A1-17 Ampacity of Conductors

Cards (7)

  • The maximum current that can be carried by an insulated conductor without exceeding the temperature rating is called its ampacity.
  • Ampacity depends on factors such as ambient temperature, type of insulation, size of wire, and length of run.
  • Conduit fill tables are used to determine the allowable number of conductors based on their sizes and types.
  • Conduit fill limits are used to ensure proper airflow around conductors within enclosures.
  • Conduit fill calculations are used to determine if there is enough space inside a raceway or conduit for wires with different sizes and types of insulation.
  • What are the fundamental factors that determine the allowable ampacity of a conductor?
    1. type of conductor material
    2. size of conductor
    3. temperature rating of the insulation used for the conductor
    4. whether the conductor is installed in free air, raceway or cable
    5. the surrounding air (ambient) temperature
    6. the number of conductors in contact with each other
  • what is ampacity?
    the rated current carrying capacity of a conductor