SPEC F125

January, 2010

Short Circuit Current Calculation Overview

The maximum short circuit current which is permitted to flow in the insulated conductor, or the metallic shielding
and bonding (grounding) components, is dependent on the duration of the short circuit and the material used in
the cable.

Insulated Conductors Formula

The graphs on the following pages show the short circuit capability of 10 AWG to 1000 kcmil, copper and
aluminum, XLPE and EPR insulated conductors for various periods of time. These graphs are in accordance with
ICEA publication P-32-382. The equations are based on the assumption that the duration of the short circuit is so
short that the heat generated is contained within the conductor, taking into consideration the temperature limit of
the insulation.
The graphs are derived from the following formula:
2

I
]
Copper Conductor [
A
I
Aluminum Conductor []
A

t = 0.0297 log10

t = 0.0125 log10

]
[ TT++234
234
]
[ TT++228
228
2
1

2
1

Which simplify to:

Where: I
=

A =

t =

T1 =


T2 =

I = 0.07195 A
Copper Conductor

t
Copper Conductor I
= 0.06773 A

t

Aluminum Conductor
I = 0.0470 A

t

Aluminum Conductor
I = 0.044 A

t

amperes for MV-90

amperes for MV-105
amperes for MV-90
amperes for MV-105

Short circuit current (amperes)

Conductor cross-sectional area (circular mils)
Short circuit duration (seconds)
Maximum normal operating temperature, 90C for MV-90 or 105C
for MV-105
Maximum short circuit temperature, 250C

Phone: 888-593-3355
www.generalcable.com

SPEC F125

January, 2010

Short Circuit Currents

Allowable Short Circuit Currents For Thermoset Insulated Copper Conductors

Rated For 90C Maximum Continuous Operation
1000000

Short Circuit CurrentAmperes

100000

10000

Curves Based on the Formula

1000

[ ] t = 0.0297 log [ TT ++ 234

234 ]
I
A

10

I = Short Circuit CurrentAmperes

A = Conductor AreaCircular Mils
t = Time of Short CircuitSeconds
T1 = Maximum Operating Temperature90C
T2 = Maximum Short Circuit Temperature250C

100

10

1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0 250

350

500

750 1000

Conductor Size (AWG/kcmil)

1 Cycles
16 Cycles

2 Cycles
30 Cycles

4 Cycles
60 Cycles

8 Cycles
100 Cycles

Reference P-32-382-2007, reprinted in part with permission of ICEA. This excerpt is not intended to replace the standard in its entirety.
ICEA standards are subject to periodic review and revision. Complete texts of this and all ICEA standards are available at IHS.
Phone: 888-593-3355
www.generalcable.com

SPEC F125

January, 2010

Short Circuit Currents

Allowable Short Circuit Currents For Thermoset Insulated Copper Conductors

Rated For 105C Maximum Continuous Operation
1000000

Short Circuit CurrentAmperes

100000

10000

Curves Based on the Formula

1000

[ ] t = 0.0297 log [ TT ++ 234

234 ]
I
A

10

I = Short Circuit CurrentAmperes

A = Conductor AreaCircular Mils
t = Time of Short CircuitSeconds
T1 = Maximum Operating Temperature105C
T2 = Maximum Short Circuit Temperature250C

100

10

1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0 250

350

500

750 1000

Conductor Size (AWG/kcmil)

1 Cycles
16 Cycles

2 Cycles
30 Cycles

4 Cycles
60 Cycles

8 Cycles
100 Cycles

Reference P-32-382-2007, reprinted in part with permission of ICEA. This excerpt is not intended to replace the standard in its entirety.
ICEA standards are subject to periodic review and revision. Complete texts of this and all ICEA standards are available at IHS.
Phone: 888-593-3355
www.generalcable.com

SPEC F125

January, 2010

Short Circuit Currents

Allowable Short Circuit Currents For Thermoset Insulated Aluminum Conductors

Rated For 90C Maximum Continuous Operation
1000000

Short Circuit CurrentAmperes

100000

10000

Curves Based on the Formula

1000

[ ] t = 0.0125 log [ TT ++ 228

228 ]
I
A

10

I = Short Circuit CurrentAmperes

A = Conductor AreaCircular Mils
t = Time of Short CircuitSeconds
T1 = Maximum Operating Temperature90C
T2 = Maximum Short Circuit Temperature250C

100

10

1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0 250

350

500

750 1000

Conductor Size (AWG/kcmil)

1 Cycles
16 Cycles

2 Cycles
30 Cycles

4 Cycles
60 Cycles

8 Cycles
100 Cycles

Reference P-32-382-2007, reprinted in part with permission of ICEA. This excerpt is not intended to replace the standard in its entirety.
ICEA standards are subject to periodic review and revision. Complete texts of this and all ICEA standards are available at IHS.
Phone: 888-593-3355
www.generalcable.com

SPEC F125

January, 2010

Short Circuit Currents

Allowable Short Circuit Currents For Thermoset Insulated Aluminum Conductors

Rated For 105C Maximum Continuous Operation
1000000

Short Circuit CurrentAmperes

100000

10000

Curves Based on the Formula

1000
2

[ ] t = 0.0125 log [ TT ++ 228

228 ]
I
A

10

I = Short Circuit CurrentAmperes

A = Conductor AreaCircular Mils
t = Time of Short CircuitSeconds
T1 = Maximum Operating Temperature105C
T2 = Maximum Short Circuit Temperature250C

100

10

1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0 250

350

500

750 1000

Conductor Size (AWG/kcmil)

1 Cycles
16 Cycles

2 Cycles
30 Cycles

4 Cycles
60 Cycles

8 Cycles
100 Cycles

Reference P-32-382-2007, reprinted in part with permission of ICEA. This excerpt is not intended to replace the standard in its entirety.
ICEA standards are subject to periodic review and revision. Complete texts of this and all ICEA standards are available at IHS.
Phone: 888-593-3355
www.generalcable.com