oday, I will explain the methods for Conductor Ampacity Calculations as follows.

The need for Ampacity calculation

When the ampacity of conductors is not accurate, the conductors may carry
more currents than their rating and become overloaded, so they will heat up
and short out.

Note: As the conductor heats up the current carrying capacity goes down.

When do we need Ampacity calculation?

1. When modifications are done to existing circuits,

2. On all new designs, the conductors/feeders ampacity should be
checked.

Rule#1: Methods for Conductors Ampacity Calculations as per NEC code

As per NEC Article 310, Methods for Conductors Ampacity Calculations will
depend on the voltage rating of these conductors, it is divided to:

1. Methods for Ampacity Calculations of Conductors Rated 02000

Volts,
2. Methods for Ampacity Calculations of Conductors Rated 2001 to
35,000 Volts.
Part one: Methods for Ampacity Calculations of Conductors Rated 02000 Volts

Rule#2: Methods for Ampacity Calculations of Conductors Rated 02000

Volts

As per 310.15(A)(1), The allowable Ampacities for conductors rated 0-2000

Volts shall be permitted to be determined by two methods:

1. Tables as provided in 310.15(B) or

2. Under engineering supervision, as provided in 310.15(C).

First Method: Conductor Ampacity Calculations from Tables as provided in 310.15(B)

In this method, I will explain the following points:

General Overview of Allowable Ampacity Tables for conductors rated 0 to 2000

volts,
General rules controlling the conductor ampacity calculations,
Factors affecting conductor ampacity.

1- General Overview of Allowable Ampacity Tables for conductors rated 0 to 2000

volts

The Allowable Ampacities for conductors rated 0 to 2000 volts are specified in the
following tables:
 Table 310.15(B)(16)
Table 310.15(B)(17)
Table 310.15(B)(18)
Table 310.15(B)(19)
Table 310.15(B)(20)
Table 310.15(B)(21)
To download a PDF file that includes The Allowable Ampacities for conductors rated 0
to 2000 volts, click on the link.

The above tables need to be modified to meet existing installation conditions as per the
following tables:

TABLE 310.15(B)(2)(A)
TABLE 310.15(B)(2)(b)
TABLE 310.15(B)(3)(a)
TABLE 310.15(B)(3)(c)
TABLE 310.15(B)(7)

These tables will be explained later.

1.1 Allowable Ampacities Tables Construction:

For example, Table 310.15(B)(16) which provides Allowable Ampacities of Insulated

Conductors Rated Up to and Including 2000 Volts, 60C Through 90C (140F Through
194F), Not More Than Three Current-Carrying Conductors in Raceway, Cable, or Earth
(Directly Buried), Based on Ambient Temperature of 30C (86F).

Table 310.15(B)(16) will consists of:

1.1.A Conditions for table application

These conditions are existing in the table description at the top of the
table (see below image), and in table 310.15(B)(16), these conditions are:

1. Conductors Rated Up to and Including 2000 Volts

2. Actual conductor temperature ranges from 60C Through 90C
(140F Through 194F)
3. Not more than three current-carrying conductors in a raceway,
cable or earth (directly buried).
4. An ambient temperature of 30C (86F).
 1.1.B Conductor Material Sections

Two main Sections for conductor material type are existing (see above
image):

1. One for copper,

2. One for aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors.

1.1.C Temperature Categories

Each of The two main sections for conductor material types is divided into
three temperature categories (see below image):

1. 60C (140F),
2. 75C (167F) and
3. 90C (194F).

Noting that each temperature category is applicable with certain insulation

properties which are listed in the row under each temperature category.
 1.1.D Conductor Sizes Columns

Two Columns for conductor sizes range from 18 AWG to 2,000 kcmil (see
below image):

1. The right left one beside copper conductors column is for

copper conductors sizes,
2. The right one beside aluminum or copper-clad aluminum
conductors column is for aluminum or copper-clad aluminum
conductors sizes.

1.2 Notes for Allowable Ampacities Tables:

 Note#1

The asterisk (*) next to the ambient temperature of 30C (86F) included in
table description at the top of the table, Refer to table 310.15(B)(2) for
application of the ampacity correction factors where the ambient
temperature is other than 30C (86F).

Note#2

The asterisk (**) next to wire sizes 10, 12, and 14 AWG refers to article
240.4(D) and is letting you know that conductor sizes #14, #12, and #10
copper and aluminum are limited to certain size overcurrent protection
devices (OCPD) even if the ampacity of the #14, #12, and #10 conductor is
higher. The limitations are:

A- For Copper Conductors:

#14 copper limited to 15 amp OCPD
#12 copper limited to 20 amp OCPD
#10 copper limited to 30 amp OCPD

B- For Aluminum Conductors:

#14 aluminum not allowed
#12 aluminum limited to 15 amp OCPD
#10 aluminum limited to 25 amp OCPD

Note#3

Ampacity tables, particularly Table 310.15(B)(16), do not take into account

all the many factors affecting ampacity.

