TAG CORPORATION

PROCEDURE:

TAG/TM/AMP/01 REV.00

CHENNAI 600 044

DATE:

10.02.2014

Test Method for Ampacity for Aluminium Stranded Conductors used for
Overhead Transmission
1. Scope:
This procedure covers the requirements and tests for Ampacity for the aluminium stranded
conductors used for overhead transmission purposes.

2. References:
IEEE 848 standard is used as a reference.

3. Terminology:
Ampacity is defined as the maximum amount of electrical current a conductor or device can carry
before sustaining immediate or progressive deterioration. Ampacity is the current in amperes that a
conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature
rating. As the conductor heats up, the current carrying capacity goes down. If you overload the
capacity of the conductors, they will heat up and short out.
The conductor ampacities are based on four determining factors:
- Ambient temperature;
- Internal conductor heat (based on load current);
- Rate of heat dissipation; and
- Effect of adjacent load carrying conductors.
The ampacity for a conductor is based on physical and electrical properties of the material and
construction of the conductor and of its insulation, ambient temperature, and environmental
conditions adjacent to the conductor.
The allowed current in a conductor generally needs to be decreased (derated) when conductors are
in a grouping or cable, enclosed in conduit, or an enclosure restricting heat dissipation.

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TAG CORPORATION

PROCEDURE:

TAG/TM/AMP/01 REV.00

CHENNAI 600 044

DATE:

10.02.2014

4. Test Specimen Preparation:

Test conductor of length 5000 mm approx are taken and crimped using suitable steel links and
accessories for proper fixing in the connections. Any oxidized layer may be removed by grinding the
joints using emery paper for better contact and conductivity.
Note the test conductor details as listed below and record;
Type of conductor
Identification of conductor
Length of conductor in mm used for test
Any other details of relevance

5. Test Arrangement:
a. Take the crimped test conductor and connect the conductor at the 2 ends of the secondary
of transformer. Transformer shall be capable of giving input current in amperes up to the
test requirement as specified by the customer.
b. Fix temperature indicator at the middle of the conductor to monitor the temperature during
the test.
c. Fix a temperature indicator near the test area away from the test set up to monitor the
ambient temperature.
d. Ensure adequate spacing is provided for the test set up.
e. Ensure that the test set up is supported in such a way that air may freely circulate to provide
cooling by natural convection.
f.

Test shall be conducted at ambient temperature without any accelerated heating or cooling.

6. Test procedure:
After the test arrangement is made ready, start the Ampacity Test as per the customer
requirement.
a. Switch ON the transformer and the temperature indicators.
b. Raise the initial current in amperes as per the customer request and record. Ensure the
current in amperes using Digital clamp meter and record.
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TAG CORPORATION

PROCEDURE:

TAG/TM/AMP/01 REV.00

CHENNAI 600 044

DATE:

10.02.2014

c. Record the ambient temperature and the conductor temperature every 5 minutes for the
given input current in amperes each time.
d. Monitor the raise in temperature of the test conductor till a steady temperature is reached.
Record the ambient temperatures, test conductor temperatures and the steady state
temperature of the conductor. Steady state temperature is the maximum temperature
reached in two consecutive 5 minutes cycle.
e. Once the steady temperature is reached for the given input current, raise the input current
to next level as per the customer request and follow the steps b to d.
f.

Follow steps c to e to complete the customer requested raise in input current and
record the corresponding temperatures of the test conductor and ambient.

g. After completion of the test, reduce the current to ZERO and switch off the transformer.
h. Record all the information like start of test, input currents, raise in temperature in test
conductor, ambient temperature, end of test etc.
i.

Do not switch OFF the temperature till the conductor temperature cools to room
temperature.

j.

Also ensure that nobody touches the test conductor while the test is ON and until the
conductor temperature cools to room temperature after the test is over.

k. Switch OFF the temperature indicator once the conductor cools to room temperature.
7. Reporting:
Report the values of steady state temperature for the corresponding input current in
amperes. Report the ambient temperature and temperature raise for the individual input
current in amperes. Report the maximum input current in amperes specified by the
customer and the corresponding steady state temperature and temperature raise observed
for the ampacity test. Indicate that the test is conducted at ambient temperature in absence
of wind present during the test.

PREPARED & ISSUED BY

REVIEWED & APPROVED BY

SR.MANAGER TESTING

DIRECTOR TECHNICAL

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