Example Of Cable Sizing Step By Step

Assume we have:

 power of load, P = 80KW

 The load is at 200 meters distance of source
 Three phase, V = 415V
 power factor is, pf = 0.8
 5% allowable voltage drop
 direct buried in ground
 1 meter burial depth
 35 °C Ground temperature
 one cable per trench
Ok, let’s choose the cable step by step

Load current I = (Power in watt) / (1.732 · V · pf )

= (80· 1000) / (1.732 · 415· 0.8)

= 139 A

Determine  Correction Factors

From derating factor tables we find the derating factors of the example
conditions.

For more details about derating factors read our article What is derating
factors of underground cables?

 correction factor of ground temperature = 0.89

 correction factor of soil = 1.05
 correction factor of cable burial depth = 1.0
Total derating factor =   0.89 * 1.05 * 1.0  = 0.93
From cables ampacity tables. Selecting Copper, XLPE, 3*50+25 mm2 , its
current is 185 A, Derating this current 185 * 0.93 = 172 A

Calculating voltage drop of this cable, VD = 0.715 MV/A/M, from

voltage drop tables.

VD = 0.715 * distance*load current = (0.715/1000)*200*139 =19.877 V

The allowable voltage drop = 415 * 5% = 20.75V.

This means that the cable is accepted because the voltage drop is in
limits (5% = 20.75 V)

Finally, we can use a cable of Copper, XLPE, 3*50+25 mm2 for the load

and laying conditions mentioned above.

Important Notes:
 In this example we skipped short circuit calculations, as it’s much
complicated and depend on many factors.
 Voltage drop and The current carrying ampacity of the cable which
are 0.715 MV/A/M, and 185A, are on my android app “CABLES
TABLES“. I made it my self.
Conclusion
 Choosing power cable of electrical loads depend on load current,
cable ampacity, installation conditions etc.
 Cables currents tables are in “CABLES TABLES” android app.
 Derating factors should be applied to the cable current.
 Voltage drop value should be in the accepted limits.
 If the cable voltage drop is higher than the limits, then we choose
the larger sized cable.
Install My 100% FREE Android Apps
I was fresh graduated, from electrical engineering faculty, when I
realized that I need many electrical formulas, tables and calculations
in my work.

I never like memorizing these stuff and carrying cables catalogues

every where.
So I created my own simple custom android apps to help my self. It
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 Cables Ampacity Tables App  we need cable ampacity almost

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 Fast Electrical Calculator App  , the one I use for electrical
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