If loads are not calculated in accordance with the requirements of Article

220, the table ampacities, even when corrected in accordance with ambient
correction factors and the notes to the tables, might be too high. Especially
where many cables or raceways are routed close to one another
underground.

Note#4

Copper conductors of the same size have three different allowable

ampacities. The same is true for aluminum (and copper-clad aluminum)
conductors. This is because The maximum allowable ampacities depend on
the conductors temperature rating.

For example, a 3 AWG copper conductor with a temperature rating of 60C

has a maximum allowable ampacity of 85 amperes (A). The maximum
allowable ampacity of the same 3 AWG copper conductor with a
temperature rating of 75C is 100A. If the temperature rating of the 3 AWG
copper conductor is 90C, the allowable ampacity is 115A .

Note#5

All The Allowable Ampacities Tables refer to table 310.104(A) (see below
image) which contains information about conductors rated 600V. Conductor
information in this table includes trade name, type letter, maximum
operating temperature, application provisions, insulation, thickness of
insulation, and outer covering (if any).

To download a PDF file for Table 310.104(A), click on the link.

 Note#6: Conductor Lettering

You can note in allowable ampacity tables that each temperature category
is applicable with certain wiring properties which is listed in the row under
each temperature category.

When looking at these wiring properties, you will notice that the wires
contain some type of letter identifier such as THHN or THW.
These letters serve to identify specific properties of the conductor and/or
its insulation. Listed below are some of the letters commonly used in
allowable ampacity tables:

Letter Identifier Conductor and/or Insulation Property

T Thermoplastic
W Wet or Damp
R Rubber
F Fixture Wires
FF Fixture wire, flexible stranding
-2 Conductor is permitted 90C operating temperature
H 75C insulation rating
HH 90C insulation rating
Nylon outer cover
N

The combination of letters will tell you most of what you need to know
 about the conductor.

NOTE: This is a general rule and there are exceptions such as THW (see
Table 310.13). The one H indicates 75 C rating but it can be used at a 90
C conductor with ballasts in dry locations.

Examples for Conductor Lettering:

TW - Thermoplastic (T) insulation, (W) suitable for wet and dry locations (When
suitable for wet generally means it can be used for dry also), and is rated 60 C (no H in
group).
RHW - Rubber (R) insulation, (H) rated 75 C and (W) suitable for wet and dry
locations.
TF - Thermoplastic (T) insulation, (F) fixture wire
RFH Rubber (R) insulation, (F) fixture wire, (H) rated 75 C

1.3 How to use these Allowable Ampacities Tables:

Step#1: Determine the proper table to use based on the existing wiring method
conditions

For example, if we have a 6 AWG Type THWN copper wire in free air based on an ambient
air temperature of 30 C (86 F), which table we will use?

Yes, it is table 310.15(B)(17), because tables Table 310.15(B)(16) and table 310.15(B)(18)
dont be used with single conductor in free air. Dont use table TABLE 310.15(B)(19)
because the ambient air temperature is 30 C, and THWN insulation is not listed in it.

Step#2: Determine the proper section in the selected table based on the conductor
material type (Copper Aluminum or Copper Clad Aluminum)

In same example above, because this is a copper conductor, we will use the section in the
left side of table 310.15(B)(17).
Step#3: Locating the Ampacity Value

In the table section selected above, move down to the given conductor size, which is 6
AWG in our example, the amapcity value are existing in the 6 AWG Row.

Now, move to the right in the 6AWG row until you reach the column for THWN insulation
for a copper conductor. This will be the 75 C (167 F) column.

Step#4: Reading the Ampacity Value

Now read the amapcity of the conductor, you should read 95.

Another example:

What is the allowable ampacity of a non-metallic-sheathed cable containing three 12

AWG Type THW-2 Copper wires based on an ambient air temperature of 30 C(86 F)?

Solution:
Step#1: Determine the proper table to use

Because this cable containing three conductors, use table Table 310.15(B)(16). Dont use
table 310.15(B)(17) or table TABLE 310.15(B)(19) because there are three conductor in a
cable. Dont use table 310.15(B)(18) because the ambient air temperature is 30 C, and
THW-2 insulation is not listed in it.

Step#2: Determine the proper section in the selected table based on the conductor
material type (Copper Aluminum or Copper Clad Aluminum)

Because these are copper conductors, we will use the section in the left side of table
Table 310.15(B)(16).

