Cable Sizing Guide

Safety • Standards • Stewardship

DELIVERING KNOWLEDGE
 Step by Step Guide for
Low Voltage Copper Conductor Cable Sizing tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com

The proper sizing of a cable is important to ensure that the cable can:
• Operate continuously under full load without being damaged
• Provide the load with a suitable voltage and avoid excessive voltage drops

Step by Step Guide for Low Voltage Copper Conductor Cable Sizing:

We need to first gather the required conditions including the load the cable needs to carry, cable material,
installation method, length of cable required. In case of correction factor to be applied, we would also need the
ambient temperature, and number of circuits to be laid.

Case Study: Consider a route of 200m of cable to be laid direct in ground with an ambient ground temperature of
15 ˚C and has to carry a 100A load. The supply voltage is 415V three-phase a.c., and the cable structure is CU/XLPE/
SWA/PVC, 4-Core.

Step1: Using Current-Carrying Capacity Method

Installation method

Obtain the appropriate reference method for determining Current-Carrying Capacity in Table 1 based on your
installation method (eg. in free air, in conduit, in trunking, on cable tray). [Table 1] If the cable is to be direct buried
underground as it is in our example, you can head to the Current-Carrying Capacity Tables directly.

Example of where to look for reference method in Table 1 if it is not for a direct buried underground cable.

In Conduit :

3 Single-core non-sheathed cables in metallic Method 3

or non-metallic conduit on a wall or ceiling

Cable Construction

Cable insulation material plays an important role in cable sizing because it directly affects your cables maximum
operating temperature. We have placed common insulation materials: PVC, XLPE, EPR here for your reference. Once
you have obtained the installation method [Table 1], you can head to the appropriate Current-Carrying Capacity
Tables to determine the right cable size for the current load you need. [PVC: Tables, 2, 4, 6, 8; XLPE: Tables 10, 12, 14,
16; EPR: Tables 18, 20]

In standard cable materials, PVC has a maximum operating temperature of 70˚C, XLPE 90 ˚C and EPR 90 ˚C. Cable
material helps to determine how well the cable may work in your installation environment. For instance, EPR (rubber) is
much more flexible than XLPE and therefore may be a better choice if you require the cable to bend in tighter spaces.

You may also choose between single-core or multi-core cables depending on the installation requirement and this
would also affect the current-carrying capacity of the cable. A single core cable would be able to dissipate heat
better than a multi-core cable and hence would have a higher current-carrying capacity. However, you may still
choose the multi-core cable as it could be easier to install the required conductors at a go.

1
Step by Step Guide for
Low Voltage Copper Conductor Cable Sizing tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com

In our example, as we know that it is a CU/XLPE/SWA/PVC, 4-Core, we will need to look up Table 16.

Table 16 : Current-Carrying Capacities (Amp)

[CU/XLPE/PVC/SWA/PVC, CU/XLPE/LSZH/SWA/LSZH, CU/MT/XLPE/LSZH/SWA/LSZH Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :90°C BS 6724

Ambient Temperature :30°C IEC60502-1
Ground Temperature :15°C Depth of Laying :0.5m Soil Thermal Resistivity :1.2 k•m/W

Conductor Reference Method 1 Reference Method 11 (on a

cross- (clipped direct) perforated horizontal cable
In single-way ducts Laid direct in ground
sectional tray or Reference Method 13
area [free air] )
one 2-core one 3-core or one 2-core one 3-core or one 2-core one 3-core or one 2-core one 3-core or
cable single- 4-core cable cable single- 4-core cable cable single- 4-core cable cable single- 4-core cable
phase a.c. or 3-phase a.c. phase a.c. or 3-phase a.c. phase a.c. or 3-phase a.c. phase a.c. or 3-phase a.c.
d.c. d.c. d.c. d.c.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
mm2 A A A A A A A A
1.5 27 23 29 25 - 23 - 28
2.5 36 31 39 33 - 30 - 36
4 49 42 52 44 - 40 - 48
6 62 53 66 56 - 50 - 60
10 85 73 90 78 - 65 - 80
16 110 94 115 99 115 94 140 115
25 146 124 152 131 145 125 180 150
35 180 154 188 162 175 150 215 180
50 219 187 228 197 210 175 255 215
70 279 238 291 251 260 215 315 265
95 338 289 354 304 310 260 380 315
120 392 335 410 353 355 300 430 360
150 451 386 472 406 400 335 480 405
185 515 441 539 463 455 380 540 460
240 607 520 636 546 520 440 630 530
300 698 599 732 628 590 495 700 590
400 787 673 847 728 660 560 790 670

Based on Current-Carrying Capacity method, the corresponding cable size would be 16mm2.

Step 2: Voltage Drop

We require cable length to assess Voltage Drop, which is the loss of electrical potential along your cable run.

Voltage drop is normally only of importance for cables of voltage rating not exceeding 600/1000V. In Singapore, we
follow the SS638 (formerly known as CP5) wiring regulations where the voltage drop of a cable run must not exceed 4%.
For instance, if a supply voltage is 415V, then the maximum permissible voltage drop cannot exceed 4% of 415V = 16.6V

Voltage drop of a circuit is mainly determined by the cable size and length of a cable line. The smaller the cable size
used, or the longer the cable length that is required for your circuit, the greater the voltage loss. If you find that the
voltage drop of the circuit has exceeded the 4% stated, you would need to upsize your cable.

Voltage drop can be calculated using the following formulas:

Where
1. Vmax = 4% x supply voltage I = Current (A)
L = Length of cable installed (m)
Vmax x 1000 Vmax = Max. permissible volt drop in the circuit (V)
2. Vd =
IxL

3. Vds ≤ Vd Vd = Max. volt drop in the circuit (mV/A/m)

Vds = Volt drop of the selected cable (mV/A/m)
Vds x I x L Vt = Total volt drop in the circuit (V)
4. Vt =
1000

2
 Step by Step Guide for
Low Voltage Copper Conductor Cable Sizing tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com

Back to our example:

A 200m of cable to be laid direct in ground with an ambient ground temperature of 15 ˚C and has to carry a 100A load.
The supply voltage is 415V three-phase a.c., and the cable structure is CU/XLPE/SWA/PVC, 4-Core.

1. Vmax (Max. permissible voltage drop in the circuit) = 4% x supply voltage = 4% x 415V = 16.6V

Vmax x 1000 16.6Vx 1000
2. Vd (Max. voltage drop in the circuit) = = = 0.83mV/A/m
IxL 100A x 200 m

3. Select a cable from Table 17, such that the Vds is equal to, or less than Vd (the 0.83mV/A/m calculated).
It will be seen that this value (Vds) is 0.61mV/A/m giving a cable size of 70mm2.

Vds x I x L 0.61mV/A/m x 100A x 200m
4. Vt (Total voltage drop in the circuit) = = = 12.2V
1000 1000

Table 17 : Voltage Drop (Per Amp Per Meter)

[CU/XLPE/PVC/SWA/PVC, CU/XLPE/LSZH/SWA/LSZH, CU/MT/XLPE/LSZH/SWA/LSZH Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :90°C BS 6724

IEC60502-1

2 cables,
Conductor 3 or 4 cables,
single-phase
cross- 2-core 3-phase a.c.
2 cables, single-phase a.c. 3 or 4 cables, 3-phase a.c. a.c.
sectional cable d.c.
area In ducts or In ducts or
in ground in ground
1 2 3 4 5 6
mm2 mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/A/m
1.5 31.0 31.0 27.0 31.0 25.0
2.5 19.0 19.0 16.0 19.0 15.0
4 12.0 12.0 10.0 12.0 9.7
6 7.9 7.9 6.8 7.9 6.5
10 4.7 4.7 4.0 4.7 3.9
16 2.9 2.9 2.5 2.9 2.6
r x z r x z
25 1.850 1.850 0.160 1.900 1.600 0.140 1.650 1.900 1.600
35 1.350 1.350 0.155 1.350 1.150 0.135 1.150 1.350 1.200
50 0.980 0.990 0.155 1.000 0.860 0.135 0.870 1.000 0.870
70 0.670 0.670 0.150 0.690 0.590 0.130 0.600 0.690 0.610
95 0.490 0.500 0.150 0.520 0.430 0.130 0.450 0.520 0.450
120 0.390 0.400 0.145 0.420 0.340 0.130 0.370 0.420 0.360
150 0.310 0.320 0.145 0.350 0.280 0.125 0.300 0.350 0.300
185 0.250 0.260 0.145 0.290 0.220 0.125 0.260 0.290 0.250
240 0.195 0.200 0.140 0.240 0.175 0.125 0.210 0.240 0.210
300 0.155 0.160 0.140 0.210 0.140 0.120 0.185 0.210 0.190
400 0.120 0.130 0.140 0.190 0.115 0.120 0.165 0.190 0.180

Based on Voltage Drop method, in our example, the corresponding cable size would be 70mm2.

