ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
Theoretical Concepts
Cable is an important and essential part of power system. Current flowing through a cable
generates different losses such as ohmic losses in conductors, during fault conditions in cable
screens, shields, armoring and dielectric losses through the insulation.
All the components used for the cable (such as conductors, insulation, bedding, sheath, armor,
etc.) must be capable of withstanding the temperature rise and heat emanating from the above
mentioned losses.
 The current carrying capacity of a cable is the maximum current that can flow continuously
through a cable without damaging the cable's insulation and other components (e.g. bedding,
sheath, etc.). It is also referred as the continuous current rating or ampacity of a cable.
It has been observed that cables with larger conductor cross-sectional areas (i.e. more copper
or aluminum) have lower resistive losses and are able to dissipate the heat better than smaller
cables. Therefore usually a 20 mm2 cable will have a higher current carrying capacity than a
5 mm2 cable. The cable ampacity depends on below mentioned factors based on cable
construction and installation condition.
Cable Construction:
 Conductor material - normally copper or aluminum
 Insulation type - e.g. PVC, XLPE, EPR
 Conductor type - e.g. stranded or solid
 Conductor shape - e.g. circular or shaped
 Conductor surface coating - e.g. plain (no coating), tinned, silver or nickel
Installation Conditions:
 Above ground or underground
 Installation / arrangement - For underground cables - directly buried or buried in
conduit. For above ground cables - cable tray / ladder, against a wall, in air, etc.
 Ambient or soil temperature of the installation site
 Cable bunching, i.e. the number of cables that are bunched together
 Cable spacing, i.e. whether cables are installed touching or spaced
 Soil thermal resistivity (for underground cables)
 Depth of laying (for underground cables)
 Number of cores - single core or multicore (e.g. 1/C or 3/C)
Considering all the above conditions a cable ampacity need to be determined to eliminate any
possibility of overloading a cable.
The calculation of cable ampacity can be as per IEEE; IEC; NEC; ICEA and BS standards in
ETAP.
In section-I: HV cable sizing is done as per standard IEC-60502-2 for 3/C and 1/C cable.
In section-II: LV cable sizing is done as per standard IEC-60364-5-52 for 3/C and 1/C cable.
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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
Purpose and Description
The purpose of this exercise is to calculate ampacity of a HV and LV cable as per IEC standards
60502-2 and 60364-5-52 respectively and to size the cable by considering different constraints.

Section-I HV cable sizing (IEC-60502-2)

Procedure:
Case A: To calculate cable de-rated ampacity
1. Create a new project with a name of ‘HV cable sizing’.
2. Drag and place grid, buses, cable & lump load and connect them. Proceed to enter the
input data as shown below.

Note: According to IEC 60502-2, the cable must be shielded (and unarmored if 1/C).
Refer attached Appendix B for IEC-60502-2 standard.
All the tabulated ratings for single-core cables assume that the cable screens are
solidly bonded at both the ends, refer attached page from IEC-60502-2 standard.

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

3. Check loading page of cable in Cable Editor. All operating load current values are
zero.

 
4. To update operating current in Cable Editor; go to Info page of Load Flow Study
Case and select Cable Load Amp under Update section

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

5. Run the load flow analysis on the system.

 
6. Check the loading page of Cable Editor. Operating current is updated in the Cable
Editor. Select ‘Loading current for sizing’ as Operating Current and increase growth
factor by 15%

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

7. Go to Capacity page of Cable Editor. Choose standard as IEC 60502 and type of
installation as U/G Duct.

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

For base current value refer to  
table B.6 to B.9 of standard 
IEC 60502‐2.

For correction factors refer to 
IEC 60502‐2 tables B.10 to 
B.23 

8. The capacity page shows the base current, operating current and derated current for
cable. Note the de-rated current for cable is 260.8 A for default values of installation
details. Provide Temperature, Grouping and Layout details for the cable as shown
below.

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

9. The cable de-rated ampacity calculated is 156.4 A based on above mentioned

installation conditions

10. Follow same procedure for Single core HV cable ampacity calculation. Based on
installation conditions and cable details as shown below by creating a new system for
single core cable.

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
Single Core cable details:
Cable selected: 11 kV, CU, XLPE, 1/C, non mag., 95 mm2, length 100 m, Unarmored
and shielded.

Note – Select the library file provided in the HV cable Sizing Solution to select the
above cable.