Step#3: Locating the Ampacity Value

In the table section selected above, move down to the given conductor size, which is 12
AWG , the amapcity value are existing in the 12 AWG Row.
Now, move to the right in the 6AWG row until you reach the column for THW-2 insulation
for a copper conductor. This will be the 90 C (194 F) column.

Step#4: Reading the Ampacity Value

Part 4
General rules controlling the conductor ampacity calculations

In article " Conductor Ampacity Calculation Part Three ", I explained the first point:
how to use the allowable ampacity tables, this was as a general method, but this general
method is controlled and refined by the other rules as follows.

Rule#1: Temperature Limitation of Conductors.

As per 310.15(A)(3), No conductor shall be used in such a manner that its

operating temperature will exceed that designated for the type of insulated
conductor involved.

The above rule said that:

Conductor with 60C temperature rating must have ampacity from the 60C
column.
Conductor with 75C temperature rating must have ampacity from the 60C
column or the 75C column and according to Rule#2 in below.
Conductor with 90C temperature rating must have ampacity from the 60C
column or the 75C column and according to Rule#2 in below or from the 90C column
after applying correction factors.

Using The 90C Column

Be careful when using the 90C column because no equipment is listed and
identified for use with 90C conductors other than individual lugs, terminal
bars and equipment listed for use on circuits over 600V. The 90 C
ampacity can be used for corrections only for factors:
Ambient Temperature
 Number of Conductors

Rule#2: Selection Of Conductor Ampacity Based On Its Terminations

Temperature Ratings

As per 110.14(C), Conductors must be sized in accordance with the lowest

temperature rating of any terminal, device, or conductor insulation of the
circuit.

Example#1:

A THHN conductor will have a 60C termination on one end and a 75C termination on the
other, which ampacity column will be used?

Solution:

The lowest temperature rating of conductors two terminals is 60C.

So, the conductors ampacity must not exceed the rating listed in the 60C column
Conductors.

How to Select Conductor Ampacity Based On Its Terminations Temperature Ratings

Selection of the appropriate conductor amapcity column depends on the temperature

rating of the termination (or connection) points as follows:

First: For Conductor/equipment Rated 100A or Less or marked for 14 AWG through 1
AWG
The selected ampacity column will be as follows:

1- Use the 60C column.

Example#2:

What is the Maximum allowed ampacity for a single #2 THHN Conductor installed in a
circuit.

Solution:

Step#1: 110-14(c) (#14 thru #1), so Use the 60C column

Step#2: use Table 310.15(B)(16), (60C Column) and Read Ampacity

The conductor ampacity is 95 Amps

2- If any termination is either 60C or unknown, Use the 60C column regardless of
the insulation rating of the conductor.

Example#3:

A THHN conductor will have a 60C termination on one end and a 75C termination on the
other, which ampacity column will be used?

Solution:

Because one of the connection points has a 60C rating, the conductors ampacity must
not exceed the rating listed in the 60C column Conductors.

3- If the equipment is listed and identified for use with certain conductor
temperature rating, Use the column with temperature rating = the lowest
temperature rating of conductor terminations.

If Temp. rating of listed conductor

Termination#1 Termination#2 Use column
is
75C 75C 75C 75C
75C 75C 60C 60C
90C 75C 75C 75C
90C 75C 60C 60C

Example#4:

A THHN conductor will have 75C termination on one end and a 60/75C termination on
the other, which ampacity column will be used?

Solution:

A temperature rating of 60/75C means the equipment has been listed for both 60C and
75C conductors; therefore, it is permissible to use the 75C rating if the installed
conductor is rated at least 75C. Because all of the connection points in this example
have at least a 75C rating, the conductors ampacity can be based on the 75C column

4- Use the 75C column for conductors supplying power to motor marked with a
design letter B, C or D and the conductor temperature rating is not less than 75C.

If a motor marked with a design letter B, C or

Use column
D use conductor with temp. rating
75C 75C
90C 75C
Example#5:

THHN conductors will have 75C terminations on one end and a motor marked with a
design letter D on the other end. After complying with the applicable requirements in
Article 430, the conductors supplying power to this motor must have an ampacity of at
least 55 amperes (A). What is the minimum size of THHN conductors required to supply
power to this motor?

Solution:

Motor with a design letter D and the THHN conductors will have 75C terminations on the
other hand.

So, we must use the 75C column even if THHN is not listed in the 75C column and listed
in the 90C column.
Using table 310.15(B)(16), for a 55 A motor, the smallest conductor with ampacity higher
than 55 A is 6 AWG (with 65A ampacity).

