IEE Wiring Regulation Basic Summary and Tables

DESIGN CURRENT
 The Regulations indicate the following symbols for use when selecting cables:

is the current carrying capacity of the cable in the situation where it is

Iz
installed

is the tabulated current for a single circuit at an ambient temperature

It
of 30°C

Ib is the design current, the actual current to be carried by the cable

In is the rating of the protecting fuse or circuit breaker

is the operating current for the fuse or circuit breaker (the current at
I2
which the fuse blows or the circuit breaker opens)

Ca is the correction factor for ambient temperature

Cg is the correction factor for grouping

Ci is the correction factor for thermal insulation.

1. - Calculate the expected (design) current in the circuit (Ib)

2. - Choose the type and rating of protective device (fuse or circuit breaker) to be used (In)

3. - Divide the protective device rated current by the ambient temperature

----- correction factor (Ca) if ambient temperature differs from 30°C

4. - Further divide by the grouping correction factor (Cg)

5. - Divide again by the thermal insulation correction factor (CI)

6. - Divide by the semi-enclosed fuse factor of 0.725 where applicable

7. - The result is the rated current of the cable required, which must be chosen
----- from the appropriate tables

Table 4.3 Correction factors to current rating for ambient temperature

-------------- (Ca) (from [Tables 4C1 and 4C2] of BS 7671: 1992)

Ambient
Type of insulation
temperature

(°C) 70°C p.v.c 85°C rubber 70°C m.i 105°C m.i

25 1.03 (1.03) 1.02 (1.02) 1.03 (1.03) 1.02 (1.02)

30 1.00 (1.00) 1.00 (1.00) 1.00 (1.00) 1.00 (1.00)

35 0.94 (0.97) 0.95 (0.97) 0.93 (0.96) 0.96 (0.98)

40 0.87 (0.94) 0.90 (0.95) 0.85 (0.93) 0.92 (0.96)

45 0.79 (0.91) 0.85 (0.93) 0.77 (0.89) 0.88 (0.93)

50 0.71 (0.97) 0.80 (0.91) 0.67 (0.86) 0.84 (0.91)

 55 0.61 (0.84) 0.74 (0.88) 0.57 (0.79) 0.80 (0.89)

Table 4.4 - Correction factors for groups of cables

Number of
Correction factor Cg
circuits

- Enclosed or clipped Clipped to non-metallic surface

- - Touching Spaced*

2 0.80 0.85 0.94

3 0.70 0.79 0.90

4 0.65 0.75 0.90

5 0.60 0.73 0.90

6 0.57 0.72 0.90

7 0.54 0.72 0.90

8 0.52 0.71 0.90

9 0.50 0.70 0.90

10 0.48 ---------- 0.90

* ‘Spaced’ means a gap between cables at least equal to cable diameter.

Table 4.5 - Derating factors (Ci) for cables up to 10mm² in cross-sectional area
buried in thermal insulation.

Length in insulation (mm) Derating factor (Ci)

50 0.89

100 0.81

200 0.68

400 0.55

500 or more 0.50

 Table 4.6 - Current ratings and volt drops for unsheathed single core p.v.c. insulated
cables

In In
Cross conduit conduit In In
Clipped Clipped
sectional in in conduit conduit Volt drop Volt drop
direct direct
area thermal thermal on wall on wall
insulation insulation

(mm²) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m)

3 or 4 2 3 or 4 2 3 or 4 3 or 4
- 2 cables 2 cables
cables cables cables cables cables cables

1.0 11.0 10.5 13.5 12.0 15.5 14.0 44.0 38.0

1.5 14.5 13.5 17.5 15.5 20.0 18.0 29.0 25.0

2.5 19.5 18.0 24.0 21.0 27.0 25.0 18..0 15.0

4.0 26.0 24.0 32.0 28.0 37.0 33.0 11.0 9.5

6.0 34.0 31.0 41.0 36.0 47.0 43.0 7.3 6.4

10.0 46.0 42.0 57.0 50.0 65.0 59.0 4.4 3.8

16.0 61.0 56.0 76.0 68.0 87.0 79.0 2.8 2.4

Table 4.7 - Current ratings and volt drops for sheathed multi-core p.v.c.-insulated cables

Cross In conduit In conduit In In

Clipped Clipped
sectional in thermal in thermal conduit conduit Volt drop Volt drop
direct direct
area insulation insulation on wall on wall

(mm²) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m)

3 or 4 3 or 4 3 or 4
- 2 core 3 or 4 core 2 core 2 core 2 core
core core core

1.0 11.0 10.0 13.0 11.5 15.0 13.5 44.0 38.0

1.5 14.0 13.0 16.5 15.0 19.5 17.5 29.0 25.0

2.5 18.5 17.5 23.0 20.0 27.0 24.0 18.0 15.0

4.0 25.0 23.0 30.0 27.0 36.0 32.0 11.0 9.5

6.0 32.0 29.0 38.0 34.0 46.0 41.0 7.3 6.4

10.0 43.0 39.0 52.0 46.0 63.0 57.0 4.4 3.8

16.0 57.0 52.0 69.0 62.0 85.0 76.0 2.8 2.4

 The volt drop may be calculated using the basic
Ohm's law formula

U=IxR

where U is the cable volt drop (V

I is the circuit current (A), and

R is the circuit resistance (Ohms)

Maximum permissible volt drop is

4% of 240 V = 4 X 240 V = 9.6 V
100

Maximum permissible volt drop is

4% of 415 V = 4 X 415V = 16.6 V
100

Selection of cpc using Table 54.7

Table 54.7 of the Regulations simply tells us that:

1. For line conductors up to and including 16 mm2 , the cpc should be at least the same size.
2. For sizes between 16 mm2 and 35 mm2 , the cpc should be at least 16 mm2 .
3. For sizes of line conductor over 35 mm2 , the cpc should be at least half this size.

Table 6.1 - Current demand of outlets

Type of outlet Assumed current demand

2 A socket outlet At least 0.5A
Other socket outlets Rated current
Connected load, with minimum
Lighting point
of 100 W
Shaver outlet, bell transformer
or any equipment of 5 W or May be neglected
less
10A + 30% of remainder + 5A
Household cooker
for socket in cooker unit
Table 6.2 - Allowance for diversity
 Note the following abbreviations :
X is the full load current of the largest appliance or circuit
Y is the full load current of the second largest appliance or circuit
Z is the full load current of the remaining appliances or circuits
Type of
Type of final circuit
premises
Small shops,
Households Hotels, guest houses
stores, offices
66% total 90% total
Lighting 75% total demand
demand demand
100% up to 10
100%X + 100%X + 80%Y +
Heating and power A + 50%
75%(Y+Z) 60%Z
balance
10 A + 30%
100%X + 100%X + 80%Y +
Cookers balance + 5 A
80%Y + 60%Z 60%Z
for socket
100%X +
Motors (but not lifts) 100%X + 50%(Y+Z)
80%Y + 60%Z
100%X + 100%X +
100%X + 100%Y +
Instantaneous water heaters 100%Y + 100%Y +
25%Z
25%Z 25%Z
Thermostatic water heaters 100% 100% 100%
Floor warming installations 100% 100% 100%
Thermal storage heating 100% 100% 100%
100%X + 100%X +
Standard circuits 100%X + 50%(Y+Z)
40%(Y+Z) 50%(Y+Z)
100%X + 100%X + 100%X + 75%Y +
Sockets and stationary equip.
40%(Y+Z) 75%(Y+Z) 40%Z

SI System or Metric (Decimal) System English System – British (Inches)

Current Carrying Numbers of Wire Area Current Carrying Numbers of Wire Area
Capacity (in Amp) and Thickness of (in mm2) Capacity (in Amp) and Thickness of (in Inch2)
each Wire(mm) each Wire(Inch)
11 1/1.13 1 11 1/0.044 0.0015
13 1/1.38 1.5 13 3/0.029 0.002
13 7/0.50 1.5
18 1/1.78 2.5 16 3/0.036 0.003
18 7/0.67 2.5
24 7/0.85 4 21 7/0.029 0.0045
31 7/1.04 6 28 7/0.036 0.007
42 7/1.35 10 34 7/0.044 0.01
56 7/1.70 16 43 7/0.052 0.0145
73 7/2.14 25 56 7/0.064 0.0225
90 19/1.53 35 66 19/0.044 0.03
145 19/1.78 50 77 19/0.052 0.04
 185 19/2.14 70 105 19/0.064 0.06
230 19/2.52 95 180 19/0.83 0.1

CB and conductor selection

Main conductor size; Earth conductor Circuit breaker

Capacity
copper (mm2) size (mm2) capacity (A)

Up to 600 W 1.5 1.5 5

600–1,200 W 1.5/2.5 1.5 10

1,200–1,800 W 2.5/4 2.5 15

Ring circuit
2.5 2.5 30/32
(floor area 100 m2)

A2 radial circuit
4.0 2.5 30/32
(floor area 75 m2)

A3 radial circuit
2.5 1.5 20
(floor area 50 m2)

Air conditioner (1.5 tonne) 6.0 6.0 30/32

Cooker 6.0 6.0 30/32

Water heater 4.0 4.0 20

 Outlet point or
Assumed load Diversity factor
equipment

Socket outlet 2 A 0.5 A 25%

Other socket outlets Rated current 50%

Light outlet
100 W 50%
(per lamp holder)

10 A, 30% remainder,
Domestic cooker
and 5 A for auxiliary socket

Other stationary
BS current rating or normal current
equipment
Table 4D1A
Single-core 70°C Thermoplastic Insulated Cables, Non-Armoured, with or without Sheath
Ambient Temperature: 30°C
Conductor Operating Temperature: 70°C
Current-carrying Capacity (amperes):

