Are you an electrician in Canada? Then you’re probably familiar with the Canadian Electrical Code, also known as the CEC. And if you’re looking for guidance on allowable ampacities for not more than three copper conductors in a raceway or cable, then you’ll want to check out Table 2 Canadian Electrical Code.
First, let’s define some terms. Ampacity refers to the maximum current that a conductor can carry without being damaged or overheated. Raceway refers to a channel or conduit that houses electrical wires, while cable refers to a group of wires bound together by a protective sheath. Ambient temperature is the temperature of the surrounding air, which can affect the performance of electrical components.
But what is Table 2 Canadian Electrical Code, exactly? Well, it’s a reference guide that outlines the maximum allowable current (in amperes) for copper conductors in raceways or cables, based on the ambient temperature of 30 °C*. The table breaks down allowable ampacities by conductor size and the number of conductors.
Why You Should Care About Ampacities
Now, you might be thinking, “why do I need to know about ampacities? Can’t I just plug in my wires and be done with it?” Well, my dear friend, exceeding the allowable ampacity for a given conductor can lead to overheating and potentially even a fire. And installing too many conductors in a raceway or cable can also cause overheating and damage to the conductors.
That’s where Table 2 Canadian Electrical Code comes in handy. By consulting the table, you can ensure that your electrical installations are safe and compliant with the CEC. Plus, it can save you from the embarrassment of having to tell your boss that you caused a fire because you didn’t consult the CEC.
How to Use Table 2 Canadian Electrical Code
Let’s break down how to use Table 2 Canadian Electrical Code:
- Determine the conductor size: Table 2 covers conductor sizes from 14 AWG to 1000 kcmil.
- Determine the ambient temperature: The allowable ampacity is based on an ambient temperature of 30 °C*.
- Determine the number of conductors: The table provides guidance on the maximum number of conductors that can be installed in a raceway or cable.
- Check the allowable ampacity: The table lists the allowable ampacity for each combination of conductor size and number of conductors.
For example, let’s say you’re installing 10 AWG copper conductors in a raceway or cable with an ambient temperature of 30 °C*. According to Table 2 Canadian Electrical Code, you can safely install up to three conductors in the raceway or cable, with an allowable ampacity of 40 amps per conductor. If you were to install four conductors, the allowable ampacity would decrease to 33 amps per conductor.
But wait, there’s more! Table 2 Canadian Electrical Code also includes notes that provide additional information on factors that can affect the allowable ampacity, such as insulation type, ambient temperature, and conduit fill. So be sure to read the notes carefully to ensure you’re taking all relevant factors into account.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Table 2 Canadian Electrical Code is an invaluable tool for electricians in Canada. By following the guidance on allowable ampacities for copper conductors in raceways or cables, based on an ambient temperature of 30 °C*, you can ensure that your electrical installations are safe and compliant with the CEC. And if you’re lucky, you might even avoid a humiliating “I caused a fire” conversation with your boss. So be sure to consult Table 2 before your next electrical installation project!