EE 158 Revised by: Justine Joshua

LECTURE 2B Ramos
Adapted from: Allan Nerves,

ELECTRICAL RACEWAYS
Ph.D., P.E.E.
Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Institute
University of the Philippines Diliman
(BASED ON PEC 2009/NEC 2008)
RACEWAYS

Specified by the designer for the mechanical protection of

conductors
Isolate the enclosed conductors and confine the spread of
any heat or fire (caused by insulation breakdown) that
occurs within the raceway
Prevents outside hazards from physically damaging
conductors enclosed in a raceway.

For this lesson, tables/articles/provisions presented in BLUE refer to NEC

If in GREEN refer to PEC
RACEWAYS
Types of Raceways
a. Intermediate metal conduit (IMC)
b. Rigid metal conduit (RMC)
c. Flexible metal conduit (FMC)
d. Liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC)
e. Rigid nonmetallic conduit (RNC)(PVC)
f. High density polyethylene conduit (HDPE)
g. Liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit (LFNC)
h. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT)
i. Electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT)
j. Others
RACEWAYS

Trade size / Raceway size – nominal internal diameter

(mm or in.)
PEC Table 9.1.1.4 (NEC Chap. 9 Table 4): Dimensions
and Percent Area of Conduit & Tubing – trade sizes,
internal diameter, total area
MAXIMUM BENDS IN ONE RUN
A. The equivalent of four quarter bends (360o total) is the
maximum allowed between pull points, e.g., conduit bodies
and boxes.
B. The bend maximum of 360o applies to the following
raceways: IGS, IMC, RMS, FMC, LFMC, PVC, HDPE, NUC,
LFNC, EMT, and ENT.
C. Generally, raceway installation must be complete between
outlet, junction, or splicing points prior to the installation of
conductors. Fish tapes – usual method of pulling in wire.
D. All bends are counted even those located immediately
adjacent to the pullbox (or termination). A box offset with
two 10o bends counts as 20o.
MAXIMUM BENDS IN ONE RUN

Miller, 2008
RACEWAY FILL
Same Size & Type Conductors
Appendix C (Annex C) can be used to find the maximum
number of conductors permitted in a particular raceway
(conduit or tubing). The conductor maximum is based on all
conductors (in the raceway) being of the same size (total
cross-sectional area including insulation).
Tables C1 through C12 (in Annex C) [Appendix C] are
based on the 40% fill for three or more conductors as
permitted in Table 9.1.1.1 (Table 1 of Chapter 9).
Appendix C (Annex C) also lists the maximum number of
fixture wires permitted in each type of conduit (or tubing).
 RACEWAY FILL

Note:
➢ We are concerned about the maximum number of conductors a
raceway can be filled with. We are not looking at the
ampacity derating due to multiple conductors in a raceway.
✓ For ampacity derating, we count the current-carrying
conductors so we exclude grounding and bonding
conductors.
✓ For raceway fill calculations, we will count ALL conductors
that we’re going to run along the raceway.
RACEWAY FILL
RACEWAY FILL

The table is not applicable when a different kind of conductor

insulation is included in the raceway
RACEWAY FILL
Different Size & Type Conductors
Tables 9.1.1.4 and 9.1.1.5 (Tables 4 and 5 of Chapter 9) are used when a
combination of different size conductors are installed in a single raceway.
Use the 40% column of Table 9.1.1.4 (Table 4) when there are three or more
conductors.
Use Tables 9.1.1.5 and 9.1.1.5(a) [Tables 5 and 5A ] for dimensions of insulated
conductors.
Include equipment grounding or bonding conductors, if any, when calculating
raceway fill.
Table 9.1.1.4 (Table 4 ) contains trade size information for 12 different types of
conduits and tubings. Columns include internal diameters and total area, also
referred to as the cross-sectional area. Table 9.1.1.4 (Table 4 ) also shows the
maximum percent fill for tubing or conduits containing different numbers of
conductors.
RACEWAY FILL
RACEWAY FILL
 RACEWAY FILL

For insulated conductors, the cross-sectional area specified by the table pertains
to the conductor WITH its insulation

