EE 158

Lecture 2a
Conductor Ampacity – Terminations
and Derating Factors

Revised by: Justine Joshua Ramos Adapted from: Allan C. Nerves, Ph.D., P.E.E.
Last Revision: August 2020 Electrical & Electronics Engineering Institute
University of the Philippines Diliman
Terminations and Derating Factors

Knowing the maximum conductor ampacity is not enough for us to

decide the proper conductor size that we should use.

This material illustrates the factors that can affect the decision:
a. Termination Ratings
b. Ambient Temperature
c. Conduit Fill

Will my conductor installation

remain safe if I use it in a hotter
area? What if I add 2 more
conductors in the conduit?
Conductor Termination

 Type THHN building wire is a common conductor used throughout

the construction industry.
 Just because a conductor has insulation with a 90°C temperature
rating, the ampacity is not automatically selected from the 90°C
column.
 Instead, the appropriate column for conductor ampacity selection
depends on the lowest temperature rating of the termination (or
connection) points.
WHY?
The connection point might not be able to handle
the rated current of the conductor!
Conductor is perfectly fine
Connection point is already burning
Conductor Termination

 Unless the equipment is listed and marked

otherwise, conductor ampacities used in
determining equipment termination provisions shall
be based on Table 3.10.1.16 as appropriately
modified by 3.1.10.15(b)(2).
 A conductor has at least two ends or terminations.
Each termination has a temperature rating. If at
least one temperature rating is unknown, use the
default ratings in 1.10.1.14(C)(1)(a) or
1.10.1.14(C)(1)(b).
 Conductor Termination

 Conductor temperature
limitations can be compared
to the strength of a chain. A
chain is only as strong as its
weakest link. For example, a
90°C conductor has a
60°C termination on one
end and a 75°C termination
on the other. The weakest
link in this example is the
60°C termination (Figure3).

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Conductor Termination: 100A or less

Termination provisions of equipment for circuits rated 100

amperes or less, or marked for 2.0 mm2 through 38 mm2
conductors, shall be used only for one of the following:
1)Conductors rated 60°C (140°F).
 Example
Conductor Termination: 100A or less

2) Conductors with higher temperature ratings, provided

the ampacity of such conductors is determined based on
the 60°C (140°F) ampacity of the conductor size used.
It is permissible to use a conductor with a higher temperature
rating, provided the ampacity of such conductors is
determined based on the 60°C ampacity of the conductor
size used. If any termination is either 60°C or unknown,
the conductor’s maximum ampacity is the ampacity
listed in the 60°C column, regardless of the insulation
rating of the conductor.
Conductor Termination: 100A or less

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 Example:

Can’t base in the 900C column. Why?

- Your THHN conductor is perfectly fine at a
temperature up to 900C but your 600C
termination is already burning.
- Make sure that your system won’t exceed
600C by specifying the maximum ampacity
according to the 600C column.
- Yes, the THHN is quite an “overkill” for this
application but maybe it is in a location
where this kind of insulation is necessary.
Conductor Termination: 100A or less

3) Conductors with higher temperature ratings if the

equipment is listed and identified for use with such
conductors.
Conductors with higher temperature ratings can be installed if the
equipment is listed and identified for use with such conductors.
This means the ampacity of a 75°C conductor can be based
on the 75°C column if all the terminations are rated at least
75°C. This also means the ampacity of a 90°C conductor can
be based on the 90°C column if all the terminations are rated
at least 90°C. Be careful when using the 90°C column
because no equipment is listed and identified for use with
90°C conductors other than individual lugs, terminal bars and
equipment listed for use on circuits over 600V. This third
provision in 1.10.1.14(c)(1)(a) also means the ampacity of a
90°C conductor can be based on the 75°C column if all the
terminations are rated at least 75°C.
Conductor Termination: 100A or less

 For example, a THHN conductor will have 75°C termination on one end and a
60/75 0C termination on the other. A temperature rating of 60/75 0C means the
equipment has been listed for both 60°C and 75°C conductors; therefore, it is
permissible to use the 75°C rating if the installed conductor is rated at least
75°C. Because all of the connection points in this example have at least a 75°C
rating, the conductor’s ampacity can be based on the 75°C column.
 Example
Conductor Termination: over 100A

