IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-20, NO.

2, MARCH/APRIL 1984 377

Single-Conductor Cables in Parallel

ALEX Y. WU, MEMBER, IEEE

Abstract-The effect of the unbalanced current in a single-con- tions). This, commonly known as skin effect and proximity
ductor cable circuit could have more adverse impact on the low volt- effect, would increase the conductor resistance. These'effects
age system than on the medium voltage system. This is because a low
are more pronounced as the frequency becomes higher, or as
voltage cable circuit is generally sized to match the load requirement
closely, whereas a medium voltage cable circuit is often determined by the cross section of the conductor becomes larger. Thus the
the system short circuit consideration. However, the adverse impact resistance of a conductor carrying alternating current is larger
of the unbalanced current can be minimized if single conductor cables than the same conductor at the same temperature carrying
are arranged in a symmetrical configuration, or arranged in a "tri- direct current and can be expressed mathematically as follows:
angular" configuration (for Canadian practice only), if three, five, or
six cables are needed in each phase.
Rac = MFskin X MFproximity X MFtemperature X Rdc
I. INTRODUCTION (2.1)
WHEN A CABLE circuit is composed of single-conductor
cables, unequal current sharing between cables is always where
of primary concern. The unbalanced current would sometimes Rac 60 Hz (or 50 Hz) effective ac resistance
cause cable overload, and, consequently, electrical failures. at T°C,
The analysis of current distribution between cables for each Rdc dc resistance,
application is a complicated and tedious process. To protect MFskin multiplier factor due to skin effect,
the equipment from electrical failures and to ensure personnel MFproximity multiplier factor due to proximity effect,
safety, both Canadian and National Electrical Codes have MFtemperature temperature correction factor.
specific installation requirements for single-conductor cables in
parallel. However, rigidly following these installation require- Furthermore, due to the nonuniformity of the current
ments does not always result in a balanced current distribu- density, the flux linkages over the cross section of a conductor
tion. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the design engineers would also change. The flux linkages of a section near the sur-
to develop a cable configuration that will not only meet the face of a conductor are less than those of a section in the
Code requirements but will also minimize the current un- interior, and those between the nearest sections of two ad-
balances between cables. jacent conductors are greater than those of farther apart (as
The purpose of this paper is to assist engineers in their cable long as the two conductors carry current in the same direc-
circuit design by identifying various single-conductor cable tion). As a result, an unevenness of reactance exists over the
configurations which meet the codes, and their current dis- cross section of a conductor. However, in 50- or 60-Hz system
tribution. The paper will initially analyze a few important these changes are negligible. Therefore, for all practical pur-
factors influencing the cable impedance, then use the Buller poses the mutual reactance of a single conductor in a 50- or
formula to calculate cable impedances and derive the current 60-Hz system could be calculated on the basis of all other
distribution based on the differences of impedances among conductor currents situated at the center of the conductors. In
cables. Sections III and IV, more detailed discussions regarding the
effective ac resistance and reactance widl be presented.
II. BACKGROUND
In any unshielded ac-carrying conductor, the magnetic field III. EFFECTIVE AC RESISTANCE
around the axis of the conductor produces a nonuniformity of In the following sections, discussions of the factors influ-
the current density over the cross section of the conductor; encing the effective ac resistance of single-conductor cables
i.e., current density in the outer sections is higher than in the will be presented along with some figures for easy reference.
center, and current density in the farthest sections between
two conductors is higher than that of the nearest sections (as A. The Influence of Skin Effect on ac Resistance
long as two conductors carry the current in the same direc- It has been mathematically proven that a conductor or a
combination of conductors of certain proportionate shape and
Paper PID 83-33, approved by the Pulp and Paper Industry Com- a certain value of f/Rdc will have a definite value of Rac/Rdc
mittee of the IEEE Industry Applications Society for presentation at This is true of isolated conductors in a single-phase or poly-
the 1983 Pulp and Paper Industry Technical Conference, New Orleans,
LA, May 10-13. Manuscript released for publication June 21, 1983. phase system, where f is the frequency in hertz and Rdc is the
The author is with the Simons-Eastern Company, P. 0. Box 1286, dc resistance in ohm per 1000 ft [l] . Dwight provided most of
Atlanta, GA 30301. the contributions in the research of skin effect. Fig. was

0093-9994/84/0200-0377$01.00 1984 IEEE

378 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-20, NO. 2, MARCH/APRIL 1984

RAC RAC
RoC 1.0
ISOLATED
1.10

1.08'
.08

.06
.06 0 2.6z

1.04 I-4d -

1.04'

1.02

1.02
_F fl-
_____- 25 50 75 JRDC 2i 50 75 J RDc
0 o
1 11 I I
:1
1
I ::EI
00 0 0 0 0 0
LO
N o
0
) '~
0 0
in
rl
0
o
olin 0

Fig. 1. Skin effect in 1-kV conductors. R dc in Q2/1000 ft, F in hertz. Fig. 2. Proximity effect in 1-kV conductors. Rdc in Q1/1000 ft, F in
hertz.
taken from one of his papers, showing skin effect in isolated
solid wires. RAC
The difference between the skin effect of a stranded cable RISOLATED
and a solid wire of the same resistance is mainly due to the
spiraling of the strands and is approximately inversely propor- 1.01
tional to the pitch of the spiraling. Since this difference is I 0d
negligible in a 50- or 60-Hz system, Fig. 1 can also be used for
isolated stranded cables in the 50- or 60-Hlz system.

B. The Influence of Proximity Effects on ac Resistance

Similar to the skin effect on ac resistance, the proximity
effect on ac resistance has a defimite value depending on the
ratio f/Rdc as well as s/d, where s is the cen'ter to center dis-
tance between conductors in inches and d is the diameter of
the conductor in inches. Figs. 2-4 show the proximity effect
ratios for four different cable configurations, and they are FF
calculated from Dwight's mathematical models for proximity
effect [2]. The proximity effect ratio is expressed as the ratio I 11 I I I

of the ac resistance when the conductors are near each other ~'. Qu'o
eQ
2
o
m
Q

e
:E
Q

o
0 0 0 0

to their ac resistance when they are isolated. %n AO

0 0
N in r- 0

Fig. 3. Proximity effect ratio in 1-kV conductors. Rdc in Q2/1000 ft,

C. The Influence of Temperature Effect on ac Resistance [31 F in hertz.

In addition to the skin effect and proximity effect, the zcon- For aluminum or ACSR conductors
ductor temperature rise would also cause the resistance in-
crease. The appropriate resistance temperature correc tion (228 + T\
factors can be determined from the following formulas. RT= 248 - ) R20
For copper conductors
(228 + T
1234.5 + T\ 253 R25 (2)
= V
254.5 1R2
where
(234.5 + T T temperature in degree centrigrade,
259 / (1) RT resistance at temperature T°C,
WU: SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLES IN PARALLEL 379

RAC TABLE I
12 0 R ISOLATED RESISTANCE IN 52/1000 ft AT 20°C AND 250C OF CLASS B
STRANDED COPPER AND ALUMINUM CONDUCTOR
000
CondLector 200C 25 OC
14 5 Size,
AWG or MCM CU AL CU AL
INSIDE
CONDUCTOR 2 0.159 0.262 0.162 0.267
1.0 1 0.126 0.206 0.129 0.211
1/0 0.100 0.165 0.102 0.168
OUTITSIDE 2/0 0.0795 0.131 0.0811 0.133
(c/O NDUCTOR 3/0
4/0
0.063 0.103 0.0642 0.105
1.05 0.050 0.0821 0.0509 0.0836
250 0.0423 0.0695 0.0431 0.0708
300 0.0353 0.0579 0.0360 0.0590
350 0.0302 0.0496 0.0308 0.0505
F 400 0.0264 0.0434 0.0270 0.0442
25 50 75 RDC 500 0.0212 0.0348 0.0216 0.0354
I II I I 600 0.0176 0.0290 0.0180 0.0295
o
0
o~
0 0 0 750 0.0141 0.0232 0.0144 0.0236
e o0 0
N z s- 0
1000 0.0106 0.0174 0.0108 0.0177
Fig. 4. Proximity effect ratio in 1-kV conductors. Rdc in Q/1000 ft,
F in hertz.
A =ln(Dl/1r),
R20 resistance at temperature 20°C, Dkk distance from cable 1 to cable k (inches),
R25 resistance at temperature 250C. r radius of conductor (inches),
n number of cables in group,
D. DC Resistance of Conductors Ik current in cable k (amperes).
DC resistances in ohms per 1000 ft per conductor at 200C Note that (3) is valid only if the following assumptions are
and 250C stranded copper and aluminum conductors are correct:
shown in Table I [4].
1) the current in cable k,i.e., Ik, is expressed as a vector;
E. Effective ac Resistance Calculation 2)ny=, Ik = °;
As indicated in Fig. 1, the ac resistance of a single-conduc- 3) the current is uniformly distributed over the conduc-
tor cable is the dc resistance compounded by the factors tor;
relating to skin effect, proximity effect, and temperature rise. 4) no shielding;
The calculation results tabulated in Tables 11-V are the effec- 5) for the mutual partial linkages due to the flux pro-
tive ac resistance of 1 -kV single-conductor cables in four of the duced by other cable currents it can be assumed that
commonly used cable configurations. linkages are equal to the total linkages that would
exist with a line 'conductor situated at the center of
IV. REACTANCES the actual conductor.
Many formulas have been published for the reactance of
parallel single-conductor cables. However, if discounting the The technique of reactance calculations based on (3) can be
skin effect and proximity effect on reactance, the Buller's demonstrated in Table VI where the reactance of cable 1 in a
formula [5] appears to be the easiest to handle, that is, group of n cables is calculated. Therefore,
S = sum of products
X = 0.023 K' +A +
k=2
[(InD--
k-DI (k 1)
)
A+VFl D~lk
=A+z[n Dl k-_ 1I]].'
(