For stranded conductors, the table shows the area for the whole combination,
not just for a single strand.
 RACEWAY FILL

For a nipple (raceway 24 inches or less), the required fill will always be at 60%
regardless of the conductor insulation!
RACEWAY FILL
RACEWAY FILL

Raceways Containing Multi-conductor Cables

A multiconductor cable or flexible cords of two or more conductors
is treated as a single conductor for percentage conduit fill area
calculations. To calculate the cross-sectional area of cables with
elliptical cross-sections, use the major diameter of the ellipse as a
circle diameter.
RACEWAY FILL
Nipple Fill
A. A length of conduit (or tubing) measuring 24 in. (600
mm) or less is considered a nipple.
B. For nipples, disregard Table 3.10.1.15(b)(2)a derating
factors.
C. Installed between boxes, cabinets, and similar
enclosures, conduit and tubing nipples can be filled to
60% of their total cross-sectional area.

Miller, 2008
RACEWAY FILL
 RACEWAY FILL
Raceway Fill Percentage
A.A conduit having a single
conductor can be filled to
53% of the conduit’s cross-
sectional area.
B.A conduit containing exactly
two conductors can only be
filled to 31% of the cross-
sectional area of the conduit
or tubing.
C.A conduit containing three or Miller, 2008

more conductors can be filled

to 40% of its cross-sectional
area.
RACEWAY FILL
 RACEWAY FILL
Example: Determine if three 8 AWG THHN conductor are permitted in
a 15 mm EMT.
1. Total cross-sectional area of 15 mm EMT = 196 mm2 (Table 4,
Chapter 9)
2. Total cross-sectional area used for 3 conductors = 40% (Table 1,
Chapter 9)
3. Total permissible usable area = 0.40(196) = 78.4 mm2
4. Area of one 8 AWG THHN conductor = 23.61 mm2 (Table 5 Chapter
9)
5. Area of three 8 AWG THHN = 3 (23.61) = 70.83 mm2 < 78.4 mm2
YES, the Code allows three 8 AWG THHN conductors in a 15 mm EMT
raceway
RACEWAY FILL
Example: Use Appendix C to solve the previous example.
Maximum no. of 8 AWG THHN conductors in 15 mm EMT = 3
✓So, the three THHN conductors from the previous slide satisfy
the maximum stated in Appendix C, Table C.1

Notes NEC
1. Trade size is stated in INCHES
2. Although there’s no 15 mm EMT in the table, the 16
“Metric Designator” can be used
RACEWAY FILL
Example: Two 8.0 mm2 and four 5.5 mm2 THHN are enclosed in the same
RMC. What is the minimum size for this conduit?
Because more than one size of wire is involved, Appendix C cannot be
used.
1. Area of two 8.0 mm2 THHN = 2(23.61) = 47.22 mm2 (Table 5, Ch 9)
Area of four 5.5 mm2 THHN = 4(13.61) = 54.44 mm2 (Table 5, Ch 9)
2. Total required conductor area = 47.22 + 54.44 = 101.66 mm 2
3. From Table 1, Chapter 9 : 40% fill for three or more conductors
4. Look at Table 4, Chapter 9: Under 40% fill and look for an area
greater than the computed value
➢a 21 mm RMC has a 40% area of 141 mm2 and is therefore
satisfactory.
RACEWAY FILL
Example: The load on a three-phase, four-wire system is 260 A. If the
voltage drop is satisfactory, (a) What is the minimum size copper XHHW
that can be used (90o rating)? (b) What is the smallest RMC permitted?
Answers:
(a) From Table 3.10.1.16: 125 mm2
(b) From Table C8: 63 mm (5 wires max.)
Note:
1. Why is the 53 mm RMC, max of 3 wires, not allowed?
- we are working with a 4-wire system, so we need to use at
least 4 wires.
2. Feel free to shift between mm2 and AWG with the use of conversion
tables (I’m afraid that we really have to deal with A LOT of tables for this
subject. Please bear with me.)
ELECTRICAL CONDUIT TYPES
RIGID METAL CONDUIT (RMC)

