In case the heat produced is more than what the cable can handle thermally, the insulation can be damaged, its life expectancy can be shortened, or the whole thing can fail miserably. The temperature rise is influenced greatly by the environmental conditions, methods of installation, thermal resistivity of the soil, grouping effects, and construction of the cables. The IEC 60287 offers standardized thermal calculation models which are used to assist engineers in finding out the allowable current ratings given the design of the cable, installation setting, and the environment. This standard is mostly applied in power distribution, industrial installations, renewable energy projects, and utility networks.
Get Certified IEC 60287-Compliant Cable Design
Although not a certification standard, IEC 60287 is a standard of calculation, and therefore, its adherence guarantees adherence to internationally accepted engineering principles in the calculations of the cable sizes and ampacity. ICC manufacturers and consultants adopt IEC 60287 to confirm safe cable behaviour as well as prove compliance with regulations of electrical design.
IEC 60287 Key Calculation Parameters
| Conductor Resistance | Electrical resistance at operating temperature |
| Insulation Thermal Resistivity | Heat transfer property of insulation material |
| Installation Method | Buried, in air, ducts, trays, or grouped |
| Loss Factors | Dielectric losses, sheath losses, armor losses |
| Maximum Operating Temperature | Permissible conductor temperature |
