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INSTALLERS
HANDBOOK
FOR ALCAN
WIRE AND
CABLES
About Alcan
Alcan has a long history in the electrical conductor field. The
company started manufacturing electrical conductors before the turn
of the century and, in the intervening ninety-five years, Alcan has
supplied more than three million kilometres of conductor to the
electrical industry in Canada and around the world.
Table of Contents
Engineering Information ..................................................................3
Alcan Armoured Cables...................................................................4
Fire Test Standards ..........................................................................7
Splicing and Terminating Conductors ...........................................12
Single- vs Multi-Conductor Constructions
General .......................................................................................14
Voltage Drop...............................................................................15
Magnetic Fields and Harmonics .................................................16
Circulating Currents ...................................................................17
Equipment Certification Implications..........................................18
Installation of Single-Conductor AC90, ACWU90 and
TECK90 Cables...........................................................................19
Recommended Configuration for Parallel Operation of
Single-Conductor Cables in Free Air..........................................21
Ampacities and Installation Configurations for Single
Conductors Buried in the Earth...................................................24
Ampacities and Installation Configurations for Single
Conductors in Underground Ducts.............................................26
C.E.C. APPLICATION RULES
Section 4: Conductors
Rule 4-004: Ampacity of Wires and Cables ................................28
Rule 4-008: Sheath Currents ......................................................29
Engineering Information
NUAL
The term NUAL refers to Alcan manufactured aluminum alloy
conductor material, designated as ACM in the Canadian Electrical
Code. NUAL is produced in rod form and afterwards drawn to the
appropriate wire diameter for fabrication into solid or stranded
conductor building wire and cable.
NUAL is CSA-certified in finished building wire form, as well as in
raw material form as rolled rod for processing by cable fabricators
into finished wire and cable. Meeting all of the physical and electrical
requirements of aluminum to CSA and UL standards, NUAL in
addition provides superior connectability in both solid and stranded
conductor form.
NUAL is CSA-certified up to 2000 kcmil and is mandatory in sizes
12 and 10 AWG solid. NUAL or aluminum can be used in sizes larger
than 8 AWG. Alcan supplies six product lines; overhead service cable
is 1350 aluminum, all others are NUAL.
NUAL
1/0 AWG to 2000 kcmil
8 AWG to 750 kcmil
RW90
XLPE
Insulation
COPPER
SPECIFICATION
CSA C22.1 No. 51
FMRC Class 3972 Fire Test GP-1
FT4 Rated: Vertical Cable Tray Test
14 AWG to #6 AWG
Concentric
NUAL or Copper
Bonding Conductor
Interlocked
Aluminum
Armour
NUAL or
Copper Phase
Conductors
RW90 XLPE
Insulation
Interlocked
Aluminum Armour
ACWU
Available sizes
Single-conductor
Multi-conductor
NUAL
1/0 AWG to 2000 kcmil
8 AWG to 750 kcmil
SPECIFICATION
CSA C22.2 No. 51
FT4 Rated: Vertical Cable Tray Test
CSA C22.2 No. 174 Hazardous Locations
FMRC Class 3972 Fire Test GP-2
RW90 XLPE
Insulation
NUAL
Phase
Conductors
Interlocked
Aluminum
Armour
Interlocked
Aluminum Armour
NUAL
Phase
Conductors
Concentric
NUAL Bonding
Conductor
FT4-rated
PVC Jacket
NUAL
Bonding
Conductor
FT4-rated PVC
Jacket AG 14
TECK
Available sizes
Single-conductor
Multi-conductor
NUAL
1/0 AWG to 2000 kcmil
8 AWG to 750 kcmil
COPPER
1/0 AWG to 1000 kcmil
14 AWG to 750 kcmil
Concentric
NUAL or
Copper
Bonding
Conductor
SPECIFICATION
CSA C22.2 No. 131 (TECK)
CSA C22.2 No. 174 (Hazardous Locations)
FT4 Rated: Vertical Cable Tray Test
FMRC Class 3972 Fire Test GP-1 (unjacketed) GP-2 (jacketed)
NUAL or
Non-hygroscopic
Copper
filler
Phase
Conductors
Interlocked
Aluminum Armour
RW90 XLPE
Insulation
Non-hygroscopic
filler
Interlocked
Aluminum
Armour
FT4-rated
AG14
PVC Jacket
NUAL or
Copper
Bonding
Conductor
RW90
90C
XLPE
PVC LGE
Insulation inner jacket
Application
Test Procedure
Standard Criteria
FT1
As Clause 4.11.1*,
Vertical Test
FT2
As Clause 4.11.2*,
Horizontal Test
FT3
As Clause 4.11.3*,
Burning Particles
(Dropping) Test
Application
FT4
As Clause 4.11.4*,
Vertical Flame Test
Cables in Cable Tray
FT5
As Clause 4.11.5*,
Flame Resistance Test
Normally used on
Portable Cables for use
in Underground Workings.
FT6
Test Procedure
Standard Criteria
Type
FT4-rated PVC jacket
Standard PVC jacket
Flame
Spread
Acid Gas
Evolution
% by weight
0.8 m
2.5 m
13
24
All Alcan ACWU90 and TECK90 cables meet both these levels of
flammability performance. Typical results are shown in the following
table. Compliance is indicated by the designation FT4 printed on the
outer PVC jacket and on shipping tags.
Note: Alcan does not represent that FT4-rated will not burn or propagate flame other
than expressly set forth in the above test conditions.
FT1 - Wires and cables that are suitable for installation in buildings
of combustible construction; and
FT4 - Wires and cables that are suitable for installation in:
(a) buildings of noncombustible and combustible
construction; and
(b) spaces between a ceiling and floor, or ceiling and roof,
that may be used as a plenum in buildings of combustible
or noncombustible construction.
Wires and cables with combustible insulation, outer jackets or
sheaths that do not meet the above classifications should be located
in enclosed non-combustible raceways, masonry walls or concrete
slabs.
Wire and cable passing these tests will be marked FT1 or FT4 directly
on their jackets. They will be suitable for installation in buildings as
shown above.
NOTICE
WARNING
FLAMMABLE: Non-metallic coverings of electric cable will
burn and may transmit fire when ignited.
TOXIC:
Burning non-metallic coverings may emit acid
gases which are highly toxic, and dense smoke.