Miller, 2008
RIGID METAL CONDUIT
A. Rigid metal conduit (RMC) is a raceway of circular cross
section. Types:
1. Galvanized Steel and Stainless Steel RMC – iron or steel pipe with a
galvanized (zinc)/stainless steel coating; permitted under all
atmospheric conditions and occupancies.
2. Red Brass RMC - permitted to be installed for direct burial and
swimming pool applications.
3. Aluminum RMC – advantageous over steel conduit for some corrosive
atmospheres; practically maintenance-free and requires no painting;
encased in concrete or in direct contact with the earth shall be
provided with approved supplementary corrosion protection.
4. Enameled-steel RMC – protective coating is enamel; cannot be used
outside building or underground, in concrete or severely corrosive
location.
RIGID METAL CONDUIT
B. RMC is the heaviest (thickest walled) classification of metal
conduit.
C. Threadless couplings and connectors used with conduit must
be made tight. Those buried in masonry (or concrete) must
be the concrete-tight type. lf installed in wet locations, they
must comply with 3.14.2.1 (314.15).
D. The minimum approved electrical trade size for RMC is 1/2
in. (15 mm).
E. The maximum approved electrical trade size for RMC is 6
in. (150 mm)
F. RMC can be used under all atmospheric conditions within all
types of occupancies.
RIGID METAL CONDUIT

G. Contact of dissimilar metal, (except for the combination

of aluminum and steel) should be avoided wherever
possible to lessen the potential for galvanic action.
H. RMC usually ships in standard lengths of 10 ft (3 m),
including the coupling. Normally one coupling is
furnished with each length.
I. Coupled with listed fittings, RMC provides electrical
continuity and, therefore, can serve as an equipment
grounding conductor.
 RIGID METAL CONDUIT

Minimum support required for RMC:

Earley et al., 2005

3 ft  900 mm Conduit Size (mm) Max. Distance bet. RMC supports (mm)
10 ft  3 m
15-20 3000
25 3600
32-40 4200
50-65 4800
80 and larger 6000
INTERMEDIATE METAL CONDUIT
A. The minimum approved electrical trade size for IMC is ½”
(15 mm).
B. The maximum electrical trade size for IMC is 4” (100 mm).
C. The definition for IMC and RMC is exactly the same.
However, IMC is lighter in weight and is constructed with
thinner walls than RMC. Unlike RMC, IMC is only
manufactured of steel that provides protective strength
equivalent to thicker-walled conduits.
D. Coupled with listed fittings, IMC provides electrical
continuity; therefore , it can serve as an equipment
grounding conductor.

Miller, 2008
 INTERMEDIATE METAL CONDUIT

Minimum fastening requirements for IMC

Earley et al., 2005

3 ft  900 mm
10 ft  3 m Conduit Size (mm) Max. Distance bet. IMC supports (mm)
15-20 3000
25 3600
32-40 4200
50-65 4800
80 and larger 6000
ELECTRICAL METALLIC TUBING

Miller, 2008
ELECTRICAL METALLIC TUBING
A. EMT is an unthreaded thin-wall raceway of circular cross section
designed for the physical protection and routing of conductors and
cables and for used as an equipment grounding conductor when
appropriate fittings are installed. EMT is also referred to as thin wall.
B. EMT, the thinnest walled classification of metal nonflexible raceways,
provides protection from all but severe physical damage.
C. The minimum approved electrical trade size for EMT is ½” (15 mm).
D. The maximum approved electrical trade size for EMT is 4” (100 mm).

