Conductor type selection

• For installation of conductors in raceways or cables, an important step in choosing a conductor is the
selection of an insulation type appropriate for the installation.
What Is Thermoplastic Insulation?
Thermoplastic insulation is the most common.
Like chocolate, it will soften and melt if heated
above its rated temperature. It can be heated, melted,
and reshaped. Thermoplastic insulation will stiffen
at temperatures colder than 14°F. Typical examples
of thermoplastic insulation are Types THHN,
THHW, THW, THWN, and TW.

What Is Thermoset Insulation?

Thermoset insulation can withstand higher and
lower temperatures. Like a baked cake, once the ingredients
have been mixed, heated, and formed, it
can never be reheated and reshaped. If heated above
its rated temperature, it will char and crack. Typical
examples of thermoset insulation are Types RHH,
RHW, XHH, and XHHW.
Heat Is a Problem for Conductor
Insulation

NEC 310.15(A)(3) tells us that No conductor

shall be used in such a manner that its operating
temperature exceeds that designated for
the type of insulated conductor involved.*

Excessive heat degrades and destroys conductor

insulation. The insulation might melt or become brittle
and break off. In either case, the conductors could
touch one another or a grounded surface. Metal raceways
not properly grounded could become “live”
and present a shock hazard. In any event, the stage is
set for short circuits, ground faults, and/or possible
electrocution. You need to pay close attention to the
requirements in Article 310 of the NEC that pertain
to temperature limitations of conductor insulation.
 Correction Factors for Ambient Temperature
It is virtually impossible to calculate how the various
elements contribute to and affect the heat buildup
in a conductor. We simply turn to the NEC. The NEC
*Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-2014.
contains a number of tables that show correction factors
and adjustment factors. These might be referred
to as “penalty” factors.
The insulation on a conductor will collect heat
from the ambient (surrounding) temperature, from
current flowing through the conductor, and from
adjacent current-carrying conductors. Some of the
collected heat will be dissipated to whatever the
conductor is touching (e.g., inside of the raceway,
adjacent insulation) and from convection of the heat
into the surrounding air inside the raceway. After the
accumulated heat minus the dissipated heat settles
down, we are faced with how to determine the safe
allowable current-carrying capability of the conductor
Example : Ten luminaires are to be installed in a 1000 sq.ft (92.9 sq.m) industrial loft where the summer
temperature will be as high as 97°F) (36.11°C). Each luminaire is designed for one 300-watt, 120-volt
incandescent lamp, although a 100-watt lamp will be installed. The activities in the room will be continuous
from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The power system is 120/240 -volt, single-phase. In compliance with NEC 210.23(A),
branch circuits with a 20-ampere rating are required to be used. The conductors are not permitted to be smaller
than 12 AWG and are required to have Type THHN/THWN insulation.

1a. First, calculate the minimum load by multiplying the area by 1b. Next, determine the connected
the volt-ampere value given in NEC Table 220.12 for the load by multiplying
occupancy. the number of luminaires by the
luminaire rating in volt-amperes.
OCPD = Over current protection device