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Control Theory
Calculating Cable Fault Ratings  Control theory looks at how systems work and are
controlled from a mathematical view. This note gives a brief
introduction to some of the concepts – more...
By Steven McFadyen on January 6th, 2014

How to Size Power Cable Duct

When selecting a cable, the performance of the cable under fault conditions is an important consideration. It is important that
Some colleagues had an issue earlier in the week on sizing
calculations be carried out to ensure that any cable is able to withstand the effects of any potential fault or short circuit. This
conduits to be cast in concrete for some power cables . It
note looks at how to do this.
became clear that none of us had...

The primary concern with cables under a fault condition is the heat generated, and any potential negative effect this may
Hazardous Areas – IEC and NEC/CEC Comparison
have on the cable insulation.
Depending where in the world you work, you are likely
following one of two standards International Electrotechnical
Calculation of fault rating is based on the principle that the protective device will isolate the fault in a time limit such that the
Commission (IEC) National...
permitted temperature rise within the cable will not be exceeded.

Restricted Earth Fault Protection

Contents [hide] The windings of many medium and small sized transformers
1. The adiabatic equation are protected by restricted earth fault (REF) systems. The
2. Derivation - Adiabatic Equation and k illustration shows the principal of...
1. Obtaining Values of k
3. Non-adiabatic effects What is LED?
4. Other Cable Fault Issues Light Emitting Diodes (LED ) are increasing gaining favour
5. References in both the domestic and commercial sectors; due to their
efficiency, sustainability and durability...

Cables for MV Power Distribution - Earthed versus

The adiabatic equation Unearthed Systems
Power cables can basically be classified into earthed and
When calculating the fault ratings of a cable, it is generally assumed that the duration so short enough that no heat is unearthed cables, where earthed and unearthed refer to the
dissipated by the cable to the surrounding. Adopting this approach simplifies the calculation and errs on the safe side. application for which the cable is...

The normally used equation is the so-called adiabatic equation. For a given fault of I, which lasts for time t, the minimum Software Usage Guidelines
required cable cross sectional area is given by: Using software in our work is essential for most of us and
we are becoming even more dependant on it's use. While
software is a great asset, many times...
−−
−
√I 2 t
A = Material Properties
k
Everything physical in electrical engineering from insulations

A - the nominal cross section area, mm2 to conductors revolves around materials. Here we are listing
common materials along with...

I - the fault current in, A

Medium Voltage Switchgear Room Design Guide
t - duration of fault current, s Many medium voltage (MV) indoor switchgear rooms exist
worldwide. The complexity of these rooms varies
k - a factor dependant on cable type (see below) considerably depending on location, function and...

Voltage Levels – Confused?

Alternatively, given the cable cross section and fault current, the maximum time allowable for the protective device can be I was having a conversation the other day about voltage
found from: levels. While everyone was in agreement that low voltage
was 1000 V and less, there was more confusion...

2 2
k A
t =
2
I

The factor k is dependant on the cable insulation, allowable temperature rise under fault conditions, conductor resistivity and
heat capacity. Typical values of k are:

Value of k

Temperature Conductor Material

Initial °C] Final [°C] Copper Aluminium Steel

Thermoplastic 70°C (PVC) 70 160/140 115/103 76/78 42/37

Thermoplastic 90°C (PVC) 90 160/140 100/86 66/57 36/31

Thermosetting, 90°C (XLPE, EDR) 90 250 143 94 52

Thermosetting, 60°C (rubber) 60 200 141 93 51

Thermosetting, 85°C (rubber) 85 220 134 89 48

Thermosetting, 185°C (silicone rubber) 180 350 132 87 47

*where two values; lower value applied to conductor CSA > 300 mm2
* these values are suitable for durations up to 5 seconds, source: BS 7671, IEC 60364-5-54

Tip: for a better understanding of cable insulation and how it is categorised, refer to our Cable Insulation
Properties note .

Example

Consider a maximum fault current of 13.6 kA and the protective device trips in 2.6 s. The minimum safe cable cross
sectional area of a copper thermosetting 90°C cable (k=143) is:

− −−−−−−−−−
2
√ 13600 × 2.6
2
S = = 154mm
143

Any selected cable larger than this will withstand the fault.

Derivation  - Adiabatic Equation and k

The term adiabatic applies to a process where there is no heat transfer. For cable faults, we are assuming that all the heat
generated during the fault is contained within the cable (and not transmitted away). Obviously this is not fully true, but it is
on the safe side.

