310.16 Question
310.16 Question
Ok, here's one that's been bugging me and I remember having a problem
with it on the exam that I struggled with. Don't remember exactly how
it was worded, but this question should simulate my question:
95A non-continuous load using THHN at 87 degrees F. What size wire is
needed?
1. If you ignore the 87 degrees F part for now and size according to
the terminal rule found in 110.14(C), you go to the 60C column
(because the load is under 100A) and pick the 2 AWG wire that's rated
95A at 60C.
2. However it's at 87F, so we have to "derate" according to the table
at the bottom of 310.16. So we go over to the 90C column and at 87F,
it is derated at 0.96. So take 95A and divide be 0.96 and you get 99
Amps. So in the 90C column, that is 3 AWG wire which is rated at
110A.
Problem, that is smaller than 2AWG wire. So we didn't really "derate"
the wire. We went smaller because of the temp increase, which doesn't
make sense.
Ok, now add the following: Continuous load, 4 conductors in a raceway
that's 1 inch above the roof on a rooftop. How about if after
applying the 1.25 continuous, or derating, you go from 95 to over 100
A. Do you move over to the 75C column for the terminals? Now it gets
even more confusing.
Anyone know how to straighten this out? It would be greatly
appreciated. Do I just pick the larger of the wires? If so, which
derating factors do I combine (more than 3 conductors, temp rise, etc)?