Conductor Reference Method A Reference Method B Reference Method C (clipped direct) Reference Method F (in free air or on a perforated cable tray
cross- (enclosed in conduit in (enclosed in conduit on a horizontal or vertical etc.)
sectional thermally insulating wall wall or in trunking etc.)
Touching Spaced by one diameter
area etc.)
2 cables, 3 or 4 cables, 2 cables, 3 or 4 2 cables, single- 3 or 4 cables, 2 cables, 3 cables, 3 cables, 2 cables, single-phase a.c. or
single-phase three-phase single-phase cables, phase a.c. or d.c. three-phase a.c. single-phase three-phase three-phase d.c. or 3 cables three-phase
a.c. or d.c. a.c. a.c. or d.c. three-phase flat and touching flat and touching a.c. or d.c. a.c. flat a.c. trefoil a.c. flat
a.c. or trefoil flat Horizontal Vertical
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
2
(mm ) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A)
1 11 10.5 13.5 12 15.5 14 - - - - -
1.5 14.5 13.5 17.5 15.5 20 18 - - - - -
2.5 20 18 24 21 27 25 - - - - -
4 26 24 32 28 37 33 - - - - -
6 34 31 41 36 47 43 - - - - -
10 46 42 57 50 65 59 - - - - -
16 61 59 76 68 87 79 - - - - -
25 80 73 101 89 114 104 131 114 110 146 130
35 99 89 125 110 141 129 162 143 137 181 162
50 119 108 151 134 182 167 196 174 167 219 197
70 151 136 192 171 234 214 251 225 216 281 254
 95 182 164 232 207 284 261 304 275 264 341 311
120 210 188 269 239 330 303 352 321 308 396 362
150 240 216 300 262 381 349 406 372 356 456 419
185 273 245 341 296 436 400 463 427 409 521 480
240 321 286 400 346 515 472 546 507 485 615 569
300 367 328 458 394 594 545 629 587 561 709 659
400 - - 546 467 694 634 754 689 656 852 795
500 - - 626 533 792 723 868 789 749 982 920
630 - - 720 611 904 826 1,005 905 855 1,138 1,070
800 - - - - 1,030 943 1,086 1,020 971 1,265 1,188
1000 - - - - 1,154 1,058 1,216 1,149 1,079 1,420 1,337
Note:
For cables having flexible conductors, see adjustment factors for current-carrying capacity and voltage drop.

Table 4D2A
Multicore 70°C Thermoplastic Insulated and Thermoplastic Sheathed Cables, Non-Armoured
Ambient Temperature: 30°C
Conductor Operating Temperature: 70°C
Current-carrying Capacity (amperes):

Conductor Reference Method A (enclosed in Reference Method B (enclosed in Reference Method C (clipped direct) Reference Method E (free air or on
cross- conduit in thermally insulating wall conduit on a wall or in trunking a perforated cable tray etc,
sectional etc.) etc.) horizontal or vertical)
area 1 two-core 1 three-core cable* 1 two-core 1 three-core cable* 1 two-core 1 three-core cable* 1 two-core 1 three-core cable*
cable* single- or 1 four-core cable* single- or 1 four-core cable* single- or 1 four-core cable* single- or 1 four-core
phase a.c. or cable, three-phase phase a.c. or cable, three-phase phase a.c. or cable, three-phase phase a.c. or cable, three-phase
d.c. a.c. d.c. a.c. d.c. a.c. d.c. a.c.
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2
(mm ) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A)
1 11 10 13 11.5 15 13.5 17 14.5
1.5 14 13 16.5 15 19.5 17.5 22 18.5
2.5 18.5 17.5 23 20 27 24 30 25
4 25 23 30 27 36 32 40 34
6 32 29 38 34 46 41 51 43
10 43 39 52 46 63 57 70 60
16 57 52 69 62 85 76 94 80
Note:
* With or without protective conductor.

Table 4D2B
Voltage Drop (per ampere per metre): Conductor Operating Temperature: 70oC
Conductor Two-core cable d.c. Two-core cable Three- or four-core cable,
cross-sectional area single-phase a.c. three-phase a.c.
1 2 3 4
(mm2) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m)
1 44 44 38
1.5 29 29 25
2.5 18 18 15
4 11 11 9.5
6 7.3 7.3 6.4
10 4.4 4.4 3.8
16 2.8 2.8 2.4
Table 4E1A
Single-Core 90°C Thermosetting Insulated Cables, Non-Armoured, with or without Sheath
Ambient Temperature: 30°C
Current-carrying Capacity (amperes):
Conductor Operating Temperature: 90°C

Reference Method A Reference Method F (in free air or on a

Reference Method B Reference Method G (in free
(enclosed in conduit in Reference Method C (clipped direct) perforated cable tray etc horizontal or
(enclosed in conduit on a air)
thermally insulating wall Spaced by one cable diameter vertical etc.)
Conductor wall or in trunking etc.)
cross- etc.) Touching Spaced by one cable diameter
sectional 3 or 4 3 or 4 cables, 2 cables, 2 cables, single-phase a.c. or
area 2 cables, 3 or 4 cables, 2 cables, 2 cables, single- 3 cables, 3 cables, d.c. or 3 cables three-phase
cables, three-phase a.c. single-phase
single-phase three-phase single-phase phase a.c. or d.c. three-phase three-phase a.c. flat
three-phase flat and touching a.c. or d.c.
a.c. or d.c. a.c. a.c. or d.c. flat and touching a.c. flat a.c. trefoil
a.c. or trefoil flat Horizontal Vertical
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
(mm2) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A)
1 14 13 17 15 19 17.5 - - - - -
1.5 19 17 23 20 25 23 - - - - -
2.5 26 23 31 28 34 31 - - - - -
4 35 31 42 37 46 41 - - - - -
6 45 40 54 48 59 54 - - - - -
10 61 54 75 66 81 74 - - - - -
16 81 73 100 88 109 99 - - - - -
25 106 95 133 117 143 130 161 141 135 182 161
35 131 117 164 144 176 161 200 176 169 226 201
50 158 141 198 175 228 209 242 216 207 275 246
70 200 179 253 222 293 268 310 279 268 353 318
 95 241 216 306 269 355 326 377 342 328 430 389
120 278 249 354 312 413 379 437 400 383 500 454
150 318 285 393 342 476 4036 504 464 444 577 527
185 362 324 449 384 545 500 575 533 510 661 605
240 424 380 528 450 644 590 679 634 607 781 719
300 486 435 603 514 743 681 783 736 703 902 833
400 - - 683 584 868 793 940 868 823 1,085 1,008
500 - - 783 666 990 904 1,083 998 946 1,253 1,169
630 - - 900 764 1,130 1,033 1,254 1,151 1,088 1,454 1,362
800 - - - - 1,288 1,179 1,358 1,275 1,214 1,581 1,485
1,000 - - - - 1,443 1,323 1,520 1,436 1,349 1,775 1,671
1. Where it is intended to connect the cables in this table to equipment or accessories designed to operate at a temperature lower than the maximum operating
temperature of the cable, the cables should be rated at the maximum operating temperature of the equipment or accessory (see Regulation 512.1.5).
2. Where it is intended to group a cable in this table with other cables, the cable should be rated at the lowest of the maximum operating temperatures of any of the
cables in the group (see Regulation 512.1.5).
3. For cables having flexible conductors see section 2.4 of this appendix for adjustment factors for current-carrying capacity and voltage drop.

Table 4E1B
Single-Core 90°C Thermosetting Insulated Cables, Non-Armoured, with or without Sheath
Voltage Drop (per ampere per metre): Conductor Operating Temperature: 90oC
2 cables, single-phase a.c. 3 or 4 cables, three-phase a.c.
Conductor Reference Methods C & F (clipped direct, Reference Reference Methods C, F & G
cross- 2 cables, Reference Method on tray or free air) Methods A & B (clipped direct, on tray or in free air)
sectional d.c. A & B (enclosed in
(enclosed in
area conduit or Cables touching, Cables spaced*,
Cables touching Cables spaced* conduit or Cables touching, flat
trunking) trefoil flat
trunking)
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
(mm2) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m)
1 46 46 46 46 40 40 40 40
1.5 31 31 31 31 27 27 27 27
2.5 19 19 19 19 16 16 16 16
4 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 10
6 7.9 7.9 7.9 7.9 6.8 6.8 6.8 6.8
10 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0
16 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
r x z r x z r x z r x z r x z r x z r x z
25 1.85 1.85 0.31 1.90 1.85 0.190 1.85 1.85 0.28 1.85 1.60 0.27 1.65 1.60 1.165 1.60 1.60 0.190 1.60 1.60 0.27 1.65
35 1.35 1.35 0.29 1.35 1.35 0.180 1.35 1.35 0.27 1.35 1.15 0.25 1.15 1.15 0.155 1.15 1.15 0.180 1.15 1.15 0.26 1.20
50 0.99 1.00 0.29 1.05 0.99 0.180 1.00 0.99 0.27 1.00 0.87 0.25 0.90 0.86 0.155 0.87 0.86 0.180 0.87 0.86 0.26 0.89
70 0.68 0.70 0.28 0.75 0.68 0.175 0.71 0.68 0.26 0.73 0.60 0.24 0.65 0.59 0.150 0.61 0.59 0.175 0.62 0.59 0.25 0.65
95 0.49 0.51 0.27 0.58 0.49 0.170 0.52 0.49 0.26 0.56 0.44 0.23 0.50 0.43 0.145 0.45 0.43 0.170 0.46 0.43 0.25 0.49
120 0.39 0.41 0.26 0.48 0.39 0.165 0.43 0.39 0.25 0.47 0.35 0.23 0.42 0.34 0.140 0.37 0.34 0.165 0.38 0.34 0.24 0.42
150 0.32 0.33 0.26 0.43 0.32 0.165 0.36 0.32 0.25 0.41 0.29 0.23 0.37 0.28 0.140 0.31 0.28 0.165 0.32 0.28 0.24 0.37
185 0.25 0.27 0.26 0.37 0.26 0.165 0.30 0.25 0.25 0.36 0.23 0.23 0.32 0.22 0.140 0.26 0.22 0.165 0.28 0.22 0.24 0.33
240 0.190 0.21 0.26 0.33 0.20 0.160 0.25 0.195 0.25 0.31 0.185 0.22 0.29 0.170 0.140 0.22 0.170 0.165 0.24 0.170 0.24 0.29
300 0.155 0.175 0.25 0.31 0.160 0.160 0.22 0.155 0.25 0.29 0.150 0.22 0.27 0.140 0.140 0.195 0.135 0.160 0.21 0.135 0.24 0.27
400 0.120 0.140 0.25 0.29 0.130 0.155 0.20 0.125 0.24 0.27 0.125 0.22 0.25 0.110 0.135 0.175 0.110 0.160 0.195 0.110 0.24 0.26
500 0.093 0.120 0.25 0.28 0.105 0.155 0.185 0.098 0.24 0.26 0.100 0.22 0.24 0.090 0.135 0.160 0.088 0.160 0.180 0.085 0.24 0.25
630 0.072 0.100 0.25 0.27 0.086 0.155 0.175 0.078 0.24 0.25 0.088 0.21 0.23 0.074 0.135 0.150 0.071 0.160 0.170 0.068 0.23 0.24
800 0.056 - 0.072 0.150 0.170 0.064 0.24 0.25 - 0.062 0.130 0.145 0.059 0.155 0.165 0.055 0.23 0.24
1,000 0.045 - 0.063 0.150 0.165 0.054 0.24 0.24 - 0.055 0.130 0.140 0.050 0.155 0.165 0.047 0.23 0.24
Table 4E2A
Multi-Core 90°C Thermosetting Insulated Cables and thermoplastic Sheathed Cables, Non-Armoured