11. Hand calculation for 3/C & 1/C de-rated ampacity of cable is as shown below:
Three Core Cable
Cable selected: 11 kV, 3/C, CU, XLPE, Magnetic, 120 mm2, length 50 m, steel
armored and shielded

Method of installation of cable: U/G DUCT

Base Ampacity of cable selected = 264 A

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
Following standard condition are used as per IEC-60502-2 for calculation of base
ampacity according to table B.6 to B.9:
Maximum conductor temperature (Tc) 90 deg-C
Ambient air temperature(Ta) 30 deg-C
Ground temperature 20 deg-C
Depth of laying (For U/G cable) 0.8 meter
Thermal resistivity of soil (RHO) 1.50 K m/watt
Thermal resistivity of earthenware ducts 1.2 K m/watt

Correction factor for Ambient Temperature:

Ambient Air Temperature 40 Deg C
Derating factor 0.85 Ref. Table B.11 of IEC-60502-2

Correction factor for depth of laying for 3/C cable:

Depth of laying 1 meter
Derating factor 0.99 Ref. Table B.13 of IEC-60502-2

Correction factor for soil thermal resistivity:

Soil thermal resistivity 250 Deg C-cm/w
Derating factor 0.88 Ref. Table B.17, of IEC-60502

Correction factor for grouping of cables:

No of cables in the group 3
Spacing between ducts 0.2 meter
Derating factor 0.80 Ref. Table B.20 of IEC-60502
 

De-rated = Base current x correction factor for ambient temperature x Correction

Ampacity factor for depth of laying for 3/C cable x correction factor for soil
thermal resistivity x correction factor for grouping of cables
= 264 x 0.85 x 0.99 x 0.88 x 0.80
  = 156.39 A
 

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
Single Core cable
Cable selected: 11 kV, CU, XLPE, 1/C, non mag., 95 mm2, length 100 m, Unarmored
and shielded

Method of installation of cable: A/G Trays

Base Ampacity of cable selected = 369 A
Correction factor for Ambient Temperature:
Ambient Air Temperature 35 Deg C
Derating factor 0.96 Ref. Table B.10 of IEC-60502-2

Correction factor for cables grouped together:

No of trays 3
No of circuit 3
Cable layout Flat /Touching
Derating factor 0.78 Ref. Table B.23 of IEC-60502-2

De-rated = Base current x Correction factor for Ambient

Ampacity Temperature x Correction factor for cables grouped
together
= 369 x 0.96 x 0.78
= 276.3 A

12. Similarly, de-rated cable ampacity for 3 core and 1 core cable with different types of
installation method such as U/G Duct, A/G Trays (perforated) etc. can be carried out.

Note - single core HV cable sizing can be done only for non-armored type cable as
mentioned in standard 60502-2

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
Case B: Calculation of sizing of cable
Three Core Cable Sizing
13. Check the Sizing Phase page of cable editor for 3 Core cable selected earlier

 
14. Select ‘Loading’ option under constraints section and check cable size calculated based
on the current flowing through the cable.

 
 

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
15. Select ‘Max Vd’ option under Constraints section and check the cable size calculated
based on the allowable voltage drop across cable.

 
16. Cable sizing also can be done depend upon short circuit condition. To do this check
protection page of cable. By default all the short circuit current values are zero.

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
 

17. Go to relay co-ordination module, create a fault on bus 1 and bus 2 through Star Mode
Study Case based on other default study case options, and run the Run/Update short
circuit KA.

Run / Update
Short-Circuit kA

 
18. Go to protection page of cable, select Calculated option under Short-Circuit Current
and select user defined option for Overcurrent option under Protective Device section

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
19. Go back to the sizing page of 3 core cable in Cable editor and select short circuit option
under constraints section. Check new cable size calculated based on short circuit
conditions.

 
20. Check the cable sizing report by clicking on report option as shown below.

 
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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
 

21. Repeat the cable sizing calculation for 1 Core cable selected earlier to get below
mentioned results.

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

 
 

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
Correction Factor tables  
(By standard IEC‐60502) 

 
 

 
 

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

 
 

 
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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
 

 
 

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

 
 

 
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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
Section-II LV cable sizing (IEC-60364-5-52)
Procedure:
Case A: To identify cable de-rated ampacity
1. Create a new project with a name of ‘LV cable sizing’.
2. Drag and place grid, buses, transformer, cable & lump load and connect them. Proceed
to enter the input data as shown below.

Note: According to IEC 60364-5-52, the cable must be unarmored. Please refer
attached Appendix B for IEC-60364-5-52 standard.

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
3. Check loading page of cable in Cable Editor. All operating current values are zero.

 
4. To update operating current in Cable Editor, go to Info page of Load Flow Study Case
and select Cable Load Amp under Update section.

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
5. Run the load flow analysis on the system.