In Summary,

Based on Step 1: Current-Carrying Capacity Method, the minimum conductor size is 16mm2

Based on Step 2: Voltage Drop Method, the minimum conductor size is 70mm2

Choosing the higher of the two calculations, the required cable size in our example would be 70mm2

3
Step by Step Guide for
Low Voltage Copper Conductor Cable Sizing tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com

Other Key Considerations

The above calculated example assumes standard conditions for ambient temperature and number of circuits. Should
your conditions differ, you would need to apply a correction factor to adjust the current load required. This is important
to prevent overheating.

Two common, but not exhaustive, correction factors are shared below:

1. Correction Factor - Ambient Temperature

The Current-Carrying Capacities tables here assume a standard ambient temperature of 30˚C in free air, or ground
temperature of 15˚C with a depth of 0.5m. Do note that cable routing and ventilation will directly affect the ambient
temperature and so it is important to consider the installation condition along the entire length of the cable laid. If
there is a deviation from the standard temperature, there would be a need to apply a correction factor.

For instance, if the ambient ground temperature in our above example is 20˚C instead of 15˚C, we would need to
locate the correction factor in Table 23 based on the ambient ground temperature, which in this case is 0.97.

Table 23 : Correction factors for ambient ground temperature other than 15°C to be applied to the current-carrying
capacities for cables in duct in ground

Insulation
Ambient temperature °C PVC XLPE
(70°C) (90°C)
10 1.04 1.03
15 1.00 1.00
20 0.95 0.97
25 0.90 0.93
30 0.85 0.89
35 0.80 0.86
40 0.74 0.82
45 0.67 0.77
50 0.60 0.73
55 - 0.68
60 - 0.63
65 - 0.58

Assuming your required current load is 100A, you will now need to use 100A / 0.97 = 103A in the
Current-Carrying Capacities table instead to find the appropriate cable size that can minimally carry this adjusted
current load. [Ambient Temperature Correction Tables 22, 23]

2. Correction Factor - Number of circuits

The standard Current-Carrying Capacities tables assume that only one circuit single-phase or three-phase is laid. If
there is grouping of circuits in the installation, it is crucial to apply a cable grouping correction factor so that the
appropriate larger cable size is selected to prevent overheating issues.

To apply the correction factor, take the required current load and divide it by the correction factor you have identified
based on the number of circuits. This will give you the adjusted current load that you should use instead. [Group
Installation Correction Tables 24, 25]

We hope this guide has presented you with a general step by step principle on how to determine the minimum
allowable cable size to choose. To reiterate, you will need to choose the minimum allowable size that can cover all the
conditions you have looked into to ensure that the cable does not get overloaded.

4
 Schedule of Installation Methods of Cables
(Reference Method Included) tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com

Table 1


Installation Method Examples Appropriate Reference Method

for Determining Current-Carrying
Capacity

1 2 3 4

Open and Clipped Direct :

1 Sheathed cables clipped direct to or lying Method 1

on a non-metallic surface

Cables Embedded Direct in Building Materials :

2 Sheathed cables embedded directly in Method 1

masonry, brickwork, concrete, plaster or
the like (other than thermally insulating
materials)

In Conduit :

3 Single-core non-sheathed cables in metallic Method 3

or non-metallic conduit on a wall or ceiling

4 * Single-core non-sheathed cables in Method 4

metallic or non-metallic conduit in a
thermally insulating wall or above a
thermally insulating ceiling, the conduit
being in contact with a thermally
conducitve surface on one side

5 Multi-core cables having non-metallic Method 3

sheath, in metallic sheath, in metallic or
non-metallic conduit on a wall or ceiling

* The wall is assumed to consist of an outer weatherproof skin, thermal insulation and an inner skin of plasterboard or wood-like
material, with a coefficient of heat transfer not less than 10 W/m2K. The conduit is fixed so that it is close to, but not necessarily
touching, the inner skin. Heat from the cables is assumed to escape through the inner skin only.

5
 tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com

Installation Method Examples Appropriate Reference Method

for Determining Current-Carrying
Capacity

1 2 3 4

6 Sheathed cables in conduit in a thermally Method 4

insulating wall etc

7 Cables in conduit embedded in masonry, Method 3

brickwork, concrete, plaster or the like
(other than thermally insulating materials)

In Trunking :

8 Cables in trunking on a wall or suspended in Method 3

the air

9 Cables in flush floor trunking Method 3

10 Single-core Cables in skirting trunking Method 3

* The wall is assumed to consist of an outer weatherproof skin, thermal insulation and an inner skin of plasterboard or wood-like
material, with a coefficient of heat transfer not less than 10 W/m2K. The conduit is fixed so that it is close to, but not necessarily
touching, the inner skin. Heat from the cables is assumed to escape through the inner skin only.

6
 Schedule of Installation Methods of Cables
(Reference Method Included) tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com

Installation Method Examples Appropriate Reference Method

for Determining Current-Carrying
Capacity

1 2 3 4

In Tray :

11 Sheathed cables, bunched and Method 11

unenclosed, on a perforated cable tray.
A perforated cable tray is considered a tray
with holes that occupy at least 30% of the
surface area

In free air, on cleats, brackets or a ladder :

12 Sheathed single-core cables in free air (any Method 12

supporting metalwork under the cables
occupying less than 10% of the plan area)

Two or three cables vertically one above the

other, minimum distance between cable
surfaces equal to the overall cable Diam.
(De); distance from the wall not less than
0.5De

Two or three cables horizontally, with

spacings as above

Three cables in trefoil, distance between

wall and surface of nearest cable 0.5De or
nearest cables 0.75De

13 Sheathed multi-core cables on ladder or Method 13

brackets, with separation greater than
2De. Sheathed multi-core cables in free
air distance between wall and cable
surface not less than 0.3De. Any supporting
metalwork under the cables occupying less
than 10% of the plan area

14 Cables suspended from or incorporating a Method 12 or 13 as appropriate

catenary wire

* The wall is assumed to consist of an outer weatherproof skin, thermal insulation and an inner skin of plasterboard or wood-like
material, with a coefficient of heat transfer not less than 10 W/m2K. The conduit is fixed so that it is close to, but not necessarily
touching, the inner skin. Heat from the cables is assumed to escape through the inner skin only.

7
Current Rating and Voltage Drop
PVC Insulated Cables tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com
Single-Core, Unarmoured

Single-Core Cables with PVC Insulation, Unarmoured, with or without Sheath 450/750V or 0.6/1kV
Table 2 : Current-Carrying Capacities (Amp) [CU/PVC or CU/PVC/PVC Cables]
BS EN 50525-2-31 (BS 6004)
Conductor Operating Temperature :70°C IEC 60502 (BS 6346)
Ambient Temperature :30°C SS 358
Conductor Reference Method 4 Reference Method 3 Reference Method 1 Reference Method 11 (on Reference Method 12 (free air)
cross- (enclosed in conduit in (enclosed in conduit on a (clipped direct) a perforated cable tray
sectional thermally insulating wall or in trunking etc.) horizontal or vertical) Horizontal Vertical flat
Trefoil
area wall etc.) flat spaced spaced
2 cables, 3 or 4 2 cables, 3 or 4 2 cables, 3 or 4 2 cables, 3 or 4 2 cables, 2 cables, 3 cables,
single-phase cables, single-phase cables, single-phase cables, single-phase cable three single-phase single-phase trefoil three
a.c. or d.c. three phase a.c. or d.c. three-phase a.c. or three-phase a.c.or d.c. -phase a.c. a.c. or d.c. a.c. or d.c. phase a.c.
a.c. a.c. d.c.flat and a.c. flat and or flat and flat and or 3 cables or 3 cables
touching touching or touching touching or three-phase three phase
trefoil trefoil a.c. a.c.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
mm2 A A A A A A A A A A A
BS 6004
1 11 10.5 13.5 12 15.5 14 - - - - -
1.5 14.5 13.5 17.5 15.5 20 18 - - - - -
2.5 19.5 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 56 76 68 87 79 - - - - -
25 80 73 101 89 114 104 126 112 146 130 110
35 99 89 125 110 141 129 156 141 181 162 137
BS 6346
50 119 108 151 134 182 167 191 172 219 197 167
70 151 136 192 171 234 214 246 223 281 254 216
95 182 164 232 207 284 261 300 273 341 311 264
120 210 188 269 239 330 303 349 318 396 362 308
150 240 216 300 262 381 349 404 369 456 419 356
185 273 245 341 296 436 400 463 424 521 480 409
240 320 286 400 346 515 472 549 504 615 569 485
300 367 328 458 394 594 545 635 584 709 659 561
400 - - 546 467 694 634 732 679 852 795 656
500 - - 626 533 792 723 835 778 982 920 749
630 - - 720 611 904 826 953 892 1138 1070 855
800 - - - - 1030 943 1086 1020 1265 1188 971
1000 - - - - 1154 1058 1216 1149 1420 1337 1079
Note : For rating factors of ambient temperature other than 30°C please refer to Table 22