So, Conductors supplying power to this motor must be at least 6 AWG.

Notes for example#5:

In table 310.15(B)(16), The allowable ampacity of an 8 AWG THHN conductor (in

the 90C column) is 55A. Although conductors with a temperature rating of 90C can be
installed, the ampacity must not exceed the 75C ampacity.
The ampacity of an 8 AWG conductor in the 75C column is 50A. Because this
motor requires a minimum ampacity of 55A, installing 8 AWG conductors is not
permitted.

Second: For Conductor/equipment Rated over 100A or marked for larger than 1 AWG

The selected ampacity column will be as follows:

1- Use the 75C column.

Example#6:

THWN conductors (larger than 1 AWG) will supply power to a circuit rated greater than
100A, the conductors will have 75C terminations on both ends. Which ampacity column
will be used?

Solution:

The ampacity can be based on the 75C column because the conductors are larger than 1
AWG, and the circuit it is supplying is rated greater than 100A.
2- If the equipment is listed and identified for use with certain conductor
temperature rating, Use the column with temperature rating = the lowest
temperature rating of conductor terminations.

If Temp. rating of listed conductor

Termination#1 Termination#2 Use column
is
75C 75C 75C 75C
75C 75C 60C 60C
90C 75C 75C 75C
90C 75C 60C 60C

Example#7:

What is the maximum ampacity for a 1/0 AWG THHN copper conductor fed from a 150A
breaker? Assume an ambient temperature of 30C and no more than three current-
carrying conductors in the raceway. The conductors will have 75C terminations on one
end, but the temperature rating of the terminations on the other end is unknown.

Solution:
We must not exceed the 75C ampacity for this conductor. Although the temperature
rating on one end is unknown, the ampacity of this 90C conductor (since it is THHN) can
be based on the 75C column

Using table 310.15(B)(16), and Because the conductors are larger than 1 AWG and the
circuit it is supplying is rated greater than 100A. This 1/0 AWG THHN copper conductor
has a maximum ampacity of 150A.

Rule#3: Selection Of Ampicity For Multi-Ampacity Conductors

As per 310.15(A)(2), Where more than one ampacity applies for a given
circuit length, the lowest value shall be used.
For example, in below image, The ampacity for No. 3 THHN (90C) is 110A, but the
correction factors of Table 310 reduce the conductor ampacity to only 96A because the
lowest ampacity value = 110A x 0.87 = 95.7A and You round up to get 96A.

Exception to Rule#2

A higher ampacity is permitted, if the length of the reduced ampacity

doesnt exceed 10 ft and is not longer than 10% of the total length of the
circuit.

For example, in below image,, The ampacity for each No. 12 THHN is 30A, but the
correction factors in Table 310-15(b)(2)(a) reduce the conductor ampacity by 50% to be
15A inside the panelboard but it will be 30 amps outside the panelboard.

Rule#4: Minimum Size of Conductors

As per 310.106(A), the minimum size of conductors shall be as shown in

Table 310.106(A) see below image, except as permitted in other sections,
such the following:

Small conductor sizes 18 and 16 AWG as permitted by 240.4(D)(1) and

(2)
Flexible cords as permitted by Table 400.4
Fixture wire as permitted by 402.6
Motors rated 1 hp or less as permitted by 430.22(F)
 Cranes and hoists as permitted by 610.14
Elevator control and signaling circuits as permitted by 620.12
Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 circuits as permitted by 725.49(A) and
725.127, Exception
Fire alarm circuits as permitted by 760.49(A); 760.127, Exception;
and 760.179(B)
Motor-control circuits as permitted by 430.72
Control and instrumentation circuits as permitted by 727.6
Electric signs and outline lighting as permitted in 600.31(B) and
600.32(B)

Notes for Rule#4:

 The smallest size conductor permitted by the NEC for branch circuits, feeders, or
services is 14 AWG copper or 12 AWG aluminum.
Some local codes require a minimum 12 AWG for commercial and industrial
installations.
Conductors smaller than 14 AWG are permitted for:
1. Class 1 remote-control circuits,
2. Fixture wire,
3. Flexible cords,
4. Motor control circuits,
5. Non-power-limited fire alarm circuits,
6. Power-limited fire alarm circuits.