From physics, the heat Q, required to rise a material ΔT is given by:

Q = cmΔT

Q - heat added, J

c - specific heat constant of material, J.g-1.K-1

m - mass of the material, g

ΔT - temperature rise, K

The energy into the cable during a fault is given by:

2
Q = I Rt

R - the resistance of the cable, Ω

From the physical cable properties we can calculate m and R as:

ρ rl
m = ρ c Al and R =
A

ρc - material density in g.mm-3

ρr - resistivity of the conductor, Ω.mm

l - length of the cable, mm

Combining and substituting we have:

2
I Rt = cmΔT

ρ rl
2
I t = cρ c AlΔT
A

and rearranging for A gives:

−−
− −−−−−−
√I 2 t cρ c ΔT
S = by letting k = √
k ρr

Note: ΔT is the maximum allowable temperature rise for the cable:

ΔT = θf − θi

θf - final (maximum) cable insulation temperature, °C

θi - initial (operating) cable insulation temperature, °C

Units: are expressed in g (grams) and mm2, as opposed to kG and m. This is widely adopted by cable specifiers.
The equations can easily be redone in kG and m if required.

Obtaining Values of k

The constant k can be calculated from the above equation.

A more common approach for is to use the tabulated values for k, for example, from BS 7671[1].

IEC 60364-5-54[2] also allows a more direct calculation of k, using:

−−−−−−− −−−−−−− −−−−−−

Q c (β + 20) β + θf
k = √ ln ( )
ρ 20 β + θi

Qc - volumetric heat capacity of conductor at 20°C, J.K-1.mm-3

β - reciprocal of temperature coefficient of resistivity at 0°C, °C

ρ20 - resistivity of conductor as 20°C, Ω.mm

θi - initial conductor temperature, °C

θf - final conductor temperature, °C

β [°C] Qc [J.K-1.mm-3] ρ20 [Ω.mm]

Copper 234.5 3.45 x 10-3 17.241 x 10-6

Aluminium 228 2.5 x 10-3 28.267 x 10-6

Steel 202 3.8 x 10-3 138 x 10-6

Substituting the above values and rearranging the IEC equation slightly, gives:

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
θf − θi
k = 226√ ln (1 + )- copper conductors
234.5 + θi

−−−−−−−−− −−−−− −
θf − θi
k = 148√ ln (1 + ) - aluminium conductors
228 + θi

−−−−−−−−− −−−−− −
θf − θi
k = 78√ ln (1 + - steel
)
202 + θi

Non-adiabatic e ects
As mentioned, the adiabatic equation assumes no heat is dissipated from the cable during a fault. While putting the
calculation on the safe side, in some situations, particularly for longer fault duration there is the potential to be able to get
away with a smaller cross section. In these instances, it is possible to do a more accurate calculation.

Considering non-adiabatic effects is more complex. Unless there is some driver, using the adiabatic equations is just easier.
Software is available to consider non adiabatic effects, however, there is a cost, time and complexity associated with this.

The IEC also publish a standard which deals with non-adiabatic equations:

IEC 60949 "Calculation of thermally permissible short-circuit current, taking into account non-adiabatic heating
effects".

The method adopted by IEC 60949 is to use the adiabatic equation and apply a factor to cater for the non-adiabatic effects:

I = εIAD

I - permissible short circuit current, A (or kA)

IAD - adiabatic calculated permissible short circuit current, A (or kA)

ε - factor to allow for heat dissipation from cable

The bulk of the IEC 60949 standard is concerned with the calculation of ε.

Other Cable Fault Issues

In addition to the direct heating effect of fault currents, other considerations include:

electro-mechanical stress and fault levels large enough to cause cable failure
performance of joint and terminations under fault conditions

While in most cases the none heating effects are not serious, there may be situations where these could pose a risk to the
cable or equipment/personnel in the vicinity.

References
[1]. BS 7671 - Requirements for Electrical Installations. 17th ed. United Kingdom: IEE; 2008.
[2] IEC 60364-5-54 Low-voltage electrical installations - Part 5-54: Selection and erection of electrical equipment -
Earthing arrangements and protective conductors. 3rd ed. IEC; 2011.

Cable Sizing, Cables, Equipment, Equipment Ratings,

Faults

More interesting Notes: Steven McFadyen

Harmonised Cable Codes and Colours Steven has over twenty five years
Cable Sheath and Armour Loss experience working on some of the
Cable Sizing Tool largest construction projects. He has a
IEC 60287 Current Capacity of Cables - An deep technical understanding of electrical
Introduction engineering and is keen to share this knowledge.
Fault Calculations - Introduction About the author

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