Table 3 : Voltage Drop (Per Amp, Per Meter) [CU/PVC or CU/PVC/PVC Cables]
BS EN 50525-2-31 (BS 6004)
Conductor Operating Temperature :70°C IEC 60502-1 (BS 6346)
SS 358
2
cables 2 cables single-phase a.c. 3 or 4 cables three-phase a.c.
Conductor
d.c.
cross-
Reference Methods Reference Methods
sectional Reference Methods 1 Reference Methods
3 & 4 (enclosed in Reference Method 3 & 4 (enclosed in Reference Methods Reference Method
area & 11 (clipped direct 1 & 11 (flat
conduit etc, in or on 12 (space) conduit etc, in or on 1, 11 & 12 (in trefoil) 12 (flat spaced)
or on trays, touching) touching)
a wall) a wall)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
mV/ mV/ mV/ mV/ mV/ mV/ mV/ mV/
mm2
A/m A/m A/m A/m A/m A/m A/m A/m
1 44 44 44 44 38 38 38 38
1.5 29 29 29 29 25 25 25 25
2.5 18 18 18 18 15 15 15 15
4 11 11 11 11 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.5
6 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.3 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.4
10 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8
16 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4
r x z r x z r x z r x z r x z r x z r x z
25 1.75 1.80 0.33 1.80 1.75 0.20 1.75 1.75 0.29 1.80 1.50 0.29 1.55 1.50 0.175 1.50 1.50 0.25 1.55 1.50 0.32 1.55
35 1.25 1.30 0.31 1.30 1.25 0.195 1.25 1.25 0.28 1.30 1.10 0.27 1.10 1.10 0.170 1.10 1.10 0.24 1.10 1.10 0.32 1.15
50 0.93 0.95 0.30 1.00 0.93 0.190 0.95 0.93 0.28 0.97 0.81 0.26 0.85 0.80 0.165 0.82 0.80 0.24 0.84 0.80 0.32 0.86
70 0.63 0.65 0.29 0.72 0.63 0.185 0.66 0.63 0.27 0.69 0.56 0.25 0.61 0.55 0.160 0.57 0.55 0.24 0.60 0.55 0.31 0.63
95 0.46 0.49 0.28 0.56 0.47 0.180 0.50 0.47 0.27 0.54 0.42 0.24 0.48 0.41 0.155 0.43 0.41 0.23 0.47 0.40 0.31 0.51
120 0.36 0.39 0.27 0.47 0.37 0.175 0.41 0.37 0.26 0.45 0.33 0.23 0.41 0.32 0.150 0.36 0.32 0.23 0.40 0.32 0.30 0.44
150 0.29 0.31 0.27 0.41 0.30 0.175 0.34 0.29 0.26 0.39 0.27 0.23 0.36 0.26 0.150 0.30 0.26 0.23 0.34 0.26 0.30 0.40
185 0.23 0.25 0.27 0.37 0.24 0.170 0.29 0.24 0.26 0.35 0.22 0.23 0.32 0.21 0.145 0.26 0.21 0.22 0.31 0.21 0.30 0.36
240 0.180 0.195 0.26 0.33 0.185 0.165 0.25 0.185 0.25 0.31 0.17 0.23 0.29 0.160 0.145 0.22 0.160 0.22 0.27 0.160 0.29 0.34
300 0.145 0.160 0.26 0.31 0.150 0.165 0.22 0.150 0.25 0.29 0.14 0.23 0.27 0.130 0.140 0.190 0.130 0.22 0.25 0.130 0.29 0.32
400 0.105 0.130 0.26 0.29 0.120 0.160 0.20 0.115 0.25 0.27 0.12 0.22 0.25 0.105 0.140 0.175 0.105 0.21 0.24 0.100 0.29 0.31
500 0.086 0.110 0.26 0.28 0.098 0.155 0.185 0.093 0.24 0.26 0.10 0.22 0.25 0.086 0.135 0.160 0.086 0.21 0.23 0.081 0.29 0.30
630 0.068 0.094 0.25 0.27 0.081 0.155 0.175 0.076 0.24 0.25 0.08 0.22 0.24 0.072 0.135 0.150 0.072 0.21 0.22 0.066 0.28 0.29
800 0.053 - - - 0.068 0.150 0.165 0.061 0.24 0.25 - - - 0.060 0.130 0.145 0.060 0.21 0.22 0.053 0.28 0.29
1000 0.042 - - - 0.059 0.150 0.160 0.050 0.24 0.24 - - - 0.052 0.130 0.140 0.052 0.20 0.21 0.044 0.28 0.28
Note : r = conductor resistance at operating temperature, x = reactance, z = impedance
8
 Current Rating and Voltage Drop
PVC Insulated Cables tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com
Single-Core, Armoured

Single-Core Cables with PVC Insulation, Armoured, PVC Outersheath 0.6/1kV

Table 4 : Current-Carrying Capacities (Amp) [CU/PVC/PVC/AWA/PVC Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :70°C IEC 60502-1 (BS 6346)

Ambient Temperature :30°C
Ground Temperature :15°C Depth of Laying :0.5m Soil Thermal Resistivity :1.2 k•m/W

Conductor Reference Reference Reference Method 12 (free air) Direct in ground In single way
cross- Method 1 Method 11 (on ducts
sectional (clipped direct) perforated cable
area tray)
2 cables 3 or 4 2 cables 3 or 4 3 or 4 cables 3-phase a.c. 2 cables d.c. spaced 2 cables 3 cables 2 cables 3 cables
single- cables single- cables flat trefoil duct trefoil
Horizontal Vertical 3 cables Horizontal Vertical
phase 3-phase phase 3-phase touching touching touching touching
flat flat trefoils
a.c. or a.c. a.c. a.c.
spaced spaced
d.c. flat & flat &
touching touching
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
mm2 A A A A A A A A A A A A A
50 193 179 205 189 230 212 181 229 216 238 203 216 199
70 245 225 259 238 286 263 231 294 279 292 248 262 241
95 296 269 313 285 338 313 280 357 340 349 297 308 282
120 342 309 360 327 385 357 324 415 396 396 337 341 311
*150 393 352 413 373 436 405 373 479 458 443 376 375 342
185 447 399 469 422 490 456 425 548 525 497 423 414 375
240 525 465 550 492 566 528 501 648 622 571 485 463 419
300 594 515 624 547 616 578 567 748 719 640 542 509 459
400 687 575 723 618 674 632 657 885 851 708 600 545 489
500 763 622 805 673 721 676 731 1035 997 780 660 585 523
630 843 669 891 728 771 723 809 1218 1174 856 721 632 563
800 919 710 976 777 824 772 886 1441 1390 895 756 662 587
1000 975 737 1041 808 872 816 946 1685 1627 939 797 703 621
Note : For rating factors of ambient temperature other than 30°C please refer Table 22
For rating factors for group temperature other than 15°C please refer to Table 23
For group rating factors please refer to Table 24

Table 5 : Voltage Drop (Per Amp Per Meter) [CU/PVC/PVC/AWA/PVC Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :70°C IEC 60502-1 (BS6346)

