IS: 3961 (Part 2)

Draft Indian Standard

RECOMMENDED CURRENT RATINGS FOR CABLES

PART( 2 ) PVC INSULATED AND PVC SHEATHED
HEAVY DUTY CABLES TO IS: 1554 (Part 1)
(First Revision)

0. FOREWORD

(Formal clauses to be added later)

This standard was first published in 1967. This standard has been revised
to take into account the changes made in subsequent revision of IS: 1554
(Part 1). The current ratings of general purpose 70C PVC insulted cables as
well as heat resisting 85C PVC insulated cables are covered in this revision.
This standard has been drawn up to provide to the users general guidance
for loading of cables. The over-loading of cables will reduce the life
expectancy of cable and at the same time under-loading it will mean
uneconomic utilization of its capacity. Depending upon the loading cycle
met with in practice, the installation engineer may decide the economic
loading of cables.
The current ratings have been calculated using the methods set out in IEC
60287. The conductor temperature limit of 70C and 85C for the
calculation of current ratings has been taken from the Indian Standard IS:
1554 ( Part 1) 1988.
The permissible current ratings have been specified for three commonly
adopted conditions of installations, namely, laid direct in ground, laid in
ducts, and for cables in air.
For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this
standard is complied with, the final, observed or calculated, expressing the
result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with IS: 2
1960. The number of significant places retained in the rounded value
should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.

1. SCOPE
1.1 This standard covers recommended current ratings for PVC insulated
and PVC sheathed cables covered by IS: 1554 (Part 1) 1988, either laid in
ground, in ducts or in air.
2. BASIC ASSUMPTIONS
2.1 The current ratings given in Tables 1 to 12 in the standard are on the
following assumptions:
a) Maximum Conductor Temperature
(1) General purpose PVC insulation
(2) Heat resisting PVC insulation
b) Thermal Resistivity of Soil
c) Ground Temperature
d) Ambient Air Temperature
e) Depth of Laying (measured to the cable
axis or centre of the trefoil group)

70C
85C
1.5 K.m/W
30C
40C
750 mm

3. METHODS OF INSTALLATION
3.1 The current ratings given in this standard are for methods of installation
as given in the following table:
Type of cable Type of Installation
Method of Installation
Single-core

Multi-core

a) Laid direct in
the ground

i) Three cables in trefoil groups

touching.
ii) Two cables laid flat touching.

b) In ducts

i) Three cables in trefoil ducts

touching.
ii) Two cables laid flat
ducts
touching.

C) In air

i) Three cables in trefoil groups

touching.
ii) Two cables flat touching.

Installed singly

4. CABLES IN BURIED TROUGHS FILLED WITH SAND

4.1 Where cables are installed in sand-filled troughs, either completely
buried or with cover flush with the ground surface, there is danger that the
sand will dry out and remain dry for long periods. The cable external
thermal resistance may then be very high and the cable may reach
undesirably high temperatures. It is advisable to adopt the current ratings
for cables buried direct using a value of 2.5 K.m/W for the thermal
resistivity of the sand filling unless a specially selected filling has been used
for which the dry resistivity is known.
5. CABLES IN UNVENTILATED FORMED TRENCHES/ TUNNELS
5.1 When cables are installed in unventilated formed trenches or tunnels, it
is advisable to adopt the current ratings for cables laid in ducts.
6. SIZES OF THE DUCTS
6.1 The current ratings specified in the tables apply to cables laid in
earthenware ducts with a thermal resistivity of 1.2 K.m/W. The ratings are
based on the assumption that the ducts are air filled. If the ducts have been
filled with a material such as Bentonite, then it is usual to adopt the current
ratings for cables buried direct.
The combinations of duct and cable dimensions assumed are shown below.
Duct dimensions corresponding to cable diameters
Overall Cable Diameter
mm
Above 65

90

Up to and including 65

90

115

Inside Duct
Diameter
mm
100
125
150

Outside Duct
Diameter
mm
130
160
190

7. CABLES IN AIR
7.1 Single core cables are assumed to be spaced at least 0.5 times the cable
diameter from any vertical surface and installed on brackets or ladder
racks. Multi-core cables installed in air spaced at least 0.3 times the cable
diameter from any vertical surface.