CORROSIVE: Emission of acid gases may corrode metal in
the vicinity, such as sensitive instruments and
reinforcing rods in concrete.
11
2) Insulation:
3) Cleaning:
4) Installation:
5) Binding:
Multiple-Conductor Cables
1 As step 1 above.
2 Cut off the bonding conductor flush with the armour.
3 As step 3 above.
Note: Care must be taken to seal the exposed conductor by taping it with
a self-sealing rubber tape or heat shrink tubing. The goal is to prevent
water getting inside the insulation and the cable assembly.
SERVICES ABOVE AND BELOW GROUND
Alcan type ACWU90 and TECK90 cable may be used for services both in
the single- and multi-conductor form. Single-conductor services should
have all the bonding conductor wires attached to a common lug bolted to
the service equipment using a AL9CU connector.
PARALLEL CIRCUITS
For very large loads it is sometimes economical to parallel two or more
cables. When this is done, we strongly recommend that the lengths, size
and construction of the cables be identical and that multiple barrelled lugs
or crimp type flat lugs with separate screws or studs be used.
Single-Conductor Cables
1 Strip back armour and PVC jacket.
2 Fold the bonding conductor strands back over the armour.
3 Waterproof the whole termination by using CSA-approved wet rated
heat shrink tubing.
In order to obtain reasonably good load-sharing among the singleconductor cables, it is important that the impedance of each cable be
almost identical to that of the other cables of the same phase, and for
this reason we recommend the configurations shown on pages 21-23.
13
VOLTAGE DROP
A further effect of single-conductors in longer feeder circuits can be
increased voltage drop. This arises not only on account of the higher
resistance of the smaller conductors, but also on account of the
increased spacing between conductors in single-conductor systems.
It is a fact that greater spacing increases impedance and inductive
reactance, which is the main contribution to voltage drop.
The following table demonstrates the relative performance of
multi- vs single-conductor NUAL conductors in typical circuits.
Single-Conductor
Multi-Conductor
Ampacity
Max distance Max distance
Ampacity
A (table 3)
for 3% V drop for 3% V drop
A (table 4)
190
96
174
120
255
108
190
165
330
112
214
215
415
115
223
260
515
118
236
330
670
116
253
405
15
17
In practice, the calculated ampacity for selecting the correct cable and
equipment has to be increased by the reciprocal of these factors
about 14% higher for the sizing of conductors in single-conductor
circuits. This higher ampacity applies not only to the conductors, but
to the equipment as well. In some cases the equipment may need to
be increased in size for single-conductor installations, compared to
multi-conductors, due to the difference in derating factors. The singleconductor choice could turn out to be expensive under some
conditions.
Aluminum Plate
19
Aluminum Plate
Note 1:
Single-conductor type AC90 cables, in circuits rated over 425 amps
and sized according to Table 3, C.E. Code Part I, ampacities are not
recommended due to the excessive risk of overheating caused by
circulating armour and bonding conductor currents. The PVC jacket
is the only practical, effective means of armour isolation from
grounded metal parts.
Note 2:
To avoid the heating effect caused by eddy currents, make certain, that
individual single conductor cables are not surrounded by magnetic
material. Avoid the use of steel or iron cable connectors or steel clips
on to steel supports.
OR
x
x
OR
x
x
x
x
3x
3x
N*
21
3x
OR
x
3x
OR
OR
x
C
A
C*
OR
A
x
A
x
A
x
A
x
N*
A
x
A
x
OR
OR
x
A
Note: (1) Neutral conductors may be located outside the above
groups in the most convenient manner or as shown.
(2) Not all the configurations shown provide precisely
equal load sharing. The imbalance is decreased as the
separation of the groups is increased relative to the
spacing of conductors within the group.
A
x
23
Ampacities and Installation Configurations for Single Conductors Buried in the Earth
Installation
Configuration
Conductor
Size
1
AWG or
kcmil
Copper
Detail Number
NUAL
Copper
NUAL
Copper
NUAL
Copper
NUAL
Copper
NUAL
Copper
NUAL
1/0
*203
*158
*220
*171
165
129
179
*140
2/0
*229
*178
*248
*193
186
145
202
*157
3/0
*258
*201
*280
*218
210
163
228
178
4/0
*291
*227
*315
*246
236
183
256
200
250
*421
*328
*317
*247
*343
*267
256
200
278
217
350
*500
*390
*520
*410
*375
*292
*408
*318
304
237
331
258
500
*605
*471
*630
*495
452
352
*489
*383
365
284
396
309
600
*659
*513
*682
*541
491
382
*534
*419
397
308
433
340
750
*845
*665
*745
*580
*775
*610
554
431
*596
469
447
348
482
379
1000
*980
*780
*846
*659
*890
*710
627
488
683
542
505
393
551
437
1500
*1176
*952
*1011
*821
*1068
*865
746
605
813
660
600
487
665
531
*These values cannot be used when the circuit is deemed to be carrying a continuous load.
Copper NUAL
B
190
915
915
915
B
190
190
C
190
C
190
B
190
B
190
190
C
610
190
190
190
190
190
190
190
610
190
190
190
915
915
190
190
190
190
190
190
190
190
190
915
A
190
190
190
915
190
190
190
610
190
190
25
Detail Number
NUAL
Copper
NUAL
Copper
NUAL
Copper
NUAL
1/0
*231
*180
*201
*157
159
123
146
114
2/0
*264
*205
*228
*178
180
140
164
128
3/0
*301
*235
*260
*203
204
158
186
145
4/0
*345
*269
*296
*231
231
180
211
164
250
*379
*296
*325
*253
252
197
230
179
350
*461
*360
*391
*306
303
236
275
213
257
500
*564
*442
*475
*372
364
283
330
600
*621
*488
*521
409
404
314
365
284
750
*706
*556
589
464
448
349
406
315
1000
*823
*653
682
541
526
409
474
370
1500
*1004
*813
824
667
618
501
556
452
*These values cannot be used when the circuit is deemed to be carrying a continuous load.
