70–150 ARTICLE 310 — CONDUCTORS FOR GENERAL WIRING

Table 310.21 Ampacities of Bare or Covered Conductors in Free Air, Based on 40°C (104°F) Ambient,
80°C (176°F) Total Conductor Temperature, 610 mm/sec (2 ft/sec) Wind Velocity

Copper Conductors AAC Aluminum Conductors

Bare Covered Bare Covered

AWG or AWG or AWG or AWG or

kcmil Amperes kcmil Amperes kcmil Amperes kcmil Amperes

8 98 8 103 8 76 8 80
6 124 6 130 6 96 6 101
4 155 4 163 4 121 4 127
2 209 2 219 2 163 2 171
1/0 282 1/0 297 1/0 220 1/0 231
2/0 329 2/0 344 2/0 255 2/0 268
3/0 382 3/0 401 3/0 297 3/0 312
4/0 444 4/0 466 4/0 346 4/0 364
250 494 250 519 266.8 403 266.8 423
300 556 300 584 336.4 468 336.4 492
500 773 500 812 397.5 522 397.5 548
750 1000 750 1050 477.0 588 477.0 617
1000 1193 1000 1253 556.5 650 556.5 682
— — — — 636.0 709 636.0 744
— — — — 795.0 819 795.0 860
— — — — 954.0 920 — —
— — — — 1033.5 968 1033.5 1017
— — — — 1272 1103 1272 1201
— — — — 1590 1267 1590 1381
— — — — 2000 1454 2000 1527

310.60 Conductors Rated 2001 to 35,000 Volts. (C) Tables. Ampacities for conductors rated 2001 to
35,000 volts shall be as specified in the Ampacity Tables
(A) Definitions.
310.67 through 310.86. Ampacities at ambient temperatures
Electrical Ducts. As used in Article 310, electrical ducts other than those shown in the tables shall be determined by
shall include any of the electrical conduits recognized in the formula in 310.60(C)(4).
Chapter 3 as suitable for use underground; other raceways FPN No. 1: For ampacities calculated in accordance with
round in cross section, listed for underground use, and em- 310.60(B), reference IEEE 835-1994 (IPCEA Pub. No.
bedded in earth or concrete. P-46-426), Standard Power Cable Ampacity Tables, and the
references therein for availability of all factors and
Thermal Resistivity. As used in this Code, the heat trans- constants.
fer capability through a substance by conduction. It is the
FPN No. 2: Ampacities provided by this section do not
reciprocal of thermal conductivity and is designated Rho take voltage drop into consideration. See 210.19(A), FPN
and expressed in the units °C-cm/watt. No. 4, for branch circuits and 215.2(D), FPN No. 2, for
feeders.
(B) Ampacities of Conductors Rated 2001 to 35,000
Volts. Ampacities for solid dielectric-insulated conductors (1) Grounded Shields. Ampacities shown in Tables
shall be permitted to be determined by tables or under en- 310.69, 310.70, 310.81, and 310.82 are for cable with
gineering supervision, as provided in 310.60(C) and (D). shields grounded at one point only. Where shields are
grounded at more than one point, ampacities shall be ad-
(1) Selection of Ampacity. Where more than one calcu-
justed to take into consideration the heating due to shield
lated or tabulated ampacity could apply for a given circuit
currents.
length, the lowest value shall be used.
Exception: Where two different ampacities apply to adja- (2) Burial Depth of Underground Circuits. Where the
cent portions of a circuit, the higher ampacity shall be burial depth of direct burial or electrical duct bank circuits
permitted to be used beyond the point of transition, a dis- is modified from the values shown in a figure or table,
tance equal to 3.0 m (10 ft) or 10 percent of the circuit ampacities shall be permitted to be modified as indicated in
length figured at the higher ampacity, whichever is less. (a) and (b).
FPN: See 110.40 for conductor temperature limitations due (a) Where burial depths are increased in part(s) of an
to termination provisions. electrical duct run, no decrease in ampacity of the conduc-

2002 Edition NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

 ARTICLE 310 — CONDUCTORS FOR GENERAL WIRING 70–151

tors is needed, provided the total length of parts of the duct (3) Electrical Ducts in Figure 310.60. At locations where
run increased in depth is less than 25 percent of the total electrical ducts enter equipment enclosures from under-
run length. ground, spacing between such ducts, as shown in Figure
(b) Where burial depths are deeper than shown in a 310.60, shall be permitted to be reduced without requiring
specific underground ampacity table or figure, an ampacity the ampacity of conductors therein to be reduced.
derating factor of 6 percent per 300-mm (1-ft) increase in
depth for all values of rho shall be permitted. (4) Ambients Not in Tables. Ampacities at ambient tem-
peratures other than those shown in the tables shall be de-
No rating change is needed where the burial depth is termined by means of the following formula:
decreased.

