European/Global electrical codes - ampacity / insulation ratings / etc.

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nateholt

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I can easily gather data regarding core size versus ?ampacity? for US ?AWG? wire sizes. There is the ?NEC National Electrical Code? document and hundreds of Google hits with articles, tables, and on-line calculators.

But I am having a much more difficult time finding information on any of the European standards like CENELEC, BS7671, or even the Canadian CE. Is anyone familiar with any such standards? If so, could you point me in the right direction?

For example, here is a tiny portion of NEC table 310.16 AWG standard for wire ampacity:

Size / 60C / 75C / 90C
8AWG 40 50 55
6AWG 55 65 75
4AWG 70 85 95


The insulation temp rating columns give the data that I am looking for. They give the maximum allowable electrical current (in Amperes) that each wire size can safely carry for each of three different wire insulation temperature ratings (60, 75, and 90 degrees Centigrade).

But for any European standard, this is about all I have been able to come up with (example below), and I am not even sure that the 75C column is correct or even exactly what standard it might conform to... or even if these standards deal with temperature categories or categories in these ranges (i.e. 60/75/90).

Size / 60C / 75C / 90C
10MM2 ? 53 ?
16MM2 ? 71 ?
25MM2 ? 94 ?

Any suggestions you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,
Nate.
 
I deleted my earlier comment, in which I had asked how a software engineer would need information about wiring. I had wondered if this was a DIY situation. I received a Private Message from the originator, clarifying that this question is related to a software development project. The software deals with conductor sizes, and the question is within forum rules. I apologize to the originator for the delay and inconvenience.

I further apologize for not being able to answer the question. My company is involved in an overseas project, and we are having to adjust to European wire sizes and ampacities. But I do not have an authoritative source that would supply the information needed.
 
BS 7671 Appendix 4. Nearly 70 pages of tables :)

As an example, the ampacity of a 10mm (about #7 AWG) copper multicore cable (eg uk=T&E us=Romex oz/nz=TPS) rated for 70C will be between 39A and 70A, depending on which of the eight columns of table 4D2A apply.
 
kc8dxx said:
Does BS7671 cover larger wire sizes? If so I might have to get a copy of it.
Click to expand...


I belive so but before i can confirm it let me get ahold of my freind he should have the BS7671 but slightly diffrent due he is from New Zeland area so they are pretty much parallel with the UK regulations.

on other hand most european cables are rated at 70?C but there is other rating but i am not comfirming it yet due they change the spec a bit to make it more universal useage.

{I will update the info on later post instead try to reedit it here.}

Merci, Marc

NateHolt by the way most of the CEC [ Cananda electrical code ] is parallel with the NEC expect few parts.
 
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I'm using a genuine BS 7671, of UK provenence - I used to live there.

The tables cover the wire sizes needed, so generally multicore go to 400 sq mm, or 630mm occasionally, and the single core tables go to 1000 sq mm. Single core aluminium goes to 1200 sq mm.
 
Verifying IEC60204-1 and BS7671 documents

Verifying IEC60204-1 and BS7671 documents

Thanks to all for the feedback. I have found what I believe are sources for these two standards. I just want to make sure that I have zeroed in on the right thing before making purchases...

I found a downloadable version of "AS 60204.1-2005 Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines - General requirements (IEC?60204-1, Ed. 5 (FDIS) MOD) (FOREIGN STANDARD)" for $112 US.

and

Book: "Requirements for Electrical Installations BS7671:2001", ISBN 978-0-86341-373-5 for $90 US.

Can anyone confirm one or both as likely containing the information I need, that is, conductor ampacities / insulation temp ratings / temp and fill de-ratings / etc.?

thanks,
Nate.
 
BS7671 is now in it's 17th edition, BS7671:2008. The official source is The british Standards Institution (BSI), but it is widely available, the ISBN is on the BSI site.

I've not seen the 17th edition, but the 15th and 16th editions do, as noted above, cover all of "conductor ampacities / insulation temp ratings / temp and fill de-ratings" and much more besides, so I can't believe it wont be in the 17th.
 
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