Ambient Temperature: 30°C

Current-carrying Capacity (amperes):
Conductor Operating Temperature: 90°C
Reference Method A Reference Method B
Reference Method E (free air or on
Reference Method C (clipped
Conductor a perforated cable tray etc
(enclosed in conduit in thermally (enclosed in conduit on a wall or in direct)
cross- horizontal or vertical)
insulating wall etc.) trunking etc.)
sectional
area 1 two-core 1 three- or four- 1 two-core 1 three- or four- 1 two-core 1 three- or four- 1 two-core 1 three- or four-
cable*, single- core cable*, cable*, single- core cable*, cable*, single- core cable*, cable*, single- core cable*,
phase a.c. or d.c. three-phase a.c. phase a.c. or d.c. three-phase a.c. phase a.c. or d.c. three-phase a.c. phase a.c. or d.c. three-phase a.c.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2
(mm ) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A)
1 14.5 13 17 15 19 14 21 18
1.5 18.5 16.5 22 19.5 24 22 26 23
2.5 25 22 30 26 33 30 36 32
4 33 30 40 35 45 40 49 42
6 42 38 51 44 58 52 63 54
10 57 51 69 60 80 71 86 75
16 76 68 91 80 107 96 115 100
25 99 89 119 105 138 119 149 127
35 121 109 146 128 171 147 185 158
50 145 130 175 154 209 179 225 192
70 183 164 221 194 269 229 289 246
95 220 197 265 233 328 278 352 298
120 253 227 305 268 382 322 410 346
 150 290 259 334 300 441 371 473 399
185 329 295 384 340 506 424 542 456
240 386 346 459 398 599 500 641 538
300 442 396 532 455 693 576 741 621
400 - - 625 536 803 667 865 741
Notes:
* With or without a protective conductor

1. Where it is intended to connect the cables in this table to equipment or accessories designed to operate at a temperature lower than the maximum operating
temperature of the cable, the cables should be rated at the maximum operating temperature of the equipment or accessory (see Regulation 512.1.5).
2. Where it is intended to group a cable in this table with other cables, the cable should be rated at the lowest of the maximum operating temperatures of any of the
cables in the group (see Regulation 512.1.5).
3. For cables having flexible conductors see section 2.4 of this appendix for adjustment factors for current-carrying capacity and voltage drop.

Table 4E2B
Voltage Drop (per ampere per metre): Conductor Operating Temperature: 90oC
Conductor
Two-core cable d.c. Two-core cable single-phase a.c. Three- or four-core cable, three-phase a.c.
cross-sectional area
1 2 3 4
(mm2) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m)
1 46 46 40
1.5 31 31 27
2.5 19 19 16
4 12 12 10
6 7.9 7.9 6.8
10 4.7 4.7 4.0
 16 2.9 2.9 2.5
r x z r x z
25 1.85 1.85 0.160 1.90 1.60 0.140 1.65
35 1.35 1.35 0.155 1.35 1.15 0.135 1.15
50 0.98 0.99 0.155 1.00 0.86 0.135 0.87
70 0.67 0.67 0.150 0.69 0.59 0.130 0.60
95 0.49 0.50 0.150 0.52 0.43 0.130 0.45
120 0.39 0.40 0.145 0.42 0.34 0.130 0.37
150 0.31 0.32 0.145 0.35 0.28 0.125 0.30
185 0.25 0.26 0.145 0.29 0.22 0.125 0.26
240 0.195 0.200 0.140 0.24 0.175 0.125 0.21
300 0.155 0.160 0.140 0.21 0.140 0.120 0.185
400 0.120 0.130 0.140 0.190 0.115 0.120 0.165

Table 4E3A
Single-Core Armoured 90°C Thermosetting Insulated Cables, Non-Magnetic Armour
Ambient Temperature: 30°C
Current-carrying Capacity (amperes):
Conductor Operating Temperature: 90°C
Conductor Reference Method C Reference Method F
crosss- (clipped direct) (in free air or on a perforated cable tray, horizontal or vertical)
sectional Touching Touching Spaced by one cable diameter
area
2 cables, single- 3 or 4 cables, 2 cables, single- 3 cables, three- 3 cables, three- 2 cables, 3 or 4 cables,
2 cables, d.c.
phase a.c. or three-phase phase a.c. or phase a.c. or phase a.c. or d.c. single-phase a.c. three-phase a.c.
d.c. flat a.c. flat d.c. flat d.c. flat trefoil Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
 (mm2) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A)
50 237 220 253 232 222 284 270 282 266 288 266
70 303 277 322 293 285 356 349 357 337 358 331
95 367 333 389 352 346 446 426 436 412 425 393
120 425 383 449 405 402 519 497 504 477 485 449
150 488 437 516 462 463 600 575 566 539 549 510
185 557 496 587 524 529 688 660 643 614 618 574
240 656 579 689 612 625 815 782 749 714 715 666
300 755 662 792 700 720 943 906 842 805 810 755
400 853 717 899 767 815 1,137 1,094 929 889 848 797
500 962 791 1,016 851 918 1,314 1,266 1,032 989 923 871
630 1,082 861 1,146 935 1,027 1,528 1,474 1,139 1,092 992 940
800 1,170 904 1,246 987 1,119 1,809 1,744 1,204 1,155 1,042 978
1,000 1,261 961 1,345 1,055 1,214 2,100 2,026 1,289 1,238 1,110 1,041
Notes:

1. Where it is intended to connect the cables in this table to equipment or accessories designed to operate at a temperature lower than the maximum operating
temperature of the cable, the cables should be rated at the maximum operating temperature of the equipment or accessory (see Regulation 512.1.5).
2. Where it is intended to group a cable in this table with other cables, the cable should be rated at the lowest of the maximum operating temperatures of any of the
cables in the group (see Regulation 512.1.5).

Table 4E3B
Voltage Drop (per ampere per metre): Conductor Operating Temperature: 90oC
Conductor 2 cables, Reference Methods C & F (clipped direct, on tray or free air)
cross-sectional d.c.
2 cables, single-phase a.c. 3 or 4 cables, three-phase a.c.
area
Touching Spaced* Trefoil and touching Flat and touching Flat and spaced*
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2
(mm ) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m)
r x z r x z r x z r x z r x z
50 0.98 0.99 0.21 1.00 0.98 0.29 1.00 0.86 0.180 0.78 0.84 0.25 0.88 0.84 0.33 0.90
70 0.67 0.68 0.200 0.71 0.69 0.29 0.75 0.59 0.170 0.62 0.60 0.25 0.65 0.62 0.32 0.70
95 0.49 0.51 0.195 0.55 0.53 0.28 0.60 0.44 0.170 0.47 0.46 0.24 0.52 0.49 0.31 0.58
120 0.39 0.41 0.190 0.45 0.43 0.27 0.51 0.35 0.165 0.39 0.38 0.24 0.44 0.41 0.30 0.51
150 0.31 0.33 0.185 0.38 0.36 0.27 0.45 0.29 0.160 0.33 0.31 0.23 0.39 0.34 0.29 0.45
185 0.25 0.27 0.185 0.33 0.30 0.26 0.40 0.23 0.160 0.28 0.26 0.23 0.34 0.29 0.29 0.41
240 0.195 0.21 0.180 0.28 0.24 0.26 0.35 0.180 0.155 0.24 0.21 0.22 0.30 0.24 0.28 0.37
300 0.155 0.170 0.175 0.25 0.195 0.25 0.32 0.145 0.150 0.21 0.170 0.22 0.28 0.20 0.27 0.34
400 0.115 0.145 0.170 0.22 0.180 0.24 0.30 0.125 0.150 0.195 0.160 0.21 0.27 0.20 0.27 0.33
500 0.093 0.125 0.170 0.21 0.165 0.24 0.29 0.105 0.145 0.180 0.145 0.20 0.25 0.190 0.24 0.31
630 0.073 0.105 0.165 0.195 0.150 0.23 0.27 0.092 0.145 0.170 0.135 0.195 0.24 0.175 0.23 0.29
800 0.056 0.090 0.160 0.190 0.145 0.23 0.27 0.086 0.140 0.165 0.130 0.180 0.23 0.175 0.195 0.26
1,000 0.045 0.092 0.155 0.180 0.140 0.21 0.25 0.080 0.135 0.155 0.125 0.170 0.21 0.165 0.180 0.24
Note:
* Spacings larger than one cable diameter will result in a larger voltage drop.

Table 4E4A
Multicore 90°C Thermosetting Insulated Cables
Air Ambient Temperature: 30°C
Ground Ambient Temperature: 20°C
Current-carrying Capacity (amperes): Conductor Operating Temperature: 90°C
 Reference Method E (in free air or on a
Reference Method D (direct in ground or in
Conductor Reference Method C (clipped direct) perforated cable tray etc, horizontal or
ducting in ground, in or around buildings)
cross- vertical)
sectional 1 two-core cable 1 two-core cable 1 two-core cable
area 1 three-or 1 four-core 1 three-or 1 four-core 1 three-or 1 four-core
single-phase a.c. or single-phase a.c. or single-phase a.c. or
cable, three-phase a.c. cable, three-phase a.c. cable, three-phase a.c.
d.c. d.c. d.c.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2
(mm ) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A)
1.5 27 23 29 25 25 21
2.5 36 31 39 33 33 28
4 49 42 52 44 46 36
6 62 53 66 56 53 44
10 85 73 90 78 71 58
16 110 94 115 99 91 75
25 146 124 152 131 116 96
35 180 154 188 162 139 115
50 219 187 228 197 164 135
70 279 238 291 251 203 167
95 338 289 354 304 239 197
120 392 335 410 353 271 223
150 451 386 472 406 306 251
185 515 441 539 463 343 281
240 607 520 636 546 395 324
300 698 599 732 628 446 365
400 787 673 847 728 - -
Notes:
1. Where it is intended to connect the cables in this table to equipment or accessories designed to operate at a temperature lower than the maximum operating
temperature of the cable, the cables should be rated at the maximum operating temperature of the equipment or accessory (see Regulation 512.1.5).
2. Where it is intended to group a cable in this table with other cables, the cable should be rated at the lowest of the maximum operating temperatures of any of the
cables in the group (see Regulation 512.1.5).