k- I i]
-
k-2 IDl(k-1) J=1 II1

(3) Thus
cable 1 reactance = 0.23 (K' + S')
where
X 60-Hz (or 50-Hz) reactance of a single-conductor
= 0.23 K'+ A + [ in lk
k=2 Di (k-1 )
cable in a group of n parallel cables (ohms per
1000 feet) (Q/1000 ft),
K' constant =,0.25 for concentric stranded cable, (j= II)3
380 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-20, NO. 2, MARCH/APRIL 1984

TABLE II
EFFECTIVE AC RESISTANCE OF 1 kV SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE WITH TRIANGULAR CONFIGURATION
AND SPACED ONE CABLE DIAMETER APART

Cable Conductor DC Multiplier Resi stance

AWG Overall Dia. Resistance 60 J Temp. Ohm per
or Dia. Ohm/OOOft RR Skin Proximity Effec looft
MCM (Inches) (Inches) Q20°C Effect Effect Q 900C Q 900C
2/0 1.07 0.42 0.0795 27.5 1.0 1.0003 1.28 0.102
4/O 1.20 0.53 0.05 36.64 1.01 1.001 1.28 0.065
250 1.31 0.58 0.0423 37.66 1.01 1.0013 1.28 0.055
500 1.55 0.81 0.0212 53.20 1.03 1.006 1.28 0.028
750 1.78 1.00 0.0141 65.20 1.055 1.015 1.28 0.019
1000 1.89 1.152 0.0106 75.24 1.095 1.024 1.28 0.015

00
TABLE III
EFFECTIVE AC RESISTANCE OF 1-kV SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE WITH TRIANGULAR CONFIGURATION
AND NO SPACING IN BETWEEN

Multiplier Eff.AC
Cable Conductor DC Resist.
AWIi Overall Dia. Resistance 60 Temp. Ohm per
or Dia. Ohm/lOOOft R Skin roximity Effect lOOOft
MCM (Inches) (Inches) @200C DC Effect Effect @ 900C @90°C

2/0 1.07 0.42 0.0795 27.50 1.0 1.0012 1.28 0.102

4/0 1.20 0.53 0.05 36.64 1.01 1.004 1.28 0.065
250 1.31 0.58 0.0423 37.66 I.01 1.005 1.28 0.055
500 1.55 0.81 0.0212 53.20 1.03 1.026 1.28 0.029
750 1.78 1.0 0.0141 65.20 1.055 1.058 1.28 0.020
1000 1.89 1.152 0.0106 75.24 1.09 1.097 1.28 0.016

TABLE IV
EFFECTIVE AC RESISTANCE OF 1-kV SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE WITH FLAT CONFIGURATION AND
SPACED ONE CABLE DIAMETER APART

Multiplier Eff.AC
Cable Con- DC Resist.
AWG OverI' ductor Resist. 60 Temp. Ohm per
or Dia. Dia. Ohm/1000' RDC Skin Proximity Effec 1000 ft
MCM (Inch) (Inch) @20'C D Effect Effect _ 90'C @90°C
OC* IC** OC* IC**
2/0 1.07 0.42 0.0795 27.50 1.0 1.0006 1.001 1.28 0.102 0.102
4/0 1.20 0.53 0.05 36.64 1.01 1.002 1.oo8 1.28 .o065 o.065
250 1.31 0.58 0.0423 37.66 1.01 1.003 1.01 1.28 .055 0.055
500 1.55 0.81 0.0212 53.20 1.03 1.013 1.051 1.28 .028 0.029
750 1.78 1.0o 0.0141 65.20 1.055 1.029 1.118 1.28 .020 0.021
1ooo 1.89 1.152 0.0106 75.24 1.095 1.048 1.193 1.28 .016 o.018
000
* -
Outside Conductor
** -
Inside Conductor

Equation (3) is very general and can be applied to any cable ship as long as their magnitudes and phase relationship are
arrangement as long as known. For a three-phase system the following vector relation-
ships may exist between currents (Fig. 5):

k=l
k = 0.
IA IA LO = IA
IB = IBL240 = a2IB
It can also be applied to cables of different sizes, carrying
different currents. These currents may have any phase relation- IC=IcL1200 =aIc
WU: SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLES IN PARALLEL 381

TABLE V
EFFECTIVE AC RESISTANCE OF 1-kV SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE WITH FLAT CONFIGURATION AND
NO SPACING IN BETWEEN

Cable | Con | DC -| Mu] t i p1ier fE f. AC

AWG Overl1 ductor Resist. 60 . Temp. Ohm per
or Dia. Dia. Ohm/l000' R Skin Proximity Effect lOOOft
MCM (Inch) (Inch) @20° C DC Effect Effect @90°C @90°C
OC* IC** OC* IC**
2/0 1.07 0.42 0.0795 27.50 1.0 1-.000 1.0003 1.28 0.102 0.102
'4/0 1.20 0.53 0.05 36.64 1.01 1.0005 1.0019 1.28 0.065 0.065
250 1.31 0.58 0.0423 37.66 1.01 1.0007 1.0026 1.28 0.055 0.055
500 1.55 0. 81 0.0212 53.20 1.03 1.003 1.0127 1.28 0.028 0.028
750 1.78 1.0 0.0141 65.20 1.055 1.007 1.029 1.28 0.019 0.020
1000 1.59 1.152 0.0106 75.24 1.095 1.012 1.o48 '1.28 0.015 0.016
* - outside conductor 00 0
** - inside conductor

TABLE VI
CABLE 1 REACTANCE CALCULATION

where

j,k= 1, ,n
IA n

Fig. 5. IA==
I
Iaj
for a balanced current distributed circuit where n

IB = z Ibi
a=--1 /2 + Nf3/2i
a2 =-1/2 -NV/2, n

i-c = z Icj.
and
1 +a+a2 =0. V. IMPEDANCES
Once the effective ac resistance and reactance of a single-
If IA = IB = IC, then conductor cable are established, the impedance of the cable
can simply be calculated as follows:
Lak= 1 Ibi = 2 Icak =
Ia k Ia*k Ia k Z = Rac' +X (4)
382 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-20, NO. 2, MARCH/APRIL 1984