8. RATING FACTORS
8.1 The current ratings given in the respective tables apply to continuous
loading of cables at a rated frequency of 50 Hz under the specific conditions
of installation mentioned in 2.1 and 3.1. For the various rating factors
which may have to be used under different conditions, reference shall be
made to appropriate tables from 13 to 35.
8.2 When a number of circuits are installed in close proximity the current
rating should be reduced by the appropriate factor from Tables 18 to 35.
These factors should also be applied to groups of parallel cables forming the
same circuit. In such cases, attention should also be given to the
arrangement of the cables to ensure that the load current is shared equally
between the parallel cables.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 1 Current ratings (ac) for two single-core general purpose 70 C PVC
insulated cables, 1100 V
Buried direct in the
ground

In single-way ducts

In air

Nominal
area of
conductor

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

mm
1.5
2.5
4

A
26
35
45

A
21
27
35

A
23
29
38

A
18
23
30

A
21
28
37

A
17
21
29

6
10
16

56
74
95

46
57
74

47
63
80

39
48
62

46
63
82

38
48
63

25
35
50

123
147
173

95
114
134

103
123
145

80
96
113

109
133
160

85
103
124

70
95
120

213
259
295

165
201
230

178
213
242

138
165
188

202
254
295

157
198
230

150
185
240

329
371
427

256
290
335

269
303
348

210
237
274

335
386
454

261
302
357

300
400
500

477
538
600

377
430
486

389
437
486

307
349
395

518
600
684

409
479
554

535
579
613

443
492
536
70 C
40 C
30 C
750 mm
1.5 K.m/W

773
859
935

638
727
816

630
662
547
800
718
609
1000
763
667
Maximum conductor temperature
Ambient air temperature
Ground temperature
Depth of laying
Thermal resistivity of soil

Table 2 Current ratings (ac) for two single-core heat resisting 85 C PVC
insulated cables, 1100 V
Buried direct in the
ground

In single-way ducts

In air

Nominal
area of
conductor

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

mm
1.5
2.5
4

A
30
40
51

A
25
31
40

A
27
35
45

A
22
27
36

A
26
34
45

A
21
26
36

6
10
16

64
85
109

52
65
85

57
75
96

46
58
74

57
78
102

47
60
79

25
35
50

141
168
198

109
130
154

123
147
173

96
114
134

135
165
199

105
128
154

70
95
120

244
297
338

189
231
263

213
255
289

165
198
225

252
316
367

195
246
286

150
185
240

377
425
490

293
332
384

322
363
418

251
284
328

416
481
566

324
376
444

300
400
500

548
619
692

432
493
559

467
526
586

368
419
474

646
749
856

509
596
691

647
703
746

532
592
648
85 C
40 C
30 C
750 mm
1.5 K.m/W

969
1081
1181

795
908
1023

630
766
630
800
834
703
1000
889
772
Maximum conductor temperature
Ambient air temperature
Ground temperature
Depth of laying
Thermal resistivity of soil

Table 3 Current ratings (ac) for three single-core general purpose 70 C PVC
insulated cables, 1100 V
Buried direct in the
ground

In single-way ducts

In air

Nominal
area of
conductor

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

mm
1.5
2.5
4

A
23
30
39

A
19
23
31

A
21
27
35

A
17
21
28

A
18
24
32

A
14
18
25

6
10
16

48
64
82

39
49
64

44
58
75

36
45
58

40
55
72

33
42
56

25
35
50

105
125
148

82
97
115

95
114
133

74
88
103

96
117
142

74
91
110

70
95
120

181
217
246

141
169
192

163
194
220

127
151
172

180
228
265

140
177
207

150
185
240

275
309
355

214
242
280

245
275
315

191
216
248

302
349
412

235
274
324

300
400
500

397
446
496

314
358
404

350
392
434

277
314
354

472
547
625

373
438
508

477
516
548

395
437
474
70 C
40 C
30 C
750 mm
1.5 K.m/W

708
790
868

587
668
750

630
547
454
800
594
503
1000
635
550
Maximum conductor temperature
Ambient air temperature
Ground temperature
Depth of laying
Thermal resistivity of soil

Table 4 Current ratings (ac) for three single-core heat resisting 85 C PVC
insulated cables, 1100 V
Buried direct in the
ground

In single-way ducts

In air

Nominal
area of
conductor

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

mm
1.5
2.5
4

A
26
34
44

A
21
27
35

A
25
33
42

A
21
25
33

A
22
30
39

A
18
23
31

6
10
16

55
73
94

45
56
73

53
70
90

43
54
69

50
68
90

41
52
70

25
35
50

120
144
169

93
111
131

114
136
160

88
105
124

119
146
176

92
113
137

70
95
120

207
249
282

161
193
220

195
233
263

151
181
205

224
284
331

174
221
258

150
185
240

315
355
408

245
278
321

293
330
378

228
258
297

376
436
515

293
341
404

300
400
500

456
513
572

360
410
464

421
471
523

332
377
425

589
684
783

465
546
635

576
625
665

476
527
574
85 C
40 C
30 C
750 mm
1.5 K.m/W

890
995
1096

733
837
942

630
633
523
800
690
581
1000
738
636
Maximum conductor temperature
Ambient air temperature
Ground temperature
Depth of laying
Thermal resistivity of soil