Table 4E4B
Voltage Drop (per ampere per metre): Conductor Operating Temperature: 90°C
Conductor Two-core cable d.c. Two-core cable, single-phase a.c. Three- or four-core cable, three-phase a.c.
cross-sectional area
1 2 3 4
2
(mm ) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m)
1.5 31 31 27
2.5 19 19 16
4 12 12 10
6 7.9 7.9 6.8
10 4.7 4.7 4.0
16 2.9 2.9 2.5
r x z r x z
25 1.85 1.85 0.160 1.90 1.60 0.140 1.65
35 1.35 1.35 0.155 1.35 1.15 0.135 1.15
50 0.98 0.99 0.155 1.00 0.86 0.135 0.87
70 0.67 0.67 0.150 0.69 0.59 0.130 0.60
95 0.49 0.50 0.150 0.52 0.43 0.130 0.45
120 0.39 0.40 0.145 0.42 0.34 0.130 0.37
150 0.31 0.32 0.145 0.35 0.28 0.125 0.30
 185 0.25 0.26 0.145 0.29 0.22 0.125 0.26
240 0.195 0.20 0.140 0.24 0.175 0.125 0.21
300 0.155 0.16 0.140 0.21 0.140 0.120 0.185
400 0.120 0.13 0.140 0.190 0.115 0.120 0.165

Table 4F1A
60°C Thermosetting Insulated Flexible Cables with Sheath, Non-Armoured
Ambient Temperature: 30°C
Current-carrying Capacity (amperes): Conductor Operating Temperature: 60°C
Conductor Single-phase Three-phase Single-phase
cross-sectional a.c. or d.c. a.c. a.c. or d.c.
area
1 two-core cable, 1 three-core, 2 single-core
with or without protective conductor four-core or cable
five-core
1 2 3 4
2
(mm ) (A) (A) (A)
4 30 26 -
6 39 34 -
10 51 47 -
16 73 63 -
25 97 83 -
35 - 102 140
50 - 124 175
70 - 158 216
95 - 192 258
Notes:
1. The current ratings tabulated are for cables in free air but may also be used for cables resting on a surface. If the cable is to be wound on a drum on load the ratings
should be reduced in accordance with Note 2 below and for cables which may be covered, Note 3 below.
2. Flexible cables wound on reeling drums
The current ratings of cables used on reeling drums are to be reduced by the following factors:
a) Radial type drum b) Ventilated cylindrical type drum
ventilated: 85% 1 layer of cable: 85%
unventilated: 75% 2 layers of cable: 65%
3 layers of cable: 45%
4 layers of cable: 35%A radial type drum is one where spiral layers of cable are accommodated between closely spaced flanges; if fitted with solid flanges the ratings
given above should be reduced and the drum is described as non-ventilated. If the flanges have suitable apertures the drum is described as ventilated.
A ventilated cylindrical cable drum is one where layers of cable are accommodated between widely spaced flanges and the drum and end flanges have suitable
ventilating apertures.

3. Where cable may be covered over or coiled up whilst on load, or the air movement over the cable restricted, the current rating should be reduced. It is not possible to
specify the amount of reduction but the table of rating factors for reeling drums can be used as a guide.

Table 4F1B
60°C Thermosetting Insulated Flexible Cables
Voltage Drop (per ampere Conductor Operating Temperature:
per metre): 60°C
Conductor Two-core cable Two-core cable, single- 1 three-core, 2 single-core cables, touching
cross-sectional d.c. phase a.c. four-core or d.c. Single-phase a.c.*
area five-core cable, three-phase
a.c.
1 2 3 4 5 6
2
(mm ) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m)
4 12 12 10 - -
 6 7.8 7.8 6.7 - -
10 4.6 4.6 4.0 - -
16 2.9 2.9 2.5 - -
r x z r x z r x z
25 1.80 1.80 0.175 1.85 1.55 0.150 1.55 - - - -
35 - - - - 1.10 0.150 1.15 1.31 1.31 0.21 1.32
50 - - - - 0.83 0.145 0.84 0.91 0.91 0.21 0.93
70 - - - - 0.57 0.140 0.58 0.64 0.64 0.20 0.67
95 - - - - 0.42 0.135 0.44 0.49 0.49 0.195 0.53
Note:
* A larger voltage drop will result if the cables are spaced.

Table 4F2A
90°C and 180°C Thermosetting Insulated Flexible Cables with Sheath, Non-Armoured (Copper Conductors)
Ambient Temperature: 30°C
Current-carrying Capacity (amperes): Conductor Operating Temperature: 90°C
Conductor Single-phase Three-phase Single-phase
cross-sectional a.c. or d.c. a.c. a.c. or d.c.
area 1 two-core cable, 1 three-core, 2 single-core cables, touching
with or without protective conductor four-core or
five-core
1 2 3 4
(mm2) (A) (A) (A)
4 42 37 -
6 55 49 -
 10 76 66 -
16 103 89 -
25 136 119 -
35 - 146 200
50 - 146 200
50 - 177 250
70 - 225 310
95 - 273 369
120 - 316 432
150 - 363 497
185 - 414 567
240 - 487 673
300 - 560 773
400 - - 924
500 - - 1,062
630 - - 1,242
Rating Factor for Ambient Temperature

90°C Thermoplastic or Thermosetting Insulated Cords:

Ambient Temperature: 35°C 40°C 45°C 50°C 55°C 60°C 65°C 70°C 75°C 80°C 85°C
Correction Factor: 0.95 0.91 0.86 0.82 0.76 0.70 0.64 0.57 0.50 0.40 0.28
180°C Thermosetting Insulated Cords:

Ambient Temperature: 35°C to90°C 95°C 100°C 105°C 110°C 150°C 120°C 125°C 130°C 135°C
Correction Factor: 1.0 0.96 0.91 0.86 0.81 0.76 0.70 0.64 0.57 0.50
Ambient Temperature: 140°C 145°C
Correction Factor: 0.40 0.28
Notes:

1. The current ratings tabulated are for cables in free air but may also be used for cables resting on a surface. If the cable is to be wound on a drum on load the ratings
should be reduced in accordance with Note 2 below and for cables which may be covered, Note 3 below.
2. Flexible cables wound on reeling drums
The current ratings of cables used on reeling drums are to be reduced by the following factors:
a) Radial type drum b) Ventilated cylindrical type drum
ventilated: 85% 1 layer of cable: 85%
unventilated: 75% 2 layers of cable: 65%
3 layers of cable: 45%
4 layers of cable: 35%
A radial type drum is one where spiral layers of cable are accommodated between closely spaced flanges; if
fitted with solid flanges the ratings given above should be reduced and the drum is described as non-ventilated. If the flanges have suitable apertures the drum is
described as ventilated.
A ventilated cylindrical cable drum is one where layers of cable are accommodated between widely spaced flanges and the drum and end flanges have suitable
ventilating apertures.

3. Where cable may be covered over or coiled up whilst on load, or the air movement over the cable restricted, the current rating should be reduced. It is not possible to
specify the amount of reduction but the table of rating factors for reeling drums can be used as a guide.
4. For 180oC cables, the rating factors for ambient temperature allow a conductor operating temperature up to 150oC. Consult the cable manufacturer for further
information.
5. Where it is intended to connect the cables in this table to equipment or accessories designed to operate at a temperature lower than the maximum operating
temperature of the cable, the cables should be rated at the maximum operating temperature of the equipment or accessory (see Regulations 512.1.5).
6. Where it is intended to group a cable in this table with other cables, the cable should be rated at the lowest of the maximum operating temperatures of any of the
cables in the group (see Regulations 512.1.5).
Table 4F2B
Voltage Drop (per ampere per
Conductor Operating Temperature: 90°C
metre):
Conductor 1 two-core or 2 single-core Two-core cable, single-phase 1 three-core, 2 single-core cables
cross-sectional cables a.c. four-core or touching
area d.c. five-core cable, three-phase
Single-phase a.c.*
a.c.
1 2 3 4 6
2
(mm ) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m)
4 13.2 13.2 11.1 -
6 8.5 8.5 7.4 -
10 5.1 5.1 4.4 -
16 3.2 3.2 2.7 -
r x z r x z r x z
25 2.03 2.03 0.175 2.04 1.73 0.15 1.73 - - -
35 1.42 - - - 1.22 0.15 1.23 1.44 0.21 1.46
50 1.00 - - - 0.91 0.145 0.93 1.00 0.21 1.02
70 0.71 - - - 0.62 0.14 0.64 0.71 0.20 0.73
95 0.54 - - - 0.47 0.135 0.49 0.54 0.195 0.57
120 0.42 - - - 0.37 0.135 0.39 0.42 0.190 0.46
150 0.34 - - - 0.29 0.130 0.32 0.34 0.190 0.39
185 0.27 - - - 0.24 0.130 0.27 0.27 0.190 0.33
240 0.21 - - - 0.188 0.130 0.23 0.21 0.185 0.28
300 0.167 - - - 0.147 0.125 0.195 0.173 0.180 0.25
400 0.127 - - - - - - 0.132 0.175 0.22
 500 0.100 - - - - - - 0.107 0.170 0.20
630 0.074 - - - - - - 0.085 0.170 0.190
Notes:

1. The voltge drop figures given above are based on a conductor operating temperature of 90°C and are therefore not accurate when the operating temperature is in
excess of 90°C. In the case of the 180°C cables with a conductor temperature of 150°C the above resistive values should be increased by a factor of 1.2.
2. *A larger voltage drop will result if the cables are spaced.