As a guide when sizing conductors, the following table must always be used to determine
the minimum size conductor:
Correction Factors Affecting Conductor Ampacity Tables:

In the previous articles, we learn how to select the correct allowable ampacity table for a
certain application/ wiring method from the following tables:

Table 310.15(B)(16)
 Table 310.15(B)(17)
Table 310.15(B)(18)
Table 310.15(B)(19)
Table 310.15(B)(20)
Table 310.15(B)(21)

This selection process of the correct allowable ampacity table depends on knowing the
following variables:

1. Voltage,
2. Cable configuration,
3. Electrical duct configuration,
4. Ambient Temperature.

After selecting the correct allowable ampacity table, the ampacity value of a certain
application/ wiring method will be determined based on the following variables:

1. Conductor material,
2. Insulation type,
3. Terminal temperature.

For example:

To select Table 310.15(B)(16), the variables must be as follows:

1. Voltage: Rated Up to and Including 2000 Volts

2. Cable configuration: Not More Than Three Current-Carrying Conductors in a
Raceway or Cable.
3. Electrical duct configuration: one Raceway, Cable, or Earth (Directly
Buried)
4. Ambient Temperature: 30C (86F)

And to determine the exact value for the ampacity, the following variables must be
known:
1- Conductor material: Copper Or Aluminum Or Copper-Clad Aluminum

2- Insulation type:

Types TW, UF
Types RHW, THHW, THW, THWN, XHHW, USE, ZW
Types TBS, SA, SIS, FEP, FEPB, MI, RHH, RHW- 2, THHN, THHW, THW-2, THWN-2,
USE-2, XHH, XHHW, XHHW-2, ZW-2

3- Temperature Rating of Conductor: 60C (140F), 75C (167F), 90C (194F)

4- The Terminal temperature as discussed in Article " Conductor Ampacity Calculation

Part Four ".

But if we have an application/ wiring method with different variables than that specified
in the allowable ampacity tables, for example:

An application/ wiring method with Ambient Temperature: 37C.

An application/ wiring method with Cable configuration: More Than Three Current-
Carrying Conductors in a Raceway or Cable.
An application/ wiring method with Electrical duct configuration: More Than One
Conduit, Tube, or Raceway

In this case, depending upon your application / wiring method, you might need to apply
the following correction / adjustment factors:

1. Ambient Temperature Correction Factors as in Table 310.15(B)(2)(A) and

Table 310.15(B)(2)(b),
2. More Than Three Current-Carrying Conductors in a Raceway or Cable as in
Table 310.15(B)(3)(a),
3. Ambient Temperature adjustment for Circular Raceways Exposed to Sunlight
on Rooftops as in Table 310.15(B)(3)(c)
To download a PDF file that includes the Correction / Adjustment Factors Tables, click
on the link.

Now, we will discuss these Correction / Adjustment Factors one by one as follows:

1- Ambient Temperature Correction Factors

Rule#1: Ambient Temperature Correction Factors

Ampacities for ambient temperatures other than those shown in the

ampacity tables shall be corrected in accordance with Table 310.15(B)(2)(a)
or Table 310.15(B)(2)(b), or shall be permitted to be calculated using the
following equation:
 Where:
I = ampacity corrected for ambient temperature
I = ampacity shown in the tables
Tc = temperature rating of conductor (C)
Ta = new ambient temperature (C)
Ta = ambient temperature used in the table (C)

2- Adjustment Factors

2.A More Than Three Current-Carrying Conductors in a Raceway or Cable

Rule#2: More Than Three Current-Carrying Conductors in a Raceway or

Cable

The allowable ampacity of each conductor shall be reduced as shown in

Table 310.15(B)(3)(a) Where:

1. The number of current-carrying conductors in a raceway or

cable exceeds three, or
2. Single conductors or multiconductor cables are installed
without maintaining spacing for a continuous length longer than 600
mm (24 in.) and are not installed in raceways
Important!!!
Each current-carrying conductor of a paralleled set of conductors shall be
counted as a current-carrying conductor.

Important!!!
Where conductors of different systems (power, lighting, control, etc.) are
installed in a common raceway or cable, the adjustment factors shown in
Table 310.15(B)(3)(a) shall apply only to the number of power and lighting
conductors Neglecting any control and signal conductors in the same
raceway or cable.

Rule#3: Cases where Adjustment factors shall not apply

Adjustment factors shall not apply for the following cases:

Case#1: Conductors in raceways having a length not exceeding 600 mm (24

in.),

Case#2: underground conductors entering or leaving an outdoor trench if

those conductors have physical protection in the form of rigid metal
conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit (PVC),
or reinforced thermosetting resin conduit (RTRC) having a length not
exceeding 3.05 m (10 ft), and if the number of conductors does not exceed
four.( see below image)

Case#3: Type AC cable or to Type MC cable under the following conditions:

The cables do not have an overall outer jacket.
Each cable has not more than three current-carrying conductors.
The conductors are 12 AWG copper.
Not more than 20 current-carrying conductors are installed without
maintaining spacing, are stacked, or are supported onbridle rings.
Important!!!
on the contrary to case#3 in Rule#3 above, An adjustment factor of 60
percent shall be applied to Type AC cable or Type MC cable under the
following conditions:
1. The cables do not have an overall outer jacket.
2. The number of current carrying conductors exceeds 20.
3. The cables are stacked or bundled longer that 600 mm (24 in)
 without spacing being maintained.

