SPEC F125

January, 2010

Short Circuit Current Calculation Overview

The maximum short circuit current which is permitted to flow in the insulated conductor, or the metallic shielding and bonding (grounding) components, is dependent on the duration of the short circuit and the material used in the cable.

Insulated Conductors Formula

The graphs on the following pages show the short circuit capability of 10 AWG to 1000 kcmil, copper and aluminum, XLPE and EPR insulated conductors for various periods of time. These graphs are in accordance with ICEA publication P-32-382. The equations are based on the assumption that the duration of the short circuit is so short that the heat generated is contained within the conductor, taking into consideration the temperature limit of the insulation. The graphs are derived from the following formula:

I Copper Conductor [] A I Aluminum Conductor [] A Which simplify to:

t = 0.0297 log10 t = 0.0125 log10

T + 234 [ ] T + 234 T + 228 [ ] T + 228

2 1 2 1

Copper Conductor I = 0.07195 A t Copper Conductor I = 0.06773 A t Aluminum Conductor I = 0.0470 A t Aluminum Conductor I = 0.044 A t

amperes for MV-90 amperes for MV-105 amperes for MV-90 amperes for MV-105

Where: I A t T1 T2

= = = = =

Short circuit current (amperes) Conductor cross-sectional area (circular mils) Short circuit duration (seconds) Maximum normal operating temperature, 90C for MV-90 or 105C for MV-105 Maximum short circuit temperature, 250C

Phone: 888-593-3355 www.generalcable.com

SPEC F125

January, 2010

Short Circuit Currents

1000000

Allowable Short Circuit Currents For Thermoset Insulated Copper Conductors Rated For 90C Maximum Continuous Operation

100000

Short Circuit CurrentAmperes

10000

1000

Curves Based on the Formula

[ ] t = 0.0297 log [ TT + 234 ] + 234

I A
2 1 10

I = Short Circuit CurrentAmperes A = Conductor AreaCircular Mils t = Time of Short CircuitSeconds T1 = Maximum Operating Temperature90C T2 = Maximum Short Circuit Temperature250C

100

10

1/0

2/0

3/0 4/0 250

350

500

750

1000

Conductor Size (AWG/kcmil)

1 Cycles 16 Cycles 2 Cycles 30 Cycles 4 Cycles 60 Cycles 8 Cycles 100 Cycles

Reference P-32-382-2007, reprinted in part with permission of ICEA. This excerpt is not intended to replace the standard in its entirety. ICEA standards are subject to periodic review and revision. Complete texts of this and all ICEA standards are available at IHS. Phone: 888-593-3355 www.generalcable.com

SPEC F125

January, 2010

Short Circuit Currents

1000000

Allowable Short Circuit Currents For Thermoset Insulated Copper Conductors Rated For 105C Maximum Continuous Operation

100000

Short Circuit CurrentAmperes

10000

1000

Curves Based on the Formula

[ ] t = 0.0297 log [ TT + 234 ] + 234

I A
2 1 10

I = Short Circuit CurrentAmperes A = Conductor AreaCircular Mils t = Time of Short CircuitSeconds T1 = Maximum Operating Temperature105C T2 = Maximum Short Circuit Temperature250C

100

10

1/0

2/0

3/0 4/0 250

350

500

750 1000

Conductor Size (AWG/kcmil)

1 Cycles 16 Cycles 2 Cycles 30 Cycles 4 Cycles 60 Cycles 8 Cycles 100 Cycles

Reference P-32-382-2007, reprinted in part with permission of ICEA. This excerpt is not intended to replace the standard in its entirety. ICEA standards are subject to periodic review and revision. Complete texts of this and all ICEA standards are available at IHS. Phone: 888-593-3355 www.generalcable.com

SPEC F125

January, 2010

Short Circuit Currents

1000000

Allowable Short Circuit Currents For Thermoset Insulated Aluminum Conductors Rated For 90C Maximum Continuous Operation

100000

Short Circuit CurrentAmperes

10000

1000

Curves Based on the Formula

[ ] t = 0.0125 log [ TT + 228 ] + 228

I A
2 1 10

I = Short Circuit CurrentAmperes A = Conductor AreaCircular Mils t = Time of Short CircuitSeconds T1 = Maximum Operating Temperature90C T2 = Maximum Short Circuit Temperature250C

100

10

1/0

2/0

3/0 4/0 250

350

500

750 1000

Conductor Size (AWG/kcmil)

1 Cycles 16 Cycles 2 Cycles 30 Cycles 4 Cycles 60 Cycles 8 Cycles 100 Cycles

Reference P-32-382-2007, reprinted in part with permission of ICEA. This excerpt is not intended to replace the standard in its entirety. ICEA standards are subject to periodic review and revision. Complete texts of this and all ICEA standards are available at IHS. Phone: 888-593-3355 www.generalcable.com

SPEC F125

January, 2010

Short Circuit Currents

1000000

Allowable Short Circuit Currents For Thermoset Insulated Aluminum Conductors Rated For 105C Maximum Continuous Operation

100000

Short Circuit CurrentAmperes

10000

Curves Based on the Formula

1000

[ ] t = 0.0125 log [ TT + 228 ] + 228

I A
2 1 10

I = Short Circuit CurrentAmperes A = Conductor AreaCircular Mils t = Time of Short CircuitSeconds T1 = Maximum Operating Temperature105C T2 = Maximum Short Circuit Temperature250C

100

10

1/0 2/0

3/0 4/0 250

350

500

750

1000

Conductor Size (AWG/kcmil)

1 Cycles 16 Cycles 2 Cycles 30 Cycles 4 Cycles 60 Cycles 8 Cycles 100 Cycles

Reference P-32-382-2007, reprinted in part with permission of ICEA. This excerpt is not intended to replace the standard in its entirety. ICEA standards are subject to periodic review and revision. Complete texts of this and all ICEA standards are available at IHS. Phone: 888-593-3355 www.generalcable.com