Article 310 ● Conductors for General Wiring 310.

15

Wires and Cables for Building Purposes, dated June 27, 1938. The basis for
If the run near the furnace at the 113°F ambient temperature
determining the ampacities of conductors for Tables 310.15(B)(18) and
was 10 ft or less in length, then the ampacity of the entire run would
310.15(B)(19) and the ampacity tables in Informative Annex B was the
have been 380 A, according to the exception to 310.15(A)(2). The
Neher–McGrath Method.
heat-sinking effect of the run at the lower ambient temperature is
sufficient to reduce the conductor temperature near the furnace. See also
310.15(C) and its commentary regarding the Neher–McGrath
(3) Temperature Limitation of Conductors. No conductor Method
shall be used in such a manner that its operating temperature
Informational Note No. 1: The temperature rating of a conductor
exceeds that designated for the type of insulated conductor [see Table 310.104(A) and Table 310.104(C)] is the maximum
involved. In no case shall conductors be associated together in temperature, at any location along its length, that the conduc-
such a way, with respect to type of circuit, the wiring method tor can withstand over a prolonged time period without serious
employed, or the number of conductors, that the limiting tem- degradation. The allowable ampacity tables, the ampacity tables
of Article 310 and the ampacity tables of Informative Annex B,
perature of any conductor is exceeded.
the ambient temperature correction factors in 310.15(B)(2), and
Most terminations are designed for 60°C and/or 75°C maximum tem- the notes to the tables provide guidance for coordinating con-
peratures. The higher-rated ampacities for conductors of 90°C, 105°C, ductor sizes, types, allowable ampacities, ampacities, ambient
temperatures, and number of associated conductors. The principal
and so forth cannot be used unless the terminals at which the conduc-
determinants of operating temperature are as follows:
tors terminate have comparable ratings.
Ambient temperature must be considered in determining the (1) Ambient temperature — ambient temperature may vary along
allowable ampacity of conductors. Conductors should have a rating the conductor length as well as from time to time.
(2) Heat generated internally in the conductor as the result of
above the anticipated maximum ambient temperature. The operating
load current flow, including fundamental and harmonic
temperature of conductors should be controlled at or below the con- currents.
ductor rating by coordinating conductor size, number of associated (3) The rate at which generated heat dissipates into the ambi-
conductors, and ampacity for the particular conductor rating and ambi- ent medium. Thermal insulation that covers or surrounds
ent temperature. Tables 310.15(B)(16) through 310.15(B)(20) have conductors affects the rate of heat dissipation.
ampacities based on a 30°C or 40°C ambient temperature, as indicated (4) Adjacent load-carrying conductors — adjacent conductors
in the table heading. Where the ambient temperature is different,
have the dual effect of raising the ambient temperature and
impeding heat dissipation.
Table 310.15(B)(2)(a) or Table 310.15(B)(2)(b) is used to correct the
ampacity. If more than three conductors are installed without spacing to Informational Note No. 1 focuses attention on the necessity for derating
allow the adequate dissipation of heat, the additional adjustment conductors where high ambient temperatures are encountered. It also
shown in 310 15(B)(3)(a) must also be applied. provides helpful information in coordinating ampacities ambient tem-
E7D6 B35 2 F2C E8840C0B7294
peratures, conductor size and number, and so forth to ensure operation
at or below the temperature rating.
Calculation Example
Item (2) of the informational note explains that heating due to har-
Determine the ampacity of 2 AWG THHN copper conductors to be monic current should also be considered in determinations of operating
installed in a raceway in an ambient temperature of 50°C (122°F). temperature. In certain cases, larger-sized conductors may be required.
Solution See also
Table 310.15(B)(16) shows that the allowable ampacity of the con- 310.10(H)(1), Exception No. 2 (and the informational note and asso-
ductor at 30°C is 130 A, which is multiplied by 0.82 [the ambient tem- ciated commentary) for existing installations
perature correction factor in Table 310.15(B)(2)(a)].
Informational Note No. 2: Refer to 110.14(C) for the temperature
130 A × 0.82 = 106.6 A limitation of terminations.
Thus, the allowable ampacity of the 2 AWG conductor at 50°C is (B) Tables. Ampacities for conductors rated 0 to 2000 volts shall
reduced to 106.6 A. For six of these conductors run in the raceway, be as specified in the Allowable Ampacity Table 310.15(B)(16)
310.15(B)(3)(a) requires the allowable ampacity to be further through Table 310.15(B)(19), and Ampacity Table 310.15(B)(20)
reduced to 80 percent: and Table 310.15(B)(21) as modified by 310.15(B)(1) through
106.6 A × 0.8 = 85.28 A (B)(7).
The temperature correction and adjustment factors shall be
Under these conditions, the 2 AWG conductors would be suit-
permitted to be applied to the ampacity for the temperature rating
able for an 80-A circuit, based on the standard ampere ratings of cir-
of the conductor, if the corrected and adjusted ampacity does not
cuit breaker and fuses in 240.6(A).
exceed the ampacity for the temperature rating of the termination
in accordance with the provisions of 110.14(C).
The basis for determining the ampacities of conductors for
Tables 310.15(B)(16) and 310.15(B)(17) was the NEMA Report of Determina- Table 310.15(B)(2)(b) is employed for ambient temperature correction
tion of Maximum Permissible Current-Carrying Capacity of Code Insulated based on 40°C for use with Tables 310.15(B)(18) and 310.15(B)(20).

National Electrical Code Handbook   2017 257