Termination provisions of equipment for circuits rated

over 100 amperes, or marked for conductors larger
than 38 mm2 (1 AWG), shall be used only for one of
the following:
1)Conductors rated 75°C (167°F)
Conductor Termination

 For example, THWN conductors (larger than 1 AWG) will supply

power to a circuit rated greater than 100A. The conductors will have
75°C terminations on both ends. The ampacity can be based on the
75°C column because the conductors are larger than 1 AWG, and
the circuit it is supplying is rated greater than 100A.

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 Example
 Conductor Termination

2) Conductors with higher temperature ratings,

provided the ampacity of such conductors does
not exceed the 75°C (167°F) ampacity of the
conductor size used, or up to their ampacity if the
equipment is listed and identified for use with such
conductors.
It is permissible to use a conductor with a higher
temperature rating, provided the ampacity of such
conductors is determined based on the 75°C
ampacity of the conductor size used.
 Conductor Termination

 For example, what is the maximum ampacity for a 1/0 AWG

THHN copper conductor fed from a 150A breaker? Assume an
ambient temperature of 30°C and no more than three
current-carrying conductors in the raceway. The conductors
will have 75°C terminations on one end, but the temperature
rating of the terminations on the other end is unknown. To
comply with 1.10.14(c)(1)(b)(2), do not exceed the 75°C
ampacity for this conductor. Although the temperature rating
on one end is unknown, the ampacity of this 90°C conductor
can be based on the 75°C column because the conductors
are larger than 1 AWG and the circuit it is supplying is rated
greater than 100A. This 1/0 AWG THHN copper conductor
has a maximum ampacity of 150A .
Conductor Termination

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Conductor Termination

 When looking to see if the equipment (panelboard,

switchboard, disconnect, etc.) is listed and identified for use
with 90°C conductors, look at the listing and labeling for the
equipment, not just the marking on the lugs. Quite often, the
lugs that are installed in equipment will have a 90°C
temperature rating. A marking of AL9CU or CU9AL on the lug
indicates the lug is listed for copper and aluminum
conductors. The number 9 indicates the lug has a 90°C
conductor temperature rating. A marking of AL7CU or CU7AL
on the lug indicates the lug is listed for copper and aluminum
conductors. The number 7 indicates the lug has a 75°C
conductor temperature rating.
Conductor Termination

 If the equipment is not listed and identified for use with

90°C conductors, the ampacity of the conductor shall
not exceed the 75°C ampacity for that size conductor.
For example, the lugs on the top of a panelboard have a
marking of AL9CU, but a label inside the panelboard
states that the terminals are approved for 60°C and
75°C wire. Because the listing states the panelboard is
for use with 60°C and 75°C conductors, the ampacity
of the conductors supplying power to this panelboard
shall not exceed the 75°C ampacity.
Conductor Termination

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 Example
Schneider Electric
 Derating Factors for Conductors

 When determining conductor ampacity, the allowable ampacities

listed in Table 3.10.1.16 are affected by conductor insulation,
ambient temperature, and conductor bundling.

Why is this not counted?

This is for GROUND.

It is not considered as a
“current – carrying”
conductor because it
should not have any
current during normal
conditions.
 Derating Factors for Conductors

1. Correction Factors for Ambient Temperature

 Table 3.10.1.16 to 3.10.1.20 Allowable Ampacities of
Conductors: with correction factors below each table
 Any rise in ambient temperature is counteracted by
reducing the allowable ampacity (or by going to a larger
size).
 Tests show that for temperatures up to 30oC ambient,
allowable ampacity will not cause undue deterioration to
the conductors with time.
Derating Factors for Conductors

NOTE: For copper and aluminum conductors

Conductor will deteriorate
or even burn at the max
current level specified in
Higher ambient Conductor Resistance Table 3.10.1.16
I2R (Heat)
temperature increases
increases