Table 5 Current ratings (ac) for two-core general purpose 70 C PVC

insulated cables, 1100 V
Buried direct in the
ground

In a buried duct

In air

Nominal
area of
conductor

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

mm
1.5
2.5
4

A
25
33
43

A
21
26
34

A
22
28
37

A
18
22
29

A
20
26
36

A
16
21
28

6
10
16

54
72
94

44
56
73

46
61
79

38
47
61

45
61
79

37
47
61

25
35
50

121
145
172

94
113
133

102
122
144

79
95
112

106
129
157

82
100
122

70
95
120

210
250
281

163
195
220

176
210
237

137
164
185

197
241
275

153
188
215

150
185
240

313
351
401

245
276
318

264
297
340

207
234
270

313
358
420

245
282
333

378
421
464
517

303
342
384
437
70 C
40 C
30 C
750 mm
1.5 K.m/W

477
543
612
688

381
440
504
578

300
445
356
400
495
402
500
545
450
630
595
503
Maximum conductor temperature
Ambient air temperature
Ground temperature
Depth of laying
Thermal resistivity of soil

Table 6 Current ratings (ac) for two-core heat resisting 85 C PVC

insulated cables, 1100 V
Buried direct in the
ground

In a buried duct

In air

Nominal
area of
conductor

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

mm
1.5
2.5
4

A
29
38
50

A
24
30
39

A
25
32
42

A
20
25
33

A
25
33
44

A
20
26
35

6
10
16

62
83
108

51
64
83

53
70
90

43
54
70

56
76
98

46
58
76

25
35
50

139
166
197

108
129
153

117
139
165

91
108
128

131
160
194

102
124
151

70
95
120

240
286
322

187
223
252

201
241
271

157
188
212

244
299
341

190
233
267

150
185
240

359
402
460

281
317
365

303
340
390

237
268
309

388
444
522

303
349
413

434
485
535
597

347
393
441
503
85 C
40 C
30 C
750 mm
1.5 K.m/W

592
675
762
858

472
545
625
718

300
512
408
400
570
462
500
629
518
630
689
579
Maximum conductor temperature
Ambient air temperature
Ground temperature
Depth of laying
Thermal resistivity of soil

Table 7 Current ratings (ac) for three-, four-, and five-core general
purpose 70 C PVC insulated cables, 1100 V
Buried direct in the
ground

In a buried duct

In air

Nominal
area of
conductor

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

mm
1.5
2.5
4

A
21
28
37

A
18
22
29

A
18
24
31

A
15
19
25

A
17
23
30

A
14
18
24

6
10
16

46
61
78

38
47
61

39
51
66

32
40
51

39
53
67

32
40
52

25
35
50

101
121
143

78
94
111

85
102
120

66
79
93

90
110
134

70
85
104

70
95
120

175
210
237

136
163
185

147
177
200

115
138
156

169
209
238

131
162
186

150
185
240

265
300
345

206
234
271

224
254
293

175
198
230

272
314
371

212
245
291

330
372
424
473

260
297
343
389
70 C
40 C
30 C
750 mm
1.5 K.m/W

425
490
560
640

335
390
452
525

300
387
305
400
436
348
500
488
395
630
544
447
Maximum conductor temperature
Ambient air temperature
Ground temperature
Depth of laying
Thermal resistivity of soil

Table 8 Current ratings (ac) for three-, four-, and five-core heat
resisting 85 C PVC insulated cables, 1100 V
Buried direct in the
ground

In a buried duct

In air

Nominal
area of
conductor

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

mm
1.5
2.5
4

A
25
32
42

A
20
25
33

A
21
27
36

A
17
21
28

A
21
28
38

A
17
22
30

6
10
16

52
70
90

43
53
69

44
59
75

36
45
58

48
65
83

39
50
65

25
35
50

116
139
164

90
108
127

97
116
138

75
90
107

111
137
166

86
106
129

70
95
120

201
241
272

156
187
212

169
203
229

131
157
178

209
259
296

163
201
230

150
185
240

304
343
396

236
268
310

257
291
336

200
227
264

337
389
459

262
304
360

379
428
489
547

298
340
394
447
85 C
40 C
30 C
750 mm
1.5 K.m/W

527
608
696
796

415
483
560
650

300
445
350
400
502
399
500
563
453
630
629
514
Maximum conductor temperature
Ambient air temperature
Ground temperature
Depth of laying
Thermal resistivity of soil

Table 9 Current ratings (dc) for two single-core general purpose 70 C PVC
insulated cables, 1100 V
Buried direct in the
ground

In single-way ducts

In air

Nominal
area of
conductor

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

mm
1.5
2.5
4

A
26
35
45

A
21
27
35

A
23
29
38

A
18
23
30

A
21
28
37

A
17
21
29

6
10
16

56
74
96

46
57
74

47
63
81

39
48
63

46
63
83

38
48
64

25
35
50

123
147
173

95
114
134

103
123
145

80
96
113

109
133
160

85
103
124

70
95
120

213
261
298

165
202
231

178
214
244

138
166
189

202
256
298

157
198
231

150
185
240

333
378
439

258
293
340

273
309
359

211
240
278

339
393
467

262
305
362

300
400
500

498
572
656

385
443
509

406
465
533

314
361
413

539
636
746

417
493
579

612
701
796

474
543
618
70 C
40 C
30 C
750 mm
1.5 K.m/W

877
1031
1202

680
798
933

630
756
586
800
869
673
1000
990
768
Maximum conductor temperature
Ambient air temperature
Ground temperature
Depth of laying
Thermal resistivity of soil