where Section 4-006, Sheath Currents in Single-Conductor Metal-

lic Sheathed Cables
Z 60-Hz (or 50-Hz) impedance of a single-conductor (1) Where sheath currents in single-conductor cables
cable, having continuous sheaths of lead, aluminum, or copper are
Rac effective ac resistance per (1), likely to cause the insulation of the conductors to be subjected
X reactance per (3). to temperatures in excess of the insulation ratings, the cables
shall be
Field measurements have indicated that when a number of
parallel single-conductor cables compose a phase, there will be (a) derated to 70 percent of current-carrying rating
no appreciable differences on phase currents due to the un- which would otherwise apply; or
equal cable impedances; however, there will be unequal cur- (b) derated in accordance with the manufacturer's
rent sharing among the cables in a phase. To derive the actual recommendations by special permission; or
current sharing in a group of cables you must first calculate (c) installed in such a manner as to prevent the flow
the current sharing based on cable impedances derived from an of sheath currents.
initial balanced current basis, then repeat the same process (2) Circulating currents in single-conductor armoured
with the currents thus obtained. cable shall be treated in the same manner as sheath currents in
Subrule (1).
VI. CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR SINGLE-CONDUCTOR Appendix B
CABLE INSTALLATION IN CABLE TRAY
...To prevent the flow of sheath currents it is necessary to
Both Canadian and American Electrical Codes have specific assure that all paths by which it may circulate are kept open.
installation instructions for parallel single-conductor cables in Cable sheaths shall be grounded at the supply end only and
cable tray. Even though both codes intend to achieve the same thereafter isolated from ground and each other.
purpose, the requirements are slightly different. The major Section 12-2212, Ampacities of Conductors in Cable-
highlights extracted from each code are shown as follows. troughs:
A. Canadian Electrical Code [6] (1) In ventilated and ladder-type cabletroughs, where the
airspace between conductors, cables, or both is maintained at
The following sections are the major highlights in the greater than 100 percent of the largest conductor or cable
Canadian Electrical Code related to parallel single-conductor diameter, the ampacity of the conductors or cables shall be the
cables installation in cable tray. value specified in paragraph (a) or (b):
Section 12-108, Conductors in Parallel
(1) Except provided for in Subrule (3) conductors of (a) single conductors, single-conductormetal sheathed
similar conductivity in sizes No. 1/0 AWG copper or aluminum or armoured cable and single-conductor mineral-
and larger may be in parallel, provided they are insulated cable, as specified in Tables 1 and 3;
and
(a) free of splices throughout the total length; and (b) multiconductor cables as specified in Tables 2
(b) the same circular mil area; and and 4, multiplied by the correction factor in
(c) the same type of insulation; and Rule 4-002 for the number of conductors in each
(d) the same length; and cable.
(e) terminated at both ends in a wire connector
specifically approved for use with conductors in (2) In ventilated and ladder-type cabletroughs, where the
parallel or in individual wire connectors, mounted air space between conductors, cables, or both is maintained at
on a solid bus bar or splitter with a separate
not less than 25 percent of the largest or cable diameter, the
screw or stud for each connector to ensure equal
ampacity of the conductors or cables shall be the value speci-
division of current. fied in Subrule (1), multiplied by the correction factor speci-
fied in Table 39 for the arrangement and number of conduc-
(2) The orientation of single-conductor metal-sheathed tors or cables involved unless special permission is obtained for
or armoured cables in parallel, with respect to each other and other correction factors.
to those in other phases, shall be such as to minimize the (3) In ventilated and ladder-type cabletroughs, where the
difference in inductive reactance and the unequal division of air space between conductors, cables or both is less than 25
current. per cent, and for any spacing in a nonventilated cabletrough,
Section 12-1004, Conductors in Raceways the ampacity of the conductors or cables shall be the value
(1) Where conductors are placed in metallic raceways, as specified in Table 2 or 4 multiplied by the correction factor
all conductors of a circuit shall be contained in the same race- specified in Rule 4-002 for the total number of conductors in
way, or in the same channel of a multiple channel raceway, the cabletrough.
except that where it is necessary to run conductors in parallel
due to the capacity of an alternating-current circuit additional B. National Electrical Code [ 7]
enclosures may be used provided the conductors in any one The following sections are the major highlights in the
metallic enclosure include an equal number of conductors National Electrical Code related to parallel single-conductor
from each phase and the neutral. cables installation in cable tray.
WU: SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLES IN PARALLEL
Section 310-4, Conductors in Parallel:
Aluminum, copper-clad aluminum, or copper conductors of
size 1/0 and larger, comprising each phase or neutral, shall be
permitted to be connected in parallel (electrically jointed at
both ends to form a single conductor)'only if all of the follow-
ing conditions are met: all of the parallel conductors shall be
of the same length, or the same conductor material, same
circular-mil area, same insulation type, and terminated in the
same manner. Where run' in separate raceways of cables, the
raceways or cables shall have the same physical characteristics.
Section 318-2, Uses Permitted
...(b) In industrial establishments only, where conditions of
maintenance and supervision assure that only qualified persons
will service the installed cable tray system, any of the cables in
(1) and (2) below shall be permitted to be installed'in ladder,
ventilated trough, or 4-inch ventilated channel- type cable
trays.
(1) Single conductor: Single-conductor cables shall be
250 MCM' or larger, and shall be Types RHH, RHW, MV,
USE, or THW. Other 250 MCM1 or larger single-conductor
cables shall be permitted if such cables are specifically ap-
proved for installation in cable trays. Where exposed to direct
rays of the sun, cables shall be sunlight-resistant.
Section 318-7, Cable Installation
-..(d) Where single-conductor cables comprising each phase
or neutral of a circuit are connected in parallel as permitted in
Section 310-4, the conductors shall be installed in groups
consisting of not more than one conductor per phase or
neutral, to prevent current unbalance in the paralleled con-
ductors due to inductive reactance.
Single conductors shall be securely bound in groups to pre-
vent excessive movement due to fault-current magnetic forces.
Section 318-9, Number of Single-Conductor Cables, Rated
2000 Volts or Less, in Cable Tray
The number of single-conductor cables, nominally rated
2000 volts or less, permitted in a single cable tray section shall
not exceed the requirements of this section. The single con-
ductors, or conductor assemblies, shall be evenly distributed
across the cable tray.
(a) Where ladder or ventilated trough cable trays contain
single conductor cables, the maximum number of single con-
ductors shall conform to the following:
(1) where all of the cables are 1000 MCM1 or larger,
the sum of the diameters of all single-conductor
cables shall not exceed the cable tray width.
(2) where all of the cables are smaller than 1000
MCM', the sum of the cross sectional areas of all
single-conductor cables shall not exceed the max-
imum allowable cable fill area in Column 1 of
Table 318.9 (Table VII in this paper) for the
appropriate cable tray width.
Section 318-10. Ampacity of Cables Rated 2000 Volts or
Less in Cable Trays
The ampacity of single-conductor cables, or single conduc-
tors twisted together (triplexed, quadruplexed, etc.) nominally
1 kcmil.
383
rated 2000 volts or less, shall comply with the following:
1) Where installed according to the requirements of Sec-
tion 318-9, the ampacities for 600 MCM1 and larger single-
conductor cables in uncovered cable trays shall not exceed 75
percent of the allowable ampacities in Tables 310-17 and
310-19. Where cables are continuously covered for more than
six feet with solid unventilated covers, the ampacities for 600
MCM1 and larger cables shall not exceed 70 percent of the
allowable ampacities in Tables 310-17 and 310-19.
2) Where installed according to the requirements of
Section 318-9, the ampacities for 250 MCM1 through 500
MCM' single-conductor cables in uncovered cable trays shall
not exceed 65 percent of the allowable ampacities in Tables
310-17 and 310-19. Where cable trays are continuously
covered for more than six feet with solid unventilated covers,
the ampacities for 250 MCM through 500 MCM' cables shall
not exceed 60 percent of the allowable ampacities in Tables
310-17 and 310-19.
Section 318-11. Number of Type MV and Type MC Cables
(2001 Volts or Over) in Cable Trays
The number of cables, nominally rated 2001 volts or over,
permitted in a single cable tray shall not exceed the require-
ments of this section.
The sum of the diameters of single-conductor and multi-
conductor cables shall not exceed the cable tray width, and
the cables shall be installed in a single layer. Where single con-
ductor cables are triplexed, quadruplexed, or bound together
in circuit groups, the sum of the diameters of the single con-
ductors shall not exceed the cable tray width, and these
groups shall be installed in single layer arrangement.
Section 318-12. Ampacity of Type MV and Type MC
Cables (2001 Volts or Over) in Cable Trays
Single Conductor Cables (2001 Volts or Over): The
ampacity of single-conductor cables, or single conductors
twisted together (triplexed, quadruplexed, etc.) shall comply
with the following.
1) The ampacities for 250 MCM' and larger single-
conductor cables in uncovered cable trays shall
not exceed 75 percent of the allowable ampaci-
ties in Tables 310-39 and 310.40. Where the
cable trays are covered for more than 6 feet with
solid unventilated covers, the ampacities for 250
MCM' and larger single-conductor cables shall
not exceed 70 percent of the allowable ampaci-
ties in Tables 310-39 and 310-40.
2) Where single-conductor cables are installed in a
single layer in uncovered cable trays, with a
maintained space of not less than one cable diam-
eter between individual conductors, the ampacity
of 250 MCM' and larger cables shall not exceed
the allowable ampacities in Tables 310-39 and
310-40.
VII. SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE CONFIGURATIONS
IN CABLE TRAY
The single-conductor cable configurations can be largely
divided into two groups based on the distance between cables,
384 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-20, NO. 2, MARCH/APRIL 1984

TABLE VII
ALLOWABLE CABLE FILL AREA FOR SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLES IN LADDER OR VENTILATED
TROUGH CABLE TRAY FOR CABLES RATED 2000 V OR LESS

Inside Column I Column 2*

Width Applicable Applicable
of for Section for Section
Cable 318-9(aX2) 318-9(aX3)
Tray Only Only
(Inches) (Square Inches) (Square Inches)

6 6.50 6.50-(l.l Sd)**

12 13.0 13.0-(l. Sd)
18 19.5 19.5-(l.l Sd)
24 26.0 26.0-(l.1 Sd)
30 32.5 32.5-(l.l Sd)
36 39.0 39.0-(l. Sd)

* The maximum allowable fill areas in Column 2 shall be computed. For

example, the maximum allowable fill, in square inches, for a 6-inch wide
cable tray shall be: 6.5 minus (1.1 multiplied by Sd).