Table 4F3A
Flexible Cords, Non-Armoured
Conductor Current-carrying capacity Maximum mass supportable by
cross-sectional twin flexible cord (see Regulations
Single-phase a.c. Three-phase a.c.
area 522.7.2 and 559.6.1.5)
1 2 3 4
2
(mm ) (A) (A) (kg)
0.5 3 3 2
0.75 6 6 3
1 10 10 5
1.25 13 - 5
1.5 16 16 5
2.5 25 20 5
4 32 25 5
Where cable is on a reel see the notes to the table in 4F1A.

Rating Factor for Ambient Temperature

60°C Thermoplastic or Thermosetting Insulated Cords:
Ambient Temperature: 35°C 40°C 45°C 50°C 55°C
Correction Factor: 0.91 0.82 0.71 0.58 0.41
90°C Thermoplastic or Thermosetting Insulated Cords:

Ambient Temperature: 35°C to 50°C 55°C 60°C 65°C 70°C

Correction Factor: 1.0 0.96 0.83 0.67 0.47
180oC Thermosetting Insulated Cords:

Ambient Temperature: 35°C to 120°C 125°C 130°C 135°C 140°C 145°C

Correction Factor: 1.0 0.96 0.85 0.74 0.60 0.42
Glass Fibre Cords:

Ambient Temperature: 35°C to 150°C 155°C 160°C 165°C 170°C 175°C

Correction Factor: 1.0 0.92 0.82 0.71 0.51 0.40

Table 4F3B
Voltage Drop (per ampere per meter): Conductor Operating Temperature: 60°C*
Conductor cross-sectional area d.c. or single-phase a.c. Three-phase a.c.
1 2 3
(mm2) (mV/A/m) (mV/A/m)
0.5 93 80
0.75 62 54
1 46 40
1.25 37 -
1.5 32 27
 2.5 19 16
4 12 10
Note:
* The tabulated values above are for 60°C thermoplastic or thermosetting insulated flexible cables and for other types of flexible cable they are to be multiplied by the
following factors:
For 90°C thermoplastic or thermosetting insulated 1.09
150°C 1.31
185°C glass fibre 1.43

AWG/Metric Conversion
American Wire Gauge to Metric Conversion – Listed below are some of the most popular strandings, however, many other combinations exist. Resistance figures are
approximate and are given for guidance only.

AWG Cross section mm2 Stranding Resistance Ohm/km

38 0.008 1 x 0.10 2,125
38 0.009 7 x 0.04 1,930
36 0.013 1 x 0.12 1,360
36 0.014 7 x 0.05 1,217
34 0.020 1 x 0.16 856
34 0.022 7 x 0.06 777
32 0.032 1 x 0.20 538
32 0.034 7 x 0.08 538
32 0.035 19 x 0.05 446
30 0.051 1 x 0.25 338
30 0.057 7 x 0.10 338
30 0.059 19 x 0.06 286
28 0.080 1 x 0.32 213
28 0.089 7 x 0.12 213
28 0.090 19 x 0.08 186
26 0.128 1 x 0.40 134
26 0.141 7 x 0.16 122
26 0.155 19 x 0.10 113
24 0.205 1 x 0.51 84
24 0.227 7 x 0.20 76
24 0.241 19 x 0.12 69
22 0.324 1 x 0.64 53
22 0.355 1 x 0.25 48
22 0.382 19 x 0.16 45
20 0.519 1 x 0.81 33
20 0.563 7 x 0.32 30.4
20 0.616 19 x 0.20 28.3
18 0.785 16 x 0.25 21.2
18 0.823 1 x 1.02 20.9
18 0.90 7 x 0.40 19.2
18 0.96 19 x 0.25 17.9
16 1.30 1 x 1.29 13.2
16 1.23 19 x 0.28 14.0
14 2.08 1 x 1.62 8.28
14 1.94 19 x 0.36 8.86
 12 3.31 1 x 2.05 5.20
12 3.08 19 x 0.45 5.58
10 5.26 1 x 2.58 3.28
10 5.26 19 x 0.6 3.28
8 8.38 1 x 3.26 2.06
8 8.35 19 x 0.75 2.06
6 13.29 1 x 4.11 1.59
6 13.29 19 x 0.96 1.59
4 21.15 1 x 5.18 0.815
4 21.14 19 x 1.19 0.815
2 33.63 1 x 6.54 0.513
2 33.61 19 x 1.50 0.513
1 42.41 1 x 7.34 0.424
1 42.38 19 x 1.68 0.424
1/0 53.4 19 x 1.89 0.253
2/0 67.4 19 x 2.17 0.291
4/0 107 19 x 2.68 0.182
250MCM 127 37 x 2.09 0.139
300MCM 152 37 x 2.29 0.119
350MCM 177 37 x 2.47 0.102
400MCM 202 37 x 2.64 0.091
500MCM 253 37 x 2.95 0.072
Stranding Chart
Cross section Nearest AWG Stranding Stranding class Resistance Ohm/km Stranding class 5 Stranding class 6 Resistance Approx
mm2 size* class 1 2 classes Ohm/km classes weight
1&2 5&6 kg/km
IEC 60228/BS 6360 Conductors for insulated cables

0.14 26 - - - - 18 x 0.10 138 1.35

0.25 24 - - - 14 x 0.16 32 x 0.10 79 2.4
0.34 22 - - - 19 x 0.16 42 x 0.10 57 3.3
0.50 20 1 x 0.80 7 x 0.30 36.0 16 x 0.21 28 x 0.16 38 4.8
0.75 18 1 x 0.97 7 x 0.37 24.5 24 x 0.21 42 x 0.16 26 7.2
1.0 18 1 x 1.13 7 x 0.43 18.1 32 x 0.21 56 x 0.16 19.5 9.6
1.5 16 1 x 1.38 7 x 0.53 12.1 30 x 0.26 84 x 0.16 13.3 14.4
2.5 14 1 x 1.78 7 x 0.67 7.41 50 x 0.26 140 x 0.16 7.98 24
4.0 12 1 x 2.26 7 x 0.85 4.61 56 x 0.31 224 x 0.16 4.95 38
6.0 10 1 x 2.76 7 x 1.04 3.08 84 x 0.31 192 x 0.21 3.3 58
10 8 1 x 3.57 7 x 1.35 1.83 80 x 0.41 320 x 0.21 1.91 96
16 6 1 x 4.5 17 x 1.70 1.15 128 x 0.41 512 x 0.21 1.21 154
25 4 - 7 x 2.14 0.72 200 x 0.41 800 x 0.21 0.78 240
35 2 - 7 x 2.52 0.52 280 x 0.41 1,120 x 0.21 0.55 336
50 1/0 - 19 x 1.78 0.39 400 x 0.41 705 x 0.31 0.39 480
70 2/0 - 19 x 2.14 0.27 356 x 0.51 990 x 0.31 0.27 672
95 3/0 - 19 x 2.52 0.19 485 x 0.51 1,340 x 0.31 0.21 912
120 250MCM - 37 x 2.03 0.15 614 x 0.51 1,690 x 0.31 0.16 1,152
150 300MCM - 37 x 2.25 0.12 765 x 0.51 2,123 x 0.31 0.13 1,440
 185 400MCM - 37 x 2.52 0.1 944 x 0.51 1,470 x 0.41 0.11 1,776
240 500MCM - 61 x 2.25 0.07 1,225 x 0.51 1,905 x 0.41 0.08 2,304
300 600MCM - 61 x 2.52 0.06 1,530 x 0.51 2,385 x 0.41 0.064 2,880
400 750MCM - 61 x 2.85 0.05 2,035 x 0.51 - 0.068 3,840
500 1,000MCM - 61 x 3.20 0.04 1,768 x 0.60 - 0.0384 4,800
Notes:
The number of strands according to IEC 60228/BS 6360 shown in classes 1 & 2 is obligatory. Stranding shown in classes 5 & 6 gives the maximum strand diameters and may
have less strands provided the conductor does not exceed the resistance figures shown. In either case the standard gives the maximum resistance in ohms/km that is
permissable for non-tinned conductors.
* AWG sizes are approximate and for information only. Please contact us for exact sizing.

BS 5308 Colour Codes

BS 5308 Part 1 Colour Code Table 1
Unscreened & Collective Screened
Pair no. A – wire B – wire
1 Black Blue
2 Black Green
3 Blue Green
4 Black Brown
5 Blue Brown
6 Green Brown
7 Black White
8 Blue White
9 Green White
10 Brown White
11 Black Red
12 Blue Red
13 Green Red
14 Brown Red
15 White Red
16 Black Orange
17 Blue Orange
18 Green Orange
19 Brown Orange
20 White Orange
21 Red Orange
22 Black Yellow
23 Blue Yellow
24 Green Yellow
25 Brown Yellow
26 White Yellow
27 Red Yellow
28 Orange Yellow
29 Black Grey
30 Blue Grey
31 Green Grey
32 Brown Grey
33 White Grey
 34 Red Grey
35 Orange Grey
36 Yellow Grey
37 Black Grey
38 Blue Grey
39 Green Violet
40 Brown Violet
41 White Violet
42 Red Violet
43 Orange Violet
44 Yellow Violet
45 Grey Violet
46 Black Turquoise
47 Blue Turquoise
48 Green Turquoise
49 Brown Turquoise
50 White Turquoise
sSingle Quad (2 pair): Black, Blue, Green, Brown
Single Triple: Blue, Black, Green
Individually screened pairs can also be identified by a polyester tape over black and purple pairs.

BS 5308 Part 2 Colour Code Table 2

Unscreened & Collective Screened
Pair no. A – wire B – wire
1 White Blue
2 White Orange
3 White Green
4 White Brown
5 White Grey
6 Red Blue
7 Red Orange
8 Red Green
9 Red Brown
10 Red Grey
11 Black Blue
12 Black Orange
13 Black Green
14 Black Brown
15 Black Grey
16 Yellow Blue
17 Yellow Orange
18 Yellow Green
19 Yellow Brown
20 Yellow Grey
21 White-Blue Blue
22 White-Blue Orange
23 White-Blue Green
24 White-Blue Brown
25 White-Blue Grey
26 Red-Blue Blue
27 Red-Blue Orange
28 Red-Blue Green
29 Red-Blue Brown
30 Red-Blue Grey
31 Blue-Black Blue
32 Blue-Black Orange
33 Blue-Black Green
34 Blue-Black Brown
35 Blue-Black Grey
36 Yellow-Blue Blue
37 Yellow-Blue Orange
38 Yellow-Blue Green
39 Yellow-Blue Brown
40 Yellow-Blue Grey
41 White Orange Blue
42 White Orange Orange
43 White Orange Green
44 White Orange Brown
45 White Orange Grey
46 Orange-Red Blue
47 Orange-Red Orange
48 Orange-Red Green
49 Orange-Red Brown
 50 Orange-Red Grey
Single Quad (2 pair): Blue, Green, Orange, Brown
Single Triple: Blue, White, Orange
Individually screened pairs can also be identified by a polyester tape over white and blue pairs.