190 mm (7.5 in.)

190 mm
(7.5 in.)

190 mm
(7.5 in.)
Detail 1 190 mm
(7.5 in.)

190 mm
(7.5 in.)
290 mm × 290 mm
(11.5 in. × 11.5 in.) 190 mm (7.5 in.)
Electrical duct bank
One electrical duct Detail 2
475 mm × 475 mm
(19 in. × 19 in.)
Electrical duct bank 190 mm (7.5 in.) 190 mm 190 mm
Three electrical ducts (7.5 in.) (7.5 in.)
Detail 3
or 475 mm × 675 mm Detail 4
(19 in. × 27 in.) 675 mm × 675 mm
Electrical duct bank (27 in. × 27 in.)
Six electrical ducts Electrical duct bank
or Nine electrical ducts
190 mm 190 mm
190 mm (7.5 in.)

(7.5 in.) (7.5 in.)

675 mm × 290 mm
(27 in. × 11.5 in.)
Electrical duct bank
Three electrical ducts
190 mm 190 mm
(7.5 in.) (7.5 in.)
675 mm × 475 mm
(27 in. × 19 in.)
Electrical duct bank
Six electrical ducts
600 mm 600 mm
(24 in.) (24 in.)

Detail 5 Detail 6 Detail 7 Detail 8

Buried 3 Buried 3 Buried triplexed Buried triplexed
conductor conductor cables (1 circuit) cables (2 circuits)
cable cables
190 mm 190 mm 190 mm 190 mm 190 mm 190 mm
(7.5 in.) (7.5 in.) (7.5 in.) (7.5 in.) 600 mm (7.5 in.) (7.5 in.)
(24 in.)

Detail 9 Detail 10
Buried single-conductor Buried single-conductor
cables (1 circuit) cables (2 circuits)

Legend
Backfill
Note: Minimum burial depths to top electrical ducts or cables shall be in (earth or concrete)
accordance with Section 300.50. Maximum depth to the top of
electrical duct banks shall be 750 mm (30 in.) and maximum depth Electrical duct
to the top of direct buried cables shall be 900 mm (36 in.). Cable or cables

Figure 310.60 Cable installation dimensions for use with Tables 310.77 through 310.86.

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2002 Edition

70–152 ARTICLE 310 — CONDUCTORS FOR GENERAL WIRING

Table 310.61 Conductor Application and Insulation

Maximum
Operating Applica-
Trade Type Tempera- tion Outer
Name Letter ture Provision Insulation Covering where:
I1 =ampacity from tables at ambient TA1
Medium MV-90 90°C Dry or wet Thermo- Jacket, I2 =ampacity at desired ambient TA2
voltage MV−105* 105°C locations plastic sheath,
solid rated or or TC = conductor temperature in degrees Celsius (°C)
dielectric 2001 thermo- armor TA1 = surrounding ambient from tables in degrees
volts setting
and Celsius (°C)
higher TA2 = desired ambient in degrees Celsius (°C)
*Where design conditions require maximum conductor temperatures
∆TD = dielectric loss temperature rise
above 90°C.
(D) Engineering Supervision. Under engineering supervi-
sion, conductor ampacities shall be permitted to be calcu-
Table 310.62 Thickness of Insulation for 601- to 2000-Volt
Nonshielded Types RHH and RHW
lated by means of the following general formula:

Column A1 Column B2
Conductor Size
(AWG or kcmil) mm mils mm mils

14–10 2.03 80 1.52 60 where:

8 2.03 80 1.78 70 TC = conductor temperature in °C
6–2 2.41 95 1.78 70 TA = ambient temperature in °C
1–2/0 2.79 110 2.29 90 ∆TD = dielectric loss temperature rise
3/0–4/0 2.79 110 2.29 90
RDC = dc resistance of conductor at temperature TC
213–500 3.18 125 2.67 105
501–1000 3.56 140 3.05 120 YC = component ac resistance resulting from skin
effect and proximity effect
1
Column A insulations are limited to natural, SBR, and butyl rubbers. RCA = effective thermal resistance between conductor
2
Column B insulations are materials such as cross-linked polyethyl- and surrounding ambient
ene, ethylene propylene rubber, and composites thereof.
FPN: See Annex B for examples of formula applications.