Conductor 2 2 cables single-phase a.c. 3 or 4 cables three-phase a.c. Direct in ground In single way
cross- cables ducts
sectional d.c. Reference Reference Reference Reference Reference 2 cables 3 cables 2 cables 3 cables
area Methods 1 & 11 Method 12 Methods 1, 11 & 12 Methods 1 & 11 Method 12 (flat flat trefoil flat trefoil
(Touching) (space*) (in trefoil touching) (flat touching) spaced*) touching touching touching touching
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
mV/ mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/ mV/ mV/ mV/
mm 2
A/m r x z r x z r x z r x z r x z A/m A/m A/m A/m
50 0.93 0.93 0.22 0.95 0.92 0.30 0.97 0.80 0.190 0.82 0.79 0.26 0.84 0.79 0.34 0.86 0.97 0.82 1.00 0.88
70 0.63 0.64 0.21 0.68 0.66 0.29 0.72 0.56 0.180 0.58 0.57 0.25 0.62 0.59 0.32 0.68 0.67 0.58 0.76 0.66
95 0.46 0.48 0.20 0.52 0.51 0.28 0.58 0.42 0.175 0.45 0.44 0.25 0.50 0.47 0.31 0.57 0.50 0.44 0.61 0.53
120 0.36 0.39 0.195 0.43 0.42 0.28 0.50 0.33 0.17 0.37 0.36 0.24 0.43 0.40 0.30 0.50 0.42 0.36 0.54 0.47
150 0.29 0.31 0.19 0.37 0.34 0.27 0.44 0.27 0.165 0.32 0.30 0.24 0.38 0.34 0.30 0.45 0.36 0.31 0.48 0.42
185 0.23 0.26 0.19 0.32 0.29 0.27 0.39 0.22 0.160 0.27 0.25 0.23 0.34 0.29 0.29 0.41 0.31 0.27 0.44 0.38
240 0.180 0.20 0.180 0.27 0.23 0.26 0.35 0.175 0.160 0.23 0.20 0.23 0.30 0.24 0.28 0.37 0.26 0.23 0.40 0.34
300 0.145 0.160 0.180 0.24 0.190 0.26 0.32 0.140 0.155 0.21 0.165 0.22 0.28 0.20 0.28 0.34 0.23 0.20 0.37 0.32
400 0.105 0.140 0.175 0.22 0.180 0.24 0.30 0.120 0.150 0.195 0.160 0.21 0.26 0.21 0.25 0.32 0.22 0.19 0.34 0.30
500 0.086 0.120 0.170 0.21 0.165 0.23 0.29 0.105 0.145 0.180 0.145 0.20 0.25 0.190 0.24 0.30 0.20 0.18 0.32 0.28
630 0.068 0.105 0.165 0.195 0.150 0.22 0.27 0.091 0.145 0.170 0.135 0.195 0.23 0.175 0.22 0.28 0.19 0.16 0.30 0.26
800 0.053 0.095 0.160 0.185 0.145 0.21 0.25 0.082 0.140 0.160 0.125 0.180 0.22 0.170 0.195 0.26 - - - -
1000 0.042 0.091 0.155 0.180 0.140 0.190 0.24 0.079 0.135 0.155 0.125 0.165 0.21 0.165 0.170 0.24 - - - -
Note : r = conductor resistance at operating temperature
x = reactance
z = impedance

9
Current Rating and Voltage Drop
PVC Insulated Cables tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com
Multi-Core, Unarmoured

Multi-Core Cables with PVC Insulation, Unarmoured, PVC Outersheath 0.6/1kV

Table 6 : Current-Carrying Capacities (Amp) [CU/PVC/PVC Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :70°C BS EN 50525-2-31 (BS 6004)

Ambient Temperatur :30°C IEC 60502-1 (BS 6346)

Conductor Reference Method 4 Reference Method 3 Reference Method 1 Reference Method 11

cross- (enclosed in an insulated (enclosed in conduit on (clipped direct) (on perforated cable tray),
sectional wall etc) a wall or ceiling, or in or Reference Method 13
area trunking) (free air)
one 2-core one 3-core one 2-core one 3-core one 2-core one 3-core one 2-core one 3-core
cable* cable* or cable* cable* or cable* cable* or cable* cable* or
single-phase one 4-core single-phase one 4-core single-phase one 4-core single-phase one 4-core
a.c. or d.c. cable a.c. or d.c. cable a.c. or d.c. cable a.c. or d.c. cable
3-phase a.c. 3-phase a.c. 3-phase a.c. 3-phase a.c.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
mm2 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
25 75 68 90 80 112 96 119 101
35 92 83 111 99 138 119 148 126
50 110 99 133 118 168 144 180 153
70 139 125 168 149 213 184 232 196
95 167 150 201 179 258 223 282 238
120 192 172 232 206 299 259 328 276
150 219 196 258 225 344 299 379 319
185 248 223 294 255 392 341 434 364
240 291 261 344 297 461 403 514 430
300 334 298 394 339 530 464 593 497
400 - - 470 402 634 557 715 597
* With or without protective conductor
Note : For rating factors of ambient temperature other than 30°C please refer to Table 22

Table 7 : Voltage Drop (Per Amp Per Meter) [CU/PVC/PVC Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :70°C

Conductor 2-core cable 2-core cable single-phase a.c. 3-core or 4-core cable 3-phase a.c.
cross-sectional 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
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 0.25 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 0.135 0.130 0.185
400 0.105 0.115 0.145 0.185 0.100 0.125 0.160
Note : r = conductor resistance at operating temperature, x = reactance, z = impedance

10
 Current Rating and Voltage Drop
PVC Insulated Cables tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com
Multi-Core, Armoured

Multi-Core Cables with PVC Insulation, Armoured, PVC Outersheathed 0.6/1kV

Table 8 : Current-Carrying Capacities (Amp) [CU/PVC/PVC/SWA/PVC Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :70°C IEC 60502-1 (BS6346)

Ambient Temperature :30°C
Ground Temperature :15°C Depth of Laying :0.5m Soil Thermal Resistivity :1.2 k•m/W

Conductor Reference Method 1 Reference Method 11 (on a Direct in ground In single way ducts
cross- (clipped direct) perforated horizontal cable
sectional tray or Reference Method
area 13 [free air] )
one 2-core one 3-core one 2-core one 3-core 2-core 3-core or 2-core 3-core or
cable single- or 4-core cable single- or 4-core 4-core 4-core
phase a.c. cable phase a.c. cable
or d.c. 3-phase a.c. or d.c. 3-phase a.c.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
mm² A A A A A A A A
1.5 21 18 22 19 32 27 26 22
2.5 28 25 31 26 41 35 34 29
4 38 33 41 35 55 47 45 38
6 49 42 53 45 69 59 57 48
10 67 58 72 62 92 78 76 64
16 89 77 97 83 119 101 98 83
25 118 102 128 110 158 132 129 107
35 145 125 157 135 190 159 154 126
50 175 151 190 163 225 188 183 153
70 222 192 241 207 277 233 225 190
95 269 231 291 251 332 279 271 228
120 310 267 336 290 377 317 309 260
150 356 306 386 332 422 355 346 292
185 405 348 439 378 478 401 393 331
240 476 409 516 445 551 462 455 382
300 547 469 592 510 616 517 510 428
400 621 540 683 590 693 580 574 490
Note :
For rating factors of ambient temperature other than 30°C please refer to Table 22
For rating factors of group temperature other than 15°C please refer to Table 23
For group rating factors please refer to Table 24

Table 9 : Voltage Drop (Per Amp Per Meter) [CU/PVC/PVC/SWA/PVC Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :70°C IEC 60502-1 (BS6346)

Conductor 2-core 2-core cable single-phase 3-core or 4-core cable Direct in ground In single way ducts
cross- cable a.c. 3-phase a.c. 2-core 3-core or 2-core 3-core or
sectional a.c. 4-core 4-core
area
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
mm2 mV/ mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/ mV/ mV/ mV/
A/m A/m A/m A/m A/m
1.5 29 29 25 29 25 29 25
2.5 18 18 15 18 15 18 15
4 11 11 9.5 11 9.5 11 9.5
6 7.3 7.3 6.4 7.4 6.4 7.4 6.4
10 4.4 4.4 3.8 4.4 3.8 4.4 3.8
16 2.8 2.8 2.4 2.8 2.4 2.8 2.4
r x z r x z
25 1.75 1.75 0.17 1.75 1.5 0.145 1.5 1.7 1.5 1.7 1.5
35 1.25 1.25 0.165 1.25 1.1 0.145 1.1 1.3 1.1 1.3 1.1
50 0.93 0.93 0.165 0.94 0.8 0.14 0.81 0.94 0.82 0.94 0.82
70 0.63 0.63 0.16 0.65 0.55 0.14 0.57 0.66 0.57 0.66 0.57
95 0.46 0.47 0.155 0.5 0.41 0.135 0.43 0.49 0.42 0.49 0.42
120 0.36 0.38 0.155 0.41 0.33 0.135 0.35 0.4 0.35 0.40 0.35
150 0.29 0.30 0.155 0.34 0.26 0.13 0.29 0.34 0.29 0.34 0.29
185 0.23 0.25 0.15 0.29 0.21 0.13 0.25 0.29 0.25 0.29 0.25
240 0.18 0.19 0.15 0.24 0.165 0.13 0.21 0.24 0.21 0.24 0.21
300 0.145 0.155 0.145 0.21 0.135 0.13 0.185 0.21 0.18 0.21 0.18
400 0.105 0.115 0.145 0.185 0.1 0.125 0.16 0.19 0.17 0.19 0.17
Note : r = conductor resistance at operating temperature, x = reactance, z = impedance