** The term Sd in Column 2 is equal to the sum of the diameters, in inches, of

all 1000 MCM and larger single-conductor cables in the same ladder or
ventilated trough cable tray with smaller cables.

i.e., one with one cable diameter spacing or more apart, and XX [8], where
the other with less than one cable diameter spacing in be- Xm = 7rf(0l404l~ $)s
tween. The most commonly used configurations on a 24-in Xm= 27Tf .11404lol I.1/ft
tray with one cable diameter spacing are shown in Figs. 6-10. \m0
Y10
The most common configurations on a 24-in tray with no A = 27rf(0. 1404 log1o2) ,uQ/ft
spacing between trays cables are shown in Figs. 1 1-15
B = 27rf(0. 1404 log1 0 5) ,uQ/ft
VIII. CALCULATION RESULTS
f frequency,
With the help of a programmable calculator the current dis- S spacing between center of cables (inches),
tribution for 1 kV parallel single-conductor cables sizing from ?yt mean radius of shield (inches),
2/0 to 1000 kcmil, in all configuration listed in Sections 7.1 I conductor current (amperes).
and 7.2 have been calculated and the results are tabulated in For the 60-Hz system
Tables VIII-XIX.
s
IX. SHIELD VOLTAGE Xm 52.92 log, 0
=
7m
A = 15.93 i4/ft
Shielding of a cable is to confine the dielectric field within
the cable so that an excessive voltage stress between conductor B= 36.99 ,uQ/ft
and insulation can be eliminated. This is a standard practice
for a single-conductor cable rated 5 kV and above. The shield voltage in some cases may cause current discharge
Since single-conductor cables are normally grounded at one and therefore become hazardous to personnel. The usual safe
point only, a voltage would build up in the shield. The magni- voltage is about 25 V for cable having a nonmetallic covering
tude of this so called shield voltage depends on the mutual in- over the shield. Table XXI indicates the calculated maximum
ductance to other cables, the current in all the conductors, and allowable cable length for single-conductor cables with shield
the distance to the grounded point. grounded at one point only.
If the following assumptions are correct, i.e.,
1) no proximity effect, X. DISCUSSION
2) mathematically perfect cables and spacing, and equal
shield resistances, The following bases were used in the current distribution
3) equal conductor currents, calculation.
4) open circulated shields not grounded at more than one 1) All single-conductor cables were in parallel. However, the
point, current unbalance would become negligible if cables were
5) no disturbing magnetic or conducting bodies within the transposed in the tray.
field of influence, 2) l-kV aluminum armor single-conductor cables were
considered in the calculation. The results could also be applied
then the shield voltage can be calculated as shown in Table to 5-kV single-conductor unshielded cables, because the in-
WU: SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLES IN PARALLEL 385

--D "FLAT"

5'

"STACK"
I
J5 p wx 3o
W:3D

"TR I ANGULAR" "FLAT"

(a) (b)

Fig. 6. Two cables per phase. (a) Canadian practice. (b) American
practice.

T Q .c')l
.:
"STACK" "FLAT" (for 500 MCM -1000 MCM
conductors)

"TR ANGULAR" "FLAT" (for 250 MCM

conductors)
(a) (b)
Fig. 7. Three cables per phase. (a) Canadian practice. (b) American
practice.

(_

) Cc3)(
-- - Mfz_vX'I
A
I
'STACK"

1-~ W.3o
I
I&- s .D l 7 a (a I
I ;1U)
-
ft- I=
tin
1
--L
U lull W9 u W 9I
"TRIANGULAR"
-I
"FLAT"
(a) (b)
Fig. 8. Four cables per phase. (a) Canadian practice. (b) American
practice.
386 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-20, NO. 2, MARCH/APRIL 1984

18"

"STACK" a
"FLAT" (for 500 MCM - 1000 MCM

conductors)

1e
18
a a CD l
"TR ANGULAR" "FLAT" (for 250 MCM conductors)
(a) (b)
Fig. 9. Five cables per phase. (a) Canadian practice. (b) American
pI ractice.

1-A 54W3oD
_L
T
18
~~ s6aa
I
lk® tst?ws @ 4.s
iti~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
c I
8

"STACK"
"FLAT" (for 500 MCM -
1000 MCM

conductors)
9\~4 @ GsC3D
5S.Zo .Ws 3r t1 .31
1: bAs---I
A @ @.
IBM

"TR ANGULAR" "FLAT" (for 250 MCM conductors)

(a) (b)
Fig. 10. Six cables per phase. (a) Canadian practice. (b) American
practice.

We3o
(typicAL) "FLAT"

I
(ryricAL )
"TR I ANGULAR" "TR I ANGULAR"
(a) (b)
Fig. 11. Two cables per phase. (a) Canadian practice. (b) American
practice.
WU: SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLES IN PARALLEL 387

"FLAT"

"TR I ANGULAR" "TR I ANGULAR"

(a) (b)
Fig. 12. Three cables per phase. (a) Canadian practice. (b) American
practice.

* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~18

"FLAT"

"TR I ANGULAR" "TR I ANGULAR"

(a) (b)
Fig. 13. Four cables per phase. (a) Canadian practice. (b) American
practice.

"FLAT"

"TRIANGULAR" (for 500 MCM -

"TRIANGULAR" 1000 M1CM conductors)
(for 500 MCM - 1000 MCM
conductors)

"TRIANGULAR" "TRIANGULAR" (for 250 MCM

(for 2/0 - 250 MCM conductors) conductors)
(a) (b)

Fig. 14. Five cables per phase. (a) Canadian practice. (b) American
practice.
388 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-20, NO. 2, MARCH/APRIL 1984

1F

"FLAT"

18- IS
-Ok64)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
''TRIANGULAR" (for 500 MCM - "TRIANGULAR" (for 500 MCM -
1000 MCM conductors) 1000 MCM conductors)

"TRIANGULAR" (for 2/0 - 250 MCM "TRIANGULAR" (for 250 MCM

conductors) conductors)
(a) (b)
Fig. 15. Six cables per phase. (a) Canadian practice. (b) American
pr actice.

TABLE VIII
CANADIAN PRACTICE-i-kV 1000-kcmil SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE (1.89-in OVERALL DIAMETER)

CABLE CONFIGURATION CURRENT DISTRIBUTION (Z)

# OF A PHASE B PHASE PHASE
CABLES CABLE
PER SPAC- A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 B1 B2 B3 C2 C5
PNA5 F IN1 *
B14 B5 B6 Cl C3 C4
C6
FIlat 50.00 50.00 1 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
2 A Triangular 51.98 48.04 514.72 45.28 42.08 57.92
Stack 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50-00 50.00
T riangular |51.42 |48.58 53.09 |46.91 .45-19 541.81
3 A Triangular 35.03 33.85 31.13 37.82 33.63 28.55 25.75 32.63 41.62
Stack 26.68 26.47 48.86 33.00 33.17 33.74 32.82 33.99 33.20
8 Triangular 34.68 33.07 32.25 36.21 33.08 30.71 28.84 32.96 38.21
1. A Triangular 28.39 26.24 23.02 23.36 25.47 23.33 20.46 30.75 19.71 25.42 32.89 21.98

Stack 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00
B Triangular 26.o8 25.57 |24.83| 23.53 27-75 25.81 24.28 22.15 20.80 23.57 25.95 29.68

