Article 310 ● Conductors for General Wiring
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Step 3. Finally, determine the maximum size of the OCPD permitted
for these bundled cables. Section 240.4(B) permits the use of the
next higher standard rating of OCPD. Therefore, although the con-
ductors have a calculated ampacity of 18 A, a 20-A OCPD is permit-
ted. In addition, and of significance, the 20-A OCPD is in compliance
with 210.20(A), given that the actual 16-A continuous load would
require a 20-A OCPD.
(b) Raceway Spacing. Spacing between raceways shall be
maintained.
(c) Raceways and Cables Exposed to Sunlight on Roof-
tops. Where raceways or cables are exposed to direct sunlight
on or above rooftops, raceways or cables shall be installed a
minimum distance above the roof to the bottom of the raceway
or cable of 23 mm (7⁄8 in.). Where the distance above the roof
to the bottom of the raceway is less than 23 mm (7⁄8 in.), a tem-
perature adder of 33°C (60°F) shall be added to the outdoor
temperature to determine the applicable ambient temperature for
application of the correction factors in Table 310.15(B)(2)(a) or
Table 310.15(B)(2)(b).
Exception: Type XHHW-2 insulated conductors shall not be
subject to this ampacity adjustment.
Informational Note: One source for the ambient temperatures in
various locations is the ASHRAE Handbook — Fundamentals.
•
Conductors in outdoor conduits or cables installed less than 7⁄8 in. above
the surface of the roof are subject to a significant increase in tempera-
ture when the roof is exposed to direct sunlight.
Calculation Example
A feeder installed in IMC runs across the top of a commercial build-
ing in St. Louis, MO. The calculated load on the feeder is 175 A.
The lateral portion of the raceway is exposed to sunlight and
secured to supports elevated less than 7⁄8 inches above the finished
rooftop surface. Determine the minimum size circuit conductor
using aluminum 90°C THWN-2 insulation, taking into consideration
only the exposure to sunlight. None of the loads are continuous,
and the neutral is not considered a current-carrying conductor. The
design temperature is based on the averaged June, July, and
August 2-percent design temperature from the 2009 ASHRAE
Handbook — Fundamentals.
Solution
Step 1. Determine the ambient temperature (compensated for prox-
imity of conduit to the rooftop exposure to sunlight):
a. Compensated ambient temperature = design temperature +
60°F as required by 310.15(B)(3)(c)
b. Design temperature for St. Louis area = 95°F
c. Temperature adjustment for a raceway elevated less than 7⁄8 in.
above rooftop = 60°F
d. Compensated ambient temperature: 95°F + 60°F = 155°F
National Electrical Code Handbook   2017
310.
Step 2. Determine the temperature correction factor for this applica-
tion from Table 310.15(B)(2)(a). Using the 90°C column and the tem-
perature correction factor row for 155°F, the temperature correction
factor is 0.58.
Step 3. Determine the proper conductor size to supply the
175-A load.
a. Because the load is calculated at 175 A noncontinuous, and the
neutral conductor is not considered to be a current-carrying
conductor, the conductor ampacity is calculated as follows:
175 A ÷ 0.58 = 302 A
b. Select a conductor not less than 302 A from the aluminum 90°C
column of Table 310.15(B)(16):
400 kcmil aluminum THWN-2
c. Verify that the conductor ampacity at 75°C is sufficient for the cal-
culated load to comply with terminal temperature requirements
of 110.14(C): The 75°C aluminum column of Table 310.15(B)(16)
ampacity equals 270 A, which is greater than the 175-A calculated
load.
Using a very specific set of circumstances, this example demon-
strates that roughly a 42-percent loss of usable conductor ampacity
occurred. This loss was due solely to high ambient heat present
where the raceway was subjected to sunlight and installed within
⁄8 in. to the rooftop.
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(4) Bare or Covered Conductors. Where bare or covered con-
ductors are installed with insulated conductors, the temperature
rating of the bare or covered conductor shall be equal to the
lowest temperature rating of the insulated conductors for the
F2C E8840C0B729
purpose of determining ampacity.
(5) Neutral Conductor.
(a) A neutral conductor that carries only the unbalanced cur-
rent from other conductors of the same circuit shall not be required
to be counted when applying the provisions of 310.15(B)(3)(a).
(b) In a 3-wire circuit consisting of two phase conductors
and the neutral conductor of a 4-wire, 3-phase, wye-connected
system, a common conductor carries approximately the same
current as the line-to-neutral load currents of the other con-
ductors and shall be counted when applying the provisions of
310.15(B)(3)(a).
(c) On a 4-wire, 3-phase wye circuit where the major por-
tion of the load consists of nonlinear loads, harmonic currents
are present in the neutral conductor; the neutral conductor shall
therefore be considered a current-carrying conductor.
Nonlinear loads on 3-phase circuits can cause an increase in neutral con-
ductor current. Exhibit 310.4 shows an example of a portable diagnostic
analyzer used for more sophisticated power measurements, including
measuring harmonic distortion.
(6) Grounding or Bonding Conductor. A grounding or bond-
ing conductor shall not be counted when applying the provisions
of 310.15(B)(3)(a).
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