Assumptions:
Load factor 100%
Conductor temperature 90C
Ambient temperature 20C
Thermal resistivity
(Deg. C-cm/watt)
Earth - 90
Duct bank - 85
Insulation/jacket - 400
Shield/sheath open-circuit
Non-magnetic duct
One cable per 5" duct
760
290
or
190
190
190
480
190
690
190
or
450
190
640
480
640
190
760
190
190
760
760
190
450
760
B
190
C
190
640
190
190
830
760
190
190
190
190
1200
190
640
190
190
830
190
190
or
190
190
190
190
27
Application Rules
Section 4 - Conductors
4-004 AMPACITY OF WIRES AND CABLES
(SEE APPENDIX B OF 1994 CODE)
1) The maximum current which a copper conductor of a given size
and insulation may carry shall be as follows:
a) Single-conductor, and single-conductor metal sheathed or
armoured cable, in a free air run, as specified in Table 1; and
b) 1, 2, or 3 conductors in a run of raceway, or 2- or 3-conductor
cable, as specified in Table 2; and
c) 4 or more conductors in a run of raceway or cable, as specified
in Table 2 with the correction factors applied as specified in
Table 5C.
d) Single-conductor and single-conductor metal sheathed and
metal armoured cables in an underground run, as calculated by
the method of the IEEE/ICEA publication Power Cable
Ampacities, IEEE S135.
2) The maximum current which an aluminum conductor of a given
size and insulation may carry shall be as follows:
a) Single-conductor, and single-conductor metal sheathed or
armoured cable, in a free air run, as specified in Table 3; and
29
31
Armoured Cable
12-600 ARMOURED CABLE WORK RULES
Rules 12-602 to 12-618 apply only to armoured cable work.
12-602 USE
1) Armoured cable may be installed in or on buildings or portions of
buildings of either combustible or non-combustible construction.
2) Armoured cable shall be of the type listed in Table 19 as suitable
for direct burial if used:
a) For underground runs; or
b) For circuits in masonry or concrete provided the cable is
encased or embedded in at least 50 mm of the masonry or
concrete; or
c) In locations where it will be exposed to weather, continuous
moisture, excessive humidity, or to oil or other substances
having a deteriorating effect on the insulation.
Note: PVC jackets, as in on Alcan ACWU90 and TECK90, meet the condition set out in 3(b).
33
35
37
39
20
12
20
20
15
25
20
10
30
30
25
40
30
8
45
45
30
70
45
6
65
65
*55 100
80
4
85
85
65 135
105
3 100 105
75 155
120
2 115 120
*95 180
140
1 130 140
105 210
165
1/0 150 155
120 245
190
2/0 175 **185
145 285
220
1/2"
3/4"
9
7
5
2
1
1
1
1
15
12
9
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2" 21/2"
99
142
78
111
60
85
28
40
16
23
12
17
10
15
9
13
6
9
5
8
5
7
3" 31/2"
200
200
171
200
131
176
62
83
36
48
27
36
23
31
20
27
14
19
12
16
10
14
4"
200
200
200
107
62
47
40
34
25
21
18
3/0
4/0
250
300
350
400
500
600
750
1000
1500
200
230
255
285
310
335
380
420
475
545
210
235
265
295
325
345
395
455
500
585
165 330
*185 385
215 425
240 480
260 530
290 575
330 660
370 740
405 845
480 1000
255
300
330
375
415
450
515
585
670
800
1020
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
5
4
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
9
7
6
5
4
4
3
3
2
1
1
12
10
8
7
6
5
4
4
3
2
1
15
13
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
For 3-wire 120/240 and 120/208V residential services or sub-services the allowable
ampacity for size 6 AWG shall be 60 amp, size 2 AWG shall be 100 amp and
4/0 shall be 200 amp. In this case the 5% adjustment per Rule 8-106(1) cannot be applied.
** For 3-wire 120/240 and 120/208V residential services or sub-services the allowable
ampacity for size 2/0 shall be 200 amp. In this case the 5% adjustment per Rule 8-106(1)
cannot be applied.
+ SOURCE: 1994 Canadian Electrical Code Part I, Table 6
41
Table 5A
TABLE 5A
(See Rules 4-004(8), 12-2212 and Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 57, 58 and D3)
CORRECTION FACTORS APPLYING TO TABLES 1, 2, 3 AND 4
AMPACITY CORRECTION FACTORS FOR AMBIENT TEMPERATURES ABOVE 30C
(These correction factors apply, column for column, to Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4)
60C
Ambient Type
Temp.
TW
C
0.82
40
0.71
45
0.58
50
0.41
55
60
70
75
80
90
100
120
140
75C
Types
RW75,
TW75
0.88
0.82
0.75
0.65
0.58
0.35
Correction Factor
85-90C
Types
110C
R90, RW90
See
T90, NYLON Note (2)
0.94
0.90
0.90
0.85
0.87
0.80
0.83
0.74
125C
See
Note (2)
0.95
0.92
0.89
0.86
200C
See
Note (2)
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
0.67
0.52
0.43
0.30
0.79
0.71
0.66
0.61
0.83
0.76
0.72
0.69
0.91
0.87
0.86
0.84
0.50
0.61
0.51
0.80
0.77
0.69
0.59
Notes:
(1) The ampacity of a given conductor type
at these higher ambient temperatures is
obtained by multiplying the appropriate
value from Table 1, 2, 3 or 4 by the
correction factor for that higher temperature.
(2) These ampacities are only applicable
under special circumstances where
the use of insulated conductors having
this temperature rating are acceptable.
TABLE 5C
Notes:
(1) Where four conductors form a
three-phase-with-neutral system,
the values for three conductors
may be used. Where three conductors
form a single-phase, three-wire system,
the values for two conductors may be used.
(2) Where more than four conductors are
in contact, the ratings for conductors
in raceways shall be used.