5 A Triangular 24.39 22.82 18.60 17.63 16.57 19.17 17.57 15.50 28.25 19.51 15.23 19.48 25.61 15.82 23.85

Stack 18.57 18.25 20.98 21.48 20.73 19.55 19.48 18.96 18.74 23.27 18.30 18.17 18.00 17.77 27.76
B Triangular 24.43 11.97 22.19 20.61 20.81 21.27 19.85 18.80 17.27 22.82 16.68 19.12 21.22 24.35 18.63
6 A Triangular 21.05 20.85 16.27 14.49 14.10 13.24 15.44 14.16 12.43 24.67 19.38 13.92 11.98 14.92 19.12 12.28 16.85 24.85
Stack 15.22 15.28 1 5.22 15.28 19.50 19.50 16.00 15.79 16.00 15.79 18.21 18.21 15.43 15.12 15.43 15.12 19.45 19. 45
B Triangular 18.79 18.23 17.07 15.67 15.51 14.72 17.13 16.00 15.18 14.06 20.50 17.13 13.66 15.74 17.71 20.54 14.33 18.03
* A - One cable Diameter
B - No Spacing
WU: SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLES IN PARALLEL 389

TABLE XXI
MAXIMUM LENGTH (FEET) FOR 15-kV SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLES WITH SHIELD GROUNDED
AT ONE END ONLY

AWG
®S=2d ~ iLS=d
S=2dA-
S=d (D=2
0 0
or ~JA®
_________ i(Note 1) (Note 1) (Note 2)
CANADA AMERICA CANADA AMERICA

2/0 1868 4712 -* 1532 3450 _* 1196

4/0 1438 3864 - 1174 2794 - 910
250 1294 3286 2722 1056 2376 984 820
500 856 2280 1822 696 1608 1300 496
750 668 1626 1428 542 1126 1018 418
1000 568 1452 1232 460 984 868 354

Note 1: Maximum length applicable to Canadian and American practice for size from 250 MCM to 1000 MCM.
Note 2: This configuration is not allowed in the American Practice, thus maximum lengths applied to
Canadian Practice only.
65
* - According to National Electrical Code Section 318-2, no smaller than 250 MCM Single Conductor Cable
allowed to be used in tray, thus maximum length applicable to only Canadian Practice for size 2/0 and 4/0.

TABLE IX
AMERICAN PRACTICE-1-kV 1000-kcmij SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE (1.89-in OVERALL DIAMETER)

CABLE CONFIGURATION CURRENT DISTRIBUTION (Z)

#OF A PHASE
CABLES CABLE B PHASE C PHASE
PER SPA i- A A A A A A B B B3 B B B C C C C C | C
PHASE3 IN STYLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 | ..2. 3 4 5 .6
2 A Flat 50.00 50.00o5000 50.00 _ 50.00 50.00 __
E Flat 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 _ 50.00 50.00
Triangular 51.42 148.58 53.09 46.91 | 45.19 154.81
3 A Flat 32.75 37.86 29.39 33.29 32.19 34.52 31.33 30.63 38.04
B Flat 25.11 32.47 142.42 35.11 34.48 30.42 13943 33.32 27.25
Triangular 34.68 33.07 32.25 36.21 33.08 30.71 28.84 32.96 38.21 _
41 A Flat 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 |25.00 25.00 | 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00
B Flat 19.00 25.54 34.28 21.18 26.32 25.56 22.25 25.87 29.741 24.61 20.15 25.50
Triangular 26.08 25.57 24.83 23.53 27.75 25.81 24.28 22.15 20.80 23.57 25.95 29.68
5 A Flat 20.01 21.11 19.4.1 22.65 16.82 19.99 19.74 19.89 19.21 21.16 119.27 19.13 19.03 18.62 2395
q Flat 14.55 19.97 28.28 14.92 22.27 21.21 20.66 17.L7 21.2q 19.28 24.25 19.47 15.58 23.50 17.20
Triangular 24.43 11.97 22.19 20.61 20.81 21.27 19.85 18.80 17.27 22.82 16.68 19.12 21.22 24.35 18.63
6 A Flat 16.47 16,47 17.Q6 17.06 16.47 16.47 16.83 16.83 16.33 16.33 16.83 16.83 16.88 16.88 16.24 16.24 16.88 16.88
B Flat 11.52 15.68 22.80 11.52 15.68 22.80 17.69 17.58 14.73 17.69 17.58 14.73 20.71 16.49 12.79 20.71 16.49 12.79
Triangular 18.79 18.23 17.07 167 15.51 14.72 17.13 16.00 15.18 14.06 20.50 |17.13 113.66 115.74 7.71 20.54 14.33 118.03
* A - One cable diameter
B - No spacing
1390 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-20, NO. 2, MARCH/APRIL 1984

TABLE X
CANADIAN PRACTICE-1-kV 750-kcmil SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE (1.78-in OVERALL DIAMETER)

CABLE CONFIGURATION CURRENT DISTRIBUTION (Z)

OF A PHASE B PHASE C PHASE
CABLES CABLE -- -----
PER SPAC; Al A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 C1 C2 C3 C4 -C5 C6
Flat 50.001 50.00 50.00 50-00 50.00 50.00
2 A, Triangular 52. 23 1.47.77 54..07 4.593 4.2. 35 57.65
Stack 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
B Triangular 51.58 4.8.4.2 52.69 4.7.31 4.5.39 54.61
3 A Triangular 35.35 33.72 30.92 37.19 33.65 29.15 .26.00 32.67 41.133
Stack 27.28 27.07 1.5.65 33.18 33. 28 33.51. 32.81. 33. 99 33.16
Triangula4r 34..83 33.06 32.11 35. 83 33.10 31.07 28. 98 33.01 38.01
4. A Triangular 26.90 29.66 21.1.5 21.50 25.28 23.1.3 20.81. 30.1.3 19.88 25.1.2 32.68 22.02

Stack 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 _ __ 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00
B Triangular 26.28 25.56 21..71. 23.142 27.38 25.73 24.39 22.1.9 20.97 23.65 25.92 29.1.6
5 A TIriangular 24.4.0 22.35 18.51 18.00 16.71. 19.19 17.79 15.91 27.13 19.98 15.1.2 19.66 25.78 15.91. 23.20
Stack 18.77 18.52 20.82 21.21. 20.65 19.511 19.1.6 18.97 18.78 23.29 18.29 18.18 18l.01 17.82 27.70
B Triangular 21.71 20.90 19.95 18.70 18.741. 21.06 19.85 18.91 17.53 22.61. 16.83 19.17 21.18 21.17 118.65
6 A Triangular 21.20 20.19 16.08 11.87 14.30 13.37 15.53 14..39 12.80 23.1.1 19.37 14.1.7 12.25 15.27 19.71. 12.1.5 16.68 23.60
Stack 15.36 15.1.3 15.36 15.1.3 19.21 19.21 16.011 15.82 16.01 15.82 18.18 18.18 15.1.0 15.11. 15.1.0 15.11. 19.1.6 1 9.1.6
B Triangular -118.81 18.06 16.941. 15.61 15.71. 14.81. 17.02 116.01. 15.33 11.30 20.06 17.25 13.83 15.83 17.70 20.39 14.4.1 17.83
*A -One cable diameter
B -No spacing

TABLE XI
AMERICAN PRACTICE-1-kV 750-kcmil SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE (1.78-in OVERALL DIAMETER)

CABLE CONFIGURATION CURRENT DISTRIBUTION (%) __________________

#OF A PHASE B PHASE C PHASE
CABLES-CABLE
PER
PHASE
SPAC-
LNr. STIF Al A2 A3 A4 A5
--
A6 Bi B2' B3
-
B4 B5 B6 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6
2 A Flat 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
B Flat 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
Triangular 51.58 1.8.1.2 52.69 1.7.31 1.5.39 54..61
3 A Flat 33.01 37.27 29.72 33.19 32.16 34..65 31.36 130.71. 37.89 ___ ___
B Flat 25.71 32.67 1.1.62 35.1.9 34..27 30.21. 38.83 33.1.1. 27.73
Triangular 34.83 33.06 132.11 35.83 33.10 31.07 ____28.98 33.01 38.01 ______ ___
1. A Flat 25.00 25.00 125.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00, 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 _______
B Flat 19.1.8 25.56 33.31 21.66 26.60 25.1.2 .22.18 25.80o __ ___ 29.26 24.75 20.51 25.1.7 __

______ _____ Triangular 26.28 .25.56 24.71. 23.421.2 _ 27.38 25.73 24..39 22.1.9 _ __20.97 23.65 25.92 29.1.6 ___
5 A ~~~Flat 20.09 120.97 19.59 22.26 17.09 19.9 197 19.86 19.21. 21.23 19.28 19q.16 19.07 18.71 23.78
B1 Flat 15.02 20.07 27.29 15.1.0 22.231 21.1.5 20.1.8 17.52 21.1.5 19.10 _ __23.79 19.65 15.95 23.13 17.1.8
Triangular 21.71 20.90 19.95 18.70 18.71. 21.06 19.85 18.91 17.53 22.61. 16.83 19.17 21.18 24..17 18.65
6 A ~~~Flat 16.419 16.1.9 17.02 17.02 16.1.9 16.4.9 16.82 16.82 16.3636 1.6 1682 16.82 1.5 6.85 16.29 16.2 9 1.5 6.85

a Flat 11.96 15.91 22.13 11.96 15.91 22.13 17.95 17.39 14.66 17.95 17.39 l14.66 20.21. 16.62 13.11. 20.21. 16.62 13.11.