6. Check the loading page of Cable Editor. Operating current is updated in the Cable
Editor. Select ‘Loading current for sizing’ as Operating Current and increase growth
factor by 15%

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

 
7. Go to Capacity page of Cable Editor. Choose standard as IEC 60364 and type of
installation as U/G Duct.

Base current value is referred 
by table B.52.2 to B.52.13 of 
standard IEC‐60364‐5‐52

For correction factors refer to 
IEC 60364‐5‐52 tables B.52.14 
to B.52.21 

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
8. The capacity page shows the base current, operating current and derated current for
cable. Note the de-rated current for cable is 223 A for default values of installation
details. Provide Temperature, Grouping and Layout details for the cable as shown
below.

9. The cable de-rated ampacity calculated is 168.6 A based on above mentioned

installation conditions

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

10. Follow same procedure for Single core LV cable ampacity calculation. Based on
installation conditions and cable details as shown below by creating a new system for
single core cable.
Single Core cable details:
Cable selected: 1 kV, CU, Rubber, 1/C, non mag. 70 mm2, length 200 m, unarmored
and Non-magnetic

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

11. Hand calculation for 3/C & 1/C de-rated ampacity of cable is as follow:
Three Core Cable
Cable selected: 1 kV, 3/C, CU, XLPE, Non-Mag, 120 mm2, length 50 m, shielded,
unarmored and source type - Heesung

Method of installation of cable: U/G duct

Base Ampacity of cable selected = 223 A
Following standard condition are used as per IEC-60364-5-52 for calculation of base
ampacity according to table B.52.2 to B.52.13:
Maximum conductor temperature (Tc) 90 deg-C
Ambient air temperature(Ta) 30 deg-C
Ground temperature 20 deg-C
Thermal resistivity of soil (RHO) 2.50 K m/watt

Correction factor for Ambient Temperature:

Ambient Air Temperature 45 Deg C
Derating factor 0.8 Ref. Table B.52.15 of IEC-60364-5-52

Correction factor for soil thermal resistivity:

Soil thermal resistivity 200 Deg C- cm/w
Derating factor 1.05 Ref. Table B.52-16 of IEC 60364-5-52
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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

Correction factor for cable laid in ducts in ground:

Circuit clearance 0.5 meter
No of cables in the group 3
Derating factor 0.9 Ref. Table B.52-19 of IEC 60364-5-52
 

De-rated = Base current x correction factor for ambient temperature x correction

Ampacity factor for soil thermal resistivity x correction factor for cable laid
in ducts in ground
= 223 x 0.8 x 1.05 x 0.9
  = 168.56 A
By above calculation it is clear that ETAP calculated cable ampacity is correct and as
per standard IEC-60364-5-52.

Single Core cable

Cable selected: 1 kV, CU, Rubber, 1/C, non mag. 70 mm2, length 200 m, unarmored
Method of installation of cable: Ladder
Base Ampacity of cable selected = 279 A
Correction factor for Ambient Temperature:
Ambient Air Temperature 35 Deg C
Derating factor 0.96 Ref. table B.52-14 of IEC 60364-5-52
Correction factor for cables grouped together:
No of trays 3
Tray layout horizontal
No of circuit 3
Cable layout Flat /Touching
Derating factor 0.86 Ref. table B.52.21 of IEC 60364-5-52
 

De-rated = Base current x Correction factor for Ambient Temperature x

Ampacity Correction factor for cables grouped together

= 279 x 0.96 x 0.86

= 230.34 A

12. Similarly, de-rated cable ampacity for 3 core and 1 core cable with different types of
installation method such as U/G Duct, A/G Trays (perforated) etc. can be carried out.

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
Case B: Calculation of sizing of cable
Three Core Cable Sizing
13. Check the Sizing Phase page of cable editor for 3 Core cable selected earlier

 
14. Select ‘Loading’ option under constraints section and check cable size calculated based
on the current flowing through the cable.

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
15. Select ‘Max Vd’ option under Constraints section and check the cable size calculated
based on the allowable voltage drop across cable.

 
16. Cable sizing also can be done depend upon short circuit condition. To do this check
protection page of cable. By default all the short circuit current values are zero.

 
 
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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
17. Go to relay co-ordination module, create a fault on bus 1 and bus 2 through Star Mode
Study Case based on other default study case options, and run the Run/Update short
circuit KA.

Run / Update
Short-Circuit kA

 
18. Go to protection page of cable, select Calculated option under Short-Circuit Current
and select user defined option for Overcurrent option under Protective Device section

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
19. Go back to the sizing page of 3 core cable in Cable editor and select short circuit option
under constraints section. Check new cable size calculated based on short circuit
conditions.

 
20. Check the cable sizing report by clicking on report option as shown below.

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

21. Repeat the cable sizing calculation for 1 core cable selected earlier to get below
mentioned results.

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 
Correction Factor tables  
(By standard IEC‐60364‐5‐52) 

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

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 ETAP Workshop Notes

Cable Sizing  
 

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