E. All EMT cut ends must be reamed (or otherwise finished) to remove
rough edges.
F. Couplings and connectors used with tubing must be made tight. Buried
in masonry (or concrete), they must be the concrete-tight type.
Installed in wet locations, they must comply with 3.14.2.1.
 ELECTRICAL METALLIC TUBING

Minimum requirements for securely fastening EMT

Earley et al., 2005

3 ft  900 mm
10 ft  3 m
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT
NEC identifies five types of rigid PVC conduit:
1. Schedule 80 PVC is an extra-heavy-walled raceway
with a wall thickness conforming to Schedule 80-Iron
Pipe Size (IPS) dimensions.
2. Schedule 40 PVC is a heavy-walled raceway with a
wall thickness conforming to Schedule 40-IPS
dimensions.
3. Type A PVC is a thin-walled raceway with wall
thickness conforming to Schedule A-IPS dimensions.
Limited to underground installations, Type A PVC
conduit must be laid with its entire length in concrete.
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT

4. Type EB PVC is a thin-walled raceway with wall

thickness designed to achieve a duct stiffness of 20
lbs/in./in. Type EB PVC conduit, limited to underground
installations, must be laid with its entire length in
concrete in outdoor trenches.
5. HDPE Schedule 40 is a high density polyethylene
raceway with a wall thickness conforming to Schedule
40-IPS dimensions. HDPE Schedule 40 conduit, also
limited to underground installations, can be direct-
buried with or without being encased in concrete.
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT

Carlon, Lamson, & Sessions

RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT

Miller, 2008
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT
A. Rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conduit is a rigid nonmetallic
raceway of circular cross section, with or without integral couplings.
B. All joints between lengths of conduit, and between conduit and
couplings, fittings, and boxes, must be made by an approved
method.
C. All cut ends must be trimmed inside and out to remove rough
edges.
D. Expansion fittings must be provided for PVC conduit to
compensate for thermal expansion and contraction where the
length change is expected to be 0.25 in. (6 mm) or greater, in a
straight run between securely mounted items such as boxes,
cabinets, elbows, or other conduit terminations.
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT
E. The minimum approved electrical trade size for PVC conduit
is ½” (15 mm).
F. The maximum approved electrical trade size for PVC
conduit is 6” (150 mm).
G. Expansion and contraction problems generally do not arise
in underground PVC conduit applications.
H. Only listed fittings can be used with PVC conduit.
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT
 RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT

3 ft  900 mm

3.52.2.21(b)
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT
Table 3.52.2.21 (b) Support of RNC

Conduit Size (mm) Max. Spacing bet. RNC supports (mm)

15-25 900
32-50 1500
65-80 1800
90-125 2100
150 2400
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT
RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT
ELECTRICAL NONMETALLIC TUBING

Miller, 2008
ELECTRICAL NONMETALLIC TUBING
A. ENT is a pliable corrugated raceway of circular cross section with
integral (or associated) couplings, connectors, and fittings listed for
the installation of electrical conductors. It is composed of a
material that is flame-retardant as well as resistant to moisture
and chemical atmospheres.
B. All cut ends must be trimmed inside and out to remove rough
edges.
C. The minimum approved electrical trade size for ENT is ½” (15mm).
D. The maximum approved electrical trade size for ENT is 2” (50
mm).
E. A pliable raceway can be bent by hand with reasonable force, but
without other assistance.
F. Outside diameters are such that standard rigid PVC conduit
couplings and connectors can be used on ENT of PVC construction
ELECTRICAL NONMETALLIC TUBING

Carlon, Lamson, & Sessions

FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT

Miller, 2008
FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT
A. The minimum electrical trade size for FMC is ½” (15 mm).
B. FMC is a raceway of circular cross section made of helically
wound, formed, and interlocked metal strips. FMC must be
listed and can be used in both exposed and concealed
locations.
C. FMC is often referred to as Greenfield, or simply Flex.
D. Fittings used with FMC must be listed.
E. The maximum electrical trade size for FMC is 4” (100 mm).
F. The equivalent of four quarter bends (360o total) is the
maximum between pull points, e.g., conduit bodies and
boxes.
FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT

G. Bends must be made so that the conduit is not

damaged and the conduit’s internal diameter is not
effectively reduced.
H. All cut ends must be trimmed (or otherwise finished) to
remove rough edges, except where fittings are used
that thread into the convolutions.
I. Angle connectors cannot be used for concealed
raceway installations.
LIQUIDTIGHT FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT

Miller, 2008
LIQUIDTIGHT FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT
A. LFMC is a raceway of circular cross section having an outer
liquidtight, nonmetallic, sunlight-resistant jacket over an inner
flexible metal core with associated couplings, connectors,
and fittings and approved for the installation.
B. The minimum electrical trade size for LFMC is ½” (15 mm).
D. Angle connectors cannot be used for concealed raceway
installations.
E. The maximum approved electrical trade size for LFMC is 4”
(100 mm).
F. LFMC is often referred to as Sealtite (a registered
trademark).
 LIQUIDTIGHT FLEXIBLE NONMETALLIC CONDUIT

Miller, 2008
LIQUIDTIGHT FLEXIBLE NONMETALLIC CONDUIT

A. LFNC is a listed raceway of circular cross-section having

an outer liquidtight, nommetallic, sunlight-resistant
jacket over an inner flexible core with associated
couplings, connectors, and fittings.
B. Type LFNC-A (orange color) has a smooth seamless
inner core surrounded by reinforcement layer(s) and
bonded to a smooth seamless cover.
C. Type LFNC-B (gray color) has a smooth inner surface
having integral reinforcement within the conduit wall.
Outside appearance is similar to LFMC.
LIQUIDTIGHT FLEXIBLE NONMETALLIC CONDUIT

D. Type LFNC-C (black color) has a corrugated internal

and external surface having no integral reinforcement
within the conduit wall. Appearance is similar to ENT,
except more flexible.
G. Angle connectors cannot be used for concealed
raceway installations.
H. The maximum approved electrical trade size for LFNC
is 4” (100 mm).
I. The minimum electrical trade size for LFNC is ½” (15
mm).
LIQUIDTIGHT FLEXIBLE NONMETALLIC CONDUIT

Prewired LFNC-Type B

Carlon, Lamson, & Sessions

SURFACE NONMETALLIC RACEWAYS

Miller, 2008
SURFACE NONMETALLIC RACEWAYS

A. SNR and their fittings must be designed so that sections

can be mechanically coupled together and installed
without subjecting the wires to abrasion.
C. Splices and taps are permitted within SNR having a
removable cover that remains accessible once
installed. Splices and taps in SNR without removable
covers must be made only in boxes.
D. SNR can be installed in dry locations.
SURFACE METAL RACEWAYS

Miller, 2008
SURFACE METAL RACEWAYS
A. SMR and their fittings must be designed so that the sections can be
electrically and mechanically coupled together and installed without
subjecting the wires to abrasion.
D. Table 3.10.1.15(b)(2)a derating factors do not apply to conductors
installed in SMR where all of the following conditions are met: (1) the
cross-sectional area of the raceway exceeds 4 in.2 (2500 mm2); (2)
the current-carrying conductors do not exceed 30 in number; (3) the
sum of the cross-sectional areas of all contained conductors does not
exceed 20% of the interior cross-sectional area of the SMR.
F. Where SMRs are used in combination for both signalling and for
lighting and power circuits, the different wiring systems must be run in
separate compartments.
G. Splices and taps are permitted within SMRs having a removable cover
that remains accessible after installation.
STRUT-TYPE CHANNEL RACEWAYS

Miller, 2008
STRUT-TYPE CHANNEL RACEWAYS
Use Table 3.84.2.13 to determine the maximum number of
conductors permitted in STCR. Apply Chapter 9 Tables for the
cross sectional area of the type and size of wire used.
Table 3.10.1.15(b)(2)(a) derating factors do not apply to
conductors installed in STCR where all of the following
conditions are met: (1) the cross-sectional area of the raceway
exceeds 4 in.2 (2500 mm2); (2) the current-carrying conductors
do not exceed 30 in number; (3) the sum of the cross-sectional
areas of all contained conductors does not exceed 20% of the
interior cross-sectional area of the STCR.
Splices and taps are permitted in raceways that provide access
after installation via a removable cover.
UNDERFLOOR RACEWAYS