*A
____Triangular
-One cable diameter
18.81 F18.06 1l6.91. 15.61 15.71. l1.1 7.02 116.01. 15.33 11.430 20.06 1.5 3.83 15.83 1 .7.70 120.39 l14.41 117.83
B No spacing
WU: SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLES IN PARALLEL
391

TABLE XII
CANADIAN PRACTICE-1-kV 500-kcmil SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE (1.55-in OVERALL DIAMETER)

CABLE CONFIGURATION CURRENT DISTRIBUTION(%

CALS FAL A P-HASE _ B PHASE __C PHASE
PER ISPAC- A,1 A A3 A4 A A6 B B2 B B4 B B6 C1 C2 C C C C6
PHASE .ING* STYLE - - 3- - - - - - -
- ~~~~~Flat 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00-
2 A Triangular 52.77 147.23 52.91 4.7.09 4.2.74 57.26
Stack 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
B Triangular 51.92 4.8.08 51.99 48.01 1.5.71 54.29 _ _

3 A Triangular 38.67 132.26 29.07 1o.0.3 31.51 28.36 26.35 32.76 40.89
Stack 28.19 28.00 1.3.81 33.37 33.51. 33.11 32.89 34.02 33.09 _________
B Triangular 35.15 33.01. 31.81___ 35.17 33.12 31.72 29.18 33.11 37.72
1. A Triangular 28.55 125.66 22.63 23.16 24..B8 23.61 21.58 29.91. 20.15_ 25.1.6 32.35 22.03 ___
Stack 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00
B Triangular 26.67 25.57 24.58 23.17 26.73 25.59 21.59 23.09 21.22 23.77 215.89 29.12
5 A Triangular 24.0121.25 17.92 18.1.1. 18.38 19.12 18.15 16.61. 25.36 20.73 __ 15.75 19.98 25.97 16.07 22.23 _

Stack 19.11 18.96 20.58 20.87 20.1.8 19.1.1 19.38 18.95 18.80 23.1.6 ______18.28 18.21 18.06 17.92 27.51.4 ____

B Triangular 21.90 20.80 19.77 18.50] 19.03 20.67 19.83 19.12 18.02 22.35 17.06 19.27 21.13 23.89 18.66
6 A Triangular 21.31 19.16 15.67 15.61] 14.68 13.57 15.55 14.71. 13.1.8 21.51 19.25 15.1.6 12.67 15.87 20.66 12.67 16.38 21.75
Stack 15.39 15.67 15.59 15.67] 18.75 18.75 15.99 15.85 15.99 15.85 18.16 18.16 151.35 15.17 15.35 15.17 19.1.8 19.48
B Triangular 18.85 17.80 16.71 15.1.1.16.16 15.03 16.79 16.12 15.58 14.75 19.31. 17.1.3 14.10 16.00 17.71 20.16 14.53 17.51
*A - One cable diameter

B - No spacing

TABLE XIII
AMERICAN PRACTICE-1-kV 500-kcmil SIN'GLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE (1.55-in OVERALL DIAMETER)

CABLE_CONFIGURATION CURRENT DISTRIBUTION()

CALEOF BL
A PHASE B PHASE C PHASE
PER SPAC- A1 A2 A3 A_ A5 A6 B1 BB2B3 7 1 F ¼4 C- 6

2 A Flat 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00

B Flat 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
Triangular 51.92 1.8.08 51.99 1.8.01 1.5.71 54.29
3 A Flat 33.1.3 36.37 30.20 32.96 32.07 34.97 31.43 30.95 37.62
B Flat 26.66 32.96 1.0.38 36.25 33.91. 29.82 137.76 33.61. 28.60
Triangular 35.15 33.01. 31.81 35.17 33.12 31.72 29.18 33.11 37.72
4. A Flat 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00
B Flat 20.23 25.55 31.80 22.1.2 24.20 26.20 22.98 26.62 28.38 25.00 21.18 25.441
Triangular 26.67 25.57 24.58 23.17 26.73 25.59 24.59 23.09 21.22' 23.77 25.89 29.12
5 A Flat 20.20 20.77 19.86 21.67 17.50 19.85 19.67 19.79 19.26 21.1.2 19.30 19.22 19.16 18.88 23.1.1
B Flat 15.75 20.18 25.79 16.17 22.12 21.92 20.22 17.36 21.71. 18.75 22.97 19.95 16.6222.1.8 17.98
Triangular 21.90 20.80. 19.77' 18.50 19.03 20.67 19.83 19.12 18.02 22.35 17.06 19.27 21.13 23.89 18.66
6 'A Flat 16.53 16.53 16.94 16.94 16.53 16.53 16.79 16.79 16.4.1 16.1.1 16.79 16.79 16.80 16.80 16.4.0 16.1.0 16.80 16.80
B Flat 12.67 16.23 21.10 12.67 16.23 21.10 18.41 17.10 i4.4.9 18.4.1 17.10 14.49 19.42 16.82 13.76 1'9. 42 16.82 1 3.76
Triangular 1A885 17.80 16.71 15.441 16.16 I5.03 16.79 16.12 15.58 14.75 19.34 17.1.3 14.10 16.00 17.71 20. 16 114.53 117.51
A - One cable diameter
B - No spacing
392 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-20, NO. 2, MARCH/APRIL 1984

TABLE XIV
CANADIAN PRACTICE-1-kV 250-kcmil SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE (1.31-in OVERALL DIAMETER)

CABLE tcN1 IGURATION CURRENT DISTRIBUTION (%)

CABLE CABLE - A PHASE | B PHASE |
C PHASE
PER SPAC- A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 B | B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6
Flat 50.00 -50.00 ___ ___50.00 50. 00___ 50.00 50.00
2 A Triangular 54-4.3 45.57 50.84 49.16 44_.53 55.47
Stack 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
B Triangular 52.10 47.90 50.73 49. 27 46.80 53.20
3 A Triangular 36.58 33.21 30.21 34.16 33.51 32.33 27.97 33.23 38.79
Stack 30.05 29.90 40.05 33.64 33.83 32.53 33.06 33.99 32.95
B Triangular 35.334 33.07 31.59 34.01 33.11 32.88 30. 33. 36 36.56
4 A Triangular 28.32 25.15 22.53 24.00 21.68 24.65 24.13 29.54 21.37 25.73 30.42 22.49
Stack 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00
Triangular 26.98 25.51 24.43 23.08 25.63 25.25 24.87 24.25 22.13 24.17 25.76 27.91.
5 A Triangular 23.62 20.65 18.10 19.93 17.70 18.87 18.95 18.06 22.61 22. 51 16.90 20.56 24.79 16.80 20.94
Stack 19.54 19.47 20.31 20.45 20.23 19.39 19.38 19.05 18.96 23.23 18.81 18.78 18.66 18.58 25.18
Triangular 21.59 20.74 20.02 19.32 18.34 20.54 20.30 20.07 19.80 19.29 17.41 18.91 19.95 21.03 22.70
6 A Triangular 20.45 17.79 15.31 16.93 15.41 14.12 15.51 15.26 14.81 18.86 18.51 17.05 13.82 16.83 20.61 13.45 16.14 19.14
Stack 16.01 16.06 16.01 16.06 17-93 17.93 16.09 16.00 16.09 16.00 17.90 17.90 15.62 15.53 15.62 15.53 18.86 18.86
8 Tri4ngular 18.31 17.44 16.89 16.41 15.87 15.08 17.14 16.97 16.82 16.65 16.42' 15.99 14.33 15.50 16.26 16.96 17.97 19.60
* A - One cable diameter
B - No spacing

TABLE XV
AMERICAN PRACTICE-1-kV 250-kcmil SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE (1.31-in OVERALL DIAMETER)

CABLE CONFIGURATION CURRENT DISTRIBUTION (Z)

#OF
CABLE CABLE ~~~~~~~~A
PHASE B PHASE C PHASE
PER
PHASE
SPAC-
ING* STYLE A1 A A 4 A5 A B B B3 B B B C C C C C5 C
2 A Flat 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
a Flat 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
Triangular 52.10 47.90 50.73 49.27 46.80 53.20
3 A Flat 26.05 33.38 40.56 38.40 33.50 28.09 35.75 34.41 29.81
B Flat 28.69 33.37 37.94 36.86 33.42 | 29.72 35.37 33.78 30.85
Triangular 35.1. 33.07 31.59 34.01 33.11 32.88 30-08 33-36 36-56
4 A Flat 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25-00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25-00 25.00 25-00

B Flat 21.72 125.53 29.23 23.53 - - 27.68 24.89 122.0o1 25.39 | | 26.47 25.18 |22.|9 25.1S.
Triangular 26.98 25.51 24.43 23.08 25.63 25.25 24.87 24.25 | ___22.13 24.17 25-76 27.941 _
5 A Flat 15.35 20.58 26.26 15.67 22.15 23.46 19.70 16.05 22.96 17.83_ 21.65 20.53 17.22 21.80 18.80