Number of Conductors
1 3
4 6
7 24
25 42
43 and up
43
TABLE 5D
(See Rule 12-2212)
CURRENT RATING CORRECTION FACTORS WHERE
SPACINGS ARE MAINTAINED
(VENTILATED AND LADDER-TYPE CABLE TRAYS)
Number of
Conductors or Cables 1
Horizontally
1.00
Vertically
0.89
6
Construction
0.93
0.83
0.87
0.79
0.84
0.76
0.83
0.75
0.82
0.74
1
Conductors or multi-conductor
cables (not lead-sheathed)
Lead-sheathed conductors or
multi-conductor cables
Number of Conductors or
Multi-conductor Cables
2
3
4
Over 4
53
31
40
40
40
55
30
40
38
35
Table 9
TABLE 9
(See Rule 12-1014)
CROSS-SECTIONAL AREAS OF CONDUIT AND TUBING
Trade
Size
Inches
1
/2
3/4
1
11/4
11/2
2
21/2
3
31/2
4
41/2
5
6
Internal
Diameter
Inches
0.622
0.824
1.049
1.380
1.610
2.067
2.469
3.068
3.548
4.026
4.506
5.047
6.065
55%
0.165
0.292
0.473
0.825
1.122
1.848
2.635
4.060
5.450
7.000
8.771
11.000
15.900
53%
0.159
0.281
0.456
0.795
1.081
1.780
2.540
3.910
5.250
6.745
8.452
10.600
15.320
40%
0.120
0.212
0.344
0.600
0.816
1.344
1.916
2.952
3.960
5.088
6.378
8.000
11.556
38%
0.114
0.202
0.327
0.570
0.776
1.277
1.820
2.805
3.765
4.840
6.060
7.600
10.980
35%
0.105
0.185
0.301
0.525
0.714
1.176
1.677
2.585
3.465
4.450
5.581
7.000
10.120
31%
0.09
0.16
0.27
0.47
0.63
1.04
1.48
2.29
3.07
3.94
4.94
6.20
8.96
30%
0.090
0.159
0.258
0.450
0.612
1.008
1.437
2.214
2.970
3.820
4.784
6.000
8.670
45
Table 10
(See Rule 12-1014)
DIMENSIONS OF INSULATED CONDUCTORS FOR CALCULATING CONDUIT AND TUBING FILL
Notes:1) Subject to the range of conductors and types of wires for which aluminum conductors are approved.
2) The dimensions represent average conditions only and variations will be found in dimensions of conductors of different manufacture.
RUBBER (THERMOSET) AND THERMOPLASTIC-INSULATED CONDUCTORS (0-600 V)
Size
AWG
kcmil
Types RW75
RW90, RW75 EP,
RW90 EP,
RW75 XLPE**
RW90 XLPE**
Diameter
Inches
14
14
14
12
12
12
10
10
10
8
6
4
(2/64) 0.171
(3/64) 0.024*
(2/64) 0.188
(3/64) 0.221*
0.242
0.311
0.397
0.452
Area
Inches2
0.0230
0.0327*
0.0278
0.0384*
0.0460
0.0760
0.1238
0.1605
0.148
0.183
0.168
0.204
0.248
0.323
0.372
Area
Inches2
0.0135
0.0216
0.0172
0.0263
0.0224
0.0327
0.0475
0.0819
0.1087
Types TWU,
RWU75 XLPE
RWU90 XLPE
Diameter
Inches
0.193
0.209
0.230
0.324
0.363
0.412
Area
Inches2
0.0293
0.0343
0.0415
0.0824
0.1035
0.1333
Types RWU75 EP
RWU90 EP
Diameter
Inches
0.231
0.247
0.268
0.345
0.456
0.505
Area
Inches2
0.0419
0.0479
0.0564
0.0935
0.1633
0.2003
Diameter
Inches
Area
Inches2
0.105
0.0087
0.122
0.0117
0.153
0.219
0.257
0.328
0.0184
0.0377
0.0519
0.0845
3
2
1
0
00
000
0000
250
300
350
400
500
600
700
750
800
900
1000
1250
1500
1750
2000
0.481
0.513
0.588
0.629
0.675
0.727
0.785
0.868
0.933
0.985
1.032
1.119
1.233
1.304
1.339
1.372
1.435
1.494
1.676
1.801
1.916
2.021
0.1817
0.2067
0.2715
0.3107
0.3578
0.4151
0.4840
0.5917
0.6837
0.7620
0.8365
0.9834
1.1940
1.3355
1.4082
1.4784
1.6173
1.7531
2.2062
2.5475
2.8895
3.2079
0.401
0.433
0.508
0.549
0.595
0.647
0.705
0.788
0.843
0.895
0.942
1.029
1.143
1.214
1.249
1.282
1.345
1.404
1.577
1.702
1.817
1.922
0.1263
0.1473
0.2027
0.2367
0.2781
0.3288
0.3904
0.4877
0.5581
0.6291
0.6969
0.8316
1.0261
1.1575
1.2252
1.2908
1.4208
1.5482
1.9532
2.2748
2.5930
2.9013
0.440
0.473
0.544
0.585
0.632
0.684
0.744
0.822
0.878
0.930
0.978
1.064
1.180
1.252
1.287
1.321
1.385
1.444
1.616
1.741
1.858
1.966
0.1521
0.1757
0.2324
0.2688
0.3137
0.3675
0.4347
0.5307
0.6055
0.6793
0.7512
0.8891
1.0936
1.2311
1.3009
1.3706
1.5066
1.6377
2.0510
2.3806
2.7113
3.0357
0.533
0.566
0.649
0.690
0.737
0.789
0.849
0.977
1.033
1.085
1.133
1.219
1.301
1.373
1.408
1.442
1.506
1.565
1.809
1.934
2.051
2.159
0.2231
0.2516
0.3308
0.3739
0.4266
0.4889
0.5661
0.7497
0.8381
0.9246
1.0082
1.1671
1.3294
1.4806
1.5570
1.6331
1.7813
1,9236
2.5702
2.9377
3.3039
3.6610
0.356
0.388
0.450
0.491
0.537
0.588
0.646
0.716
0.771
0.822
0.869
0.955
0.0995
0.1182
0.1590
0.1893
0.2265
0.2715
0.3278
0.4026
0.4669
0.5307
0.5931
0.7163
47
Table 19
TABLE 19
(See Rules 4-006, 6-300, 12-100, 12-302, 12-404, 12-602, 12-606, 12-902, 12-904, 12-1608, 12-2104, 12-2204, 16-112, 16-210, 22-200, 22-202, 22-204, 22-206, 26-642,
30-312, 30-1004, 30-1102, 32-100, 32-202, 34-216, 38-006, 54-100, 56-704, 60-302, 74-004, 78-104, 80-004 and Tables 1, 2, 3, 4 and D1)