Miller, 2008
UNDERFLOOR RACEWAYS

B. URs can be installed beneath a concrete (or other flooring

material) surface. In office occupancies, installations flush
with the concrete floor and covered with linoleum (or
equivalent covering) are acceptable.
C. The combined cross-sectional area of all conductors or
cables must not exceed 40% of the interior cross-sectional
area of the raceway.
E. Access to the raceway is usually via inserts, which extend
from the buried raceway to floor-level removable plates.
G. Splices and taps are acceptable only within junction boxes.
 CELLULAR METAL FLOOR RACEWAYS

Miller, 2008
CELLULAR METAL FLOOR RACEWAYS

A. The combined cross-sectional area of all conductors or

cables must not exceed 40% of the cell or header’s
interior cross- sectional area.
C. A CMFR consists of the hollow spaces of cellular metal
floors, together with suitable fittings, that may be
approved as enclosures for electric conductors.
D. Conductors larger than 1/0 AWG (50 mm2)can be
installed only by special permission.
G. Splices and taps are made only in header access units
or junction boxes.
CELLULAR METAL FLOOR RACEWAYS

H. A “header” is a transverse raceway for electric

conductors, providing access to predetermined cells of
a cellular metal floor, accommodating the installation
of electric conductors from a distribution center to the
cells.
I. A “cell” is a single, enclosed tubular space in a cellular
metal floor member, whose axis is parallel to the axis
of the metal floor member.
CELLULAR CONCRETE FLOOR RACEWAYS

Miller, 2008
CELLULAR CONCRETE FLOOR RACEWAYS
A. Splices and taps are allowed only in header access units or
junction boxes.
B. A “header” is a transverse metal raceway for electric
conductors that provides access to predetermined cells of a
precast cellular concrete floor and permits the installation of
conductors from a distribution center to the floor cells.
F. Conductors larger than 1/0 AWG (50 mm2)can be installed
only by special permission.
G. The combined cross-sectional area of all conductors or
cables must not exceed 40% of the cell or header’s cross-
sectional area.
CELLULAR CONCRETE FLOOR RACEWAYS

H. A “cell” is a single, enclosed tubular space in a floor

made of precast cellular concrete slabs, whose
direction is parallel to the direction of the floor
member.
I. Cellular concrete floor raceways are hollow spaces in
floors constructed of precast cellular concrete slabs
(together with suitable metal fittings) designed to
provide access to the floor cells.
WIREWAYS (METAL/NONMETALLIC)

Miller, 2008
 BUSWAYS

Square D/Schneider Electric

BUSWAYS

Square D/Schneider Electric

BUSWAYS

Usually referred to as bus ducts, generally consist of bare

conductors in the shape of flat bars within a ventilated
metal enclosure.
Used primarily in large industrial plants because it is
convenient for heavy power demands and for take-off
location changes.
Disadvantages: high cost, open enclosure require a
physically safe path (water & steam pipes, loose metal),
loose bolts causes increased contact resistance.
WIREWAYS
A. Wireways (sheet-metal and flame-retardant, nometallic) are troughs
with hinged or removable covers for housing and protecting electric
wires (and cables). The complete wireway system is installed before
conductors are laid in place.
B. The sum of the cross-sectional area of all contained conductors must
not exceed 20% of the wireway’s interior cross-sectional area.
D. Within metal wireways, the derating factors in Table 3.10.1.15(b)(2)a
are only applicable where the number of current-carrying conductors,
including neutral conductors classified as current-carrying under the
provisions of 3.10.1.15(b)(4), exceeds 30.
E. Derating factors specified in Table 3.10.1.15(b)(2)a are applicable
to nonmetallic wireways containing more than three current-carrying
conductors.
WIREWAYS
Example: What is the maximum number of 3.5 mm2 RHW wires
that can be installed in a 64 mm square wireway without
derating?
1. Area of 3.5 mm2 RHW w/o covering = 22.9 mm2 (Table
9.1.1.5)
2. Cross sectional area (square shape) of wireway = 64(64) =
4096 mm2
3. At 20% permissible fill = 0.20(4096) = 819.20 mm2
4. 819.20 mm2/22.9 mm2/conductor = 35 conductors
➢But since wires are not derated for wireway fill, maximum
number permitted = 30 conductors.
• If we’re
WIREWAYS
Example: For the previous example, if the maximum area fill of 49
conductors is to be retained, what is the maximum allowable load
current in each wire?
Allowable ampacity for 3.5 mm2 RHW = 20 A
Derated ampacity for 35 conductors = 40%
New allowable ampacity = 0.4(20) = 8 A