B F |at 17.1120.29 2J.51 17.50 21.60 22.29 19.90 17.416 21.82 18.53 21.31 20.20 18.20 21.20 19.10
Triangular 21.59 20.74 20.02 19.32 18.341 20.541 20.30 20.07 19.80 19.29 17.41 18.91 19.95 21.03 22.70
6 A Flat 12.26 16.39 21.35 12.26 16.39 21.35 19.91 16.76 13.33 19.91 16.76 13.33 18.20 17.48 14.32 18.20 17.48 14.32
B Flat 13.98 16.60 19.42 13.98 16.60 19.42 18.76 16.71 14.53 18.76 16.71 14.53 17.87 16.96 15.17 17.87 16.96 15.17
Triangular 18.31 17.44.16.89 16.41 15.87 15.08 17.11. 16.97 16.82 16.65 16.42 15.39 14.33 |15.50 | 16.26| 16.96 17-79 19.60
A - One cable diameter
8 - No spacing
 WU: SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLES IN PARALLEL 393

TABLE XVI
CANADIAN PRACTICE-1-kV 410-kcmil SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE (1 .20-in OVERALL DIAMETER)

CABLE CONFIGURATION CURRENT DISTRIBUTION()

#OFA
CABLES CABLEA PHS
PHSB
PHS
PHS__ _C
PHS
PAE
PER'
PHASE
SPAC-
NG±iL STYZL E.
Al A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 B1 B2 B3 B4 B45 B6 ci C2 C3 C4 C5 C6
Flat 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
A Triangular 53.07 46.93 50.41 49.591 45.09 54.91
Stack 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
D* Triangular 52.07 47.93 50.44 49.56 47.15 52.85______
3 A Triangular 36.56 33.17 30.27 33.77 313.44 132.79 28.49 33.35 38.16
Stack 30.48 30.34 39.18 33.69 33.891 32.42 33.12 33.97 32'.91
B Triangular 35.31 33.09 31.60 33.75 33.11 33.14 30.38 33.42 36.20
4 A Triangular 28.10 25.07 22.61 24.23 24.18 24.04 23.67 28.11 21.75 25.35 29.76 22.73
Stack 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00
B Triangular 26.97 25.48 24.42 23.13 25.38 25.16 24.93 24.52 22.41 24.29 25.70 27.59
5 A Triangular 23.25 20.46 18.15 20.22 17.93 18.94 18.83 18.55 22.08 21.60 17.27 20.64 24.23 17.10 20.77
Stack 19.65 19.60 20.24 20.34 20.16 19.38 19.37 19.09 19.02 23.14 19.01 18.99 18.89 18.83 24.29
B Triangular 21.80 20.68 19.96 19.26 18.30 20.33 20.19 20.06 19.88 19.54 17.67 19.05 19.98 .20.93 22.37
6 A Triangular 20.00 17.50 15.30 17.23 115.64 14.33 15.56 15.44 15.18 18.31 118.21 17.31 14.18 17.00 20.25 13.74 16.17 18.68
Stack 16.11 16.15 16.'11 16.15 17.74 17.74 16.11 16.05 16.11 16.05 17.84 17.84 15.74 15.67 15.74 15.67 18.59 18.59
8 Triangular 18.312 17.42 16.87 16.40 15.88 15.12 16. 95 16.86 16.77 16.67 16.52 16.23 14.55T15.64 16.33 16.96 17.68 18.84
A7 - One cable dirameter
B No spacing

TABLE XVII
AMERICAN PRACTICE-i-kV 4/0-kcmil SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE (1.20-in OVERALL DIAMETER)

CABLE CONFIGURATION CURRENT DISTRIBUTION(I

#OF A PHASE B PHASE C PHASE___
CABLES CABLE- -
PER SPAC- A1 A2 A3 A A A' B1 B B3 B B B6 C1 C2 C3 C C5 C6
ASE ING
STYLE ___34__ _6__ 2_ 3_4___
2 A Flat 50.00 -50.00 _ __ ___50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 ______
B Flat 50.00 150.00 ___ ___ 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 ______ ___
ITriangular 52.07 147.93 50.44 49.56 47.15 52.85 ______ ___
3 A lFlat 26.88 133.55
39.57 38.43 33.33 28.25 34.94 34.29 30.78 ___ ___
a Flat 29.22 33.43 37.35 36.85 33.33 29.82 34.77 33.75 31.48
Triangular 35.31 33.09 31.60 33.75 33.11 33.14 30.38 33 42 36.20
4 A Flat 2.0 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 125.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00___ ___
.B Fat 22.10 25.48 28.62 23.80 27.68 24.87 22.16 25.30 26.00 25.18 23.41 25.41 ___ ___
Triangular 26.97 25.48 24.142! 23.13 25.38 25.16 24.9'3 24.52 22.41 24.29 25.70 27.59 ______
5 A Flat 15.94 20.61 25-.18 16.27 22.01 23.43 19.64 116.26 22.83 17.84 21.05 20.53 17.92 21.26 19.25
B Flat 17.47 20.,28 22.97 17.85 21.44 22.26 19.87 17.518 21.74 18.541 20.90 20.21 18.65 20.86 19.38
riangular 21.80 20.68 19.96 19.26 18.30 20.33 20.19 20.06 119.88 19.54 17.67 19.05 19.98 20.93 22.37
6 A "at 12.83 116.58 20.59 12.83 16.58 20.59 19.88 16.63 13.50 191.88 16.63 13.50 17.66 17.39 14.95 17.66 17.39 14.95
B :at 14.32 16.66 19.02 114.32 16.66 19.02 18.72 16.65 14.63 18.72 16.65 114.63 17.50 16.94 15.56 17.50 116.94 115.56
riangular 18.32 17.42 16.87 116.40 15.88 15.12 116.95 16.86 16.77 1-6.67 116.52 116.23 14.55 15.64 16.33 16.96 117.68 118.84
A - One table diameter
B - No spacing
394 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-20, NO. 2, MARCH/APRIL 1984

TABLE XVIII
CANADIAN PRACTICE-i-kV 2/0-kcmil SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE (1.07-in QVERALL DIAMETER)

CABLE CONFIGURATION ________________ CURRENT DISTRIBUTION (Z)_________________

'CABLE A PHASE B PHASE C PHASE
PER
PHASE
SPAC-
ING* STYLE
AjI 2 3 4 A A6 B7 B7 BT B4 B5 -6 tT C2 T3 4~ GC5 6C
Flat 50.00 50.00 - - _ ____ 50.00 50.00___ - - 50.00 50.00 ___ - - -
2 A Triangular 51.61 47.39 49.65 50.35 ___4.65.4 ___
Stack 50.00 150.00 50.00 50.00 50.0-0 50:'00
B Triangular 51.75 48.25 49.92 50.08 48.07 51.93
3 A Triangular 36.09 33.17 30.74 33.09 33.29 33.63 29.97 33.54 36.49
rStack 31.47 131.37 37.17 33.74 33.93 32.33 33.29 33.B2 32.89
B Triangular 35.00 33.17 31.83 33.27 33.12 33.61 31.26 33.51 35.23
4 A Triangular 27.41 24.96 22.99 24.64 24.08 24.27 24.57 27.07 22.83 25.73' 28. 12 23. 32
Stack 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00
B Triangular 26.68 25.40 24.50 23.42' 24.95 24.99 25.01 25.05 23. 21 24.57 25. 52 26.69
5 A Triangular 22.32 20.17 18.41 20.60 18.50 19.00 19.15 19.38 21.03 21.44 18.23 20.69 22.81 17.88 20.39
Stack 19.81 19.79 20.1i4 20.19 20.07 19.47 19.47 19.28 19.23 22.55 19.59 19.58 19.53 19.50 21.80
B Triangular 21.54 20.57 19.95 19.37 18.57 19.95 19.99 20.01 20.02 20.03 18.38 19.40 20.04 20.66 21.53
6 'A Triangular 18.95 1,7.04 115.44 17.59 16.09 14.89 15.67 15.77 15.94 17.38 17.61 17.63 15.09 17.21 19.14 14.52 16.26 17.78
Stack 16.31 16.34 16.31 16.34 17.35 17.35 16.23 16.19 16.23 16.19 17.57 17.57 16.19 16.17 15.19 16.19 17.64 17.64
B Triangular 18.08 17.30 16.83 16.43 16.00 15.37 16.62 16.66 16.68 16.69 16.68 16.68 15.19 16.00o 16.48 16.90 17.37 18.06
*A - One cable diameter
B - No.-spacing

TABLE XIX
AMERICAN PRACTICE-1-kV 2/0-kcmil SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLE (1.07-in OVERALL DIAMETER)
ABECONFIGURATION CURRENT DISTRIBUTION (1

OALSF AL A PHASE B PHASE C PHASE

PER
PHASE
SPAC-
ING * STYLE Al A2 A3 A4 A5' A6I Bi
1 B2 B? ,4
i B56
.' cU . C2 C -a:- C5 C
2 A- IFIat 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
B Flat 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
Triangular 51.75 48. 25 49.92 50.08 48.07 51.93