Table 10 Current ratings (dc) for two single-core heat resisting 85 C PVC
insulated cables, 1100 V
Buried direct in the
ground

In single-way ducts

In air

Nominal
area of
conductor

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

mm
1.5
2.5
4

A
30
40
51

A
25
31
40

A
27
35
45

A
22
27
36

A
26
34
45

A
21
26
36

6
10
16

64
85
110

52
65
85

57
75
97

46
58
75

57
78
103

47
60
80

25
35
50

141
168
198

109
131
154

123
148
174

96
114
134

135
165
199

105
128
154

70
95
120

244
299
341

189
231
264

213
256
292

165
198
226

252
318
371

195
246
287

150
185
240

382
433
503

295
335
390

326
370
429

253
287
332

421
489
580

326
379
450

300
400
500

570
654
751

440
507
583

485
556
637

375
431
494

670
789
926

518
612
718

732
839
952

567
649
739
85 C
40 C
30 C
750 mm
1.5 K.m/W

1088
1278
1491

843
989
1157

630
865
671
800
995
770
1000
1133
879
Maximum conductor temperature
Ambient air temperature
Ground temperature
Depth of laying
Thermal resistivity of soil

Table 11 Current ratings (dc) for two-core general purpose 70 C PVC

insulated cables, 1100 V
Buried direct in the
ground

In a buried duct

In air

Nominal
area of
conductor

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

mm
1.5
2.5
4

A
25
33
43

A
21
26
34

A
22
28
37

A
18
22
29

A
20
27
36

A
16
21
28

6
10
16

54
72
94

44
56
73

46
61
79

38
47
61

45
61
79

37
47
62

25
35
50

122
146
173

94
113
134

102
122
145

79
95
112

106
130
158

82
100
122

70
95
120

212
254
287

164
197
223

178
214
242

138
165
188

198
245
281

154
190
218

150
185
240

322
364
424

250
283
329

272
309
360

211
239
279

321
371
443

249
288
343

409
470
540
636

316
364
419
493
70 C
40 C
30 C
750 mm
1.5 K.m/W

512
599
702
830

396
465
545
643

300
481
372
400
551
427
500
632
490
630
730
566
Maximum conductor temperature
Ambient air temperature
Ground temperature
Depth of laying
Thermal resistivity of soil

Table 12 Current ratings (dc) for two-core heat resisting 85 C PVC

insulated cables, 1100 V
Buried direct in the
ground

In a buried duct

In air

Nominal
area of
conductor

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

Copper

Aluminium

mm
1.5
2.5
4

A
29
38
50

A
24
30
39

A
25
32
42

A
20
25
33

A
25
33
44

A
20
26
35

6
10
16

62
83
108

51
64
84

53
70
91

43
54
70

56
76
99

46
58
76

25
35
50

139
167
198

108
129
153

117
140
166

91
108
129

131
161
195

102
124
151

70
95
120

242
290
329

188
225
255

203
244
277

158
189
215

246
304
348

191
235
270

150
185
240

369
417
486

286
323
376

312
353
412

241
274
319

398
459
548

308
356
424

468
538
618
728

362
417
479
564
85 C
40 C
30 C
750 mm
1.5 K.m/W

633
741
866
1023

489
574
672
793

300
550
426
400
631
489
500
723
561
630
836
647
Maximum conductor temperature
Ambient air temperature
Ground temperature
Depth of laying
Thermal resistivity of soil

Table 13 Rating factors for variation in ambient air temperature

for cables in free air
Air temperature C
Rating factor for 70 C PVC
Rating factor for 85 C PVC

25
1.22
1.15

30
1.15
1.11

35
1.08
1.05

40
1.00
1.00

45
0.91
0.94

50
0.82
0.88

55
0.71
0.82

60
0.58
0.75

Table 14 Rating factors for variation in ground temperature

for direct buried cables
Ground temperature C
Rating factor for 70 C PVC
Rating factor for 85 C PVC

15
1.17
1.13

20
1.12
1.09

25
1.06
1.04

30
1.00
1.00

35
0.94
0.95

40
0.87
0.90

45
0.79
0.85

50
0.71
0.80

Table 15 Rating factors for variation in ground temperature

for cables in ducts
Ground temperature C
Rating factor for 70 C PVC
Rating factor for 85 C PVC