Note
a. If the current needed stays at the maximum ampacity of 20 A, max
number of RHW conductors in the wireway is 30
b. If we still want to use 35 conductors, we need to bring down the
load current to 8A.
ALLOWANCES FOR FUTURE ELECTRICAL
EXPANSION
20% spare capacity – usual figure used by designers
50% spare capacity – maximum, above which (i.e., an increase
of 50%) would require major modernization of the electrical
system.
Methods to Allow Future Increases in Electrical Load
a.Installation of oversize conduits.
Example: A three-phase feed of three 80 mm2 RHW wire is
installed in a 65 mm RMC. Determine (i) The smallest size RMC
permitted by PEC/NEC; (ii) The largest size RHW wires to
replace the previously installed RHW wires; (iii) The increased
loading, in percentage, gained by the feeder replacement in
question (ii)
 ALLOWANCES FOR FUTURE ELECTRICAL
EXPANSION
(i) 50 mm for 3 – 80 mm2 RHW (Table C8) You can determine this already ☺ mm2 to AWG and no
need to be exact. Use the closest values.
(ii) Three 125 mm2 RHW for a 65 mm RMC (Table C8)
(iii) allowable ampacity for 80 mm2 RHW = 195 A (Table 3.10.1.16)
allowable ampacity for 125 mm2 RHW = 255 A (Table 3.10.1.16)
Increased loading = 255 – 195 = 60 A
% increased loading = 60/195 = 30.77%

Notes
1. From (i) we determined that the RMC we are using (65mm) is more than the minimum (50 mm), as
stated by the Code, for our wire (3 – 80 mm2 RHW)
2. To maximize the extra space of the RMC (65 mm), we can upsize our three RHW conductors up to
125 mm2.
3. With this upsize of our wire, we can have an additional 60 A load. This means that we can
accommodate a load expansion of 30.77%
ALLOWANCES FOR FUTURE ELECTRICAL
EXPANSION
b. Installation of spare conduits
c. Use of thinner insulated conductors for rewiring.
Example: A 50 mm RMC is occupied to maximum by a three-phase,
three-wire run of RHW conductors. (i) What is the original RHW
wire size, and what is the maximum ampacity?; (ii) What is the
largest THWN wire size that can be pulled in to replace the
original wire, and what is the new maximum ampacity?; (iii) What
is the largest percentage gain?
i. 100 mm2 RHW (Table C8) at 220 A (Table 3.10.1.16)
ii. 150 mm2 THWN (Table C8) at 280 A (Table 3.10.1.16)
iii. Increase in current = 280 – 220 = 60 A
Percentage increase = 60/220 = 27.27%
ALLOWANCES FOR FUTURE ELECTRICAL
EXPANSION
d. Increasing wiring capacity for existing buildings.
If no allowance for increased wiring capacity, or if spare
capacity is used up,
i. Using remaining space in riser shafts to bring up
additional conduits.
ii. Using inner-court walls of buildings to bring up conduits
iii. Mounting the conduits on back walls and side walls of
buildings, if it does not disfigure the building.
iv. Punching holes in line in floors of closet rooms or riser
rooms, if space is available, to bring up conduits.
v. Running the conduit in stairways, hen boxing it in to look
like part of the wall for appearance & safety.
ALLOWANCES FOR FUTURE ELECTRICAL
EXPANSION

vi. Running bus duct in abandoned elevator shafts or

stairways for large power increases.
vii. Installing flexible conduit in hung ceilings.
 References:
National Electrical Code, 2008
Philippine Electrical Code, 2009

END C. R. Miller, Illustrated Guide to the

National Electrical Code
www.mikeholt.com
M. Earley, J. Sargent, J. Sheehan, & J.
Callogero, National Electrical Code
Handbook, 2005.