So, we need to or

Lower I2R by Reduce max Increase

- Decreasing I ampacity with a conductor size to
- No can do with certain factor tolerate the extra
R. Can’t stop it heat…more
from increasing expensive $$$
PEC
Derating Factors for Conductors

Example:
 Given three 30 mm2 RHW copper conductors in conduit,
at an ambient temperature of 47oC caused by heat
required in a chemical plant process., find the allowable
ampacity of the three conductors.
Solution:
 Ampacity of 30 mm2 RHW copper wires at 30oC = 110 A
 Correction factor at 47oC for RHW = 0.75
 Allowable ampacity: 0.75  110 = 82.50 A
Derating Factors for Conductors
3 – 3.5 mm2 THHN
Derating Factors for Conductors
Derating Factors for Conductors
With termination consideration
Derating Factors for Conductors
Derating Factors for
Conductors

Specific case
Use of Nonmetallic-sheathed cable

- just tells that using this cable

requires the maximum ampacity of
the conductors to be based on the
600C column
Derating Factors for Conductors
 Derating Factors for Conductors

If the conductor passes through environments with different ambient temperatures

Derating Factors for Conductors

2. Adjustment Factors for Conduit Fill

 Ampacity adjustment is required for the maximum allowable load
current when four or more conductors are enclosed in a common
raceway. All conductors located in the conduit, in general, are counted.
 Adjustment Factors (Table 3.10.1.15(b)(2)(a)):

No. of Conductors Percent of Values in Tables 310.16 to 310.19

as adjusted for Ambient Temperature if
necessary
4 thru 6 80
7 thru 9 70
10 thru 20 50
21 thru 30 45
31 thru 40 40
41 and above 35
Derating Factors for Conductors
Derating Factors for Conductors
Derating Factors for Conductors

Why ampacity adjustment is necessary for

additional conductors in the raceway
Derating Factors for Conductors
Derating Factors for Conductors

The following ARE NOT counted as current-carrying conductors

when using Table 3.10.1.15(b)(2)(a):
1. Conductors of different systems (ac and dc) installed in a
common raceway or cable, unless the number of power and
lighting conductors (current carrying) exceeds 3.
2. Conductors in cable trays.
3. Conductors in nipples of 24 in. (600 mm) or less.
4. Neutral conductors of normally balanced circuits containing
three or more conductors.
5. Grounding and bonding conductors.
Derating Factors for Conductors
Derating Factors for Conductors
 Derating Factors for Conductors

Armored Cable (Type AC) and Metal-clad Cable (Type MC)

Derating Factors for Conductors

The following SHALL be counted as current-carrying conductors

when using Table 3.10.1.15(b)(2)(a):
1. The neutral conductor in a 3-wire circuit consisting of two
phase (hot) wires and the neutral that is fed from a 4-wire, 3-
phase wye-connected system.
2. The neutral conductor of a 4-wire, 3-phase wye circuit where
the major portion of the load consists of nonlinear loads,
because harmonic currents are present in the neutral
conductor. E.g., electronic equipment, computers,
electronic/electric discharge lighting (fluorescent, with ballast),
adjustable speed drives.
3. A grounded conductor of any 2-wire circuit.
 Derating Factors for Conductors

For unbalanced systems, the neutral conductor is considered as a “current-carrying

conductor”
Derating Factors for Conductors

Example
 There are eight 50 mm2 THWN copper conductors in a given raceway.
Three of the wires carry a three-phase delta feed, four of the wires carry
a three-phase, four-wire system feed, motor load only; and one of the
wires is a grounding conductor. What is the allowable ampacity?
Solution:
 One grounding wire – not counted
 Three wires of 3-phase delta feed – all 3 are counted
 Three wires of 3-phase, 4-wire system – all 3 are counted
 Total wires counted: 6
 From Table, use 80% factor for 6 wires
 145 A is the allowable current for 50 mm2 THWN conductors
 Therefore, allowable current for the eight wires is (0.8)(145) = 116 A.
Derating Factors for Conductors