11
Current Rating and Voltage Drop
XLPE (or LSZH) Insulated Cables tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com
Single-Core, Unarmoured

Single-Core Cables with XLPE (or LSZH) Insulation, with or without PVC (or LSZH) Outersheath 450/750V or 0.6/1kV
Table 10 : Current-Carrying Capacities (Amp)
[CU/LSZH, CU/XLPE/PVC, CU/XLPE/LSZH, CU/MT/LSZH or CU/MT/XLPE/LSZH Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :90°C BS EN 50525-3-41 (BS 7211)

Ambient Temperature :30°C IEC60502-1

Conductor Reference Method 4 Reference Method 3 Reference Method 1 Reference Method Reference Method 12 (free air)
cross- (enclosed in conduit (enclosed in conduit on (clipped direct) 11 (on a perforated
sectional in thermally insulating a wall or in trunking etc) cable tray, horizontal or Horizontal Vertical flat Trefoil
area wall etc) vertical) flat spaced spaced
2 cables, 3 or 4 2 cables, 3 or 4 2 cables, 3 or 4 2 cables, 3 or 4 2 cables, 2 cables, 3 cables,
single- cables, single- cables, single-phase cables, single-phase cables, single-phase single- trefoil
phase a.c. 3-phase phase a.c. 3-phase a.c. or d.c. 3-phase a.c. or d.c. 3-phase a.c. or d.c. phase a.c. 3-phase
or d.c. a.c. or d.c a.c. flat and a.c. flat and or flat and a.c. flat and or 3 cables or d.c. or a.c.
touching touching or touching touching or three phase 3 cables
trefoil trefoil three
phase
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
mm2 A A A A A A A A A A A
1.5 18 17 22 19 25 23 - - - - -
2.5 24 23 30 26 34 31 - - - - -
4 33 30 40 35 46 41 - - - - -
6 43 39 51 45 59 54 - - - - -
10 58 53 71 63 81 74 - - - - -
16 76 70 95 85 109 99 - - - - -
25 100 91 126 111 143 130 158 140 183 163 138
35 125 111 156 138 176 161 195 176 226 203 171
50 149 135 189 168 228 209 239 215 274 246 209
70 189 170 240 214 293 268 308 279 351 318 270
95 228 205 290 259 355 326 375 341 426 389 330
120 263 235 336 299 413 379 436 398 495 453 385
150 300 270 375 328 476 436 505 461 570 524 445
185 341 306 426 370 545 500 579 530 651 600 511
240 400 358 500 433 644 590 686 630 769 711 606
300 459 410 573 493 743 681 794 730 886 824 701
400 - - 684 584 868 793 915 849 1065 994 820
500 - - 783 666 990 904 1044 973 1228 1150 936
630 - - 900 764 1130 1033 1191 1115 1423 1338 1069
800 - - - - 1288 1179 1358 1275 1580 1485 1214
1000 - - - - 1443 1323 1520 1436 1775 1671 1349

Note : For rating factors of ambient temperature other than 30°C please refer to Table 27
For rating factors of ground temperature other than 15°C please refer to Table 30

Table 11 : Voltage Drop (Per Amp Per Meter)

[CU/LSZH, CU/XLPE/PVC, CU/XLPE/LSZH, CU/MT/LSZH or CU/MT/XLPE/LSZH Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :90°C BS EN 50525-3-41 (BS 7211)

Size of 2 cables 2 cables, single-phase a.c. 3 or 4 cables, 3-phase a.c.

Conductor d.c. Reference Methods 3 and 4 Reference Methods 1 and Reference Methods 3 and 4 Reference Methods 1, 11 Reference Methods 1 and
(enclosed in conduit etc, in 11 (clipped direct or on (enclosed in conduit etc, in and 12 (in trefoil) 11 (flat and touching)
or on a wall) trays touching) or on a wall)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
mm2 mV/A/m mV/ mV/ mV/ mV/ mV/
A/m A/m A/m A/m A/m
1.5 31 31 27 27 27 27
2.5 19 19 16 16 16 16
4 12 12 10 10 10 10
6 7.8 7.9 6.8 6.8 6.8 6.8
10 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.0 4 4
16 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.5 2.5 2.5
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 1.60 0.27 1.65 1.600 0.165 1.600 1.600 0.190 1.600
35 1.35 1.35 0.29 1.35 1.35 0.180 1.35 1.15 0.25 1.15 1.150 0.155 1.150 1.150 0.180 1.150
50 0.99 1.00 0.29 1.05 0.99 0.180 1.00 0.87 0.25 0.90 0.860 0.155 0.870 0.860 0.180 0.870
70 0.68 0.70 0.28 0.75 0.68 0.175 0.71 0.60 0.24 0.65 0.590 0.150 0.610 0.590 0.175 0.620
95 0.49 0.51 0.27 0.58 0.49 0.170 0.52 0.44 0.23 0.50 0.430 0.145 0.450 0.430 0.170 0.460
120 0.39 0.41 0.26 0.48 0.39 0.165 0.43 0.35 0.23 0.42 0.340 0.140 0.370 0.340 0.165 0.380
150 0.32 0.33 0.26 0.43 0.32 0.165 0.36 0.29 0.23 0.37 0.280 0.140 0.310 0.280 0.165 0.320
185 0.25 0.27 0.26 0.37 0.26 0.165 0.30 0.23 0.23 0.32 0.220 0.140 0.260 0.220 0.165 0.280
240 0.19 0.21 0.26 0.33 0.20 0.160 0.25 0.185 0.22 0.29 0.170 0.140 0.220 0.170 0.165 0.240
300 0.155 0.175 0.25 0.31 0.16 0.160 0.22 0.150 0.22 0.27 0.140 0.140 0.195 0.135 0.160 0.210
400 0.12 0.140 0.25 0.29 0.13 0.155 0.20 0.125 0.22 0.25 0.110 0.135 0.175 0.110 0.160 0.195
500 0.093 0.120 0.25 0.28 0.105 0.155 0.185 0.10 0.22 0.24 0.090 0.135 0.160 0.088 0.160 0.180
630 0.072 0.100 0.25 0.27 0.086 0.155 0.175 0.088 0.21 0.23 0.074 0.135 0.150 0.071 0.160 0.170
800 0.056 - - - 0.072 0.150 0.170 - - - 0.062 0.130 0.145 0.059 0.155 0.165
1000 0.045 - - - 0.063 0.150 0.165 - - - 0.055 0.130 0.140 0.050 0.155 0.165
Note : r = conductor resistance at operating temperature, x = reactance, z = impedance

12
 Current Rating and Voltage Drop
XLPE (or LSZH) Insulated Cables tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com
Single-Core, Armoured

Single Core Cables with XLPE or LSZH Insulation, Armoured, PVC or LSZH Outersheath 0.6/1kV
Table 12 : Current-Carrying Capacities (Amp)
[CU/XLPE/PVC/AWA/PVC, CU/XLPE/LSZH/AWA/LSZH, CU/MT/XLPE/LSZH/AWA/LSZH Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :90°C BS 6724

Ambient Temperature :30°C IEC60502-1
Ground Temperature :15°C Depth of Laying :0.5m Soil Thermal Resistivity :1.2 k•m/W

Conductor Reference Method 1 Reference Method 11 Reference In single-way ducts Laid direct in ground
cross-sectional (clipped direct) (on perforated cable Method 12
area tray) (free air)
2 cables 3 or 4 2 cables 3 or 4 3 cables 2 cables 3 cables 2 cables 3 cables
single- cables single- cables 3-phase single- 3-phase single- 3-phase
phase a.c. 3-phase phase a.c. 3-phase a.c. trefoil phase a.c. trefoil phase a.c. a.c. trefoil
or d.c. a.c. flat or d.c. a.c. flat touching a.c. or touching or d.c. touching
flat and and flat and and d.c. ducts touching
touching touching touching touching touching
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
mm2 A A A A A A A A A
50 237 220 253 232 222 255 235 275 235
70 303 277 322 293 285 310 280 340 290
95 367 333 389 352 346 365 330 405 345
120 425 383 449 405 402 410 370 460 389
150 488 437 516 462 463 445 405 510 435
185 557 496 587 524 529 485 440 580 490
240 656 579 689 612 625 550 500 670 560
300 755 662 792 700 720 610 550 750 630
400 853 717 899 767 815 640 580 830 700
500 962 791 1016 851 918 690 620 910 770
630 1082 861 1146 935 1027 750 670 1000 840
800 1170 904 1246 987 1119 828 735 1117 931
1000 1261 961 1345 1055 1214 919 811 1254 1038
Note : For rating factors of ambient temperature other than 30°C please refer to Table 27
For rating factors of ground temperature other than 15°C please refer to Table 30