CONDITIONS OF USE AND MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE CONDUCTOR TEMPERATURE OF WIRES AND CABLES
OTHER THAN FLEXIBLE CORDS, PORTABLE POWER CABLES AND EQUIPMENT WIRES
Conditions of Use
Trade Designation
Maximum Allowable
Conductor Temperature C
Reference
Notes
90
90
90
4, 10, 12
4, 10, 12
2, 4, 10, 12
Armoured Cable
Armoured Cable
TECK90
AC90
TECK90
NMD90
90
23
NMW, NMWU
60
23
R90
90
4, 9, 10, 11,
12
Thermoplastic-Insulated
Cable
TW
60
Nylon-Jacketed
Thermoplastic-Insulated
T90 NYLON
90
14
Non-metallic Sheathed
Cable
NMD90
90
18, 23
Armoured Cable
TECK90
ACWU90
90
90
4, 7, 10, 12
4, 7, 10, 12
Rubber (Thermoset-)
Insulated Cable
RW75
RL90, RW90
75
90
4, 7, 10, 12
4, 7, 10, 12
Aluminum-Sheathed Cable
RA75
RA90
75
90
7
4, 7, 10, 12
Mineral-Insulated Cable
MI, LWMI
90
1, 7, 21
Thermoplastic-Insulated
Cable
TW
TW 75
NMWU
60
75
60
4, 7
4, 7
7, 8, 23
Rubber (Thermoset-)
Insulated Cable
Non-metallic Sheathed
Cable
49
Conditions of Use
For exposed wiring where exposed
to the weather
Trade Designation
Maximum Allowable
Conductor Temperature C
Reference
Notes
Armoured Cable
TECK90
90
4, 10, 12
Rubber (Thermoset-)
Insulated Cable
RW75
R90, RW90
75
90
4, 10, 12
4, 10, 12
Thermoplastic-Insulated
Cable
TW, TWU
TWU75
60
75
4
4
Neutral-Supported Cable
NS-1, NSF-2
75
Non-metallic Sheathed
Cable
Armoured Cable
NMWU
60
8, 23
TECK90
AC90
NMD90
90
90
90
4, 10, 12
4, 10, 12
18, 23
NMW, NMWU
60
23
Non-metallic Sheathed
Cable
Non-metallic Sheathed
Cable
Armoured Cable
TECK90
ACWU90
90
90
4, 7, 10, 12
4, 7, 10, 12
Non-metallic Sheathed
Cable
NMWU
60
7, 8, 23
Aluminum-Sheathed Cable
RA75
RA90
75
90
7
4, 7, 10, 12
Mineral-Insulated Cable
MI, LWMI
90
1, 7, 21
Rubber (Thermoset-)
Insulated Cable
R90
90
4, 9, 10, 11,
12
Thermoplastic-Insulated
Cable
TW
60
Nylon Jacketed
Thermoplastic-Insulated
Cable
T90 NYLON
90
14
51
Maximum Allowable
Conductor Temperature C
Rubber (Thermoset-)
Insulated Cable
RW75, RWU75
RW90, RWU90
75
90
4, 7, 10, 12
4, 7, 10, 12
Thermoplastic-Insulated
Cable
TW, TWU
TW75, TWU75
60
75
4, 6, 7
4, 7
Armoured Cable
AC90
TECK90
90
90
4, 10, 12
4, 10, 12
Armoured Cable
TECK90
ACWU90
90
90
4, 7, 10, 12
4, 7, 10, 12
Aluminum-Sheathed Cable
RA75
RA90
75
90
7
4, 7, 10, 12
Mineral-Insulated Cable
MI, LWMI
90
Rubber (Thermoset-)
Insulated Lead-Sheathed
Cable
RL90
90
4, 7, 10, 12
Conditions of Use
For use in raceways, except cable
trays, in wet locations
Trade Designation
Reference
Notes
Rubber (Thermoset-)
Insulated Cable
RW75
RW90
75
90
4, 10, 12, 13
4, 10, 12, 13
Armoured Cable
ACWU90
TECK90
90
90
4, 5, 10, 12
4, 5, 10, 12
Non-metallic Sheathed
Cable
NMWU
60
5, 23
Rubber (Thermoset-)
Insulated Cable
RWU75
RL90, RWU90
75
90
4, 5, 10, 12
4, 5, 10, 12
Aluminum-Sheathed Cable
RA75
RA90
75
90
5
4, 5, 9, 10
Mineral-Insulated Cable
MI, LWMI
90
1, 5, 21
Thermoplastic-Insulated
Cable
TWU
TWU75
60
75
4, 5, 6
4, 5
ASLC
90
22
Armoured Cable
AC90
ACWU90
TECK90
90
90
90
19
Aluminum-Sheathed Cable
RA75
RA90
75
90
53
Reference
Notes
Trade Designation
Mineral-Insulated Cable
MI
90
NS-1
NSF-2
USEI90
USEB90
75
90
90
4, 5, 10, 12
4, 5, 10, 12, 15
Thermoplastic Insulated
Wire
TWU
TWU75
60
75
4, 5
4, 5
Rubber (Thermoset-)
Insulated Cable
RWU75
RWU90
75
90
4, 5, 10, 12
4, 5, 10, 12
Armoured Cable
TECK90
ACWU90
90
90
Aluminum-Sheathed Cable
RA75
RA90
75
90
GTO, GTOL
60
Hoistway Cable
Extra-Low-Voltage Control
Cable
LVT
60
60
Service-Entrance Cable
Maximum Allowable
Conductor Temperature C
Conditions of Use
1, 21
5
5
16,17
Extra-Low-Voltage Control
Cable
ELC
60
20
FCC
60
IWC
60
60
25
25
60
60
25
25
Coaxial Cable
CXC
60
27
Communication Building
Cable
CBC
60
ZSW
PCC
MPP, CMP, MPR, CMR, MPG,
CMG, MP, CM, CMX, CMH
55
Conditions of Use
Trade Designation
Maximum Allowable
Conductor Temperature C
Reference
Notes
Communication Flat
Cable
CFC
60
24
FSTC
60
25
FAS
FAS 90
FAS 105
FAS 200
60
90
105
200
26
Tray Cable
TC
28
Tray Cable
TC
28
Non-conductive Optical
Fiber Cable
29
29
Hybrid Conductor
Cable
NMDH90
90
30
Notes
(1) A maximum sheath temperature of 250C is permissible for
mineral-insulated cable, provided the temperature at the
terminations does not exceed that specified in Tables 1 and 2.