15
1.17
1.13

20
1.12
1.09

25
1.06
1.04

30
1.00
1.00

35
0.94
0.95

40
0.87
0.90

45
0.79
0.85

50
0.71
0.80

Table 16 Rating factors for depths of laying

for direct buried cables
Depth of
laying
mm

Up to 25 mm

Above 25 mm
Up to 300 mm
SingleMulticore
core
1.00
1.00
0.98
0.98
0.96
0.97

750
900
1050

Singlecore
1.00
0.98
0.97

Multicore
1.00
0.99
0.97

1200
1500
1800

0.96
0.95
0.93

0.96
0.95
0.94

0.95
0.93
0.91

2000
2500
3000

0.93
0.91
0.90

0.93
0.92
0.91

0.91
0.89
0.87

Above 300 mm
Singlecore
1.00
0.98
0.96

Multicore
1.00
0.98
0.96

0.95
0.94
0.92

0.94
0.92
0.90

0.95
0.93
0.91

0.91
0.89
0.88

0.89
0.87
0.86

0.90
0.89
0.87

Table 17 Rating factors for depths of laying

for cables in ducts
Depth of
laying
mm

Up to 25 mm

Above 25 mm
Up to 300 mm
SingleMulticore
core
1.00
1.00
0.98
0.99
0.96
0.98

750
900
1050

Singlecore
1.00
0.98
0.97

Multicore
1.00
0.99
0.98

1200
1500
1800

0.96
0.94
0.93

0.97
0.96
0.95

0.95
0.93
0.91

2000
2500
3000

0.92
0.90
0.89

0.95
0.94
0.93

0.90
0.88
0.87

Above 300 mm
Singlecore
1.00
0.98
0.96

Multicore
1.00
0.98
0.97

0.97
0.95
0.94

0.94
0.92
0.90

0.96
0.95
0.93

0.93
0.92
0.91

0.89
0.87
0.86

0.92
0.91
0.90

Table 18 Rating factors for variations in soil thermal resistivities

for two single-core cables laid direct in ground
Nominal
area of
conductor
mm
1.5
2.5
4

1.0
1.14
1.15
1.15

1.2
1.08
1.08
1.08

1.5
1.00
1.00
1.00

2.0
0.90
0.90
0.90

2.5
0.83
0.82
0.82

3.0
0.77
0.76
0.76

6
10
16

1.16
1.16
1.17

1.09
1.09
1.09

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.89
0.89
0.89

0.82
0.81
0.81

0.75
0.75
0.75

25
35
50

1.17
1.18
1.18

1.09
1.09
1.10

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.89
0.89
0.88

0.81
0.80
0.80

0.74
0.74
0.74

70
95
120

1.18
1.18
1.19

1.10
1.10
1.10

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.88
0.88
0.88

0.80
0.80
0.80

0.74
0.73
0.73

150
185
240

1.19
1.19
1.19

1.10
1.10
1.10

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.88
0.88
0.88

0.80
0.80
0.79

0.73
0.73
0.73

300
400
500

1.19
1.19
1.19

1.10
1.10
1.10

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.88
0.88
0.88

0.79
0.79
0.79

0.73
0.73
0.73

630
800
1000

1.19
1.19
1.19

1.10
1.10
1.10

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.88
0.88
0.88

0.79
0.79
0.79

0.73
0.73
0.73

Values of soil thermal resistivity

K.m/W

Table 19 Rating factors for variations in soil thermal resistivities

for two single-core cables laid in buried duct
Nominal
area of
conductor
mm
1.5
2.5
4

1.0
1.06
1.06
1.07

1.2
1.04
1.04
1.04

1.5
1.00
1.00
1.00

2.0
0.95
0.95
0.94

2.5
0.90
0.90
0.90

3.0
0.87
0.86
0.86

6
10
16

1.07
1.07
1.07

1.04
1.04
1.04

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.94
0.94
0.94

0.89
0.89
0.89

0.85
0.85
0.84

25
35
50

1.08
1.08
1.08

1.04
1.05
1.05

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.94
0.93
0.93

0.88
0.88
0.88

0.84
0.84
0.83

70
95
120

1.09
1.09
1.09

1.05
1.05
1.05

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.93
0.93
0.93

0.87
0.87
0.87

0.83
0.82
0.82

150
185
240

1.10
1.10
1.10

1.05
1.06
1.06

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.93
0.92
0.92

0.87
0.86
0.86

0.82
0.81
0.81

300
400
500

1.10
1.11
1.11

1.06
1.06
1.06

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.92
0.92
0.92

0.86
0.85
0.85

0.81
0.80
0.80

630
800
1000

1.11
1.12
1.12

1.06
1.07
1.07

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.92
0.91
0.91

0.85
0.85
0.84

0.80
0.79
0.79

Values of soil thermal resistivity

K.m/W

Table 20 Rating factors for variations in soil thermal resistivities

for three single-core cables laid direct in ground
Nominal
area of
conductor
mm
1.5
2.5
4