Example:
 A cable that contains five 1-phase control circuits of two 2.0 mm2 THHN
wires each is to extend from oa point in a boiler room that at times
reaches a temperature of 49 C. What is the allowable ampacity?
Solution:
 Allowable ampacity for up to 3 – 2.0 mm2 THHN in conduit at 30oC is 25
A.
 Correction factor for a temperature of 49oC is 0.82
 All conductors are active and counted, no neutral or grounding
conductors present
 Total number of conductors counted is 10 for which the reduction factor
is 50%
 New allowable ampacity for each 2.0 mm2 THHN is (25A)(0.82)(0.50)
= 10.25 A
Derating Factors for Conductors
3. Circular Raceways Exposed to Sunlight on Rooftops
where conductors or cables are installed in circular raceways
exposed to direct sunlight on or above rooftops, the
adjustments shown in Table below shall be added to the
outdoor temperature to determine the applicable ambient
temperature for application of the correction factors in Tables
3.10.1.16 and 3.10.1.18.
 Ambient Temperature Adjustment for Conduits Exposed to
Sunlight On or Above Rooftops: NEC Table 310.15(B)(2)(c)
Distance Above Roof to Bottom Temperature Temperature
of Conduit Added (oC) Added (oF)
0 to 13 mm (1/2 in.) 33 60
Above 13 mm to 90 mm (3.5 in.) 22 40
Above 90 mm to 300 mm (12 in.) 17 30
Above 300 mm to 900 mm (36 in.) 14 25
Derating Factors for Conductors

310.16

(2)(c)]=
Continuous Load

 A continuous load is a load where the maximum

current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more.
 Where a branch circuit supplies continuous loads, the
minimum branch-circuit conductor size, before the
application of any adjustment or correction factors, shall
have an allowable ampacity not less than 125
percent of the continuous load [210.19(A)(1)].
Continuous Load

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Continuous Load

 If a branch circuit supplies both continuous and

noncontinuous loads, the minimum branch-circuit
conductor size, before the application of any
adjustment or correction factors, shall have an
allowable ampacity not less than the noncontinuous
load plus 125 percent of the continuous load
[2.10.2.1(a)(1)].

“Total” Load = 100% Non-continuous load + 125% Continuous Load

Continuous Load

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Continuous Load

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Continuous Load

 Since the calculation result in Figure 2 was 189A, the

conductor selected must have an ampacity of at least
189A. The minimum size 750C aluminum conductor is
125 mm2 which has an allowable ampacity of 200A.
 Like branch-circuit conductors and feeder conductors,
service-entrance conductors have the same
requirement for continuous loads. The ampacity of
service-entrance conductors before the application of
any adjustment or correction factors shall not be less
than the sum of the noncontinuous loads plus 125
percent of continuous loads [2.30.4.3(a)].
Continuous
Load
Continuous Load
Continuous Load

 There is a stipulation for all three conductor types pertaining

to the use of an overcurrent device listed for operation at 100
percent of its rating. If the assembly, including the overcurrent
devices protecting the conductors (branch-circuit, feeder or
service), is listed for operation at 100 percent of its rating, the
allowable ampacity of the conductors shall be permitted to be
not less than the sum of the continuous load plus the
noncontinuous load [2.10.2.1(a)(1) Exception, 2.15.1.2(a)(1)
Exception No. 1, and 2.30.4.3(a)(2)]. This means that, if the
overcurrent device is listed for operation at 100 percent of its
rating, it is not necessary to multiply continuous loads by 125
percent.
Continuous Load

 There is an exception that applies to feeder conductors

and service-entrance conductors; this exception pertains
to grounded conductors. Grounded conductors that are
not connected to an overcurrent device shall be
permitted to be sized at 100 percent of the continuous
and noncontinuous load [2.15.1.2(a)(1) Exception No. 2
and 2.30.4.3(a)(1) Exception]. As long as the grounded
conductor is not connected to an overcurrent device, it is
not necessary to multiply continuous loads by 125
percent.
 References:
Philippine Electrical Code
National Electrical Code, 2008
C. R. Miller, Illustrated Guide to the National
Electrical Code, 2008
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