Harmonised Cable Core Colours

1 Introduction
The requirements of BS 7671 were harmonized with the technical intent of CENELEC Standard HD 384.5.514: Identification, including 514.3: Identification of conductors,
now withdrawn.
Amendment No 2: 2004 (AMD 14905) to BS 7671:2001 implemented the following:
The harmonized cable core colours and the alphanumeric marking of the following standards:
HD 308 S2:2001 Identification of cores in cables and flexible cords
BS EN 60445:2000 Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification of equipment terminals and of terminations
BS EN 60446:2000 Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification. Identification of conductors by colours or numerals.
This appendix provides guidance on marking at the interface between old and harmonized colours and marking general guidance on the colours to be used for conductors.
In the British Standards for fixed and flexible cables the colours have been harmonized. BS 7671 has been modified to align with these cables, but also allows other suitable
methods of marking connections by colour (tapes, sleeves or discs), or by alphanumerics (letters and/or numbers). Methods may be mixed within an installation.

2 Addition or alteration to an existing installation

2.1 Single-phase installation
An addition or an alteration made to a single-phase installation need not be marked at the interface provided that:
i) the old cables are correctly identified by the colour red for line and black for neutral, and
ii) the new cables are correctly identified by the colour brown for line and blue for neutral.

2.2 Two- or three-phase installation

Where an addition or alteration is made to a two- or three-phase installation wired in the old core colours with cable to the new core colours, unambiguous identification is
required at the interface. Cores should be marked as follows:
Neutral conductors
Old and new conductors: N
Line conductors
Old and new conductors: L1, L2, L3.

Table 7A – Example of conductor marking at the interface for additions and alterations to an a.c. installation identified with the
old cable colours
Function Old conductor New conductor
Colour Marking Marking Colour
Line 1 of a.c. Red L1 L1 Brown(1)
Line 2 of a.c. Yellow L2 L2 Black(1)
Line 3 of a.c. Blue L3 L3 Grey(1)
Neutral of a.c. Black N N Blue
Protective conductor Green-and-yellow Green-and-yellow
3 Switch wires in a new installation or an addition or alteration to an existing installation
Where a two-core cable with cores coloured brown and blue is used as switch wires, both conductors being line conductors, the blue conductor should be marked brown
or L at
its terminations.

4 Intermediate and two-way switch wires in a new installation or an addition or alteration to an existing installation
Where a three-core cable with cores coloured brown, black and grey is used as switch wires, all three conductors being line conductors, the black and grey conductors
should be marked brown or L at their terminations.

5 Line conductors in a new installation or an addition or alteration to an

existing installation
Power circuit line conductors should be coloured as in Table 51. Other line conductors may be brown, black , red, orange, yellow, violet, grey, white, pink or turquoise.
In a two- or three-phase power circuit the line conductors may all be of one of the permitted colours, either identified L1, L2, L3 or marked brown, black, grey at their
terminations to show the phases.

6 Changes to cable core colour identification

Table 7B – Cable to BS 6004 (flat cable with bare cpc)
Cable type Old core colours New core colours
Single-core + bare cpc Red or black Brown or blue
Two-core + bare cpc Red, black Brown, blue
Alt. Two-core + bare cpc Red, red Brown, brown
Three-core + bare cpc Red, yellow, blue Brown, black, grey
Table 7C – Standard 600/1000V armoured cable
BS 6346, BS 5467 or BS 6724
Cable type Old core colours New core colours
Single-core Red or black Brown or blue
Two-core Red, black Brown, blue
Three-core Red, yellow, blue Brown, black, grey
Four-core Red, yellow, blue, black Brown, black, grey, blue
Red, yellow, blue, black, Brown, black, grey, blue,
Five-core green-and-yellow green-and-yellow

Table 7D – Flexible cable to BS 6500

Cable type Old core colours New core colours
Two-core Brown, blue No change
Three-core Brown, blue, green-and-yellow No change
Four-core Black, blue, brown, Brown, black, grey,
 green-and-yellow green-and-yellow

Five-core Black,blue, brown, black, Brown, black, grey, blue,

green-and-yellow green-and-yellow

7 Addition or alteration to a d.c. installation

Where an addition or alteration is made to a d.c. installation wired in the old core colours with cable to the new core colours, unambiguous identification is required at the
interface. Cores should be marked as follows:

Neutral and midpoint conductors

Old and new conductors: M
Line conductors
Old and new conductors: Brown or grey, or
Old and new conductors: L, L+ or L-
Table 7E – Example of conductor marking at the interface for additions and alterations to a d.c. installation identified with the old cable colours
Old conductor New conductor
Function
Colour Marking Marking Colour
Two-wire unearthed d.c. power circuit

Positive of two-wire circuit Red L+ L+ Brown

Negative of two-wire circuit Black L- L- Grey
Two-wire earthed d.c. power circuit

Positive (of negative earthed) circuit Red L+ L+ Brown

Negative (of negative earthed) circuit Black M M Blue
Positive (of positive earthed) circuit Black M M Blue
Negative (of positive earthed) circuit Blue L- L- Grey
Three-wired d.c. power circuit

Outer positive of two-wire circuit derived from three-wire system Red L+ L+ Brown
Outer negative of two-wire circuit derived from three-wire system Red L- L- Grey
Positive of three-wire circuit Red L+ L+ Brown
Mid-wire of three-wire circuit Black M M Blue
Negative of three-wire circuit Blue L- L- Grey

Cable Certifications
Below are the most common European Cable Certifications:
DIN 47100 European Colour Codes
The DIN 47100 standard specifies the core colour of up to 44 cores. Above this it is usual practice to repeat the colours. The first colour is the colour of the base insulation
and the second colour is that of either a longitudinal stripe or printed rings.

Core Colour Core Colour

1 White 23 White/Red
2 Brown 24 Brown/Red
3 Green 25 White/Back
4 Yellow 26 Brown/Black
5 Grey 27 Grey/Green
6 Pink 28 Yellow/Grey
7 Blue 29 Pink/Green
8 Red 30 Yellow/Pink
9 Black 31 Green/Blue
10 Violet 32 Yellow/Blue
11 Grey/Pink 33 Green/Red
12 Red/Blue 34 Yellow/Red
13 White/Green 35 Green/Black
14 Brown/Green 36 Yellow/Black
15 White/Yellow 37 Grey/Blue
16 Yellow/Brown 38 Pink/Blue
17 White Grey 39 Grey/Red
18 Grey/Brown 40 Pink/Red
19 White/Pink 41 Grey/Black
20 Pink/Brown 42 Pink/Black
 21 Pink/Brown 43 Blue/Black
22 Brown/Blue 44 Red/Black

Fire Performance Cable Standards

Below is a list of the standards for FP cables in the United Kingdom, Germany and internationally. Click for a selection of the Fire Performance (FP) cables we have specified
on-line or telephone us for more information.

British Standards
BS 7629-1 : 1997 Specification for 300 / 500 V fire resistant electric cables having low emission of smoke and corrosive gases when affected
by fire. Multicore cables.
BS 7629-2 : 1997 Specification for 300 / 500 V fire resistant electric cables having low emission of smoke and corrosive gases when affected
by fire. Multipair cables.
BSEN 50266-1 : Common test methods for cables under fire conditions. Test for vertical flame spread of vertically mounted bunched wires
2001 of cables.
BSEN 50267-1 : Common test methods for cables under fire conditions. Tests on gases evolved during combustion of materials from
1999 cables. Procedures. Determination of the amount of halogen acid gas.
BSEN 50267-2-2 : Common test methods for cables under fire conditions. Test on gases evolved during combustion of materials from
1999 cables. Procedures. Determination of degree of acidity of gases for materials by measuring pH and conductivity.
BSEN 60079-1 :
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres : Flameproof enclosures ‘d’
2004
BSEN 60332-1-2 : test on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions. Test for vertical flame propagation for a single vertical
2004 insulated wire or cable. Procedure for 1kW pre-mixed flame.
BSEN 60332-1-3 : Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions. Test for vertical flame propagation for a single vertical
2004 insulated wire or cable. Procedure for determination of flaming droplets / particles.
BSEN 60332 – 2 – Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions. Tests for vertical flame propagation for a single vertical
2 : 2004 insulated wire or cable. Procedure for diffusion flame.
BS G 241 : 1988 Specification for fire proof electric cables for engine fire zone and airframe use
German Standards
DIN VDE 0266 Halogen free cables with improved characteristics in the case of fire, with reduced fire propagation and continuance of
Part 3 & 4 isolation for use in the containment of nuclear power plants
DIN VDE 0267 Halogen free cables with improved characteristics in the case of fire, nominal voltages from 6 up to 30kV
DIN VDE 0276
Power cables of nominal voltages 0.6 / 1kV with special fire performance for use in power stations
Part 604
DIN 4102-12 Fire behaviour of building materials and elements – fire resistance of electric cable systems required to maintain circuit
integrity – requirements and testing
DIN 4102-9 Fire behaviour of building materials and elements – seals for cable penetrations ; concepts, requirements and testing
International Standards
IEC 60331-11 Tests for electric cables under fire conditions – circuit integrity – Part 11 : apparatus – fire alone at a flame temperature of at
least 750oC
IEC 60331-12 Tests for electric cables under fire conditions – circuit integrity – Part 12 : apparatus – fire with shock at a temperature of at
least 830oC
IEC 60331-21 Tests for electric cables under fire conditions – circuit integrity – Part 21 : procedures and requirements – cables of rated
voltage up to an dincluding 0.6 / 1.0kV
IEC 60331-23 Tests for electric cables under fire conditions – circuit integrity – Part 23 : procedures and requirements – electric data
cables
IEC 60331-25 Tests for electric cables under fire conditions – circuit integrity – Part 25 : procedures and requirements – optical fibre
cables
IEC 60331-31 Tests for electric cables under fire conditions – circuit integrity – Part 31 : procedures and requirements for fire with shock –
cables of rated voltage up to and includign 0.6 / 1.0 kV
IEC 60332-1-1 Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions part 1 : test for vertical flame propagation for a single
insulated wire or cable Section 1 : apparatus
IEC 60332-1-2 Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions Part 1 : test for vertical flame propagation for a single
insulated wire or cable Section 2: procedure for 1kW pre-mixed flame
IEC 60332-1-3 Test on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions Part 1 : test for vertical flame propagation for a single insulated
wire or cable Section 3 : procedure for determination of flaming droplets / particles
IEC 60332-2-1 Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions Part 2 : test for vertical flame propagation for a single small
insulated wire or cable Section 1 : apparatus
IEC 60332-2-2 Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions Part 2 : test for vertical flame propagation for a single small
insulated wire or cable Section 2 : procedure for diffusion flame
IEC 60332-3-10 Tests on electric cables under fire conditions Part 3 : test for vertical flame spread of vertically mounted bunched wires or
cables Section 10 : apparatus
IEC 60332-3-21 Tests on electric cables under fire conditions Part 3 : test for vertical flame spread of vertically mounted bunched wires or
cables Section 21 : category A F/R
IEC 60332-3-23 Tests on electric cables under fire conditions Part 3 : test for vertical flame spread of vertically mounted bunched wire or
cables Section 23 : category B
IEC 60332-3-24 Tests on electric cables under fire conditions Part 3 : test for vertical flame spread of vertically mounted bunched wire or
cables Section 24 category C
IEC 60332-3-25 Tests on electric cables under fire conditions Part 3 : test for vertical flame spread of vertically mounted bunched wires or
cables Section 25 category D
IEC / TR 6222 Fire performance of communication cables installed in buildings

