Cable Derating Factors [updated] File

$$ I_{eff} = I_{nom} \times k_{temp} \times k_{group} \times k_{soil} \times k_{depth} \times k_{altitude} \times k_{harmonics} \times ... $$

A cable rated for 100A at 30°C ambient might only carry 82A at 45°C ambient. Conversely, in a cold environment (e.g., 10°C), you might actually increase the rating (up-rating), though conservative design often avoids this.

The real world, however, is far less forgiving. cable derating factors

If a cable carries 100% load for 5 minutes then rests for 55 minutes, the average heat is far lower than a continuous 100% load. Derating factors for cyclic loads can increase allowable current (up-rating) but require careful analysis of the thermal time constant of the cable (typically 10-30 minutes for medium cables).

A cable at 0.5m depth dissipates heat better than at 1.5m depth. Derating factors for depth are typically small (0.95–0.98 per 0.5m increase) but become significant for long, high-current runs. $$ I_{eff} = I_{nom} \times k_{temp} \times k_{group}

Remember: The cable’s rating in a catalog is a promise made in a laboratory. Derating factors are the fine print of physics. Read them. Apply them. Your cables—and your safety record—will thank you.

Most codes ignore cyclic factor for safety, but for very intermittent loads (e.g., crane motors), engineering judgment can allow higher peak currents. Putting It All Together: The Cumulative Derating Formula The final effective ampacity is: The real world, however, is far less forgiving

In high-resistivity soil, depth derating is more severe because the already-poor thermal path becomes longer. 5. Altitude (For Cables in Air) At high altitudes, air density drops. Less dense air means fewer molecules to carry away heat via convection.