Table 13 : Voltage Drop (Per Amp Per Meter)

[CU/XLPE/PVC/AWA/PVC, CU/XLPE/LSZH/AWA/LSZH, CU/MT/XLPE/LSZH/AWA/LSZH Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :90°C BS 6724

Conductor 2 2 cables single-phase 3 or 4 cables three-phase a.c. 2 cables single- 3 or 4 cables,

cross-sectional cables a.c. phase a.c. 3-phase a.c.
area d.c. touching
Reference Method
Reference Method 1 Reference Method 1 & In In In In
1, 11 & 12 (in trefoil ducts ground ducts ground
& 11 (touching) 11 (flat touching)
touching)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
mm2 mV/ mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/ mV/A/m mV/ mV/A/m
A/m A/m A/m
r x z r x z r x z
50 0.98 0.99 0.21 1 0.86 0.18 0.87 0.84 0.25 0.88 1.10 0.99 0.93 0.86
70 0.67 0.68 0.20 0.71 0.59 0.17 0.62 0.6 0.25 0.65 0.80 0.70 0.70 0.61
95 0.49 0.51 0.195 0.55 0.44 0.17 0.47 0.46 0.24 0.52 0.65 0.53 0.56 0.46
120 0.39 0.41 0.190 0.45 0.35 0.165 0.39 0.38 0.24 0.44 0.55 0.43 0.48 0.37
150 0.31 0.33 0.185 0.38 0.29 0.160 0.33 0.31 0.23 0.39 0.50 0.37 0.43 0.32
185 0.25 0.27 0.185 0.33 0.23 0.160 0.28 0.26 0.23 0.34 0.45 0.31 0.39 0.27
240 0.195 0.21 0.180 0.28 0.18 0.155 0.24 0.21 0.22 0.30 0.40 0.26 0.35 0.23
300 0.155 0.17 0.175 0.25 0.145 0.150 0.21 0.17 0.22 0.28 0.37 0.24 0.32 0.21
400 0.115 0.145 0.170 0.22 0.125 0.150 0.195 0.160 0.21 0.27 0.35 0.21 0.30 0.19
500 0.093 0.125 0.170 0.21 0.105 0.145 0.180 0.145 0.20 0.25 0.33 0.20 0.28 0.18
630 0.073 0.105 0.165 0.195 0.092 0.145 0.170 0.135 0.195 0.24 0.30 0.19 0.26 0.17
800 0.056 0.090 0.160 0.190 0.086 0.140 0.165 0.130 0.180 0.23 0.28 0.18 0.24 0.16
1000 0.045 0.092 0.155 0.180 0.080 0.135 0.155 0.125 0.170 0.21 0.26 0.17 0.22 0.15
Note : r = conductor resistance at operating temperature
x = reactance
z = impedance

13
Current Rating and Voltage Drop
XLPE (or LSZH) Insulated Cables tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com
Multi-Core, Unarmoured

Multi-Core Cables with XLPE (or LSZH) Insulation, PVC (or LSZH) Outersheath 300/500V or 0.6/1kV
Table 14 : Current-Carrying Capacities (Amp) [CU/XLPE/PVC, CU/XLPE/LSZH or CU/MT/XLPE/LSZH Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :90°C

Ambient Temperature :30°C IEC60502-1

Conductor Reference Method Reference Method 3 Reference Method 1 (clipped Reference Method 11 (on
cross-sectional 4 (enclosed in an (enclosed in conduit on a direct) a perforated cable tray), or
area conduit insulated wall or ceiling, or in trunking) Reference Method 13 (free
wall etc) air)
one 3-core cable or one 2-core one 3-core one 2-core one 3-core one 2-core one 3-core
one 4-core cable cable single- cable or one cable single- cable or one cable single- cable or one
3-phase a.c. phase a.c. or 4-core cable phase a.c. or 4-core cable phase a.c. or 4-core cable
d.c. 3-phase a.c. d.c. 3-phase a.c. d.c. 3-phase a.c.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
mm2 A A A A A A A
1.5 16.5 22 19.5 24 22 26 23
2.5 22 30 26 33 30 36 32
4 30 40 35 45 40 49 42
6 38 51 44 58 52 63 54
10 51 69 60 80 71 86 75
16 68 91 80 107 96 115 100
25 89 119 105 138 119 149 127
35 109 146 128 171 147 185 158
50 130 175 154 209 179 225 192
70 164 221 194 269 229 289 246
95 197 265 233 328 278 352 298
120 227 305 268 382 322 410 346
150 259 334 300 441 371 473 399
185 295 384 340 506 424 542 456
240 346 459 398 599 500 641 538
300 396 532 455 693 576 741 621
400 - 625 536 803 667 865 741
Note : For rating factors of ambient temperature other than 30°C please refer to Table 27
For rating factors of ground temperature other than 15°C please refer to Table 30

Table 15 : Voltage Drop (Per Amp Per Meter) [CU/XLPE/PVC, CU/XLPE/LSZH or CU/MT/XLPE/LSZH Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :90°C IEC60502-1

Conductor 2-core cable d.c. 2-core cable 3-core or 4-core

cross-sectional area single-phase a.c. cable 3-phase a.c.
1 2 3 4
mm2 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 0.19 0.115 0.120 0.165
Note : r = conductor resistance at operating temperature
x = reactance
z = impedance

14
 Current Rating and Voltage Drop
XLPE (or LSZH) Insulated Cables tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com
Multi-Core, Armoured

Multi-Core Cables with XLPE (or LSZH) Insulation, Armoured, PVC or LSZH Outersheath 0.6/1kV
Table 16 : Current-Carrying Capacities (Amp)
[CU/XLPE/PVC/SWA/PVC, CU/XLPE/LSZH/SWA/LSZH, CU/MT/XLPE/LSZH/SWA/LSZH Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :90°C BS 6724

Ambient Temperature :30°C IEC60502-1
Ground Temperature :15°C Depth of Laying :0.5m Soil Thermal Resistivity :1.2 k•m/W

Conductor Reference Method 1 Reference Method 11 (on a

cross- (clipped direct) perforated horizontal cable
In single-way ducts Laid direct in ground
sectional tray or Reference Method 13
area [free air] )
one 2-core one 3-core or one 2-core one 3-core or one 2-core one 3-core or one 2-core one 3-core or
cable single- 4-core cable cable single- 4-core cable cable single- 4-core cable cable single- 4-core cable
phase a.c. or 3-phase a.c. phase a.c. or 3-phase a.c. phase a.c. or 3-phase a.c. phase a.c. or 3-phase a.c.
d.c. d.c. d.c. d.c.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
mm2 A A A A A A A A
1.5 27 23 29 25 - 23 - 28
2.5 36 31 39 33 - 30 - 36
4 49 42 52 44 - 40 - 48
6 62 53 66 56 - 50 - 60
10 85 73 90 78 - 65 - 80
16 110 94 115 99 115 94 140 115
25 146 124 152 131 145 125 180 150
35 180 154 188 162 175 150 215 180
50 219 187 228 197 210 175 255 215
70 279 238 291 251 260 215 315 265
95 338 289 354 304 310 260 380 315
120 392 335 410 353 355 300 430 360
150 451 386 472 406 400 335 480 405
185 515 441 539 463 455 380 540 460
240 607 520 636 546 520 440 630 530
300 698 599 732 628 590 495 700 590
400 787 673 847 728 660 560 790 670
Note : For rating factors of ambient temperature other than 30°C please refer to Table 27
For rating factors of ground temperature other than 15°C please refer to Table 30

Table 17 : Voltage Drop (Per Amp Per Meter)

[CU/XLPE/PVC/SWA/PVC, CU/XLPE/LSZH/SWA/LSZH, CU/MT/XLPE/LSZH/SWA/LSZH Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature :90°C BS 6724