Important!!!
Where conductors are installed in cable trays, the provisions of 392.80 shall
apply (This will be explained later).

2.B More Than One Conduit, Tube, or Raceway

Spacing shall be maintained between individual conduits in groups of conduit runs from
junction box to junction box because of the need to separate the conduits where they
enter the junction box, to allow room for locknuts and bushings. (No adjustment factor
will be applied)

2.C Ambient Temperature adjustment for Circular Raceways Exposed to Sunlight on

Rooftops

Rule#4: Ambient Temperature adjustment for Circular Raceways Exposed

to Sunlight on Rooftops

the adjustments shown in Table 310.15(B)(3)(c) shall be added to the

outdoor temperature to determine the applicable ambient temperature for
application of the correction factors in Table 310.15(B)(2)(a) or Table
310.15(B)(2)(b) Where conductors or cables are installed in circular
raceways exposed to direct sunlight on or above rooftops.(see below image)
 Important!!!
In Rule#4 above, the closer the conduit is to the roof, the greater the
ambient temperature adjustment.

Example#1:
What is the Allowable ampacity for a wiring method where conduit with three 6 THWN-2
conductors with direct sunlight exposure that is inch above the roof?

Solution:

Step#1: As per TABLE 310.15(B)(3)(c) for Distance Above Roof to Bottom of Conduit =
inch

So, 40 F to be added to the correction factors at table 310.15(B)(2)(A).

Step#2: Assuming an ambient temperature of 90F , the temperature to use for

conductor correction = 90F + 40F = 130F ,

Step#3: As per table 310.15(B)(16), THWN-2 conductor has temperature rating 90C and
have allowable ampacity = 75A
Step#4: As per table 310.15(B)(2)(A), the adjustement factor for Ambient
Temperature130F and Temperature Rating of Conductor 90C = 0.76
Step#5: So in this wiring method, the 6 THWN-2 conductor ampacity = 75 A X 0.76 = 57 A

Example#2:

Determine the ampacity of each of 10 current carrying no. 10 THW conductors installed in
the same IMC, with an ambient temp of 105f, connecting to terminals rated at 60C.

Solution:
Step#1: Find the no. 10 THW on table 310.15(B)(16), we find it in the 75C column,
however the terminals are rated at 60C, so we will use the ampacity from the 60C
column; which will be 30 amps.

Step#2: As per table 310.15(B)(2)(A), the adjustement factor for Ambient

Temperature105F and Temperature Rating of Conductor 75C = 0.82

Step#3: The problem mentioned that we have 10 current carrying conductors installed in
the same IMC, for this we will use table TABLE 310.15(B)(3)(a)

No. of current carrying conductors = 10, so the adjustment factor = 50%.

Step#4: Multiply the current rating of no. 10 THW Conductor from step#1 by the two
correction/adjustment factors from steps# 2 & 3

Rating of each no. 10 THW Conductor = 30 x 0.82 x 50% = 12.3 A

As a summary, many corrections may be made for any conductor ampacity

as follows:

First correction is based on its terminals temperature.

Second correction is based on existing ambient temperature
Third correction is based on existing of conditions requiring
application of adjustment factors as discussed above.

Today, I will explain the following points:

1. Measurement Units of Conductors Cross Section Area,

2. Conversions between different Measurement Units of Conductors Cross
Section Area,
3. Standard Sizes of Conductors,

1- Measurement Units of Conductors Cross Section Area

1.1 Traditional Measurement Units of Conductors Cross Section Area

As we know that the traditional Measurement Units of Conductors Cross Section Area are:

Square millimeters (mm2),

Square inches.
1.2 The measurement unit SQUARE MIL:

Definition:
The Mil: is a convenient unit of measurement of the diameter of a
conductor
Noting that Mil = 0.001 inch = 0.0254 mm
Or, Inch = 1000 mils

Definition:
The square Mil: is a unit of measurement used to determine the cross-
sectional area of a square or rectangular conductor (views A and B of Fig.1).

Also, A square mil : is defined as the area of a square, the sides of which
are each 1 mil. , as shown in view A of Fig.2.

Rule#1: Cross-Sectional Area Of A Square Conductor

For Square Conductors, as in View A in fig.1, to obtain the cross-sectional

area in circular mils of a square conductor, multiply the dimension of any
side of the square by itself.