Voltage Drop Calculations

The voltage drop of any insulated cable is dependent upon the route length under consideration (in meters), the required current rating (in amperes) and the relevant total
impedance per unit length of the cable. The maximum impedance and voltage drop applicable to each cable at maximum conductor temperature and under a.c. conditions
is given in the tables. For cables operating under dc conditions, the appropriate voltage drops may be calculated using the formula.
2 x route length x current x resistance x 10¯³.
The values detailed in the tables are given in m/V/Am, (volts/100 per ampere per metre), and the nominal
maximum acceptable volt drop specified by the IEE Regulations is 2.5% of the system voltage, i.e. 0.025 x 415
= 10.5 volts for 3 phase working or 0.025 x 240 = 6.0 volts for single phase working.
Consider a 3 phase system
The requirement may be for a load of 1000A to be transmitted over a route length of 150m, the cable to be
clipped to the wall and close protection provided. The rating tables in the IEE Regulations indicate that a
35mm copper conductor PVC SWA PVC cable would be suitable for the loading required, but the voltage drop
must be checked.
Volt drop = Y x current x length
= 1.1 x 100 x 150 millivolts
= 1.1 x 100 x 150 volts/1000
= 16.5 volts
where Y = value from tables in mV/A/m Unless a particular value of voltage drop, acceptable to the user, is
specified, the IEE Regulations figure of 10.5 volts must be adhered to.
Thus: total volt drop = 10.5 volts
10.5 = Y x 100 x 150
Therefore Y = 10.5/100 x 150
= 0.7/1000 volts/ampere/meters
Reference to the voltage drop tables indicates that the cable size with a voltage drop of 0.7/1000 V/A/m
(0.7mV/A/m) OR LESS is a 70mm copper conductor.
Therefore, in order to transmit a 3 phase current of 100A per phase over a route length of 150m, with a total
voltage drop equal to or less than the statutory maximum 10.5 volts, the use would require a
70mm (cu.) multicore PVC.
Conversely
The user may have 150m of 35mm (Cu.) multicore PVC cable and require to know what maximum current
rating can be applied without exceeding the allowable voltage drop. The method is exactly the same as above,
viz:total drop = 16.6
= YxAxM
= 1.1 x A x 150/1000
from the tables Y = 1.1mV/A/m
=1.1/1000V/A/m
therefore A = 10.5 x 1000/1.1.x 150
=64 amperes
From the foregoing, it is apparent that knowing any two values of Y, A or m, the remaining, unknown value can
readily be calculated.
The advice is always available to check, clarify or suggest the most suitable size and type of cable for any particular, specified requirements.

Voltage Drop for Single Core LV Cables (mV / amp / metre)

Copper Conductor >Flat Arrangement Trefoil arrangement Aluminium conductor Flat arrangement Trefoil arrangement
 4 7.83 7.770 16 3.343 3.283
6 5.287 5.226 25 2.161 2.100
10 3.184 3.124 35 1.602 1.542
16 2.086 2.008 50 1.222 1.162
25 1.357 1.297 70 0.890 0.830
35 1.034 0.971 95 0.686 0.623
50 0.793 0.732 120 0.569 0.509
70 0.595 0.534 150 0.490 0.430
95 0.469 0.408 185 0.420 0.360
120 0.410 0.349 240 0.353 0.293
150 0.354 0.294 300 0.312 0.252
185 0.312 0.252 400 0.274 0.214
240 0.272 0.211 400 0.245 0.185
300 0.247 0.187 630 0.222 0.162
400 0.224 0.164
500 0.208 0.148
630 0.194 0.134

VOLTAGE DROP PER AMPERE PER METER (mV). Conductor operating temperature: 70ºC
Conductor Cross Sectional Area Two Core Cable D.C. Two Core Cable SIngle Phase A.C. Three or Four Core Cable Three phase A.C.
mm mV mV mV
1.5 29 29 25
2.5 18 18 15
4 11 11 9.05
 6 7.3 7.3 6.04
10 4.4 4.4 3.08
16 2.8 2.8 2.04
r x z r x z
25 1.75 1.75 0.170 1.75 1.50 0.145 1.50
35 1.25 1.25 0.165 1.25 1.10 0.145 1.10
50 0.93 0.93 0.165 0.94 0.80 0.140 0.81
70 0.63 0.63 0.160 0.65 0.55 0.140 0.57
95 0.46 0.47 0.155 0.50 0.41 0.135 0.43
120 0.36 0.38 0.155 0.41 0.33 0.135 0.35
150 0.29 0.30 0.155 0.34 0.26 0.130 0.29
185 0.23 0.28 0.150 0.29 0.21 0.130 0.25
240 0.180 0.190 0.150 0.24 0.165 0.130 0.21
300 0.145 0.155 0.145 0.21 0.136 0.130 0.185
400 0.105 0.115 0.145 0.185 0.100 0.125 0.160

VOLTAGE DROP PER AMPERE PER METRE (mV). Conductor operating temperature: 70ºc
Conductor Cross-Sectional Area Two Core Cable D.C. TWo Core Cable Single Phase A.C. Three or Four Core Cable Three Phase A.C.
1 2 3 4
Mm Mv MV MV
16 4.5 45 3.9
25 2.9 29 0.175 2.9 2.5 0.150 2.5
35 2.1 2.1 0.170 2.1 1.80 0.150 1.80
50 1.55 1.55 0.170 1.55 1.35 0.145 1.35
70 1.05 1.05 0.165 1.05 0.90 0.140 0.92
 95 0.77 0.77 0.160 0.79 0.67 0.140 0.68
120 - - 0.53 0.135 0.55
150 - - 0.42 0.135 0.44
185 - - 0.34 0.135 0.37
240 - - 0.26 0.130 0.30
300 - - 0.21 0.130 0.25
Tables derive from IEE copyright information

PVC INSULATED 600/1000 VOLT CABLES WITH COPPER CONDUCTORS SUSTAINED CURRENT RATING (AMP) (50Hz)
PARAMETERS
600/100 VOLT
Normal Conductor Area
THREE-PHASE SINGLE CORE CABLES IN TREFOIL ARRANGEMENT
mm Direct Armoured Duct Armoured Air Unarmoured Air Armoured
50 203 199 184 193
70 248 241 233 249
95 297 282 290 298
120 337 311 338 347
150 376 342 338 395
185 423 375 450 452
240 485 419 537 532
300 542 459 620 607
700 600 489 722 690
500 660 523 832 776
630 721 563 957 869
800 758 587 1083 937
1000 797 621 1260 1010
APPROXIMATE CURRENT PER LINE OR PHASE TAKEN AT FULL RATED HP BY MOTORS OF AVERAGE EFFICIENCY AND POWER
FACTOR
Motor Rating Direct Current Alternating Current
110V 220V 550V 240V 380V 415V 550V
HP amp amp amp amp amp amp amp
0.5 5.7 2.8 1.1 3
1 10 5 2 6 1.9 1.7 1.3
2 18 9 3.6 10 3.6 3.3 2.5
3 26 13 5.2 15 5.1 4.6 3.5
5 42 21 8.4 24 8 7.3 5.5
7.5 60 30 12 35 11.6 10.6 8
10 80 40 16 46 15.1 13.8 10.4
15 117 59 23 67 22 20 16
20 154 77 31 88 29 27 21
25 190 95 38 110 37 34 26
30 227 114 46 130 43 40 30
40 300 150 60 180 59 54 41
50 375 187 75 210 73 67 50
50 445 223 89 253 87 80 60
60 520 260 104 291 102 94 70
80 600 300 120 332 117 107 81
100 740 370 148 412 145 133 100
125 460 184 515 181 166 125
 150 220 217 199 150
175 256 253 232 175
200 292 288 264 199
250 353 323 244
300 421 385 291
Useful three phase formulae:
1. kW = kVA x power factor
Line amps x Line volts x 1.73 x p.f.
2. kW
= 1000

kW
3. kVA =
p.f.

4. Line kW x 1000
amps = Line volts x 1.73 x p.f.

5. Line kVA x 1000

amps = Line volts x 1.73

h.p. x 746
6. Line
Line volts x 1.73 x
amps =
Efficiency x p.f.