1.0
1.16
1.16
1.17

1.2
1.09
1.09
1.09

1.5
1.00
1.00
1.00

2.0
0.89
0.89
0.89

2.5
0.81
0.81
0.81

3.0
0.75
0.75
0.74

6
10
16

1.17
1.18
1.18

1.09
1.10
1.10

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.89
0.88
0.88

0.80
0.80
0.80

0.74
0.74
0.73

25
35
50

1.19
1.19
1.19

1.10
1.10
1.10

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.88
0.88
0.88

0.80
0.79
0.79

0.73
0.73
0.73

70
95
120

1.19
1.19
1.20

1.10
1.10
1.11

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.88
0.88
0.88

0.79
0.79
0.79

0.73
0.73
0.72

150
185
240

1.20
1.20
1.20

1.11
1.11
1.11

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.88
0.88
0.88

0.79
0.79
0.79

0.72
0.72
0.72

300
400
500

1.20
1.20
1.20

1.11
1.11
1.11

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.88
0.88
0.87

0.79
0.79
0.79

0.72
0.72
0.72

630
800
1000

1.20
1.20
1.20

1.11
1.11
1.11

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.87
0.87
0.87

0.79
0.79
0.79

0.72
0.72
0.72

Values of soil thermal resistivity

K.m/W

Table 21 Rating factors for variations in soil thermal resistivities

for three single-core cables laid in buried duct
Nominal
area of
conductor
mm
1.5
2.5
4

1.0
1.08
1.08
1.08

1.2
1.04
1.05
1.05

1.5
1.00
1.00
1.00

2.0
0.94
0.94
0.93

2.5
0.89
0.88
0.88

3.0
0.84
0.84
0.83

6
10
16

1.09
1.09
1.09

1.05
1.05
1.05

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.93
0.93
0.93

0.88
0.87
0.87

0.83
0.82
0.82

25
35
50

1.10
1.10
1.10

1.05
1.06
1.06

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.93
0.92
0.92

0.86
0.86
0.86

0.82
0.81
0.81

70
95
120

1.11
1.11
1.11

1.06
1.06
1.06

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.92
0.92
0.92

0.86
0.85
0.85

0.80
0.80
0.80

150
185
240

1.11
1.12
1.12

1.06
1.07
1.07

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.91
0.91
0.91

0.85
0.85
0.84

0.79
0.79
0.79

300
400
500

1.12
1.13
1.13

1.07
1.07
1.07

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.91
0.91
0.91

0.84
0.84
0.84

0.79
0.78
0.78

630
800
1000

1.13
1.14
1.14

1.07
1.08
1.08

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.91
0.90
0.90

0.83
0.83
0.83

0.78
0.77
0.77

Values of soil thermal resistivity

K.m/W

Table 22 Rating factors for variations in soil thermal resistivities

for multi-core cables laid direct in ground
Nominal
area of
conductor
mm
1.5
2.5
4

