COMPARISON OF CONDUCTOR

AMPACITIES
In the “Comparison of Significant Provisions, NEC to IEC 60364,” the discussion under Sec. 310-15
contains an example where the conductor ampacities appear to be relatively equivalent. A closer
analysis reveals
that overall the NEC ampacities are more conservative, especially when the difference in the
conductor
insulation temperature rating is taken into consideration. One of the standard conductor temperature
ratings is
75°C in the NEC, whereas in Part 5, Sec. 523 of IEC 60364, the closest standard rating to 75°C is
70°C. If the
NEC ampacities were recalculated for a 70°C maximum temperature, the allowable ampacities would
be lower
yet.
Tables E-1 and E-2 contain the ampacities given in the respective documents. Figure E1 depicts the
difference.
Table E.1
Allowable Ampacities of Insulated Conductors Rated 0-2000 V, 75°C, Not More Than Three Current-
Carrying Conductors in a Raceway or Cable, Based on Ambient Temperature of 30°C
Excerpt from NEC, Table 310-16
Copper Conductors, 75°C
Allowable Ampacities,
AWG or mm² Amperes
kcmil
14 2.08 20
12 3.31 25
10 5.26 35
8 8.37 50
6 13.30 65
4 21.15 85
2 33.62 115
1/0 53.49 150
4/0 107.20 230
700 355.00 460

Table E.2
Current-carrying capacities in amperes for cables in free air, with clearance from wall not less than
0.3
times cable diameter, conductor temperature 70°C, ambient temperature 30°C, three loaded copper
cores.
Excerpt from Table 52-C9, Column 2
Nominal cross-sectional Current-carrying
area of conductor, mm² capacity, amperes
1.5 18.5
2.5 25.0
4.0 34.0
6.0 43.0
10.0 60.0
16.0 80.0
35.0 126.0
70.0 196.0
240.0 430.0
300.0 497.0

A Guide to Miniature Circuit Breakers

Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) are designed to protect the cable
downstream of the device against overloads and short circuits, preventing
damage to cables and equipment.

MCBs are installed in modern consumer units, and are a convenient alternative
to fuses as they can be reset without having to replace wire with a simple flick
of a switch or button. There are 3 MCB types, Type B, Type C and Type D, and
the speed at which they trip depends upon the level of overload, and is usually
determined by a thermal device within the MCB.

An MCB works by tripping when a circuit is overloaded or when a short circuit

has occurred in the system, and has a current rating such as 6A, or 10A
depending upon its intended use, i.e. for residential, commercial, industrial or
public buildings.

MCB ratings relate to continuous service under specified installation conditions,

although cables can carry higher currents for short periods without causing
permanent damage.

There are 3 MCB types, Type B, Type C and Type D, and the speed at which
they trip depends upon the level of overload, and is usually determined by a
thermal device within the MCB.

Selecting the right one should be done in accordance with BS

7671:Requirements for Electrical Installations (The IEE Regulations, Sixteenth
Edition) and will ensure that the device will not give unwanted tripping.

All 3 MCB types use a magnetic fault protection, which trips the MCB within
one tenth of a second when the overload reaches a set level.

* Type B trips between 3 and 5 time full load current;

* Type C trips between 5 and 10 times full load current; and

* Type D trips between 10 and 20 times full load current.

An MCB's circuit rating is given in Kiloamps (KA), and this indicates the level
of its ability to work. For example a domestic MCB would normally have a
6KA fault level, whereas one used in an industrial application may need a unit
with a 10KA fault capability.

Type B devices are commonly used in domestic systems and light commercial
applications where surges are low, for instance where inrush currents may come
from a small number of fluorescent fittings.

However, unwanted tripping can occur due to high arcing currents, often due to
poor quality lamps, and in this case either a higher rating B type MRC should be
used, or a type C device may be more suitable instead. Again, the MCB type
used should be selected in accordance with BS 7671.

Type C MCBs are most suitable for commercial and industrial use, where there
are motors and perhaps a high number of fluorescent fittings which, when
switched off together may cause a high inrush current. Whether an upgrade to a
Type D is suitable should be decided according to operating times and
consideration of Regulation 413-02-08.

Type D units are for more specialist industrial use, where current inrushes can
be high, for example with X-ray machines and transformers. They may require a
lower earth loop impedance (Zs) to achieve the operating times required.

Whichever MCB type is used, it is extremely dangerous to cut corners by using

inferior quality devices, therefore they should only be bought from a reputable
manufacturer.