Table 310.63 Thickness of Insulation and Jacket for Nonshielded Solid Dielectric Insulated
Conductors Rated 2001 to 8000 Volts

2001–5000 Volts

5001–8000 Volts 100 Percent Insulation

Dry Locations, Single Conductor Wet or Dry Locations Level Wet or Dry Locations

Without With Jacket Single Conductor Multi- Single Conductor Multi-

Con-
ductor Jacket conductor conductor
Size Insulation Insulation Jacket Insulation Jacket Insulation* Insulation Jacket Insulation*
(AWG or
kcmil) mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils

8 2.79 110 2.29 90 0.76 30 3.18 125 2.03 80 2.29 90 4.57 180 2.03 80 4.57 180
6 2.79 110 2.29 90 0.76 30 3.18 125 2.03 80 2.29 90 4.57 180 2.03 80 4.57 180
4–2 2.79 110 2.29 90 1.14 45 3.18 125 2.03 80 2.29 90 4.57 180 2.41 95 4.57 180
1–2/0 2.79 110 2.29 90 1.14 45 3.18 125 2.03 80 2.29 90 4.57 180 2.41 95 4.57 180
3/0–4/0 2.79 110 2.29 90 1.65 65 3.18 125 2.41 95 2.29 90 4.57 180 2.79 110 4.57 180
213–500 3.05 120 2.29 90 1.65 65 3.56 140 2.79 110 2.29 90 5.33 210 2.79 110 5.33 210
501–750 3.30 130 2.29 90 1.65 65 3.94 155 3.18 125 2.29 90 5.97 235 3.18 125 5.97 235
751–1000 3.30 130 2.29 90 1.65 65 3.94 155 3.18 125 2.29 90 6.35 250 3.56 140 6.35 250

*Under a common overall covering such as a jacket, sheath, or armor.

2002 Edition NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

 ARTICLE 310 — CONDUCTORS FOR GENERAL WIRING 70–153

Table 310.64 Thickness of Insulation for Shielded Solid Dielectric Insulated

Conductors Rated 2001 to 35,000 Volts

5001–8000 8001–15,000 15,001–25,000

Volts Volts Volts 25,001–28,000 Volts 28,001–35,000 Volts

100 133 100 133 100 133 100 133 100 133
Con- Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent
ductor 2001– Insulation Insulation Insulation Insulation Insulation Insulation Insulation Insulation Insulation Insulation
Size 5000 Volts Level 1 Level 2 Level 1 Level 2 Level 1 Level 2 Level 1 Level 2 Level 1 Level 2
(AWG
or
kcmil) mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils mm mils

8 2.29 90 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
6–4 2.29 90 2.92 115 3.56 140 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
2 2.29 90 2.92 115 3.56 140 4.45 175 5.46 215 — — — — — — — — — — — —
1 2.29 90 2.92 115 3.56 140 4.45 175 5.46 215 6.60 260 8.76 345 7.11 280 8.76 345 — — — —
1/0–2000 2.29 90 2.92 115 3.56 140 4.45 175 5.46 215 6.60 260 8.76 345 7.11 280 8.76 345 8.76 345 10.67 420
1
100 Percent Insulation Level. Cables in this category shall be permitted to be applied where the system is provided with relay protection such that ground
faults will be cleared as rapidly as possible but, in any case, within 1 minute. While these cables are applicable to the great majority of cable installations
that are on grounded systems, they shall be permitted to be used also on other systems for which the application of cables is acceptable, provided the above
clearing requirements are met in completely de-energizing the faulted section.
2
133 Percent Insulation Level. This insulation level corresponds to that formerly designated for ungrounded systems. Cables in this category shall be
permitted to be applied in situations where the clearing time requirements of the 100 percent level category cannot be met and yet there is adequate assurance
that the faulted section will be de-energized in a time not exceeding 1 hour. Also, they shall be permitted to be used where additional insulation strength over
the 100 percent level category is desirable.

Table 310.67 Ampacities of Insulated Single Copper Table 310.68 Ampacities of Insulated Single Aluminum
Conductor Cables Triplexed in Air Based on Conductor Conductor Cables Triplexed in Air Based on Conductor
Temperatures of 90°C (194°F) and 105°C (221°F) and Temperatures of 90°C (194°F) and 105°C (221°F) and
Ambient Air Temperature of 40°C (104°F) Ambient Air Temperature of 40°C (104°F)

Temperature Rating of Conductor Temperature Rating of Conductor

(See Table 310.61.) (See Table 310.61.)

2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts 2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts

Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity

90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C

Conductor (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F) Conductor (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F)
Size (AWG Type Type Type Type Size (AWG Type Type Type Type
or kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105 or kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105

8 65 74 — — 8 50 57 — —
6 90 99 100 110 6 70 77 75 84
4 120 130 130 140 4 90 100 100 110
2 160 175 170 195 2 125 135 130 150
1 185 205 195 225 1 145 160 150 175

1/0 215 240 225 255 1/0 170 185 175 200
2/0 250 275 260 295 2/0 195 215 200 230
3/0 290 320 300 340 3/0 225 250 230 265
4/0 335 375 345 390 4/0 265 290 270 305

250 375 415 380 430 250 295 325 300 335
350 465 515 470 525 350 365 405 370 415
500 580 645 580 650 500 460 510 460 515
750 750 835 730 820 750 600 665 590 660
1000 880 980 850 950 1000 715 800 700 780

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2002 Edition

70–154 ARTICLE 310 — CONDUCTORS FOR GENERAL WIRING

Table 310.69 Ampacities of Insulated Single Copper Table 310.71 Ampacities of an Insulated Three-Conductor
Conductor Isolated in Air Based on Conductor Temperatures Copper Cable Isolated in Air Based on Conductor
of 90°C (194°F) and 105°C (221°F) and Ambient Air Temperatures of 90°C (194°F) and 105°C (221°F) and
Temperature of 40°C (104°F) Ambient Air Temperature of 40°C (104°F)

Temperature Rating of Conductor Temperature Rating of Conductor

(See Table 310.61.) (See Table 310.61.)

