16mm2 cable, maxium current

[Jimster]

A quick question for you, what is the maxium current a 16mm2 cable can safely manage?

Thanks
Jim

 

[jj4091]

Depends how long it is.

 

[Jimster]

around 8 - 10 meters....ish

 

[Spark123]

and how it is installed

 

[Jimster]

and how it is installed

Sorry to be a bit dim, but can you explain a bit more?

 

[pdcelec]

and what type of cable?

 

[Spark123]

The current carrying capacity of a given cable type depends on how it is installed i.e clipped direct to a non-metallic surface, touching thermal insulation on one side, running in thermal insulation, grouped with other cables, the ambient temperature and the type of protective device.

 

[ppuch1]

It's a bit like asking ... I have a ford escort - how fast can it go. Well you need to state things, like...

is it diesel or petrol?
what size engine does it have?
is it driving on ice?
is it up hill?
what size wheels does it have?
etc etc

So the real answer - as most of the people on this forum will tell you - it all depends on various factors, so more detailed information is required.

 

[JohnD]

and how it is installed

Sorry to be a bit dim, but can you explain a bit more?

One of the factors is, can heat get away when it starts to warm up (as it will when carrying a current).

So is it hanging in the air? Buried in insulation? Stuffed in a duct or conduit? Bunched with lots of others? And if so what current are they carrying? On a cable tray? Buried in plaster or concrete? Passing through a sauna? Next to hot pipes?