Line amps x Line volts x

7. kVA = 1.73
1000
 h.p. x 746
8. kW =
1000 x Efficiency

Line amps x Line volts x 1.73 x

9. kVA = Efficiency x p.f.
746

kW x 1000 x Efficiency
10. h.p. =
746

kVA x 1000 x Efficiency

11. h.p. =
746

CURRENT RATINGS OF CABLES CLIPPED DIRECT TO SURFACE OR TRAY BUNCHED AND UNENCLOSED
3 One-Core 1 Three Core
2 ONe-Core D.C. 1 Two Core DV
4 One-Core 1 Four Core
Conductor Size
One Phase A.C. Three Phase A.C. One-Phase A.C. Three Phase A.C.
R P R P R P R P
2
mm amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp
1 16 13 15 12 14 12 12 10
1.5 21 16 19 15 18 15 15 13
2.5 29 23 26 20 24 21 21 18
4 38 30 34 27 31 27 27 24
6 49 38 45 34 40 35 35 30
10 67 51 60 46 56 48 48 41
16 90 38 81 61 72 64 64 54
 25 115 89 105 80 96 71 84 62
35 145 109 130 98 115 87 100 72
50 205 175 185 160 170 140 150 125
70 260 220 235 200 210 175 185 155
95 320 270 285 240 255 215 225 190
120 370 310 335 280 300 250 260 215
150 420 355 380 320 335 285 300 250
185 480 405 435 365 385 325 345 280
240 570 480 520 430 450 385 400 335
300 660 560 600 500 520 445 460 390
400 770 680 700 610
500 890 800 800 710
630 1050 910 950 820

CURRENT RATINGS OF CABLES IN CONDUIT OR TRUNKING BUNCHED AND ENCLOSED

2 One Core D.C. 4 One Core D.C. Three Phase A.C.
Conductor Size
One Phase AC Three Phase AC One Phase AC
R P R P R P R P
2
mm amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp
1 14 11 11 9 12 11 10 9
1.5 17 13 14 11 15 13 13 12
2.5 24 18 20 16 20 18 17 16
4 31 24 27 22 27 24 23 22
6 40 31 35 28 34 30 30 27
 10 55 42 49 39 47 40 41 37
16 73 56 66 53 61 53 54 47
25 94 73 89 71 80 60 70 53
35 115 90 110 88 97 74 86 65
50 170 145 145 125
70 215 185 185 160
95 265 230 225 195
120 310 260 260 220
150 350 300
R = Heat-resisting rubber insulation
P = PVC insulation

MINIMUM SIZE OF EARTH CONDUCTOR (IF NOT CONTAINED IN CABLE)

Size of largest associated copper circuit
Size of Earthing Conductor Size of Earthing Continuity Conductor Size of Bonding Lead
conductor
1 6 1* 1#*
1.5 6 1* 1#*
2.5 6 1* 1#*
4 6 2.5 1#*
6 6 2.5 1#*
10 6 6 2.5
16 6 6 2.5
25 16 16 6
35 16 16 6
50 16 16 6
70 50 50 16
 95 50 50 16
120 50 50 16
150 50 50 16
185 70 70 50
240 70 70 50
300 70 70 50
400 70 70 50
500 70 70 50
630 70 70 50
* 1.5 sq mm where earth conductor in unenclosed
# 2.5 sq mm for bonding other services at entry to premises.

DIAMETERS AND GLAND SIZES OF ARMOURED PVC INSULATED CABLES

Max. Diameter of Recommended Gland
Conductor Size No. of Cores Approximate Diameters Wire
Core Size#
Bedding Sheath Armour Oversheath
Sq. mm mm No. of Cores mm mm mm mm BS4121
14/8 26/8 2 7 9 11 6/8 7/8 5/8
3 73/8 9 3/8 12 2/8 7/8 5/8
4 8.1 10.1 13 0.9 3/4 S*
5 8.9 10.9 13.8 0.9 3/4 S
7 9.7 11.7 14.5 0.9 3/4 S
10 12 2/4 15 18 1 1/4 3/4
12 12 3/4 15 2/4 18 2/4 1 1/4 3/4
19 15.1 17.8 21.1 1.25 1
27 18.5 22 25.4 1.6 1
37 21 24 2/4 17 3/4 1 2/4 1 3/4
 48 23 3/4 27 1/4 30 3/4 1 2/4 1 3/4
2.5 3.3 2 8.2 10.2 13.1 0.9 3 3/4 S*
3 8.7 10.7 13.6 0.9 3 3/4 S
4 9.6 11.6 14.5 0.9 3 3/4 S
5 10.5 12.5 15.4 0.9 3 3/4
7 11 2/4 12 2/4 16 2/4 1 3/4
10 14.8 17.5 20.9 1.25 1
12 15.3 18 21.4 1.25 1
19 18.5 22 25.4 1.6 1
27 22 25 2/4 29 1/4 1 2/4 1 3/4
37 25 28 2/4 32 2/4 1 2/4 1 3/4
48 29 33 1/2 37 1/2 2 1 1/2
4 4.3 2 10.2 12.2 15.1 0.9 3 3/4 S
3 11 13 16 1 3/4
4 12 14 3/4 17 3/4 1 1/4 3/4
5 12 1/4 16 19 1 1/4 3/4
7 14 2/4 17 1/4 20 2/4 1 1/4 1
10 19 1/4 22 3/4 26 1 2/4 1
12 19.8 23.3 26.8 1.6 1 3/4
19 12 2/4 27 30 2/4 1 2/4 1 1/4
27 28 1/2 33 37 2 1 1/2
6 5 2 11 2/4 13 2/4 16 2/4 1 3/4
3 12 1/4 12 1/4 18 1 1/4 3/4
4 13 2/4 13 2/4 19 1/4 1 1/4 3/4
10 61/4 2 14 16 3/4 20 1 1/4 3/4
3 15 17 3/4 21 1/4 1 1/4 1
 4 16 2/4 19 1/4 22 3/4 1 1/4 1
Shaped
16 2 13 15 2/4 19 1 1/4 3/4
Conductors
3 14 2/4 14 2/4 20 2/4 1 1/4 1
4 19 3/4 16 3/4 24 1 1/4 1
#Glands Type BW, CW, D1W, D2W, E1W, E2W.
• A cable made to minimum tolerance may be accommodated in a gland one size smaller.

GLAND SIZING CHART PVC/SWA/PVC CABLES

Cores
Size MM Sq
1 2 3 4 5 7 10 12 19 27 37 48
1.5 16/20 16/20 20S 20S 20S 20L 20L 25S 25L 32 32
2.5 20S 20S 20S 20S 20L 25S 25S 25L 32 32 40S
4.0 20S 20L 20L 20L 20L 25L 32 32 40S
6.0 20L 20L 20L
10.0 25S 25S 25S
16.0 25S 25L 25L
25.0 25S 32 32
35.0 25L 32 32
50.0 32 32 40S
70.0 32 40S 40L
95.0 25S 40S 40S 50S
120.0 25L 40S 40L 50S
150.0 32 40L 50S 63S
185.0 32 50S 50L 63S
240.0 40S 50L 63S 63S
 300.0 40L 63S 63L 75L
400.0 50S 63L 75S 75L
500.0 50S
630.0 50L
The gland sizes tabulated are intended as a guide only and are based on the approximate under armour and
overall diameters.
Cables with aluminium wire must have aluminium glands.

DERATING FACTORS
GROUND TEMPERATURE DERATING FACTORS

AIR TEMPERATURE DERATING FACTOR

Air Temperature oC 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
PVC cables rated at 70oC 1.22 1.15 1.08 1.00 0.95 0.82 0.71

Burial Depth Derating Factor

Ground Temperature oC 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
o
PVC cables rated 70 C 1.13 1.07 1.00 0.93 0.85 0.76 0.65
Cables Cross Section
Depth of laying mt up to 70 mm sq 95mm sq – 240 mm sq 300 mm sq and above
0.5 1.00 1.00 1.00
0.60 0.99 0.98 0.97
0.80 0.97 0.96 0.94
1.00 0.95 0.93 0.92
 1.25 0.94 0.92 0.89
1.5 0.93 0.90 0.87
1.75 0.92 0.89 0.86
2.00 0.91 0.88 0.85

SOIL THERMAL RESISTIVITY DERATING FACTOR

Soil thermal resistivity in °C cm / watt 80 90 100 120 150 200 250
Rating factor 1.17 1.12 1.07 1.0 0.91 0.80 0.73

PVC Rated Temperature Derating Factor

Type of PVC rated temperature oC 70 85 95 105
Rating Factor 1.000 1.195 1.309 1.414
Wire cross sectional area calculation
The n gauge wire's cross sercional area An in square millimeters (mm2) is equal to pi divided by 4
times the square wire diameter d in millimeters (mm):

An (mm2) = (π/4)×dn2
SWG to mm conversion chart
Diameter Area
SWG #
(mm) (mm2)

7/0 12.700 126.6769

6/0 11.786 109.0921

5/0 10.973 94.5638

4/0 10.160 81.0732

3/0 9.449 70.1202

2/0 8.839 61.3643

0 8.230 53.1921

1 7.620 45.6037

2 7.010 38.5989

3 6.401 32.1780

4 5.893 27.2730

5 5.385 22.7735

6 4.877 18.6793

7 4.470 15.6958

8 4.064 12.9717

9 3.658 10.5071

10 3.251 8.3019

11 2.946 6.8183

12 2.642 5.4805

13 2.337 4.2888

14 2.032 3.2429

15 1.829 2.6268
16 1.626 2.0755

17 1.422 1.5890

18 1.219 1.1675

19 1.016 0.8107

20 0.914 0.6567

21 0.813 0.5189

22 0.711 0.3973

23 0.610 0.2919

24 0.559 0.2452

25 0.5080 0.2027

26 0.4572 0.1642

27 0.4166 0.1363

28 0.3759 0.1110

29 0.3454 0.0937

30 0.3150 0.0779

31 0.2946 0.0682

32 0.2743 0.0591

33 0.2540 0.0507

34 0.2337 0.0429

35 0.2134 0.0358

36 0.1930 0.0293

37 0.1727 0.0234

38 0.1524 0.0182

39 0.1321 0.0137

40 0.1219 0.0117

41 0.1118 0.0098

42 0.1016 0.0081

43 0.0914 0.0066
44 0.0813 0.0052

45 0.0711 0.0040

46 0.0610 0.0029

47 0.0508 0.0020

48 0.0406 0.0013

49 0.0305 0.0007

50 0.0254 0.0005