2001–5000 Volts 5001–15,000 15,001–35,000 2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts

Ampacity Volts Ampacity Volts Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity
Con-
ductor 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C
Size (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F) Conductor (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F)
(AWG or Type Type Type Type Type Type Size (AWG Type Type Type Type
kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105 or kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105

8 83 93 — — — — 8 59 66 — —
6 110 120 110 125 — — 6 79 88 93 105
4 145 160 150 165 — — 4 105 115 120 135
2 190 215 195 215 — — 2 140 154 165 185
1 225 250 225 250 225 250 1 160 180 185 210

1/0 260 290 260 290 260 290 1/0 185 205 215 240
2/0 300 330 300 335 300 330 2/0 215 240 245 275
3/0 345 385 345 385 345 380 3/0 250 280 285 315
4/0 400 445 400 445 395 445 4/0 285 320 325 360

250 445 495 445 495 440 490 250 320 355 360 400
350 550 615 550 610 545 605 350 395 440 435 490
500 695 775 685 765 680 755 500 485 545 535 600
750 900 1000 885 990 870 970 750 615 685 670 745
1000 705 790 770 860
1000 1075 1200 1060 1185 1040 1160
1250 1230 1370 1210 1350 1185 1320
1500 1365 1525 1345 1500 1315 1465
1750 1495 1665 1470 1640 1430 1595
2000 1605 1790 1575 1755 1535 1710
Table 310.72 Ampacities of an Insulated Three-Conductor
Aluminum Cable Isolated in Air Based on Conductor
Table 310.70 Ampacities of Insulated Single Aluminum Temperatures of 90°C (194°F) and 105°C (221°F) and
Conductor Isolated in Air Based on Conductor Temperatures Ambient Air Temperature of 40°C (104°F)
of 90°C (194°F) and 105°C (221°F) and Ambient Air
Temperature of 40°C (104°F) Temperature Rating of Conductor
(See Table 310.61.)

Temperature Rating of Conductor 2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts

(See Table 310.61.) Ampacity Ampacity

2001–5000 Volts 5001–15,000 15,001–35,000 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C

Ampacity Volts Ampacity Volts Ampacity Conductor (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F)
Con- Size (AWG Type Type Type Type
ductor 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C or kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105
Size (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F)
(AWG or Type Type Type Type Type Type 8 46 51 — —
kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105 6 61 68 72 80
4 81 90 95 105
8 64 71 — — — — 2 110 120 125 145
6 85 95 87 97 — — 1 125 140 145 165
4 115 125 115 130 — —
2 150 165 150 170 — — 1/0 145 160 170 185
1 175 195 175 195 175 195 2/0 170 185 190 215

1/0 200 225 200 225 200 225 3/0 195 215 220 245
2/0 230 260 235 260 230 260 4/0 225 250 255 285
3/0 270 300 270 300 270 300
4/0 310 350 310 350 310 345 250 250 280 280 315
350 310 345 345 385
250 345 385 345 385 345 380 500 385 430 425 475
350 430 480 430 480 430 475 750 495 550 540 600
500 545 605 535 600 530 590 1000 585 650 635 705
750 710 790 700 780 685 765

1000 855 950 840 940 825 920

1250 980 1095 970 1080 950 1055
1500 1105 1230 1085 1215 1060 1180
1750 1215 1355 1195 1335 1165 1300
2000 1320 1475 1295 1445 1265 1410

2002 Edition NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

 ARTICLE 310 — CONDUCTORS FOR GENERAL WIRING 70–155

Table 310.73 Ampacities of an Insulated Triplexed or Three Table 310.75 Ampacities of an Insulated Three-Conductor
Single-Conductor Copper Cables in Isolated Conduit in Air Copper Cable in Isolated Conduit in Air Based on
Based on Conductor Temperatures of 90°C (194°F) and 105°C Conductor Temperatures of 90°C (194°F) and 105°C (221°F)
(221°F) and Ambient Air Temperature of 40°C (104°F) and Ambient Air Temperature of 40°C (104°F)

Temperature Rating of Conductor Temperature Rating of Conductor

(See Table 310.61.) (See Table 310.61.)