Any protective covering provided shall be suitable for the
applicable sheath temperature.
(2) May be used where exposed to heat, grease or corrosive fumes,
if suitable for the corrosive condition.
57
(13) Types RW75 and RW90, when used under Rule 12-2204,
are required to be flame-tested.
(14) When exposed to oil, Type T90 NYLON is limited to 60C.
(15) Type USEB90 shall have a non-metallic jacket over concentric
neutral conductor.
(16) Hoistway cables may also be provided with 90C insulation.
(7) Types suitable for use in wet locations may also be used in dry
or damp locations.
(17) Except for short runs not exceeding 1.5 m in length, the parallel
construction is intended for use in raceways in which the
cables are laid in.
(8) Type NMWU cable is not suitable for use in aerial spans.
(22) Type ASLC is for use only in accordance with Section 74.
(29) OFNP, OFNR, OFNG, OFN, OFNH, OFCP, OFCR, OFCG, OFC
and OFCH shall have a minimum cable temperature rating of
60C. Cables having a temperature rating greater than 60C
shall be permitted provided that the temperature rating is
surface marked on the cable.
(25) FSTC, IWC, ZSW and PCC that meet with the flame-spread
requirements of Rule 2-128 for plenum spaces shall also be
permitted for communication circuits when exposed in ceiling
air handling plenums.
(26) Types FAS, FAS 90, FAS 105 and FAS 200 may be provided
with mechanical protection such as interlock armour or an
aluminum sheath, with or without overall thermoplastic
covering. A thermoplastic covering shall be provided over the
interlock armoured cable when installed in a damp location.
(27) CXC that meets the flame-spread requirements of Rule 2-128
for plenum spaces shall also be permitted for communication
and community antenna distribution circuits when exposed in
ceiling air handling plenums.
(28) The maximum allowable conductor temperature for Type TC
cables is dependent on the temperature rating of the cable so
marked.
59
Tables 20-22
TABLE 20
TABLE 22
Minimum Distance
Millimetres
Voltage
of Circuit
Volts
0 to 300
301 to 750
TABLE 21
(See Rule 12-120)
SUPPORTING OF CONDUCTORS IN VERTICAL RUNS OF RACEWAYS
Conductor Size
AWG and kcmil
14 to 8
6 to 0
00 to 0000
250 to 350
Over 350 to 500
Over 500 to 750
Over 750
Note:
Aluminum
30
60
55
18
15
12
10
40
35
30
25
1.5
1.75
2.25
2.75
4.5
Table 16
TABLE 16
(See Rules 10-518, 10-814, 10-816, 10-906, 12-1814, 24-104, 24-202, 66-202, 68-058 and 68-406)
MINIMUM SIZE CONDUCTORS FOR BONDING
RACEWAYS AND EQUIPMENT
Rating or setting of
Overcurrent Device in
Circuit Ahead of Equipment,
Conduit, etc.
Not Exceeding - Amperes
20
30
40
60
Aluminum Wire
AWG
14
12
10
10
12
10
8
8
100
200
300
400
8
6
4
3
6
4
2
1
500
600
800
2
1
0
0
00
000
1000
1200
1600
2000
00
000
0000
250 kcmil
0000
250 kcmil
350 kcmil
400 kcmil
2500
3000
4000
5000
6000
350 kcmil
400 kcmil
500 kcmil
700 kcmil
800 kcmil
500 kcmil
600 kcmil
800 kcmil
1000 kcmil
1250 kcmil
NOTES:
(1) Refer to appendix B C.E.C.
Rule 10 - 814(1) for sizing
bonding conductors in factory
assembled cables.
(2) Refer to definitions in section
O C.E.C. for:Grounding Conductor
Bonding Conductor
61
Table 17
TABLE 17
(See Rules 10-204, 10-206 and 10-812)
MINIMUM SIZE OF GROUNDING CONDUCTOR FOR AC
SYSTEMS OR COMMON GROUNDING CONDUCTOR
Size of Copper
Ampacity of Largest Service
Conductor or Equivalent for Grounding Conductor
AWG
Multiple Conductors
100 or less
101 to 125
126 to 165
8
6
4
166 to 200
201 to 260
3
2
261 to 355
356 to 475
Over 475
0
00
000
Table 18
TABLE 18
(See Rule 10-812)
MINIMUM SIZE OF GROUNDING CONDUCTOR FOR
SERVICE RACEWAY AND SERVICE EQUIPMENT
Ampacity of
Largest Service Conductors
or Equivalent
for Multiple Conductors
Not Exceeding - Amperes
60
100
200
400
600
800
Over 800
Inches
1
11/4
Inches
1
11/4
11/2
21/2
3
4
6
21/2
4
4
3/4
63
CONDUCTOR
AREA
Circ. Mils
mm2
1020
0.519
1620
0.823
2580
1.31
4110
2.08
6530
3.31
5.26
10380
16510
8.37
26240
13.30
41740
21.15
52620
26.66
66360
33.62
83690
42.41
105600
53.51
133100
67.44
167800
85.02
211600
107.22
kcmil
126.68
152.01
177.34
202.68
253.36
304.02
380.03
506.70
633.38
760.05
866.73
1013.40
sq. in.
.00080
.00128
.00203
.00323
.00513
.00816
.01297
.02061
.03278
.04133
.05212
.06573
.08291
.1045
.1318
.1662
.1963
.2356
.2749
.3142
.3927
.4712
.5890
.7854
.9817
1.178
1.374
1.571
NO.
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
19(18)
19(18)
19(18)
19(18)
19(18)
37(35)
37(35)
37(35)
37(35)
37(35)
61(58)
61(58)
61(58)
91
91
127
127
WIRES
DIAMETER
mm
in.
0.31
.0121
0.39
.0152
0.49
.0192
0.61
.0242
0.77
.0305
0.98
.0385
1.23
.0486
1.55
.0612
1.96
.0772
2.30
.0867
2.47
.0974
1.69
.0664
1.89
.0745
2.13
.0837
2.39
.0940
2.68
.1055
2.09
.0822
2.31
.0900
2.47
.0973
2.64
.1040
2.95
.1162
2.52
.0992
2.82
.1109
3.25
.1280
2.98
.1172
3.26
.1284
2.98
.1174
3.19
.1255
Class B Standard
mm
in.
