294 | 294 |
185 | 385 | 339 | 339 |
240 | 450 | 402 | 402 |
300 | 519 | 461 | 461 |
PVC Insulated Cable:
Below is the table displaying the Current Carrying Capacity of Aluminium Cable of PVC-insulated aluminum cables, as specified in IS 1554 Part-1.
Current Carrying Capacity of 1.1 kV Aluminium Armoured cable (PVC insulated)
Cable Size (Sq. mm) | Single-Core | Two-Core | Three-Core |
4 | 27 | 27 | 23 |
6 | 35 | 35 | 30 |
10 | 47 | 47 | 40 |
16 | 64 | 59 | 51 |
25 | 84 | 78 | 70 |
35 | 105 | 99 | 86 |
50 | 130 | 125 | 105 |
70 | 153 | 150 | 130 |
95 | 190 | 185 | 155 |
120 | 220 | 210 | 180 |
150 | 250 | 240 | 205 |
185 | 290 | 275 | 240 |
240 | 335 | 325 | 280 |
300 | 380 | 365 | 315 |
The XLPE cables can operate at temperatures as high as 900°C, whereas PVC cables have a maximum operating temperature of 700°C. As a result, the XLPE insulated aluminium cable has a higher current carrying capacity compared to the PVC insulated cable.
Current Carrying Capacity of Aluminium Cable mentioned above are for cables used in open air conditions. When selecting the appropriate cable size for your applications, it is important to consider the cable de-rating factor.
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