2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts 2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts

Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity

90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C

Conductor (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F) Conductor (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F)
Size (AWG Type Type Type Type Size (AWG Type Type Type Type
or kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105 or kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105

8 55 61 — — 8 52 58 — —
6 75 84 83 93 6 69 77 83 92
4 97 110 110 120 4 91 100 105 120
2 130 145 150 165 2 125 135 145 165
1 155 175 170 190 1 140 155 165 185

1/0 180 200 195 215 1/0 165 185 195 215
2/0 205 225 225 255 2/0 190 210 220 245
3/0 240 270 260 290 3/0 220 245 250 280
4/0 280 305 295 330 4/0 255 285 290 320

250 315 355 330 365 250 280 315 315 350
350 385 430 395 440 350 350 390 385 430
500 475 530 480 535 500 425 475 470 525
750 600 665 585 655 750 525 585 570 635
1000 690 770 675 755 1000 590 660 650 725

Table 310.74 Ampacities of an Insulated Triplexed or Three Table 310.76 Ampacities of an Insulated Three-Conductor
Single-Conductor Aluminum Cables in Isolated Conduit in Aluminum Cable in Isolated Conduit in Air Based on
Air Based on Conductor Temperatures of 90°C (194°F) and Conductor Temperatures of 90°C (194°F) and 105°C (221°F)
105°C (221°F) and Ambient Air Temperature of 40°C and Ambient Air Temperature of 40°C (104°F)
(104°F)
Temperature Rating of Conductor
Temperature Rating of Conductor (See Table 310.61.)
(See Table 310.61.)
2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts
Ampacity Ampacity
2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts
Ampacity Ampacity
90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C
Conductor (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F)
90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C Size (AWG Type Type Type Type
Conductor (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F) or kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105
Size (AWG Type Type Type Type
or kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105 8 41 46 — —
6 53 59 64 71
8 43 48 — — 4 71 79 84 94
6 58 65 65 72 2 96 105 115 125
4 76 85 84 94 1 110 125 130 145
2 100 115 115 130
1 120 135 130 150 1/0 130 145 150 170
2/0 150 165 170 190
3/0 170 190 195 220
1/0 140 155 150 170 4/0 200 225 225 255
2/0 160 175 175 200
3/0 190 210 200 225 250 220 245 250 280
4/0 215 240 230 260 350 275 305 305 340
500 340 380 380 425
250 250 280 255 290 750 430 480 470 520
350 305 340 310 350 1000 505 560 550 615
500 380 425 385 430
750 490 545 485 540
1000 580 645 565 640

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2002 Edition

70–156 ARTICLE 310 — CONDUCTORS FOR GENERAL WIRING

Table 310.77 Ampacities of Three Single-Insulated Copper Table 310.78 Ampacities of Three Single-Insulated
Conductors in Underground Electrical Ducts (Three Aluminum Conductors in Underground Electrical Ducts
Conductors per Electrical Duct) Based on Ambient Earth (Three Conductors per Electrical Duct) Based on Ambient
Temperature of 20°C (68°F), Electrical Duct Arrangement Earth Temperature of 20°C (68°F), Electrical Duct
per Figure 310.60, 100 Percent Load Factor, Thermal Arrangement per Figure 310.60, 100 Percent Load Factor,
Resistance (RHO) of 90, Conductor Temperatures of 90°C Thermal Resistance (RHO) of 90, Conductor Temperatures
(194°F) and 105°C (221°F) of 90°C (194°F) and 105°C (221°F)

Temperature Rating of Conductor Temperature Rating of Conductor

(See Table 310.61.) (See Table 310.61.)

2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts 2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts

Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity

90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C

(194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F) Conductor (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F)
Conductor Size Type Type Type Type Size (AWG Type Type Type Type
(AWG or kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105 or kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105

One Circuit (See Figure One Circuit (See Figure

310.60, Detail 1.) 310.60, Detail 1.)

8 64 69 — — 8 50 54 — —
6 85 92 90 97 6 66 71 70 75
4 110 120 115 125 4 86 93 91 98
2 145 155 155 165 2 115 125 120 130
1 170 180 175 185 1 130 140 135 145

1/0 195 210 200 215 1/0 150 160 155 165
2/0 220 235 230 245 2/0 170 185 175 190
3/0 250 270 260 275 3/0 195 210 200 215
4/0 290 310 295 315 4/0 225 245 230 245

250 320 345 325 345 250 250 270 250 270
350 385 415 390 415 350 305 325 305 330
500 470 505 465 500 500 370 400 370 400
750 585 630 565 610 750 470 505 455 490
1000 670 720 640 690 1000 545 590 525 565

Three Circuits (See Figure Three Circuits (See Figure

310.60, Detail 2.) 310.60, Detail 2.)