0.92
.036
1.16
.046
.058
1.46
1.84
.073
2.32
.092
2.95
.116
3.71
.146
4.67
.184
5.89
.232
6.60
.260
7.42
.292
8.43
.332
9.47
.373
10.64
.418
.470
11.94
.528
13.41
14.60
.575
16.00
.630
.681
17.30
.728
18.49
20.65
.813
22.68
.893
25.35
.998
29.26
1.152
32.47
1.289
35.86
1.412
38.76
1.526
41.45
1.632
1.78
2.25
2.86
3.60
4.53
5.71
6.40
7.20
8.18
9.19
10.32
11.58
13.00
14.16
15.52
16.78
17.94
20.03
22.00
24.59
23.38
31.76
34.78
37.60
40.21
.071
.089
.113
.142
.179
.225
.252
.282
.322
.362
.406
.456
.512
.558
.611
.661
.706
.789
.866
.968
1.117
1.250
1.370
1.479
1.583
Compact Round
mm
in.
3.40
4.29
5.41
6.05
6.87
7.60
8.55
9.57
10.8
12.1
13.2
14.5
15.7
16.7
18.7
20.7
23.0
26.9
.134
.169
.213
.238
.268
.299
.336
.376
.423
.475
.520
.570
.616
.659
.736
.813
.908
14
12
10
18.9
30.0
47.7
8
6
4
75.9
121
192
242
305
385
9.12
14.5
12.7
20.2
32.1
51.0
81.0
129
162
205
259
326
411
518
653
3.52
2.21
1.39
1.10
0.875
0.694
0.550
0.436
0.436
0.274
0.232
0.194
0.166
0.145
2.63
1.65
1.04
.653
.411
.258
.205
.163
.129
.102
.0811
.0643
.0510
.0432
.0360
.0308
.0270
8.89
5.59
2.71
1.70
1.07
.674
.424
250
300
350
400
500
600
750
1000
1150
1380
1610
1840
349
419
489
559
772
925
1080
1240
6.13
9.75
15.5
24.6
39.2
49.4
62.3
78.6
99.1
125
157
199
235
282
329
376
2300
2760
3450
4590
699
838
1050
1400
1540
1850
2320
3090
469
563
705
939
0.0708
0.0590
0.0472
0.0354
0.116
0.0967
0.0774
0.0580
.0216
.0180
.0144
.0108
.0354
.0295
.0236
.0177
1250
1500
1750
2000
5740
6890
8040
9091
1750
2100
2440
2790
3860
4630
5400
6180
1170
1410
1640
1880
0.0283
0.0236
0.0202
0.0177
0.0464
0.0387
0.0332
0.0290
.00863
.00719
.00616
.00539
.0142
.0118
.0101
.00885
3
2
1
1/0
2/0
3/0
4/0
485
611
771
972
23.1
36.7
58.3
73.5
92.7
117
147
186
234
296
.336
.267
.211
.168
.133
.105
.0836
.0708
.0590
.0506
.0442
* Approximate weights and average DC resistances are considered to apply to all types of strands.
Conductor data and metric equivalents in these tables are based where possible on EEMAC (Electro-Federation) recommendations current at time of compilation, otherwise on published ICEA standards.
65
Table D6
RECOMMENDED* TIGHTENING TORQUES FOR WIRE BINDING
SCREWS,CONNECTORS WITH SLOTTED SCREWS
AND CONNECTORS FOR EXTERNAL DRIVE WRENCH
TABLE D6
Table D7
RECOMMENDED* TIGHTENING TORQUES FOR CONNECTORS
WITH HEXAGONAL SOCKET SCREWS
TABLE D7
Socket Size
(across flats)
Inches
5/32
3/16
7/32
1/4
5/16
3/8
1/2
9/16
Tightening Torque
Pound-Inches
100
120
150
175
250
350
450
600
67
GLOSSARY
A
Abrasion Resistance - Ability of a metal or cable to resist surface wear.
ACM - Aluminum conductor material.
Adjacent Conductor - Any conductor next to another conductor either in the same
multi-conductor cable or in adjacent layers.
Alloy - A metal formed by the combination of two or more elements.
Alternating Current - An electric current that continually reverses its direction giving
a definite plus and minus wave form at fixed intervals.
American Wire Gage (AWG) - A standard system used in the United States for
designating the size of an electrical conductor based on a geometric
progression between two conductor sizes.
Ampere - The unit expressing the rate of flow of an electric current. The current produced
by a difference of potential of one volt across a resistance of one ohm.
Anneal - The process of controlled heating and cooling of a metal to achieve
predetermined characteristics as to tensile strength and elongation.
Armour - The outermost layer of a cable applied for mechanical protection usually
consisting of a layer or layers of a metallic tape, braid or served wires.
Attenuation - The measure of the loss of energy between the transmitting and
receiving terminal and depends on several external and internal factors.
B
Binder - A spirally served tape or thread used for holding assembled cable components
in place.
Bobbins - Metal spools used for taking up drawn wire and subsequently used for
payout packages in cabling and stranding equipment.
Bonding - A low impedance path obtained by permanently joining all non-currentcarrying metal parts to assure electrical continuity and having the capacity to
conduct safely and current likely to be imposed on it.
Braid - A fibrous or metallic group of filaments interwoven in cylindrical form to form a
covering over one or more wires.
C
Cable Filler - A material used in a multiple-core conductor cable to occupy space and
thus round up the cable, sometimes used to accomplish conductor spacing.
Cable Sheath - The outermost covering of a cable providing overall protection.
Cabling - The act of twisting together two or more insulated components by machine to
form a cable.
CEC - Canadian Electrical Code.
Circuit (Electric) - A conductive path over which an electric charge can flow.
Circular Mil - A unit of measure used to define the area of a wire. The area of a circle
one one-thousandth inches in diameter.
CMA - Circular Mil Area.
Coaxial - A cable configuration having two cylindrical conductors with coincidental
axes, such as, conductor with a tubular shield surrounding one conductor and
insulated from it.
Cold Bend - Generally refers to a test to determine cable or wire characteristics at low
temperatures.
