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Advantages of Calculating Conduit and Cable Sizes

Author: Albern Broad
by Albern Broad
Posted: Jan 14, 2016

Throughout the electrical planning and design processes, there are lots of things to check. Creating diagrams using the computer software really made the process simpler. Identifying loads, errors in distribution, etc can be performed beforehand the installations. All the operations only take few minutes or hours. Compared to the traditional paper based calculations of the conduit and cable sizes, software brings more accurate results faster. Some of its modules are also coming with the feature to calculate Ze and Zs.

Basics of Conduit Sizes and Design:

A. Application – Right from residential projects to industrial wirings, conduits are quite essential. It is used to make available cable access to equipment. In few cases, it is also used to run the wiring inside the electrical equipment enclosure. It also protects the medium-voltage circuits throughout the wiring those installed for all sorts of power distributions.

B. Benefits – The major advantage of using conduits is to avoid impedes through power distributions. It also safeguards the wiring from the contact of other stuffs those could create hazards. While the software or engineers calculate Zs and Ze, they also find more ways to use conduits.

C. Classification – Both metallic and non-metallic conduits are being available in the market. Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT), Electrical Non-Metallic Tubing (ENT), Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC), Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC), Liquidtight Flexible Non-Metallic Conduit (LFNC), Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC), Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC), PVC or plastic are the common variants available. All of them have their own significance and advantages.

D. Design – Besides the requirements, according to the standards or guidelines, conduits are chosen. Conduit burial depth, calculations on conduit fill, bending radius, and determination of cable ampacity de-rating are considered throughout the design of the conduit system.

Cable Installations:

Several varieties of cables, conduits and installation techniques are available to choose from. During the design and installation of the distribution cables there are many things to consider including safety, expenses, quality and durability. While proceeding for the preparation of the design, the engineers think on the cable sizes in addition to calculate Ze and Zs like factors.

Some other factors like electrical installation standards, types of the power system, distance, etc. The need of considering environmental and mechanical conditions along with the job to calculate Zs becomes essential. It also requires checks for power quality problems and quality of the installation.

The calculation of conduit sizes too becomes essential while determining the cable installations. It varies completely through every project and their custom specifications. It can be inserted through the cable trenches or in between the manholes made for it. Its use through the electrical equipment enclosure requires different installation techniques.

PVC is the most common and affordable conduit available these days. The areas where physical damage may occur, using PVC conduit is not recommended. For the below-grade conduit requirements it is considered in the commercial and industrial projects. Calculations and designing feels easier through the PVC conduits compared to the RMC and other mtalic options.

About the Author

For more information visit us at : - https://www.solutionselectrical.com.au/

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Author: Albern Broad

Albern Broad

Member since: Dec 14, 2015
Published articles: 17

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