1.0
1.13
1.13
1.14

1.2
1.07
1.07
1.08

1.5
1.00
1.00
1.00

2.0
0.91
0.90
0.90

2.5
0.84
0.83
0.83

3.0
0.78
0.78
0.77

6
10
16

1.14
1.15
1.16

1.08
1.08
1.09

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.90
0.90
0.89

0.82
0.82
0.81

0.77
0.76
0.75

25
35
50

1.16
1.17
1.17

1.09
1.09
1.09

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.89
0.89
0.89

0.81
0.81
0.81

0.75
0.75
0.75

70
95
120

1.17
1.17
1.17

1.09
1.09
1.09

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.89
0.89
0.89

0.81
0.80
0.80

0.74
0.74
0.74

150
185
240

1.17
1.17
1.17

1.09
1.09
1.09

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.89
0.89
0.89

0.80
0.80
0.80

0.74
0.74
0.74

300
400
500
630

1.17
1.17
1.17
1.18

1.09
1.09
1.09
1.09

1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00

0.89
0.89
0.89
0.89

0.80
0.80
0.80
0.80

0.74
0.74
0.74
0.74

Values of soil thermal resistivity

K.m/W

Table 23 Rating factors for variations in soil thermal resistivities

for multi-core cables laid in buried duct
Nominal
area of
conductor
mm
1.5
2.5
4

1.0
1.05
1.05
1.05

1.2
1.03
1.03
1.03

1.5
1.00
1.00
1.00

2.0
0.96
0.96
0.95

2.5
0.92
0.92
0.91

3.0
0.89
0.88
0.88

6
10
16

1.06
1.06
1.06

1.03
1.03
1.04

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.95
0.95
0.95

0.91
0.91
0.90

0.87
0.87
0.87

25
35
50

1.06
1.07
1.07

1.04
1.04
1.04

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.95
0.94
0.94

0.90
0.90
0.89

0.86
0.86
0.85

70
95
120

1.07
1.08
1.08

1.04
1.04
1.04

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.94
0.94
0.94

0.89
0.89
0.88

0.85
0.84
0.84

150
185
240

1.08
1.08
1.09

1.05
1.05
1.05

1.00
1.00
1.00

0.94
0.93
0.93

0.88
0.88
0.88

0.84
0.83
0.83

300
400
500
630

1.09
1.09
1.09
1.10

1.05
1.05
1.05
1.05

1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00

0.93
0.93
0.93
0.93

0.87
0.87
0.87
0.87

0.82
0.82
0.82
0.82

Values of soil thermal resistivity

K.m/W

Table 24 Group rating factors for circuits of two single-core

cables laid direct in the ground, horizontal formation
Number
of circuits

Spacing between group

mm
150
300
0.85
0.90
0.78
0.85
0.73
0.81

centres

2
3
4

Touching
0.80
0.70
0.64

450
0.92
0.88
0.86

600
0.95
0.91
0.89

5
6
7

0.59
0.55
0.53

0.70
0.67
0.65

0.79
0.77
0.76

0.84
0.83
0.82

0.88
0.87
0.86

8
9
10

0.51
0.49
0.48

0.64
0.63
0.63

0.75
0.74
0.74

0.82
0.81
0.81

0.86
0.85
0.85

11
12

0.47
0.46

0.62
0.61

0.73
0.73

0.80
0.80

0.84
0.84

Table 25 Group rating factors for circuits of three single-core

cables laid direct in the ground, horizontal formation
Number
of circuits

Spacing between group centres

mm

2
3
4

Touching
0.77
0.67
0.61

150
0.81
0.71
0.64

300
0.86
0.78
0.72

450
0.88
0.81
0.76

600
0.89
0.83
0.80

5
6
7

0.57
0.53
0.51

0.60
0.57
0.55

0.69
0.66
0.64

0.74
0.72
0.70

0.77
0.75
0.74

8
9
10

0.49
0.47
0.45

0.53
0.52
0.51

0.63
0.62
0.61

0.69
0.68
0.67

0.73
0.73
0.72

11
12

0.44
0.43

0.50
0.49

0.60
0.59

0.66
0.65

0.72
0.71

Table 26 Group rating factors for circuits of three

single-core cables in single-way ducts
Number
of circuits

Spacing between duct group centres

mm

2
3
4

Touching
0.78
0.66
0.59

150
0.83
0.73
0.67

300
0.87
0.78
0.74

450
0.90
0.82
0.78

600
0.91
0.85
0.82

5
6
7

0.55
0.51
0.48

0.63
0.61
0.58

0.70
0.68
0.66

0.76
0.74
0.73

0.80
0.78
0.77

8
9
10

0.46
0.44
0.43

0.57
0.55
0.54

0.65
0.64
0.63

0.72
0.71
0.70

0.76
0.76
-

11
12

0.42
0.40

0.53
0.51

0.62
0.61

0.69
0.69

Table 27 Group rating factors for multi-core cables

laid direct in the ground, in tier formation
Number
of cables

Number
of tiers

2
3
4

Spacing between cable centres

mm

1
1
2

Touching
0.80
0.68
0.60

150
0.84
0.74
0.66

300
0.87
0.79
0.73

450
0.90
0.83
0.77

600
0.91
0.86
0.79

5
6
7

2
2
3

0.55
0.51
0.48

0.61
0.57
0.54

0.68
0.63
0.59

0.71
0.67
0.63

0.73
0.69
0.64

8
9
10

3
3
4

0.46
0.44
0.42

0.51
0.48
0.47

0.56
0.53
0.52

0.60
0.57
0.55

0.61
0.58
0.56

11
12

4
4

0.41
0.40

0.46
0.45

0.50
0.49

0.54
0.53

0.55
0.54

Table 28 Group rating factors for multi-core cables

laid direct in the ground, in horizontal formation
Number
of cables

Spacing between cable centres

mm

2
3
4

Touching
0.80
0.68
0.62

150
0.84
0.74
0.69

300
0.87
0.79
0.75

450
0.90
0.83
0.80

600
0.91
0.86
0.83

5
6
7

0.58
0.55
0.52

0.65
0.62
0.59

0.72
0.69
0.67

0.77
0.75
0.73

0.80
0.78
0.77

8
9
10

0.50
0.48
0.46

0.57
0.55
0.54

0.66
0.65
0.64

0.72
0.71
0.70

0.75
0.75
0.74

11
12

0.45
0.44

0.53
0.52

0.63
0.62

0.70
0.69

0.74
0.73

Table 29 Group rating factors for three-core cables in

single way ducts in horizontal formation
Number
of cables

Spacing between duct centres

mm

2
3
4

Touching
0.85
0.75
0.69

150
0.87
0.79
0.74

300
0.90
0.83
0.79

450
0.92
0.86
0.83

600
0.94
0.88
0.86

5
6
7

0.65
0.62
0.59

0.70
0.67
0.65

0.76
0.73
0.72

0.80
0.79
0.78

0.84
0.83
0.82

8
9
10

0.57
0.55
0.54

0.63
0.62
0.61

0.70
0.69
0.68

0.77
0.76
0.75

0.81
0.80
-

11
12

0.52
0.51

0.60
0.59

0.68
0.67

0.75
0.74

Table 30 Group rating factors for multi-core cables in air on perforated trays
Number
of trays
Touching

