JERSON G.

TAGOTONGAN

CONDUCTOR
REQUIREMENTS
 CONDUCTOR
MATERIALS
Copper and aluminum are the most common conductor
materials used in buildingelectrical wiring, although
other materials can be used. As a general rule, solid
copper conductorsare used in small conductor sizes (up
to about 8 AWG) because safety issues associated
withaluminum are avoided and weight and cost are not
significantly affected. Medium- and large-gauge stranded
aluminum cable (above No. 8 AWG) is safely used on
circuits as long as the terminals or connectors on the
circuit are rated CU-AL (copper-aluminum) and an
antioxidantpaste is used on properly tightened
connections.
 CONDUCTOR INSULATION
Conductors are covered with insulation to provide electrical isolation and physicalprotection of the
conductor material. The type of insulation material determines the environmentin which a wire or
cable can be used safely. Wires used indoors are subjected to less exposure tothe elements than those
designed for outdoor use. Outdoor wiring is exposed to water andsunlight, so the insulation is designed
to withstand these elements.
 Conductor Ampacity Requirements
Constant exposure to high temperatures increases the deterioration rate of
insulation, soa conductor exposed to higher temperatures will have a lower
ampacity than one that is operatingin the normal temperature range. Conversely,
exposure to lower temperatures extends insulation life and increases a
conductor’s ampacity.
TEMPERATURE CORRECTION
FACTOR
Ambient temperature is the temperature of a surrounding medium (e.g., air,
soil). In thecase of electrical wiring, it is the temperature of the medium
surrounding the conductor. Ambienttemperature can affect allowable current-
carrying capacity of a conductor. As ambienttemperature rises, less current
generated heat is needed to reach the temperature rating of theinsulation.
Therefore, ampacity is governed by contribution of ambient heat.
 Conductor Voltage Drop Requirements
In addition to ampacity requirements, branch circuits and feeders should be analyzed forvoltage
drop because of the adverse effect it can have on performance and operating life ofappliances
and equipment. Although not required, branch circuits are typically designed toensure that
voltage drop at full load does not exceed 3% from the panelboard to the farthestoutlet. Feeders
are typically designed to ensure that voltage drop at full load does not exceed 2%.Total voltage
drop in the feeders and branch circuits should not exceed 5%.
RIMBERIO CO

THANK YOU