IEC60502-1

2 cables,
Conductor 3 or 4 cables,
single-phase
cross- 2-core 3-phase a.c.
2 cables, single-phase a.c. 3 or 4 cables, 3-phase a.c. a.c.
sectional cable d.c.
area In ducts or In ducts or
in ground in ground
1 2 3 4 5 6
mm2 mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/A/m
1.5 31.0 31.0 27.0 31.0 25.0
2.5 19.0 19.0 16.0 19.0 15.0
4 12.0 12.0 10.0 12.0 9.7
6 7.9 7.9 6.8 7.9 6.5
10 4.7 4.7 4.0 4.7 3.9
16 2.9 2.9 2.5 2.9 2.6
r x z r x z
25 1.850 1.850 0.160 1.900 1.600 0.140 1.650 1.900 1.600
35 1.350 1.350 0.155 1.350 1.150 0.135 1.150 1.350 1.200
50 0.980 0.990 0.155 1.000 0.860 0.135 0.870 1.000 0.870
70 0.670 0.670 0.150 0.690 0.590 0.130 0.600 0.690 0.610
95 0.490 0.500 0.150 0.520 0.430 0.130 0.450 0.520 0.450
120 0.390 0.400 0.145 0.420 0.340 0.130 0.370 0.420 0.360
150 0.310 0.320 0.145 0.350 0.280 0.125 0.300 0.350 0.300
185 0.250 0.260 0.145 0.290 0.220 0.125 0.260 0.290 0.250
240 0.195 0.200 0.140 0.240 0.175 0.125 0.210 0.240 0.210
300 0.155 0.160 0.140 0.210 0.140 0.120 0.185 0.210 0.190
400 0.120 0.130 0.140 0.190 0.115 0.120 0.165 0.190 0.180
Note : r = conductor resistance at operating temperature
x = reactance
z = impedance

15
Current Rating and Voltage Drop
Rubber Insulated Cables tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com

Single-Core Flexible Cables with Rubber Insulation & Chlorinated Polyethylene Outersheath.
Table 18 : Current-Carrying Capacities (Amp)
[CU/EPR/CPE Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature : 90°C

Ambient Temperature : 30°C BS 50525-2-21
Reference Method 11 (on a
Reference Method 3 (enclosed in Reference Method 1 Reference Method 12
perforated cable tray)
conduit etc. in or on a wall) (clipped direct) (free air)
Horizontal or Vertical
2 cables,
Conductor
single-phase
cross- 3 or 4 cables, 3 or 4 cables,
2 cables, single- 2 cables, single- a.c. or d.c. or
sectional 2 cables, single- 3 or 4 cables, three-phase three-phase 3 cables trefoil,
phase a.c. or phase a.c. or 3 or 4 cables,
area phase a.c. or three-phase a.c. flat and a.c. flat and three-phase
d.c. flat and d.c. flat and three-phase
d.c. a.c. touching or touching or a.c.
touching touching a.c. flat spaced
trefoil trefoil
horizontal or
vertical
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
mm2 A A A A A A A A
1 17 15 19 17.5 - - - -
1.5 22 19.5 25 23 - - - -
2.5 30 27 34 31 - - - -
4 40 36 45 42 - - - -
6 52 46 59 54 - - - -
10 72 63 81 75 - - - -
16 96 85 108 100 - - - -
25 127 112 143 133 153 140 154 134
35 157 138 177 164 186 174 192 167
50 190 167 215 199 229 211 235 204
70 242 213 274 254 293 269 303 262
95 293 258 332 308 356 327 370 320
120 339 298 384 357 412 379 431 33
150 372 334 442 411 475 437 499 432
185 428 379 519 469 542 499 573 495
240 510 443 607 553 639 589 679 587
300 593 506 695 636 735 679 786 680
400 719 602 827 755 860 798 929 799
500 835 689 946 865 989 918 1081 919
630 975 791 1088 996 1143 1062 1263 1060

Note : For rating factors of ambient temperature other than 30°C please refer to Table 28

Table 19 : Voltage Drop (Per Amp Per Meter)

[CU/EPR/CPE Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature : 90°CBS 50525-2-21

2 cables, single-phase a.c. 3 or 4 cables, three-phase a.c.

Conductor Reference Reference Reference
Reference Reference
cross- Cables Method 3 Methods 1 & 11 Reference Method 3 Reference
Method 1, 11 Methods 1 &
sectional d.c. (enclosed in (clipped direct Method 12 (enclosed in Method 12 (flat
& 12 (in trefoil 11 (flat and
area conduit etc. in or or on trays, (spaced*) conduit etc. in or spaced*)
touching) touching)
on a wall) touching) on a wall)
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 mV/A/m mV/A/m
1 46 46 46 - 40 40 40 -
1.5 31 31 31 - 26 26 26 -
2.5 18 18 18 - 16 16 16 -
4 12 12 12 - 10 10 10 -
6 7.7 7.7 7.7 - 6.7 6.7 6.7 -
10 4.6 4.6 4.6 - 4.0 4.0 4.0 -
16 2.9 2.9 2.9 - 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 1.80 1.80 0.72 1.90 1.85 0.20 1.85 1.85 0.29 1.85 1.60 0.28 1.65 1.60 0.175 1.60 1.60 0.25 1.60 1.60 0.32 1.65
35 1.30 1.30 0.31 1.40 1.30 0.195 1.35 1.30 0.28 1.35 1.15 0.27 1.20 1.15 0.170 1.15 1.15 0.24 1.15 1.15 0.32 1.20
50 0.95 0.95 0.30 1.05 0.97 0.190 0.99 0.97 0.28 1.00 0.87 0.26 0.91 0.84 0.165 0.86 0.84 0.24 0.88 0.84 0.32 0.90
70 0.65 0.65 0.29 0.74 0.66 0.185 0.69 0.66 0.27 0.72 0.60 0.25 0.65 0.57 0.160 0.60 0.57 0.24 0.62 0.57 0.31 0.65
95 0.48 0.48 0.28 0.58 0.49 0.180 0.52 0.49 0.27 0.56 0.44 0.25 0.51 0.43 0.155 0.45 0.43 0.23 0.48 0.42 0.31 0.52
120 0.38 0.38 0.27 0.49 0.39 0.175 0.43 0.39 0.26 0.47 0.35 0.24 0.43 0.34 0.155 0.3 0.34 0.23 0.41 0.34 0.30 0.45
150 0.30 0.30 0.27 0.42 0.31 0.175 0.36 0.31 0.26 0.40 0.29 0.24 0.37 0.27 0.150 0.31 0.27 0.23 0.35 0.27 0.30 0.40
185 0.25 0.25 0.27 0.38 0.25 0.170 0.30 0.25 0.26 0.36 0.23 0.23 0.33 0.22 0.150 0.26 0.22 0.22 0.31 0.22 0.30 0.37
240 0.190 0.190 0.26 0.33 0.195 0.165 0.26 0.195 0.25 0.32 0.180 0.23 0.29 0.10 0.145 0.22 0.170 0.22 0.28 0.170 0.30 0.34
300 0.150 0.150 0.26 0.31 0.155 0.165 0.23 0.155 0.25 0.29 0.150 0.23 0.27 0.135 0.140 0.195 0.135 0.22 0.26 0.135 0.29 0.32
400 0.115 0.115 0.26 0.30 0.125 0.160 0.20 0.120 0.25 0.28 0.130 0.22 0.26 0.110 0.140 0.175 0.110 0.21 0.24 0.105 0.29 031
500 0.091 0.091 0.26 0.28 0.100 0.155 0.185 0.097 0.24 0.26 0.105 0.22 0.24 0.089 0.135 0.165 0.089 0.21 0.23 0.085 0.29 0.30
630 0.072 0.072 0.25 0.27 0.082 0.155 0.175 0.077 0.24 0.25 0.085 0.22 0.24 0.073 0.135 0.155 0.073 0.21 0.22 0.067 0.28 0.29

Note : r = conductor resistance at operating temperature; x = reactance; z = impedance

*Spacings larger than those specified in Method 12 will result in larger voltage drop

16
 Current Rating and Voltage Drop
Rubber Insulated Cables tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com

Multi-Core Flexible Cables with EPR Insulation & Chlorinated Polyethylene Outersheath.
Table 20 : Current-Carrying Capacities (Amp)
[CU/EPR/CPE Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature : 90°C

Ambient Temperature : 30°C BS 50525-2-21
Reference Method 11
Reference Method 3 Reference Method 1 (on a perforated cable tray)
(enclosed) (clipped direct) or Reference Method 13
Conductor cross- (free air)
sectional area
1 two-core cable, 1 three-core or 1 two-core cable, 1 three-core or 1 two-core cable, 1 three-core or
single-phase a.c. four-core cable, single-phase a.c. four-core cable, single-phase a.c. four-core cable,
or d.c. three-phase a.c. or d.c. three-phase a.c. or d.c. three-phase a.c.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
mm2 A A A A A A
1 16.5 14.5 18 16 19.5 17.5
1.5 21 18.5 23 20 25 22
2.5 29 25 32 28 34 30
4 38 33 43 37 46 40
6 48 43 55 48 59 52
10 66 58 76 66 81 71
16 87 77 103 88 109 94
25 114 100 136 117 144 123
35 139 122 168 144 177 151
50 167 147 201 174 213 186
70 211 158 256 222 272 237
95 254 222 310 269 329 287
120 292 256 359 312 381 333
150 320 287 413 359 438 383
185 368 326 470 409 499 437
240 439 381 553 482 587 515
300 509 436 636 555 675 593