So, Cross-sectional area (A ) in mils = square of Side Length

Noting that Side Length must be in mils.
Fig (1)
 Fig (2)

Example#1:

Assume that you have a square conductor with a side dimension of 3 mils. What its cross-
sectional area in circular mils?
Solution:

Cross-sectional area (A ) in mils = square of Side Length = 3 x 3 = 9 square mils.

Rule#2: Cross-Sectional Area Of A Rectangular Conductor

For Square Conductors, as in View B in fig.1, to obtain the cross-sectional

area in circular mils of a rectangular conductor, multiply the length times
the width of the end face of the conductor (side is expressed in mils).

So, Cross-sectional area (A ) in mils = Length x Width

Noting that Side Length and Width must be in mils.

Example#2:

Assume that one side of the rectangular cross-sectional area is 6 mils and the other side is
3 mils. What its cross-sectional area in circular mils?

Solution:

Cross-sectional area (A) = Length x Width = 6 mils 3 mils= 18 square mils.

Example#3:

Assume that a conductor is 3/8 inch thick and 4 inches wide. What its cross-sectional area
in circular mils?
Solution:

The 3/8 inch can be expressed in decimal form as 0.375 inch. Since 1 mil equals 0.001
inch, the thickness of the conductor will be 0.001 0.375, or 375 mils.

Since the width is 4 inches and there are 1,000 mils per inch, the width will be 4 1,000,
or 4,000 mils. Cross-sectional area (A) = Length x Width = 375 mils 4,000 mils=
1,500,000 square mils.

1.3 The measurement unit CIRCULAR MIL

Definition:
The circular mil: is the standard unit of measurement of a round wire cross-
sectional area (view C of Fig.1). This unit of measurement is found in
American and English wire tables.
Also, A circular mil: is the area of a circle having a diameter of 1 mil, as
shown in view B of Fig.2.

Important!!!
The diameter of a round conductor (wire) used to conduct electricity may
be only a fraction of an inch. Therefore, it is convenient to express this
diameter in mils to avoid using decimals. For example, the diameter of a
wire is expressed as 25 mils instead of 0.025 inch.

Rule#3: Cross-Sectional Area Of A Round Conductor

For Round Conductors, as in View C in fig.1, to obtain the cross-sectional

 area in circular mils of a round conductor is obtained by squaring the
diameter, measured in mils.
So, Cross-sectional area (A) in mils = D2 , D in mils
Noting that Diameter D must be in mils.

Example#4:

Assume that a wire having a diameter of 25 mils. What its cross-sectional area in circular
mils?

Solution:

Cross-sectional area (A) = D2 = 25 x 25 = 625 circular mils

Comparing Square Mils with Circular Mils for the same Conductor:

Example#5:

A wire having a diameter of 25 mils, compare between its area calculated in Square Mils
and in Circular Mils?

Solution:

a- Calculation of conductor area in square mils:

To determine the number of square mils in the same conductor, apply the conventional
formula for determining the area of a circle (A = 3.14r2). In this formula, A (area) is the
unknown and is equal to the cross-sectional area in square mils, and r is the radius of the
circle, or half the diameter (D).
Through substitution, A = 3.14 x (12.5) 2 = 490.625 square mils.

b- Calculation of conductor area in circular mils:

A wire having a diameter of 25 mils has an area of 252, or 625 circular mils.

The cross-sectional area of the wire has 625 circular mils but only 490.625 square mils.

Important!!!
For one conductor (wire or cable), a circular mil represents a smaller unit of
area than the square mil.

Definition:
A wire in its usual form is a single slender rod or filament of drawn metal. In
large sizes, wire becomes difficult to handle. To increase its flexibility, it is
stranded. Strands are usually single wires twisted together in sufficient
numbers to make up the necessary cross-sectional area of the cable.

So, Stranded Conductor: A conductor composed of individual groups of

wires twisted together to form an entire unit.

Rule#5: Cross-Sectional Area Of A Stranded wire/cable

The total area of stranded wire in circular mils is determined by multiplying

the area in circular mils of one strand by the number of strands in the cable.

So, Cross-sectional area (A) in mils = N x Cross-sectional area (A) in mils for
one stand
Where N = number of strands in the cable
1.4 The measurement unit American Wire Gauge (AWG)

Definition:
American Wire Gauge (AWG): A standard system used in the United States
for expressing wire diameter and designing the size of an electrical
conductor based on geometric progression between two conductor sizes,
Based on a circular mil system.

The American Wire Gage (AWG) is the same as the Brown and Sharpe (BS)
Gage.