8 56 60 — — 8 44 47 — —
6 73 79 77 83 6 57 61 60 65
4 95 100 99 105 4 74 80 77 83
2 125 130 130 135 2 96 105 100 105
1 140 150 145 155 1 110 120 110 120

1/0 160 175 165 175 1/0 125 135 125 140
2/0 185 195 185 200 2/0 145 155 145 155
3/0 210 225 210 225 3/0 160 175 165 175
4/0 235 255 240 255 4/0 185 200 185 200

250 260 280 260 280 250 205 220 200 220
350 315 335 310 330 350 245 265 245 260
500 375 405 370 395 500 295 320 290 315
750 460 495 440 475 750 370 395 355 385
1000 525 565 495 535 1000 425 460 405 440

Six Circuits (See Figure Six Circuits (See Figure

310.60, Detail 3.) 310.60, Detail 3.)

8 48 52 — — 8 38 41 — —
6 62 67 64 68 6 48 52 50 54
4 80 86 82 88 4 62 67 64 69
2 80 86 80 88
2 105 110 105 115 1 91 98 90 99
1 115 125 120 125
1/0 105 110 105 110
1/0 135 145 135 145 2/0 115 125 115 125
2/0 150 160 150 165 3/0 135 145 130 145
3/0 170 185 170 185 4/0 150 165 150 160
4/0 195 210 190 205
250 165 180 165 175
250 210 225 210 225 350 195 210 195 210
350 250 270 245 265 500 240 255 230 250
500 300 325 290 310 750 290 315 280 305
750 365 395 350 375 1000 335 360 320 345
1000 410 445 390 415

2002 Edition NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

 ARTICLE 310 — CONDUCTORS FOR GENERAL WIRING 70–157

Table 310.79 Ampacities of Three Insulated Copper Table 310.80 Ampacities of Three Insulated Aluminum
Conductors Cabled Within an Overall Covering Conductors Cabled Within an Overall Covering
(Three-Conductor Cable) in Underground Electrical Ducts (Three-Conductor Cable) in Underground Electrical Ducts
(One Cable per Electrical Duct) Based on Ambient Earth (One Cable per Electrical Duct) Based on Ambient Earth
Temperature of 20°C (68°F), Electrical Duct Arrangement Temperature of 20°C (68°F), Electrical Duct Arrangement
per Figure 310.60, 100 Percent Load Factor, Thermal per Figure 310.60, 100 Percent Load Factor, Thermal
Resistance (RHO) of 90, Conductor Temperatures of 90°C Resistance (RHO) of 90, Conductor Temperatures of 90°C
(194°F) and 105°C (221°C) (194°F) and 105°C (221°C)

Temperature Rating of Conductor Temperature Rating of Conductor

(See Table 310.61.) (See Table 310.61.)

2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts 2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts

Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity

90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C

Conductor Size (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F) Conductor Size (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F)
(AWG or Type Type Type Type (AWG or Type Type Type Type
kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105 kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105

One Circuit (See Figure One Circuit (See Figure

310.60, Detail 1.) 310.60, Detail 1.)

8 59 64 — — 8 46 50 — —
6 78 84 88 95 6 61 66 69 74
4 100 110 115 125 4 80 86 89 96
2 135 145 150 160 2 105 110 115 125
1 155 165 170 185 1 120 130 135 145

1/0 175 190 195 210 1/0 140 150 150 165
2/0 200 220 220 235 2/0 160 170 170 185
3/0 230 250 250 270 3/0 180 195 195 210
4/0 265 285 285 305 4/0 205 220 220 240

250 290 315 310 335 250 230 245 245 265
350 355 380 375 400 350 280 310 295 315
500 430 460 450 485 500 340 365 355 385
750 530 570 545 585 750 425 460 440 475
1000 600 645 615 660 1000 495 535 510 545

Three Circuits (See Figure Three Circuits (See Figure

310.60, Detail 2.) 310.60, Detail 2.)

8 53 57 — — 8 41 44 — —
6 69 74 75 81 6 54 58 59 64
4 89 96 97 105 4 70 75 75 81
2 115 125 125 135 2 90 97 100 105
1 135 145 140 155 1 105 110 110 120

1/0 150 165 160 175 1/0 120 125 125 135
2/0 170 185 185 195 2/0 135 145 140 155
3/0 195 210 205 220 3/0 155 165 160 175
4/0 225 240 230 250 4/0 175 185 180 195

250 245 265 255 270 250 190 205 200 215
350 295 315 305 325 350 230 250 240 255
500 355 380 360 385 500 280 300 285 305
750 430 465 430 465 750 345 375 350 375
1000 485 520 485 515 1000 400 430 400 430

Six Circuits (See Figure Six Circuits (See Figure

310.60, Detail 3.) 310.60, Detail 3.)