Note : For rating factors of ambient temperature other than 30°C please refer to Table 29

Table 21 : Voltage Drop (Per Amp Per Meter)

[CU/EPR/CPE Cables]

Conductor Operating Temperature : 90°C BS 50525-2-21

Conductor cross- two-core cable, three-core, four-core or five-core cables,

two-core cable, single-phase a.c.
sectional area d.c. three-phase a.c.
1 2 3 4
mm2 mV/A/m mV/A/m mV/A/m
1 46 46 40
1.5 31 31 26
2.5 19 19 16
4 12 12 10
6 7.7 7.7 6.7
10 4.6 4.6 4.0
16 2.9 2.9 2.5
r x z r x z
25 1.80 1.85 0.175 1.85 1.60 0.150 1.60
35 1.30 1.30 0.170 1.35 1.15 0.150 1.15
50 0.95 0.97 0.170 0.99 0.84 0.145 0.86
70 0.65 0.66 0.165 0.68 0.58 0.140 0.59
95 0.48 0.49 0.160 0.52 0.43 0.140 0.45
120 0.38 0.39 0.160 0.42 0.34 0.135 0.36
150 0.30 0.31 0.155 0.35 0.27 0.135 0.20
185 0.25 0.25 0.155 0.20 0.22 0.130 0.26
240 0.190 0.195 0.150 0.25 0.170 0.130 0.22
300 0.150 0.155 0.150 0.22 0.135 0.130 0.185

Note : r = conductor resistance at operating temperature

x = reactance
z = impedance

17
Correction Factors
tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com

Table 22 : Correction factors for ambient air temperature other than 30°C to be applied to the current-carrying
capacities for cables in the air
Insulation
Ambient temperature
PVC XLPE HT-PVC Rubber Rubber
°C
(70°C) (90°C) (90°C) (85°C) (60°C)
10 1.22 1.15 - - -
15 1.17 1.12 - - -
20 1.12 1.08 - - -
25 1.06 1.04 1.03 1.02 -
30 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
35 0.94 0.96 0.97 0.95 0.91
40 0.87 0.91 0.94 0.90 0.82
45 0.79 0.87 0.91 0.85 0.71
50 0.71 0.82 0.87 0.80 0.58
55 0.61 0.76 0.84 0.74 0.41
60 0.50 0.71 0.80 0.67 -
65 0.35 0.65 0.76 0.60 -
70 - 0.58 0.71 0.52 -
75 - 0.50 0.61 0.43 -
80 - 0.41 0.50 0.30 -
85 - 0.29 0.35 - -
Table 23 : Correction factors for ambient ground temperature other than 15°C to be applied to the current-
carrying capacities for cables in duct in ground
Insulation
Ambient temperature °C PVC XLPE
(70°C) (90°C)
10 1.04 1.03
15 1.00 1.00
20 0.95 0.97
25 0.90 0.93
30 0.85 0.89
35 0.80 0.86
40 0.74 0.82
45 0.67 0.77
50 0.60 0.73
55 - 0.68
60 - 0.63
65 - 0.58
Table 24 : Correction Factors for Group Installation
Correction for groups of more than one circuit of single-core cables, or more than one multi-core cable
Reference Methods of Correction Factor (Cg)
Installation
Number of Circuits or Multi-Core Cables

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20
Enclosed (Method 3 or 4) or 0.80 0.70 0.65 0.60 0.57 0.54 0.52 0.50 0.48 0.45 0.43 0.41 0.39 0.38
bunched and clipped to a non-
metallic surface (Method 1)

Single layer Touching 0.85 0.79 0.75 0.73 0.72 0.72 0.71 0.70 - - - - - -
clipped to a non-
metallic surface Spaced * 0.94 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90
(Method 1)

Single layer Touching 0.86 0.81 0.77 0.75 0.74 0.73 0.73 0.72 0.71 0.70 - - - -
multi-core on
a perforated Spaced * 0.91 0.89 0.88 0.87 0.87 - - - - - - - - -
metal cable
tray, vertical
or horizontal
(Method 11)

Single layer Horizontal 0.90 0.85 - - - - - - - - - - - -

single-core on
a perforated Vertical 0.85 - - - - - - - - - - - - -
metal cable
tray, touching
(Method 11)

Single layer multi-core touching 0.86 0.82 0.80 0.79 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.77 - - - - - -
on ladder supports
* Space means a clearance between adjacent surfaces of at least one cable Diam.(De). Where the horizontal clearance between adjacent cables exceeds 2De, no
correction factor need be applied.
Note : 1 The factors in the table are applicable to a group of cables all of the same sizes. The value of the current derived from application of the appropriate factors is the
maximum continous current to be carried by any of the cables in the group.
2 If, due to known operating conditions, a cable is expected to carry not more than 30% of its grouped rating, it may be ignored for the purpose of obtaining the rating
factor for the rest of the group.
 For example, a group of N loaded cables would normally require a group reduction factor of Cg applied to the tabulated Lt. However, if M cables in the group carry
loads which are not greater than 0.3Cg Lt amperes, the other cables can be sized by using the group rating factor corresponding to (N-M) cables.
18
 Correction Factors
tel (65) 6367 0107 fax (65) 6365 2963
www.keystone-cable.com

Table 25 : Correction Factors for Cables Installed in Enclosed Trenches

Conductor Correction factor

cross-
sectional Installation Method 18 Installation Method 19 Installation Method 20
area 2 single- 3 single- 4 single- 6 single- 6 single- 8 single- 12 single- 12 single- 18 single- 24 single-
core core core core core core core core core core
cables cables, cables, cables, 4 cables, 4 cables, cables, 8 cables, cables, cables,
or 1 or two or 2 two-core two-core or 4 two-core 8 2-core 12 16
three- 2-core three- cables, cables, three- cables, cables, 2-core 2-core
core or cables core or or 3 or 3 core or or 6 or 6 cables, cables,
4-core 4-core three- three- 4-core three- three- or 9 or 12
cables cables core or core or cables core or core or three- three-
4-core 4-core 4-core 4-core core or core or
cables cables cables cables 4-core 4-core
cables cables

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

mm2

4 0.93 0.90 0.87 0.82 0.86 0.83 0.76 0.81 0.74 0.69

6 0.92 0.89 0.86 0.81 0.86 0.82 0.75 0.80 0.73 0.68

10 0.91 0.88 0.85 0.80 0.85 0.80 0.74 0.78 0.72 0.66

16 0.91 0.87 0.84 0.78 0.83 0.78 0.71 0.76 0.70 0.64

25 0.90 0.86 0.82 0.76 0.81 0.76 0.69 0.74 0.67 0.62

35 0.89 0.85 0.81 0.75 0.80 0.74 0.68 0.72 0.66 0.60

50 0.88 0.84 0.79 0.74 0.78 0.73 0.66 0.71 0.64 0.59

70 0.87 0.82 0.78 0.72 0.77 0.72 0.64 0.70 0.62 0.57

95 0.86 0.81 0.76 0.70 0.75 0.70 0.63 0.68 0.60 0.55

120 0.85 0.80 0.75 0.69 0.73 0.68 0.61 0.66 0.58 0.53

150 0.84 0.78 0.74 0.67 0.72 0.67 0.59 0.64 0.57 0.51

185 0.83 0.77 0.73 0.65 0.70 0.65 0.58 0.63 0.55 0.49

240 0.82 0.76 0.71 0.63 0.69 0.63 0.56 0.61 0.53 0.48

300 0.81 0.74 0.69 0.62 0.68 0.62 0.54 0.59 0.52 0.46

400 0.80 0.73 0.67 0.59 0.66 0.60 0.52 0.57 0.50 0.44

500 0.78 0.72 0.66 0.58 0.64 0.58 0.51 0.56 0.48 0.43

630 0.77 0.71 0.65 0.56 0.63 0.57 0.49 0.54 0.47 0.41

Note: For rating factor of ambient temperature other than 30°C please refer to Table 22

19
 DELIVERING ENERGY

KEYSTONE CABLE (S) PTE LTD

57 Senoko Drive, Singapore 758236

Tel (65) 6367 0107

Fax (65) 6365 2963
Email sales@keystone-cable.com
Website www.keystone-cable.com