mm
> 20

Number of Cables
2
3
4
6

1.00 0.88 0.82 0.79 0.76 0.73

1.00 0.87 0.80 0.77 0.73 0.68

3
1.00 0.86 0.79 0.76 0.71 0.66

De

Spaced
1
1.00 1.00 0.98 0.95 0.91

2
1.00 0.99 0.96 0.92 0.87

mm
>20
3
1.00 0.98 0.95 0.91 0.85

NOTE: 1 Factors
apply
to
single
layer

groups of cables as shown above. Factors for

cables installed in more than one layer touching each other will be significantly
be determined

an appropriate method.
lower and must
by

NOTE: 2 Factors
are given
for vertical

spacings between trays of 300 mm and at
least 20 mm between trays and wall. For closer spacing , the factors should be
reduced.

Table 31 Group rating factors for multi-core cables in air on vertical

perforated trays
Number of Cables
2
3
4
6

Number
of trays

1.00

0.8
8

0.8
2

0.7
8

0.7
3

0.72

1.00

0.8
8

0.8
1

0.7
6

0.7
1

0.70

1.00

0.9
1

0.8
9

0.8
8

0.8
7

1.00

0.9
1

0.8
8

0.8
7

0.8
5

>
225mm

Touchin
g

>
225mm

De

Spaced
NOTE: 1 Factors are given for horizontal spacing between trays of 225 mm with
trays mounted back to back. For closer spacing the factors should be reduced.

Table 32 Group rating factors for multi-core cables in air on ladder

supports, cleats, etc
Number
of trays
Touching

Number of Cables
2
3
4
6

1.00 0.87 0.82 0.80 0.79 0.78

1.00 0.86 0.80 0.78 0.76 0.73

mm

> 20

D
e

3
1.00 0.85 0.79 0.76 0.73 0.70

Spaced
1
1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00

2
1.00 0.99 0.98 0.97 0.96

3
1.00 0.98 0.97 0.96 0.93
mm

> 20

NOTE: 1 Factors
layer
groups
of cables as shown above. Factors for

apply to single

one layer
touching each other will be significantly lower
cables installed in more than

by an appropriate

and must be determined
method.

NOTE: 2 Factors are given for vertical spacing

between trays of 300 mm and at least 20
mm between trays and wall. For closer spacing, the factors should be reduced.

Table 33 Group rating factors to be applied for circuits of three single core
cables in air flat touching
Cables on perforated trays

> 20 mm
Cables on ladder supports, cleats, etc

> 20 mm

Number Number of three-phase circuits

of trays
1
2
3
1

0.98

0.91

0.87

0.96

0.87

0.81

0.95

0.85

0.78

1.00

0.97

0.96

0.98

0.93

0.89

0.97

0.90

0.86

NOTE: 1Factors are given for single layers of cables as shown above. Factors for
cables installed in more than one layer touching each other will be significantly
lower and must be determined by an appropriate method.
NOTE: 2 Factors are given for vertical spacing between trays of 300 mm and at
least 20 mm between trays and wall. For closer spacing, the factors should be
reduced.
NOTE: 3 For circuits having more than one cable in parallel per phase, each
three phase set of conductors should be considered as a circuit for the purpose
of this table.

Table 34 Group rating factors to be applied for circuits of three single

core cables in air on perforated trays and ladder supports
in trefoil formation
Number
of trays

Cables on perforated trays

> 2De

De

Number of three-phase
circuits
1
2
3

1.00

0.98

0.96

0.97

0.93

0.89

0.96

0.92

0.86

1.00

1.00

1.00

0.97

0.95

0.93

0.96

0.94

0.90

> 20 mm

Cables on ladder supports,

cleats, etc
De
>2De

> 20 mm
NOTE: 1 Factors are given for single layers of trefoil groups as shown above.
Factors for trefoil groups installed in more than one layer touching each
other will be significantly lower and must be determined by an appropriate
method.
NOTE: 2 Factors are given for vertical spacing between trays of 300 mm and
at least 20 mm between trays and wall. For closer spacing, the factors should
be reduced.
NOTE: 3 For circuits having more than one cable in parallel per phase, each
three phase set of conductors should be considered as a circuit for the
purpose of this table.

Table 35 Group rating factors to be applied for circuits of three single

core cables in air on vertical perforated trays in trefoil formation
Number
of trays

> 225 mm

Number of three-phase
circuits
1
2
3

1.00

0.91

0.89

1.00

0.90

0.86

>2De

De
NOTE: 1 Factors are given for single layers of trefoil groups as shown above.
Factors for trefoil groups installed in more than one layer touching each
other will be significantly lower and must be determined by an appropriate
method.
NOTE: 2 Factors are given for horizontal spacing between vertical trays of
225 mm with trays mounted back to back. For closer spacing the factors
should be reduced.
NOTE: 3 For circuits having more than one cable in parallel per phase, each
three phase set of conductors should be considered as a circuit for the
purpose of this table.