Siechem Wires & Cables CABLE LIFE CALCULATION Cable manufacturers will determine a life expectancy based on typical conditions, such as environmental and operational conditions which are likely to influence the longevity of electrical cables in service. The insulation and sheathing materials of cables may degrade over time when exposed to heat, UV light, ozone, various chemicals, excessive flexing, or mechanical action, not to mention in certain situations cables may be exposed to attack by termites and rodents. Although it is primarily the condition of the insulation and sheathing materials rather than the actual conductors that determine the longevity of the cables, water ingress and poor fixings can also cause corrosion and damage. ‘The formula for ageing is given below: A bg.t=544" BRT Where, time in Hours ‘T= Absolute Temperature K (273 +T°C) ‘A=a constant 15.028 for PVC, 14.500 for EPR and PRC A= a constant -31.6 for PVC, -27.19 for EPR and PRC Estimating the life of cable can only be approximate because of the obvious difficulties and accumulating data. There is a general understanding that PVC cables with continuous conductor operating temperature of 70 °C have a life of more 20 years. There is also a rough guide that for each 8°C increase in core conductor continuous operating temperature above 70 °C the life of the cable will be halved. A PVC cable running with an overload such that its core conductor temperature is 78 °C will last for 10 years or less.