Colour Code - Colour code is the use of different coloured insulated wires in a multiconductor cable for purposes of identification.
D
Design Voltage - Voltage for which a cable is designed.
Dielectric - A material with good electrical insulating characteristics, insulating
medium.
Dielectric Strength - A term used to define the degree of insulating characteristics
possessed by a dielectric.
Direct Current (DC) - An electrical current that flows in one direction only.
Drawing - The process of reducing a cylindrical rod or wire to a desired diameter by
pulling the wire through a die or series of dies, thus stretching the wire.
E
EC - Electrical conductor (electrical grade aluminum - now known as Alloy 1350).
Electromagnetic - Magnetism caused by the flow of an electric current.
Emergency Overloads - Loads which occur when larger than normal currents are
carried through a cable or wire over a certain period of time.
EPR - Ethylene-propylene Rubber.
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F
FMRC - Factory Mutual Research Corporation.
FT Fire Test.
G
Gauge - A term used to denote the physical size of a wire. See American Wire Gauge.
Galvanizing - A coating of some metal part (usually steel or iron) with zinc by dipping
or electroplating.
Ground - An electrical term meaning to connect to the earth or other large connecting
body serving as an earth, thus making a complete electrical circuit.
J
Jacket - A covering put around an insulated conductor for the purpose of protection
and/or resistance.
Junction Box - A box used in an electrical circuit to enclose and permit access to
electrical connections.
Hard Drawn - Wire that has been drawn to a specific size without being annealed.
HV - High Voltage.
Hybrid Cable - A multi-conductor cable containing two or more types of cable and/or
metal.
Hygroscopic - Readily absorbing and retaining moisture.
Lay -
I
ID Internal Diameter.
IACS - International Annealed Copper Standard.
Impedance - The apparent resistance to flow of an alternating current. Generally
expressed in ohms.
The distance taken to complete one revolution of helically laid strands or strand
of wire around a central core.
Lay Direction - The direction in which the members of a cable are applied, the
direction of twist, normally referred to as left hand S or right hand Z. The
direction in which the strands diverge from an observer when looking
perpendicular to a cable end.
Line Voltage - The voltage existing in a phase conductor in an electrical circuit, either
phase-to-ground (neutral) or phase-to-phase.
M
Magnetic Field - The region within which a body or current experiences magnetic
force.
Marker Tape - A tape laid parallel to the conductors under the sheath in a cable,
imprinted with the manufacturers name and the specification to which the cable
is made.
Messenger - A bare cable used for its strength characteristics to support power
conductors and insulated power cables. A messenger can be used as a
conductor, partial conductor, or non-conductor.
Mono Filament - A term denoting a single strand filament as opposed to a braided or
twisted filament.
Multi-conductor Cable - More than one conductor within a single cable complex.
Mylar - A synthetic compound with high dielectric qualities. A product of DuPont.
Usually sold in film form. DuPont
N
NEC - National Electric Code. Equivalent to CSA Part I.
Neutral Conductor - In multiphase circuits the conductor used to carry unbalanced
current and in single phase systems the conductor used for a return current
path.
Nominal (NOM) - The preferred size or weight that is specified or indicated for a certain
cable element.
NUAL - Alcan Cables registered trade name for its ACM formula. NUAL is designated
AA 8030 by the Aluminum Association.
O
Ohm - A unit of electrical resistance, the resistance of a circuit in which a potential
difference of one volt produces a current of one ampere.
P
Peak Voltage - The maximum instantaneous voltage of an electrical circuit.
Proximity Effect - The phenomenon of non-uniform current distribution over the
cross-section of a conductor caused by the variation of the current in an
adjoining conductor.
R
Redraw - The consecutive drawing of wire through a series of dies to reach a desired
wire size.
Resistance - The property of an electric circuit which determines, for a given current,
the rate at which electric energy is converted into heat and has a value such that
the current squared, multiplied by the resistance, gives the power converted.
Rod - The solid round metallic form of copper and aluminum which is the most
effective shape from which to draw wire.
Rope-Lay Cable - A concentric stranded cable designed for flexibility with its individual
members made up of strands which are either concentric stranded or bunched.
S
Sag (Conductor) - The vertical distance between a suspended conductor and an
imaginary straight line connecting the points of suspension. Sag may be
measured at the mid-point between the suspensions, the lowest point of the
conductor or at any specified point.
Screw Extruder - A machine which accepts solid particles (pellet or powder) or liquid
(molten) feed; melts and conveys it through a surrounding barrel by means of a
rotating screw and pumps it, under pressure, through a die.
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T
Tensile Strength - A term denoting the greatest longitudinal tensile stress a substance
can bear without tearing apart or rupturing.
U
UL -
Underwriters Laboratory. Standards and tests that wire must meet in order to
receive UL approval.
Ultraviolet Degradation - The degradation caused by long-time exposure of a
material to sunlight or other ultraviolet rays containing radiation.
Unilay Conductor - Conductor constructed with a central core surrounded by more
than one layer of helically laid wires, all layers having a common length and
direction of lay.
USE-I - Underground service entrance cable, 75C wet location.
V
Volt - A unit of electromotive force. It is the difference in potential required to produce
a current of one ampere through one ohm of resistance.
Voltage Drop - A term expressing the amount of voltage loss from original input in a
conductor of given size and length.
W
Water Absorption Test - A method to determine the water absorbed through an
insulating material after a given water immersion period.
Watt - An electrical unit representing power. One hundred watts is the amount of
power dissipated, as heat, when a current of ten amps flows through one ohm
of resistance.
W/G - With ground.
W/O/G - Without ground.
Y
Yield Strength - The minimum stress at which a material will start to physically deform
without further increase in load.
INTO
square mils
litres
metres
centimetres
square millimetres
pounds
pounds per foot
miles
yards
feet
yards
inches
kilograms
kilograms per kilometre
circular mils
square millimetres
circular mils
square inches
kilograms
pounds
pounds
kilograms
pounds
MULTIPLY BY
0.7854
0.01639
0.3048
2.540
0.5067
2.205
0.00067197
0.6214
1 094
3.281
1.094
0.03937
0.4536
1488.16
1273.23
645.16
973.55
1.550 x 10-3
1016
2240
2205
907.18
2000
TEMPERATURE
C = (F -32) x 5/9
F = (C x 9/5) + 32
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