Important!!!
As the AWG number gets smaller, the wire diameter (gauge) gets larger.

Rule#6: Expressing wire/cable Size in AWG

1- Wire sizes up to size 4/0 AWG:

They are expressed as XX AWG, with XX being the size wire.
For example, a wire size expressed as 12 AWG.

2- Conductors larger than 4/0 AWG:

They are sized in circular mils, beginning with 250,000 circular mils.
For example, a wire size expressed as 250,000-circular-mils.

Noting that:
1000 circular-mils = MCM = Kcmil
For example, 250,000-circular-mils conductor was labeled 250 MCM or 250
Kcmil
Example#6:

What is the circular mil area of an 8 AWG solid conductor that has a 0.1285-in. diameter?

Solution:

Diameter (D) in mils = 0.1285 in. x 1000 = 128.5 mils

Cross-sectional area (A) of Round conductor in mils = D2 = 128.5 x 128.5 = 16,512.25

circular mils

Or 16,510 circular mils (rounded off).

2- Conversions between different Measurement Units of Conductors Cross Section

Area

Rule#4: Unit Conversions

Mil = 0.001 inch = 0.0254 mm

Inch = 1000 mil = 25.4 mm
Square inch = 645.16 mm2 = 1,000,000 square mils
Circular mil = 0. 7854 square mil
1000 circular-mils = MCM = Kcmil

Example#7:

A 12-gauge wire has a diameter of 80.81 mils. What is

(1) Its area in circular mils and
(2) Its area in square mils?

Solution:

(1) A = D2 = 80.81 X 80.81 = 6,530 circular mils

(2) A = 0.7854 x 6,530 = 5,128.7 square mils

Example#8:

A rectangular conductor is 1.5 inches wide and 0.25 inch thick. What is
(1) Its area in square mils and
(2) In circular mils? What size of round conductor is necessary to carry the same current
as the rectangular bar?

Solution:

(1) 1.5 inches = 1.4 x 1000 = 1,500 mils

0.25 inch = 0.25 x 1000 = 250 mils A = 1,500 x 250 = 375,000 square mils

(2) To carry the same current, the cross-sectional area of the round conductor must be
equal. There are more circular mils than square mils in this area. Therefore:

A = 375,000 / 0.7854 = 477,000 circular mils.

3- Standard Sizes of Conductors

An AWG table for copper wire (solid only) is shown at table #1.
 Table#1

Notes to table#1:
 The largest wire size shown in the table is 0000 (read "4 naught"), and the smallest
is number 40.
The following sizes can be expressed in other way as follows: 0000 =4/0, 000 =
3/0, 00 = 2/0, 0 = 1/0.
It shows the diameter in mils, circular mil area, and area in square inches of AWG
wire sizes.
It shows the resistance (ohms) per thousand feet and per mile of wire sizes at
specific temperatures.
It shows the weight of the wire per thousand feet in the last column.

Example#9: (Using table #1)

You are required to run 2,000 feet of AWG 20 solid copper wire for a new piece of
equipment. The temperature where the wire is to be run is 25 C (77 F). How much
resistance will the wire offer to current flow?

Solution:

In table#1, under the gauge number column, find size AWG 20. Now read across the
columns until you reach the "ohms per 1,000 feet for 25 C (77 F)" column.

You will find that the wire will offer 10.4 ohms of resistance to current flow. Since we are
using 2,000 feet of wire, multiply by 2. Resistance of 1,000 feet for 25 C (77 F) = 10.4
ohms

So, Resistance of 2,000 feet = 10.4 ohms x 2 = 20.8 ohms

Important!!!
An American Standard Wire Gauge (fig.3) is used to measure wires ranging in
size from number 0 to number 36.
To use this gauge, insert the wire to be measured into the smallest slot that
will just accommodate the bare wire. The gauge number on that slot
indicates the wire size.
The front part of the slot has parallel sides, and this is where the wire
measurement is taken. It should not be confused with the larger
 semicircular opening at the rear of the slot. The rear opening simply permits
the free movement of the wire all the way through the slot.

Fig (3)

Table#2 introduces copper wire AWG sizes (solid and stranded) as follows:
 AWG MM2 AWG MM2

30 0.05 6 16
28 0.08 4 25
26 0.14 2 35
24 0.25 1 50
22 0.34 1/0 55
21 0.38 2/0 70
20 0.50 3/0 95
18 0.75 4/0 120
17 1.0 300MCM 150
16 1.5 350MCM 185
14 2.5 500MCM 240
12 4.0 600MCM 300
10 6.0 750MCM 400
8 10.0 1000MCM 500

Table#2

Or you can use the following excel sheet converter from AWG to MM2 or vice versa.