3 A Flat 28.94 133.72 37.34 37.731 33.15 29.12 33.38 33.79 32.83___
B Flat 30.54 133.50 35.96 36.34 33.25 30.41 33.57 33.55 32.88
Triang'ular 35.00 33.17 31.83 33.21 33.12 33.61 31.26 33.51 35.23
4 A 1Flat 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 2.5.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00
B Flat 23.03 25.37 27.31 24.28 27.29 24.85 22.67 25.18 25.09 25.08 24.53 25. 30
Triangular 26.68 25.40 24.50 23.42 24.95 24.99 25.01 25.05 23.21 24.57 25.52 26.69
5 A FIlat 17.28 20.53 23.15 17.57 21.45 22.91 19.63 16.99 22.29 18.17 19.99 20.28 19.42 20.24 120.07
B Flat 18.30 20.24 21.88 18.60 20.99 21.92 19.86 18.0 21.42 18.77 20.12 20.11 19.63 20.21 19.93
riangular 21.54 20.57 19.95 19.37 18.57 19.95 19.99 20.01 20.02 20.03 18.38 19.40 20.04 20.66 21.53
6 A lat 14.10 116.80 19.11 14.10 16.80 19.11 19.38 16.51 14.11 19.38 16.51 14.11 1'6.70 17.04 16.26 16.70 17.04 16.26
B Flat 15.10 16.73 18.16 15.10 16.73 18.16 18.38 16.61 15.01, 18.38 16.611 15.01 116.80 16.82 16.39 16.80 16.82 16.39
rriangular 18.08 17.30 16.83' 16.43 16.00 15.37 16.62 16.66 16.68 16.69 16.681 16.68 15.19 116.00 16.48 16.90 17.37 18.06
*A - One cable diameter
B - No spacing

sulation thickness difference between 41 kV and 5 kV single- purpose of consistency. Therefore, these results present a
conductor cables would not significantly alter calculation, wider unbalanced current spread than the measurements taken
results. from the actual installations.
3) The iteration procedure was used for the calculation, In designing a single-conductor cable circuit, the following
i.e., assuming initial balanced currents to all cables and then points would be useful for an engineer to know.
repeat the same calculations with the newly obtained values 1) The cable reactance plays an important role in determin-
until all. values converged. However, due to the difficulty of ing the current distribution and is a function of distance be-
convergence in some of the unsymmetrical cable configura- tween cables.
tions, all the -results shown were from the first iteration for the 2) To achieve a balanc'ed current distribution for a group of
WU: SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLES IN PARALLEL
TABLE XX
FORMULAS FOR OPEN-CIRCUITED SHIELD VOLTAGE-SINGLE-CONDUCTOR CABLES
CABLE C B
CABLE - A ) I 2
CABLE - C CABLE Xm)I 2 3(X m +A)
CABLE -B I Xm
parallel single-conductor cables, the cables must be arranged
symmetrically. Unsymmetrical cable configurations will result
in unbalanced current distribution, and the cables situated in-
side the group will generally experience higher currents.
3) In any unsymmmetrical cable configuration, large-size
cables will experience wider unbalanced current spread than
will smaller-size cables. Also, cables with no spacing will ex-
perience wider unbalanced current spread than will those with
spacing.
4) It is difficult to achieve a balanced current distribution
for a cable circuit with three, five, or six single-conductor
cables per phase because it is difficult to arrange a symumetri-
cal cable configuration for such circuits.
However, the calculation results indicate that the triangular
cable configuration will provide less current spread than will
other cable configurations.
XI. CONCLUSION
The ac resistance and reactance of parallel single-conductor
cables have been examined, the current distribution for various
single-conductor cable configurations have been calculated,
and some general guidelines in designing a cable single-conduc-
tor circuit have been established. In summary, these are as
follows.
1) Use the largest size single-conductor cables possible so
that the number of cables per phase can be minimized.
2)'Space single-conductor cables one cable diameter apart
so that the ampacity of the single-conductor cable can be
fully utilized.
3) For cable circuits, with two or four cables per phase, use
"stack" configuration (Canadian practice) or "flat" configura-
tion (American practice).
For cable circuits with three, five, or six cables per phase,
use "triangular" configuration (Canadian practice only).
395
2 I B 2
XI + (X -A)
m
-2 3(X m +A+ 2)2
2 + (Xm2-
_ )
I XI,,2
x A
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The author wishes to thank Mr. R. M. Samuels who pro-
vided most of the calculations shown in Tables XIII-XIX.
REFERENCES
[1] H. B. Dwight, "Skin effect and proximity effect in tubular con-
ductors," Trans. AIEE, 1922.
[2] H. B. Dwight, Electrical Coils and Conductors. New York:
McGraw-Hill, 1945.
[3] Electrical Conductors Handbook, North Electric, 1968.
[4] -Engineering Data for Copper and Aluminum Conductor Electrical
Cables, The Okonite Co., Bulletin EHB-78.
[5] F. H. Buller, "A technique for calculating inductance, reactance,
impedance and sheath voltage of single-conductor cable in duct
banks," Gen. Elec. Rev., March 1949.
[6] Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, 13th ed.
[7] National Electrical Code, 1981.
[8] H. Halperin and K. W. Miller, "Reduction of sheath losses in
single-conductor cables," Trans. AIEE, p. 399, Apr. 1929.
Alex Y. Wu (M'81) received the B.Sc. degree in
electrical/electronics engineering from Kyushu
University, Japan, in 1964, and the M.Sc. degree
in system control engineering from Kyushu Insti-
Technology in 1967.
tute of
l' i the began his engineering career in 1967 with
|1HeToshiba Electric Company, Tokyo, Japan, as
an Electrical Engineer. In 1968, he came to
Canada and was employed by H. A. Simons
(International), Ltd., Vancouver, BC, as an Elec-
trical Engineer. From 1969 to 1973, he was with
MacMillan Bloedel, Ltd., Powell River, BC, in various capacities from
Design Engineer to Senior Electrical Engineer, engaged in design,
material procurement, and installation supervision of in-plant projects.
From 1973 to 1980, he was with H. A. Simons (International), Ltd.,
Vancouver, BC, as a Power System Engineer engaging in power system
study such as short circuit, load flow, system stability, grounding, and
relay coordination. From 1980 to 1982 he was Electrical Division
Manager at H. A. Simons, Inc., Seattle, WA. Presently, he is a Senior
Staff Power System Engineer with Simons-Eastern Company Atlanta,
GA.
Mr. Wu is a Registered Professional Engineer of the Province of British
Columbia and the State of Washington. He is also a member of the IEEE
Power Engineering Society and the Industry Application Society.