8 46 50 — — 8 36 39 — —
6 60 65 63 68 6 46 50 49 53
4 77 83 81 87 4 60 65 63 68
2 98 105 105 110 2 77 83 80 86
1 110 120 115 125 1 87 94 90 98

1/0 125 135 130 145 1/0 99 105 105 110

2/0 145 155 150 160 2/0 110 120 115 125
3/0 165 175 170 180 3/0 130 140 130 140
4/0 185 200 190 200 4/0 145 155 150 160

250 200 220 205 220 250 160 170 160 170
350 240 270 245 275 350 190 205 190 205
500 290 310 290 305 500 230 245 230 245
750 350 375 340 365 750 280 305 275 295
1000 390 420 380 405 1000 320 345 315 335

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2002 Edition

70–158 ARTICLE 310 — CONDUCTORS FOR GENERAL WIRING

Table 310.81 Ampacities of Single Insulated Copper Table 310.82 Ampacities of Single Insulated Aluminum
Conductors Directly Buried in Earth Based on Ambient Earth Conductors Directly Buried in Earth Based on Ambient Earth
Temperature of 20°C (68°F), Arrangement per Figure 310.60, Temperature of 20°C (68°F), Arrangement per Figure 310.60,
100 Percent Load Factor, Thermal Resistance (RHO) of 90, 100 Percent Load Factor, Thermal Resistance (RHO) of 90,
Conductor Temperatures of 90°C (194°F) and 105°C (221°C) Conductor Temperatures of 90°C (194°F) and 105°C (221°F)

Temperature Rating of Conductor Temperature Rating of Conductor

(See Table 310.61.) (See Table 310.61)

2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts 2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts

Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity

90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C

Conductor Size (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F) Conductor Size (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F)
(AWG or Type Type Type Type (AWG or Type Type Type Type
kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105 kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105

One Circuit, Three One Circuit, Three

Conductors (See Figure Conductors (See Figure
310.60, Detail 9.) 310.60, Detail 9.)

8 110 115 — — 8 85 90 — —
6 140 150 130 140 6 110 115 100 110
4 180 195 170 180 4 140 150 130 140
2 230 250 210 225 2 180 195 165 175
1 260 280 240 260 1 205 220 185 200

1/0 295 320 275 295 1/0 230 250 215 230
2/0 335 365 310 335 2/0 265 285 245 260
3/0 385 415 355 380 3/0 300 320 275 295
4/0 435 465 405 435 4/0 340 365 315 340

250 470 510 440 475 250 370 395 345 370
350 570 615 535 575 350 445 480 415 450
500 690 745 650 700 500 540 580 510 545
750 845 910 805 865 750 665 720 635 680
1000 980 1055 930 1005 1000 780 840 740 795

Two Circuits, Six Two Circuits, Six

Conductors (See Figure Conductors (See Figure
310.60, Detail 10.) 310.60, Detail 10.)

8 100 110 — — 8 80 85 — —
6 130 140 120 130 6 100 110 95 100
4 165 180 160 170 4 130 140 125 130
2 215 230 195 210 2 165 180 155 165
1 240 260 225 240 1 190 200 175 190

1/0 275 295 255 275 1/0 215 230 200 215
2/0 310 335 290 315 2/0 245 260 225 245
3/0 355 380 330 355 3/0 275 295 255 275
4/0 400 430 375 405 4/0 310 335 290 315

250 435 470 410 440 250 340 365 320 345
350 520 560 495 530 350 410 440 385 415
500 630 680 600 645 500 495 530 470 505
750 775 835 740 795 750 610 655 580 625
1000 890 960 855 920 1000 710 765 680 730

2002 Edition NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

 ARTICLE 310 — CONDUCTORS FOR GENERAL WIRING 70–159

Table 310.83 Ampacities of Three Insulated Copper Table 310.84 Ampacities of Three Insulated Aluminum
Conductors Cabled Within an Overall Covering Conductors Cabled Within an Overall Covering
(Three-Conductor Cable), Directly Buried in Earth Based on (Three-Conductor Cable), Directly Buried in Earth Based on
Ambient Earth Temperature of 20°C (68°F), Arrangement Ambient Earth Temperature of 20°C (68°F), Arrangement
per Figure 310.60, 100 Percent Load Factor, Thermal per Figure 310.60, 100 Percent Load Factor, Thermal
Resistance (RHO) of 90, Conductor Temperatures of 90°C Resistance (RHO) of 90, Conductor Temperatures of 90°C
(194°F) and 105°C (221°F) (194°F) and 105°C (221°F)

Temperature Rating of Conductor (See Table Temperature Rating of Conductor (See Table
310.61.) 310.61.)

2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts 2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts

Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity

90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C

(194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F) Conductor Size (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F)
Conductor Size Type Type Type Type (AWG or Type Type Type Type
(AWG or kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105 kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105

One Circuit (See Figure One Circuit (See Figure

310.60, Detail 5.) 310.60, Detail 5.)

8 85 89 — — 8 65 70 — —
6 105 115 115 120 6 80 88 90 95
4 135 150 145 155 4 105 115 115 125
2 180 190 185 200 2 140 150 145 155
1 200 215 210 225 1 155 170 165 175

1/0 230 245 240 255 1/0 180 190 185 200
2/0 260 280 270 290 2/0 205 220 210 225
3/0 295 320 305 330 3/0 230 250 240 260
4/0 335 360 350 375 4/0 260 280 270 295

250 365 395 380 410 250 285 310 300 320
350 440 475 460 495 350 345 375 360 390
500 530 570 550 590 500 420 450 435 470
750 650 700 665 720 750 520 560 540 580
1000 730 785 750 810 1000 600 650 620 665

Two Circuits (See Figure Two Circuits (See Figure

310.60, Detail 10.) 310.60, Detail 6.)

8 80 84 — — 8 60 66 — —
6 100 105 105 115 6 75 83 80 95
4 130 140 135 145 4 100 110 105 115
2 165 180 170 185 2 130 140 135 145
1 185 200 195 210 1 145 155 150 165

1/0 215 230 220 235 1/0 165 180 170 185
2/0 240 260 250 270 2/0 190 205 195 210
3/0 275 295 280 305 3/0 215 230 220 240
4/0 310 335 320 345 4/0 245 260 250 270

250 340 365 350 375 250 265 285 275 295
350 410 440 420 450 350 320 345 330 355
500 490 525 500 535 500 385 415 395 425
750 595 640 605 650 750 480 515 485 525
1000 665 715 675 730 1000 550 590 560 600

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2002 Edition

70–160 ARTICLE 310 — CONDUCTORS FOR GENERAL WIRING

Table 310.85 Ampacities of Three Triplexed Single Insulated Table 310.86 Ampacities of Three Triplexed Single Insulated
Copper Conductors Directly Buried in Earth Based on Aluminum Conductors Directly Buried in Earth Based on
Ambient Earth Temperature of 20°C (68°F), Arrangement Ambient Earth Temperature of 20°C (68°F), Arrangement
per Figure 310.60, 100 Percent Load Factor, Thermal per Figure 310.60, 100 Percent Load Factor, Thermal
Resistance (RHO) of 90, Conductor Temperatures 90°C Resistance (RHO) of 90, Conductor Temperatures 90°C
(194°F) and 105°C (221°F) (194°F) and 105°C (221°F)

Temperature Rating of Conductor Temperature Rating of Conductor

(See Table 310.61.) (See Table 310.61.)
2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts 2001–5000 Volts 5001–35,000 Volts
Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity Ampacity
90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C 90°C 105°C
Conductor (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F) Conductor (194°F) (221°F) (194°F) (221°F)
Size (AWG or Type Type Type Type Size (AWG or Type Type Type Type
kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105 kcmil) MV-90 MV-105 MV-90 MV-105
One Circuit, Three One Circuit, Three
Conductors (See Figure Conductors (See Figure
310.60, Detail 7.) 310.60, Detail 7.)

8 90 95 — — 8 70 75 — —
6 120 130 115 120 6 90 100 90 95
4 150 165 150 160 4 120 130 115 125
2 195 205 190 205 2 155 165 145 155
1 225 240 215 230 1 175 190 165 175

1/0 255 270 245 260 1/0 200 210 190 205
2/0 290 310 275 295 2/0 225 240 215 230
3/0 330 360 315 340 3/0 255 275 245 265
4/0 375 405 360 385 4/0 290 310 280 305

250 410 445 390 410 250 320 350 305 325
350 490 580 470 505 350 385 420 370 400
500 590 635 565 605 500 465 500 445 480
750 725 780 685 740 750 580 625 550 590
1000 825 885 770 830 1000 670 725 635 680

Two Circuits, Six Two Circuits, Six

Conductors (See Figure Conductors (See Figure
310.60, Detail 8.) 310.60, Detail 8.)

8 85 90 — — 8 65 70 — —
6 110 115 105 115 6 85 95 85 90
4 140 150 140 150 4 110 120 105 115
2 180 195 175 190 2 140 150 135 145
1 205 220 200 215 1 160 170 155 170

1/0 235 250 225 240 1/0 180 195 175 190
2/0 265 285 255 275 2/0 205 220 200 215
3/0 300 320 290 315 3/0 235 250 225 245
4/0 340 365 325 350 4/0 265 285 255 275

250 370 395 355 380 250 290 310 280 300
350 445 480 425 455 350 350 375 335 360
500 535 575 510 545 500 420 455 405 435
750 650 700 615 660 750 520 560 485 525
1000 740 795 690 745 1000 600 645 565 605

2002 Edition NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE