IS : 3961 ( Part II:) - 1967

( Reaffirmed 1996 )

Indian Standard
RECOMMENDED CURRENT
RATINGS FOR CABLES
PART II PVC-INSULATED AND PVC-SHEATHED
HEAVY DUTY CABLES

( Ninth &print MAY 1998 )

UDC 621.315.2.02 : 621.315.616.96

Q Copyright 1967
B U R E A U O F I N D I A N S T A N DA R D S
MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002
Gr7

October 1967

IS:3961.(PartII)-1967

Indian Standard
RECOMMENDED CURRENT
RATINGS FOR CABLES
PART II PVC-INSULATED AND PVC-SHEATHED
HEAVY DUTY CABLES
Conductors and Cables Sectional Committee, ETDC 32
Chairman
SHRI K. %TTHAN

Refiesenting
Federation of Electricity Undertakings of India Ltd,
Bombay

Members
SHRI K. V. CHAU~AL (Alternate to

Shri K. Mattban )
SHRI S. D. BANA
.%IRI J. H. PATEL ( Alrmnatc )
SHRI L. C. BANS&L
SHRI R. K. SEN~UPTA ( Alternute
SHRI P. K. BHARUCHA
Smu A. Cl. MODY ( Alternntc )
SHRI M. R. B HAT
SHRI N. N. CHAKRABORTI
Snar M. L. DONCRE

Gujarat Electricity Board, Baroda

Electrical Manufacturing Co Ltd, Calcutta

Insurance Association of India, Bombay

Bombay Suburban Electric Supply Ltd, Bombay
Electrical Inspector to the Government of West
Bengal, Calcutta
Bombay Electric Supply & Transport Undertaking,
Bombay

SHRI S. D. CHOTRANEY (Ahrnate)

Naval Headquarters
CDR N. G. F ADNAVIS
L T C DR N. N. MUICERJEE ( Ahnate)
Inspectorate of Mines ( Ministry of Labour & RehaSHRI N. P. GHOSH
bilitation), Dhanbad
Srrm H. K. BHATTACHARJEE ( Alternate)
Central Public Works Department
SHRI K. C. G ROVER
SHRI S. D. IDGUNJI (Al&mate)
Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals ( InspecSHRI D. T. GUR~AHANI
tion Wing ) ( Ministry of Supply, Technical
Development and Materials Planning )
SHRI P. L. KAPUR ( Alternate 1
Controller General of Inspection & Planning
SHRI HARNAM SINGH
( Ministry of Defence )
SHRI S. K. MANI ( Al&ma&)
Indian Cable Co Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI A. K. KAHALI
Smu N. V. RAGMAN ( Alternate )

( Continued on page 2 )

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZiFAR MARC
NEW DELHI 110002

IS : 3961( Part II ) - 1967

( Continuedfrom page 1 )
Members

Re@enting

SHRI S. K. KANJILAL
Railway Board ( Ministry of Railways )
SHRI N. PADMANA~HAN (Alternate)
Directorate General of Posts & Telegraphs ( DepartS HRI D. M.-LAM
m e n t o f Communications ) ( Ministry of
Transport & Communications )
D IVISIONAL E NGINEER T E L EGRAPHS (C) ( Alternate)
Directorate of Technical Development & Production
W C C DR D. J. LA W Y E R
( Air ) ( Ministry of Defence )
SQN LDK H. S. BHATIA ( Alternate )
Devidayal Cable Industries Ltd, Bombay
S HRI M. R. LODH
S HRI K AMAL A CCARWAL ( Alternate )
Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI A. K. MITRA
Radio and Electricals Manufacturing Co Ltd,
SHRI P. S. SRINIVASA M ODALIAR
Bangalore
S HRI V. R. CHANDER ( Alternate )
National Test House, Calcutta
SHRI S. N. MUKERJI
S HRI B. IS. MUKHERJEE ( Alternate)
Hindustan Cables Ltd, Rupnarainpur
SHRI P. MUKUNDAN
SHRI R. SEN ( Alternate )
Central Water & Power Commission ( Power Wing )
SHRI ET. V. NARAYANA R AO
SHRI S. S. MURTHY ( Alternate )
Oriental Power Cables Ltd, Kota
S HRI V. G. G. NAYAR
SHRI K. S. JOSHI ( Alternate)
Aluminium Indu$es Ltd, Kundara
SHRI S. PEER MOH.4MMED
SHRI S. N. NAYAR ( Alternate)
National Insulted Cable Co of India Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI B. H. R AI
SHRI J. S. B HAN ( Alternate )
Asian Cables Corporation Ltd, Bombay
S HRI A. K. RAMAN
SHRI P. K. S ANKARANARAYANAN
( Alternate )
Tata Hydro-Electric Supply Co Ltd, Bombay
S HRI M. J. RAO
SHRI M. V. GONDHALEKAR ( Alternate )
Directorate General of Technical Development
SHRI K. S RINIVASA R AO
( Heavy Electricals Directorate )
Fort Gloster Industries Ltd, Calcutta
S HRI G. P. SAXENA
SHRI L. K. SANGHI (Alternate)
Madras State Electricity Board, Madras
SIXRI A. SUBRAMAN~AM
S HRI A. T. SRESHTA ( Alternate)
Henley Cables ( India ) Ltd, Bombay
SHRI L. R. SUBRAMANYAM
S HRI K. V. RAMA RAO ( Alternate )
Cable Corporation of India Ltd, Bombay
SHRI G. H. S WATEK
D R P. S. S HAH ( Alternute )
Director General, IS1 ( I%-o&o Member)
S HRI Y. S. VENKATESWARAN,. ,
Director ( Elec tech ) ( Secritary )
( Continued on page 28

IS I 3961( Part II ) - 1967

CONTENTS
PAGE
0. FO R E W O R D
1. SCOPE

...
...
...

...
...
,..
...
...
...
...
...

8
9

T A B L E 1 CU R R E N T R A T I N G S (ac ) F O R T w o SI N G L E - CO R E
650/l 100 VOLTS U NARMOURED OR N O N-MAGNETIC ARMOURED
...
C ABLES ACCORDING TO IS : 1554 (. PART I )-I964

10

T ABLE 2 CU R R E N T R ATINGS ( ac ) FOR T HREE S I N G L E - CO R E

650/l 100 VOLTS U NARMOURED OR N O N-MAGNETIC ARMOURED
...
C ABLES ACCORDING TO IS : 1554 ( PART I )-I964

11

T ABLE 3 C URRENT R ATINGS ( ac ) FOR T WIN 650/I 100 VO L T S

ARMOURED OR U NARMOURED C ABLES A CCORDING TO IS : 1554
...
...
...
...
( PART I )-1964

12

T ABLE 4 C URRENT R ATINGS ( ac ) FOR T HREE -, FOUR-, AND FIVEC ORE 650/l 100 VOLTS ARMOURED OR U NARMOURED C A B L E S
...
...
A CCORDING TO IS : 1554 ( PART I )-1964

13

T A B L E 5 CU R R E N T R A T I N G S ( d c ) F O R 650/l 100 VO L T S
ARMOURED OR U NARMOURED C ABLES A CCORDING TO IS : 1554
...
...
...
...
( PART I )-1964

14

T A B L E 6 RA T I N G F A C T O R S F O R D E P T H O F L A Y I N G ( F O R
..
650/l 100 V OLTS C ABLES L AID D IRECT IN THE G ROUND )

15

T ABLE 7 RATING F ACTORS FOR V ARIATION IN G ROUND T E M...

PERATURE ( FOR C ABLES L AID D IRECT IN THE G ROUND )

15

...

2. B ASIC A SSUMPTIONS
3.
4.
5.
6.

METHOD OF I N S T A L L A T I O N
SIZES OF THE D UCTS . . .
RATING F A C T O R S
...
EFFECT OF G ROUPING OF C ABLES
7. C IRCUIT P R O T E C T I O N . . .

...
...
...
...
...
...
IN

AI R
...

...
...
...
:..
...
*..
...
...

R ATING F ACTORS FOR VAKIATION IN T HERMAL RESISTIVITY OF S OIL ( TWIN AND M ULTI - CORE C ABLES L AID D I RE CT IN
...
...
...
THE G ROUND )
...

5
6
6
7
8
8

T ABLE 8

15

T ABLE 9

R ATING F ACTORS FOR V ARIATION IN T HERMAL RESISTIS OIL ( Two AND T HREE S I N G L E - CORE C ABLES L AID
...
...
...
D IRECT IN THE GROUND ) . . .

16

T ABLE 10 RATING F ACTORS FOR D EPTH OF L AYING (650/l 100

V O L T S T WIN AND M U L T I - CORE C ABLES IN S I N G L E- WA Y
...
...
...
...
...
D UCTS )

17

VITY OF

IS:3!W(PartII)-1967
PAGE
TABLE 11 R ATING F ACTORS FOR VARIATION IN G ROUND TEMPERATURE

T ABLE 12

FOR

CABLES IN DUCTS )

...

...

...

17

RATING F ACTORS FOR V ARIATION IN THERMAL RESISTI-

PITY OF SOIL ( TWIN AND M ULTI -CORE CABLES IN SINGLE -WAY

...
...
...
...
DUCTS)
...
TABLE 13 R ATING FACTORS FOR V ARIATION IN T HERMAL RESISTIVXTY OF S OIL (Two AND T HREE S INGLE - CORE C ABLES IN
...
...
...
...
...
DUCTS )
T ABLE 14 R ATING F ACTORS FOR M U L T I- WAY D UCTS ( FOR U S E

M U L T I - W A Y D U C T D O E S N O T C O N T A I N THE F U L L
...
...
N UMBER OF L OADED ARMOURED CABLES )
T ABLE 15 G ROUP R ATING F ACTORS FOR T WIN AND M ULTI - CORE
C ABLES IN S INGLE -WAY S TONEWARE DUCTS AND IRON P IPES IN
WHEN A

...
...
...
...
TIER FORMATION
TABLE 16 GROUP RATING FACTORS FOR SINGLE -CORE CABLES IN
...
T REFOIL STONEWARE DUCTS IN T IER F ORMATION

T ABLE 17 RATING F ACTORS FOR V ARIATION IN A M B I E N T A I R

...
...
...
.*.
T EMPERATURE
T ABLE 18 RATING F ACTORS FOR T HREE S I N G L E - CORE CARLES
( ac ) IN F LAT F ORMATION IN A IR ( TO BE A PPLIED TO THE
...
C ORRESPONDING R ATINGS FOR T REFOIL G ROUPS IN A IR )
F I G. 1 GROUP R ATING F ACTORS FOR T WIN AND M U L T I- CO R E
C ABLES IN H O R I Z O N T A L F O R M A T I O N L AID D IRECT IN THE
...
...
...
...
G ROUND
. . .
F I G. 2. GROUP R ATING F ACTORS FOR T WIN AND M U L T I - CO R E
C ABLES IN T IER F ORMATION L AID DIRECT IN THE GROUND . . .
F I G. 3 GROUP R ATING F ACTORS FOR C IRCUITS OF Two SINGLEC ORE C ABLES S IDE BY S IDE AND T O U C H I N G , HO R I Z O N T A L
...
...
F ORMATION , LAID D IRECT IN THE G ROUND
FIG. 4 G ROUP R ATING F ACTORS FOR C IRCUITS OF T HREE SINGLEC ORE C ABLES IN T R E F O I L A N D T O U C H I N G , HO R I Z O N T A L
...
...
F ORMATION , LAID D IRECT IN THE G ROUND
F I G. 5 RA T I N G FACTORY FOR W I R E- AR M O U R E D C A B L E S I N
MULTI-.YAY DUCTS ( TO BE A PPLIED TO R ATING OF CORRBSPONDING C ABLE IN A S I N G L E- WAY D UCT TO O BTAIN RATING
r..
FOR C ABLE IN M ULTI - WAY D UCT )
...
...
F I G. 6 GROUP R A T I N G F A C T O R S F O R T WIN ANZJ MULTI-CORE
C ABLES IN S I N G L E- WAY D U C T S A N D P I P E S, HOHIZONPAL
.,,
...
...
...
F ORMATION . . .
F I G. 7 GROUP R ATING F ACTORS FOR S I N G L E - CORE CABLES IN
...
...
T REFOIL D UCTS H ORIZONTAL F ORMATION

17
18
19
19
20
21
21
22
23
24
25

26
27
27

IS:3961(PartII)-1967

Indian Standard
RECOMMENDED CURRENT
RATINGS FOR CABLES
PART II PVC-INSULATED AND PVC-SHEATHED
HEAVY DUTY CABLES

0.

FOREWORD

0.1 This Indian Standard was adopted by the Indian Standards Institution
on 26 June 1967, after the draft finalized by the Conductors and Cables
Sectional Committee had been approved by the Electrotechnical Division
Council.
0.2 This standard has been drawn up to provide to the users general
guidance for loading of cables. The overloading of cables will reduce the
life expectancy of the cable and at the same time under-loading it will
mean uneconomic utilization of its capacity. Depending upon the loading
cycle met with in practice, the installation engineer may decide the
economic loading of cables.
0.3 The current ratings given in the standard have been drawn up on
certain assumptions pertaming to soil conditions prevalent in this country,
permissible temperature-rise of insulating materials, conductor, etc. It is,
however, to be expected that these conditions may be somewhat different
in different places in a vast country like ours. In such cases the installation
engineer is expected to keep in mind the loading conditions, the soil and
atmospheric conditions in the area, etc, before deciding on the choice of
the proper size of cable.
0.4 For cables laid direct and in underground ducts, ratings have been
provided corresponding to the value for the thermal resistivity of the soil
as 150C cm/W as agreed to by IEC for tropical climates. This covers the
vaiue commonly encountered in India, but ratings corresponding to other
values can be determined from rating factors given in Tables 6 to 13. I t
is, however, emphasized that actual measurements of soil thermal resistivity
at the proposed depth of laying should be made along the route prior to
laying the cables where practicable and the cable ratings based upon the
values so determined.
0.5 The permissible current ratings have been specified for three commonly
adopted conditions of installation, namely, laid direct in ground, laid in
ducts, and for cables in air.

1$:3961(PartII)-1967
0.6 This is one of the series of Indian Standards on recommended curren
ratings for various- types of cables. Others in the series are:
IS : 3961 ( Part I )-1967 Recommended current ratings for cables:
Part 1. Paper-insulated lead-sheathed cables.
IS : 3961 ( Part III )-1967 Recommended current ratings for cables:
Part III Rubber-insulated cables.
IS : 3961 ( Part IV )-1967 Recommended current ratings for cables:
Part IV Polythene-insulated cables.
IS : 3961 ( Part V )-1967 Recommended current ratings for cables:
Part V PVC-insulated. light duty cables and wires.
0.7 In preparing this standard assistance has been derived from the
following:
Supplement to ERA Report F/T 183 Current ratings for armoured
PVC-insulated cables to B.S. 3346 : 1961. British Electrical and
Allied Industries Research Association, U.K.
IEE Wiring regulations. Institute of Electrical Engineers, U.K.
0.8 For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this
standard is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test, shall be rounded off in accordance with IS : 2- 1960*.
The number of significant places retained in the rounded off value should
be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.
1. SCOPE
1.1 This standard covers recommended current ratings for PVC-insulated
and PVC-sheathed heavy duty cables covered by IS : 1554 ( Part I )-1964t
either laid direct in ducts or in air.
2. BASIC ASSUMPTIONS
2.1 The current ratings given in Tables 1 to 5 in the standard are based
on the following assumptions:
i) Maximum conductor temperature
70C
ii) Thermal resistivity of soil
150C cm/W
iii) Thermal resistivity of PVC
650C cm/W
-

iv) Ground temperature

v) Ambient air temperature

30C
40C

*Rules for rounding off numerical values ( ~uvlscd j.

tSpecifcation for PVC-insulated ( heavy duty ) electric cables: Part I For working
voltages up to and including 1 100 volts ( revised ).
6

vi) Depth of latying ( to the highest

point of cable laid direct in
the ground or to top surface
of ducts )

a.8 3361( Part Ix ) - 1367

75 cm
-

Nom - In the case of twin and multi-core cables with conductors of sizes
25 mm* and above, the current ratings given are for sector shaped conducton. For round conductors the current ratinga would be somewhat lower.

3. &fETHOD OF INSTALLATION
3.1 The current ratings given in this standard are for methods of installation as given in the following table:
Method of Installation
Type of Installation
Type of Cables
Single-core cables a) Laid direct in the 1) Three in close trefoil
formation, or
ground
2) Two touching in horizontal
formation.
Three
in trefoil formation,
b) In ducts
1)
or
2) Two in horizontal formation.
c) In air
1) Two single-core cables are
installed one above the
other fixed to a vertical
wall as follows, the distance between the wall and
the surface of the cable
being 25 mm in each case:
i) Cables of sizes up to and
including 185 mm2 are
installed at a distance
between centres of twice
the overall diameter of
the cable.
ii) Cables of sizes 240 mm2
and above are installed
af*a distance between
centres of 90 mm.

N OTE -The ratings for two

cables may be applied with
safety in cases where such cables
are installed in horizontal formatiol, on brackets fixed to a
wall, either spaced
as indicated
.
.
above or touchmg throughout.

Twin

and multicore cables

2) Three single-core cables

are installed in trefoil formation touching.
Installed singly.

IS:3961(PartII)-1967
4. SIZES OF THE DUCTS
4.1 The current ratings specified in the tables applied to cables laid in
ducts of inner diameter of 100 mm and 125 mm.

5. RATING FACTORS

5.1 The current ratings given in the respective tables apply under the

conditions of installation mentioned above. Rating factors for various

conditions are given in relevant tables as indicated below.

5.1.1 Cables Laid Direct in the Ground

a) For depth of laying
b) For variation in ground temperature
c) For variation in thermal resistivity of
soil
d) For group rating factors
5.1.2 Cables, Installed in Ducts
a) For depth of laying
b) For variation in ground temperature
c) For variation in thermal resistivity
of Soil
d) For cables in multiway ducts
e) For ducts in tier formation
f) For ducts in horizontal formation
5.1.3. Cables Installed in Air
a) For variation in ambient air temperature
b) For three single-core cables in flat
formation in air ( with spacing as
specified for two single-core cables
in air)

Table 6
Table 7
Tables 8 and 9
Fig. 1 to 4
Table 10
Table 11
Tables 12 and 13
Table 14 and Fig. 5
Tables 15 and 16
Fig. 6 and 7
Table 17
Table 18

6. EFFECT OF GROUPING OF CABLES IN AIR

6.1 For cables of sizes up to 70 mm2, no reduction in rating need be

applied provided that the circuits are run with a clearance of at least
75 mm and provided that if the number of circuits exceeds three, they are
installed in a horizontal plane. For cables of sizes above 70 mm2, no reduction in rating need be applied provided that the circuits are run with a
clearance of at least 150 mm, and provided that if the number of circuits
exceeds four, they are installed in a horizontal plane,
8

Is:396l(PartIr)-1967
7, CIRCX.. PROTECTION
7.1 PVC-insulated cables should not be operated, even for comparatively

short durations, at temperature appreciably. higher than that permissible

for cqntinuous operation, since the PVC insulation is liable to soften at
higher temperatures and sustain serious damage.
7.2 It is, therefore, essential that such cables shall be continuously operated
at the rated currents given in the tables only if they are suitably protected
against excess currents arising out of fault conditions. It is assumed that
duration of such faults does not exceed four hours and protection is considered to be adequate if the minimum current at which the prptective device
is designed to operate does not exceed l-5* times the tabulated ratings for
cables laid in air or in ducts, and not more than 1*3t times the tabulated
values for cables laid direct in the ground.
7.3 If by the nature of the circuit protection, it is not possible to operate
the cable at the rated current under the foregoing provisions, the cable
required for a given continuous load current shall be chosen to have a
rating as given in the tables which shall be not less than:
a) The given continuous load current, and
b) For cables in air or in ducts, O-67* of the minimum current at
which the excess current protection is designed to operate,
or
F-or cables laid direct in the ground, O-77? Df t h e m i n i m u m
current at which excess current protection is designed to operate.

Examples:
1. A 3-core aluminium conductored cable of size 185 mm2 laid direct
in the ground can carry a continuous load current of 235 amperes
(tabulated rating ) if the excess current protection is designed to
operate when current exceeds l-3 x 235 = 305 amperes ( Table 4,
co1 3 ) .
2. For a continuous load current of 100 amperes per phase, a 3-core
copper conductored cable of size 35 mm2 installed in air ( tabulated
rating = 110 amperes ) is adequate if the excess current protection is designed to operate when current exceeds 1.5 x 110 = 165
amperes. If the excess cwent protection is designed to operate
when current exceeds say 200 amperes. a cable with a tabulated
rating not less than 0.67 x 200 = 135 amperes will be necessary,
that is, cable with size 50 mm2 (Table 4, co1 6 ).
*The factor applies to cables in ducts when ratings are based on a value of thermal
resistivity of soil of 90% cm/W or higher.
iThis factor is applicable only when ratingis based on a value of thermal resistivity of
soil of 120% cm/W or higher. LUW factor is required for values of thermal resistivity of
soil less than 120% cm/W.

ISr3961(PartII)-1967
3. For a continuous load current of 170 amperes single phase,
aluminium conductored single-core cables of sire 70 mm2 laid in
ground ( tabulated rating ) are adequate if excess current protection is designed to operate when current exceeds 1.3 x 170 = 220
amperes. If the excess current protecton is designed to operate
when current exceeds 300 amperes, cables with a tabulated rating
not less than .0*77 x 300 = 230 amperes will be necessary, that
is, cable with size 120 mm2 ( Table 1, co1 3 ).
TABLE 1 CURRENT RATINGS ( ac ) FOR TWO SINGLE-CORE 650/l 100
VOLTS UNARMOURED OR NON-MAGNETIC ARMOURED CABLE!3
ACGORDKNG TO Is : 1554 (Part I )-Et64
( Chuses 2.1 and 7.3 )
IN DUCTS
v--. I.
Copper Aluminiuzm Copper

OMiNAL
OF
CONOUOTOR

ARSA

IN

Am
L
*
Aluminium

31
23
42

:z
33

3:
43

:5
32

54

42

54

;:

56 71

;z

z
72

125
150
180

97
120
145

120
140
165

1;:
130

125
155
190

99
120
150

220
265
300

170
205
230

E
255

180 155
200

235 275
310

185
215
240

300 265

420

335

280
305
340

220
E

345
390
445

270
305
350

410 370

370
405
430
465

295
335
355
395

G
610
680

465 435

NOTSI - For basic apumptionr and method of installation see 2 and 3.

Nurs 2 - For information rqpdhg circuit protection SLI 7.

10

395
455
z

IS:3!Xl(PartII)-1967
TABLE 2 CURRENT RATINGS (8~) FOR THREE SINGWCORE &iO/1100
VOLTS UNARIKOURED OR NON-MAGNETIC ARMOURED CABLES
ACCORDING TO IS: 1554 ( Part I )-1964
( Clnzfsc 2.1 )
NOMINAI.

ARRAOF
&NIXVXOR

LAID DIREST

IN bie

IN

IN IhXS

&tOUND

IiIR

Coppa

AlIIIiIIiUIII.

21

17

20

15

24

29

24

27

21

31

38

30

35

27

49

39

48

37

44

35

10

65

51

64

51

ca

47

16

8.5

66

83

82

64

copper

copper

Aluminium

mm%

1.5

22

17

2.5

30

39

25

110

86

110

84

110

84

I5

130

100

125

100

130

105

50

155

120

150

115

165

130

190

140

175

135

205

155

95

220

175

200

155

245

190

120

250

195

220

170

280

220

150

280

220

245

190

320

250

185

305

240

260

210

370

290

240

345

270

285

225

425

335

300

375

295

310

245

475

380

400

400

325

335

275

550

435

500

425

345

355

295

590

480

625

470

390

375

320

660

550

NOTE I- For basic assumptions and .method of installation scc 2 and 3.

N OTE 2 -For informatiob regarding circuit protrction scc 7.

1:3961(Partfx)-1967
TABLE 3 CURRENT MTINCs fRc ) FOR Twpl65o/r100 VOLT8
ARMOURED OR UNARMOURED CABLES AGGORDIFJG
T O Is: 1554 (Part I)-1964
( Clnzlse 1.1 )
NOMINAL

A REA OF
CONDUCIOA

L AID D IRECT IN THE

GROUND
c
Aluminium
Copper

IN Ducrs
Ycopper
Numinium

IN AIR
A
Aluminiumcopper

mms

I.5

23

18

20

16

20

16

2.5

32

25

27

21

27

21

41

32

35

27

35

27

50

4-o

44

34

45

35

10

70

55

58

45

60

47

16

90

70

75

58

78

59

25

115

90

97

76

105

78

35

140

110

120

92

125

99

50

165

135

145

115

155

125

70

205

160

180

140

195

150

95

240

190

215

170

230

185
210
240

1 2 0

275

210

235

190

265

150

310

240

270

210

305

185

350

275

300

240

350

275

240

405

320

345

275

410

325

300

450

355

385

305

465

365

400

490

385

425

345

530

420

N OTE 1 - For basic assumptions and method of installation see 2 and 3.

N OTE 2 - For information regarding circuit protection see 7.

N OTE 3 - The current ratings apply to cables with sector shaped conductors of sizes

above 25 mm2. For round conductors lower ratings shall be taken.

cable to direct current ratings (Table 5 ).

12

This is also appli-

xsr3961(Partll)-1967
TABLE 4 CURRENT RATINGS (PC ) FOR THREE, FOUR-, AND
FiVJICORE 650/l 100 VOLTS ARMOURED OR UNARMOURED
CABLES ACCORDING TO IS : 15H (Part l)-1964
( Chres 2.1 and 7.3 )
A~OMINAL

A REA or
tth0XJCTOR

L AID DIRECTINTHE
GROUND
A__r
Copper
Aluminium-

IN Ducrs
-----h---Y
Copper
Aluminium

IN AIR
-__-.-_.
.Copper

mm?

.%

1.5

21

16

17

14

17

2.5

27

21

24

18

24

36

28

30

23

30

45

35

38

30

39

10

60

46

50

39

52

16

77

60

64

50

66

25

99

76

81

63

90

35

120

92

99

77

110

50

145

110

125

95

135

70

175

135

150

115

165

95

210

165

175

140

200

240

185

195

155

230

210

225

175

265

120
150

270

:a5

300

235

255

200

305

246

345

275

295

235

355

300

385

305

335

260

4Qu

-125

335

360

290

455

400

NOTE 1 -. For basic assumptions and method of installation see 2 and 3.

NOTE 2 - For information regarding circuit protection see 7.
XOTE 3 -The current ratings apply to cables with sector shaped conductors of sizx
above 25 mma. For round conductors lower ratings shall be taken.
NATE 4 -In case of four- and five-core cables only three-cores are carrying full
load current.

13

TABLE 5 GURRENT RATINGS ( dc ) FOR 650/l 160 VOLTS ARMOURED OR UN-OURED CABLES
ACCORDING TO IS t 1554 (part X)-l!364
( ciuuse 2.1 )
L,un DIRE=

N OMINAL
A REA

OF

~O~DIJCTOR

IN

GROUND

T w o din&s

.cop

Qne Twin
r 1. h

CPP-

iN AIR

IN Ducrs
-i

iiL2

Two Sin&s

-3

One Twin

4-e,
c6p-

Two Sin&s

One Twin

C o p - Alumi- Cop- Muminium

nium
A
pkr
!k?
A

pT

nium
A

p:

205
245
285

160
195
220

215
250
285

165
195
225

180
215
246

140
170
190

240
285
335

190
225
260

195
230
265

150
180
210

305
355

320
360
425

250
285
330

325
370
425

255
285
330

275
310
369

215
245
280

390
445
520

300
345
405

310
360
425

246
280
335

400
460
510
600

480
550
-

370
425

475
560
630
730

375
435
490
570

410
495
-

320
385
-

590
710
800
960

470
566
630
750

490
580
-

380
450
-

nium
A

?P
95
120

225
n o
310

175
210

9
185
240

356
-390
455

PO

300
400
500
625

510
590
650
760

240

C o p - Aluminium
A
PA

Aluminium
A

PZ

mma

THE

NOTE 1 - For basic assumptions and method of installation see 2 and 3.

N OTE 2 - For information regarding circuit protection scc 7.
N OTE 3 - For conductor sizes smaller than 70 mm2 the dc rating is the same as the ac rating ( :$e Tables 1 and 3 ).

IS: 3961 (Part II)- 1967

TABLE 6

RATING FACTORS FOR DEPTH OF LAYING (FOR 650/l 100 V

CABLES LAID DIRECT IN THFa GROUND)
[Ch~w.r0.4cnd5.1.1

DEPTH OF LAYING

(a)]
SIZE

up to

cm

25 mm2

75

Above 25 mm2
up to 300 mm)

Above
300 Illme

o-97 l!l::
8::

A:!! 0.96
0.95
o-92
0.91

l-00

1:50
120
150
180 or more

0.99 0.98
0.97
0.96
0.95

0.93

TABLE 7 RATING FACTORS FOR VARIATION IN GROUND TEM?ERATURE

(FOR CABLES LAID DIRECT IN THE GROUND )
[ C1au.m 0.4 end 5.1.1 (b) ]
GROUND TEMPERATURE C
RATING FACTOR

20
l-12

15
1.17

25
l-06

30
l-00

35
0.94

40
0.87

45
0.79

TABLE 8 RATING FACTORS FOR VARIATION IN THERMAL RESISTIVITY

OF SOIL ( TWIN AND MULTI-CORE CABLES LAID DIRECT IN THE
GROUND )
[ Clauses 0.4 and 5.1.1 (c) ]
F OR V ALUES

N OMINAL

AREA OF
CONDUCTOR
mm2
1.5
2.5
2
10
16
25
35
50
;:
120
150
185
E
400

100

120

T HERMAL RESISTIVITY
L
150
200

1.10
1.10
1.10
1.10
1.10
1.12
1.14
1.15
1.15
1.15
1.15
1.17
1.17
l-18
1.18
1.18
1.19

1.05
l-05
I-05
1.05
1.06
1.06
1.08
1.08
:.08
l-08
1.08
1.09
1.09
1.09
1.09
l-09
1.10

0.92
0.92
0.92
o-92
0.92
0.91
0.91
o-91
o-91
0.90
0.90
0.90
0.90
O-89
0.89
O-89
0.89

OF

15

OF

S OIL

IN

C cm/W

250

300

0.86
0.86
0.86
0.86
0.85
0.84
0.84
0.84
0.84
0.83
0.83
0.82
0.82
0.81
0.81
0.81
O-81

0.81
O-81
0.81
0.81
O-80
0.79
0.78
0:77
0.77
O-76
0.76
0.76
0.76
0.75
o-75
0.75
0.75

TABLE 9 RATING FACTORS FOR VARIATION IN THERMAL RESISTIVITY OF SOIL

(TWO AND THREE SINGLE-CORE CABLkS L-iID DIRECT IN TI+E GROUND )
[ ClauJes 0.4 and5.1.l(c) ]
N OMINAL
A REA OR
C~NDUXOR
mms

::5
4

150
185
240

Two
r

TOWCHINO, FOR VALUES OF T H E R M A L

RE~ISTIVITY & SOIL IN W cm/W

C ABLES

100

120

200

250

300

1.15
1.15
1.15

1.08
1.08
1.08

0.91
0.91
0.91

0.84
O-84
0.84

0.78
O-78
O-78

l-15
1.15
1.17

l-08
1.08
l-09

0.91
o-90
0.90

0.84
0.83
O-83

1.18
1.18
l-18

1.09
l-09
l-09

0.90
0::

1.19
1.19
1.21

1.09
l-09
l-10

1.21
l-21
1.21
1.21
l-21
1.21
1.22

T HREE C ABLES IN TREFOIL TOWCHINO, FOR VALUES 0~

T HERMAL RESISTIVITY OF S OIL ;N OC cm/W
*
1

250

300

O-82
O-82
0.82

0.76
0.76
0.76

0.82
0.81
0.81

O-76
0.75
0.74

0.80

0.74

X:ii

:::t

8::
O-88

0.80
O-80
0.79

0.74
0.74
0.74

i::
o-88

o-79
o-79
o-79

0.73
o-73
o-73

0.79
0.79
0.79
0.79

0.72
0.72
0.72
0.72

200

100

120

1.18
::f:

1.09
l-09
1.09

0.78
o-77
0.77

t:;t
1.19

1.09
1.09
l-09

::it
0.89

0.82
0.82
O-82

0.76
0.75
0.75

1.19
l-20
l-20

;ztJ

0.88
0.88
0.88

0.89
0.89
0.89

0.81
0.81
0.80

o-74
o-74
o-74

l-21

1.10
1.10
I.10

1.10
l-10
1.10

0.89
0.89
O-89

O-80
0.80
0.80

0.74
0.74
0.74

l-22

1.10
1.10
l-10

l-10
1.10
1.10
1.10

0.89
0.88
0.88
0.88

0.80
0.80
0.80
0.80

Z0:74:t
0.74

t :;i:

:Z

I.22
1:;:
1.24

1.10
l-11
1.11
1.11

O-88
O-88
8::

TABLE 10 RATING FACTORS FOR DEPTH OF LAYING

(650/l 100 VOLTS TWIN AND MULTI-GGRE CABLES IN
SINGLE-WAY DUCTS)
[ C1uu.w 0.4 and 5.1.2(a) ]
D EPTH

LAYINQ

OF

RAN F~txon

cm
ldI0

ii
105
120
150

o:E
O-97
o:Z
0.92
o-91

%
:!z
540 or more

o:%

TABLE It RATING FACTORS FOR VARIATION IN GROUND

TEMPERATURE (FOR CABLES IN DUCTS )
[ Clauses 0.4 and 5.1,2(b) ]
G ROUND TEMPERATURE C
RATING FACTOR

15

25

30

35

40

45

1.17

l-12

l-06

1.00

0.94

O-87

O-79

TABLE 12 RATING FACTORS FOR VARIATION IN THERMAL luSwnVITY

OF SOIL (TWIN AND MULTI-CORE CABLES IN SINGLE WAY DUCTS )
[ Clauses 0.4 and 5.1.2(c) ]
N OMINAL A REA
OF CONDU~B
mm8
::;
t
10
16
25
-,

zz

70
95
120
150
18.5
%

400

f-

FOR VALUES OF THERMAL RJSISTIVITY

,

OF

Son

IN

%cm/W

100

120

150

200

250

300

1.05
1.05
l-05
l-05
1.05

l-03
l-03
I.03
1.03
l-03

::z
::g
l-00

0.96
O-96
o-96

::g

&ig

o-91
o-91
0.91
o-91

E
1.08
l-08
l-08
l-08
l-09
l-09
l-10
1.10
l-10
l-11

l-03
::g

1.00
::g

0.95 0.95
0.94

f:E

::g

g:z

::iZ
1.05
1.05
1.05
1.05
1-F

::g
:;Ei

X:2
0.93
o-93
d-92
0.92
o-92

::g
l-00

17

;:g 0.90
X:E
o-88
0.87
O-87
;:g
O-86
0.86
o-86

o-88

8%
O-86 o-85
o-84
0.84
0.83
O-83
O-82
t+%!t
0.81
0.81
O-81
O-81

>

TABLE 13 RATING FACTOR3 FOR VARIATION IN THRRMAL B OF SOIL

(Tw0ANDTxiREEslNGLE-cOREcABLEs IN DUCTS)

%VO CARLEB M

Twa-wAy DUCTS, FOR vALVee OF

TReR?.fAL RESISTIVITYOF SOILIN '%cm/w

*
-

loo

120

150

200

250

300

::::

1.00
1a.l
la0

;:g
o-96

0.91
0.91
o-91

o-86

1.07

la4
l-04
1.04

!6

1.07
l-07
la8

1.04
IdI+
l-04

la0
1.00
ldI0

.
XE
0.94

25
35
50

1.08
1.09
1.09

I*04
1.05
l-05

1.00
1::

8::
0.94

:E

1.10

l-05
1.05
1.05

f:g
la0

8:E
o-92

I*10
l-10
l-11

1.05
1.05
1.06

l*go

f:E

;:g

KE-

::g

::i:
4
6

t
150

185
240

1.12
l-12
l-12
1.13

;::

~RRR ~&RLI$B IN fhFQlL Ducra, ?OR VALVer OF

TZURMAL REuL$Tlvl7Y OF SOIL IN OC cm/W
*
,
1
300
150
250
100
120

O-86
O-86

1.10
l-10
1.10

l-05
1.05
1.05

la0
la0
1.00

O-87
0.87
0.87

0.83
0.83
O-83

o:E

gz
o-84

l-10
I.10
l-10

1.05
1.05
1.05

::$j
l-00

O-87
0.86
0.86

Oot:

X:ii
0.87

O-83
O-83
O-83

l-10
1.11
l-12

1.05
la6
1.06

::g
l*oo

0.85
0.85
0.85

;:i
0.80

1.12

6.E

O-83
0.82
O-81

.
:ti

;:g
la6

::g
la0

0.92
o-92
0.92

O-85
0.85
0.85

0.81
0.80
0.80

l-14
l-15
l-15

0.92
0.91
O-91
o-91

0.85

8%
0.79
0.79

l-15
l-16
l-16
1.17

o-91

O-87

X:E
0.84

1.07

O-85
i:E
0.84

:z

i:g
.

8::

l-08

1JJO

0.83

f
1:09

1:
l*oa

X:X
0182

0181

X:t
.
O-i8

X:E
o-77
O-76
O-76
0.76
O-76

w
v
a

TABLE 14 RATING FACTORS FOR MULTI-WAY DUCTS (FOR USE WHEN A MULTI-WAY DUCT

DOES NOT CONTAIN THE FULL NUMBER OF.LOADED ARMOURED

[ Clause 5.1.2(d) ]
Y-WAY DUCT

Number of loaded cables

Rating factor

r----a

1
1.15

2
1.07

G-WAY

DUCT

4
1.10

5
1.04

CABLES)

Q-WAY hlM
,

7
1.10

8
1.05

TABLE 15 GROUP RATING FACTORS FOR TWIN AND MULTI-CORE CABLES IN SINGLEWAY
STONEWARE DUCTS AND 3RON PIPES IN TIER FORMATION
[ Clause 5.1.2(e) ]
FORMATION OF DUCTS ( PIPES )

SPACINGOF

Ducrs(PIPEs)

Ducts ( pipes)
approximately
touching
30 cm
45 cm

0.76

0.67

0.58

o-79

0.71
0.74

0.61
0.63

0.81

ISt3961(PartII)-1967
TABLE 17 RATING FACTORS FOR VARIATION
INAMBIENTAIRTBMPBRATURB
[ Clause 5.1.3(a) ]
AIR TEMPERATURE OC

RATIND FACTOR

25

30

35

40

45

1.25

l-16

1.69

1.00

0.90

TABLE 18 RATING FACTORS FOR THRRB SINGLECORB CABLES ( ac )

IN FLAT FORMATION IN AIR (TO BE APPLIJZD TO TIiB
CORRESPONDING RATINGS FOR TREFOIL GROUPS IN AIR)
[ Clause 5.1.3(b) ]
NOMWAL AREA

OF

R ATING

FACTCA

CdNDUCTOR

mm2
Up io and including 185

1.07

240

l-10

300

I.08

400

l-04

500

l@O

625

1.00

21

I8:3961(PartlI)-1967

0*5

0.4,

4
NUMBER OF CABLES IN GROUP

Fm. 1 GR O U P R ATING F ACTORS FOR T WIN AND M U L T I- CORE C A B L E S

IN H O R I Z O N T A L F O R M A T I O N , LAID D IRECT IN THE G R O U N D

22

ISrS961(PartII)-1967

0*9

O-4

12

10

11

12

NlJMf3ER OF CABLES IN GROUP

Fm. 2 G R O U P RATINO FA C T O R S F O R T W I N ANL) IMULTI-CORE

CABLXS IN T IER F O R M A T I O N, LAID D IRECT IN THE G R O U N D

Isr3961(PartII)-1967

NUMBER OF CIRCUITS (OF TWO CABLES) IN GROUP

FIG. 3 GROUP R ATING FACTORS FOR C IRCUITS OF Two SI N G L E- CO R E

C ABLES S IDE BY S IDE AND T O U C H I N G , HORIZONTAL F O R M A T I O N ,
L AID D IRECT IN THE G R O U N D

24

rst3961(PartII)-lW7

_; SPACING c

NUMBER OF CIRCUITS (OF THREE CABLES) IN GROUP

F I G. 4 G ROUP R ATING F ACTORS FOR C IRCUITS OF T HREE SINGLE-

C ORE C ABLES IN T REFOIL A ND T O U C H I N G , HO R I Z O N T A L

F O R M A T I O N , LAID D IRECT IN THE G R O U N D

25

ISr3!%1(PartII)-1967

0.65

4i=
aQ

0.60
0.55
0.50

100

200

300

400

500

600

SIZE OF CONDUCTOR IN SQ m m

Fm. 5 R ATING FACTORS FOR W I R E- ARMOURED C ABLES IN M ULTI- WA Y

D UCTS (To BE A PPLIED TO R ATING OF C ORRESPONDING C ABLE
IN A SINGLE-WAY DUCT TO O BTAIN RATINQ FOR
C ABLE IN M ULTI - WAY D UCT )

NUMBER OF DUCTS IN GROUP

F IG. 6 G ROUP RATING FACTORS FOR T WIN AND M ULTI-C RB CABLB~

IN SINOLL-WAY DUCTS AND P IPES H ORIZONTAL F ORMATION

27

IS:3961 (PartII)-1967

__

10

11

12

NUMBER OF DUCTS IN GROUP

Fro. 7 GROUP RATING FACTORS FOR SINGLE-CORE CABLES

TREFOIL DUCTS HORIZONTAL FORMATION

IN

(Continuedfiom page 2 )

Panel for Current Ratings of the Different Types of Cables,

ETDC 32jP5
Representing

Mnnbers

Indian Cable Co Ltd, Calcutta

SHRI N. V. RAMAN
SHRI M. DEY ( Alternate )
Aluminium Industries Ltd, Kundara
SHRI R. RAMANUJAN
SHRI S. KRISHNAMOORTHY ( Alternate)
SHR~ H. V. NARAYANA RA O
Central Water & Power Commission ( Power Wing)
SHRI S. S. MURTHY ( Alkrnats )
SWIU P. K. SANKARANARAYANAN
Asian Cables Corporation Ltd, Bombay
Cable Corporation of India Ltd, Bombay
D R P. S. SH A H

28

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

Headquarters:
Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, NEW DELHI 110002
Telephones: 323 0131,323 3375,323 9402
Fax : 91 11 3234062391 11 3239399, 91 11 3239382
Telegrams : Manaksanstha
(Common to all Offices)
Central Laboratory:
Telephone
Plot No. 20/S, Site IV, Sahibabad Industrial Area, Sahibabad 201010

j-77 00 32

Regional Offices:
Central : Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, NEW DELHI 110002

323 76 17

*Eastern : l/14 CIT Scheme VII M, V.I.P. Road, Maniktola, CALCUTTA 700054

337 86 62

Northern : SC0 335336, Sector 34-A, CHANDIGARH 160022

60 38 43

Southern : C.I.T. Campus, IV Cross Road, CHENNAI 600113

23.5 23 15

TWestern : Manakalaya, ES, Behind Mar01 Telephone Exchange, Andheri (East),

MUMBAI 400093

832 92 95

Branch Offices::
Pushpak, Nurmohamed Shaikh Marg, Khanpur, AHMEDABAD 380001

550 1348

SPeenya Industrial Area, 1 st Stage, Bangalore-Tumkur Road,

BANGALORE 560058

839 49 55

Gangotri Complex, 5th Floor, Bhadbhada Road, T.T. Nagar, BHOPAL 462003

55 40 21

Plot No. 62-63, Unit VI, Ganga Nagar, BHUBANESHWAR 751001

40 36 27

Kalaikathir Buildings, 670 Avinashi Road, COIMBATORE 641037

21 01 41

Plot No. 43, Sector 16 A, Mathura Road, FARIDABAD 121001

8-28 88 01

Savitri Complex, 116 G.T. Road, GHAZIABAD 201001

8-71 19 96

53/5 Ward No.29, R.G. Barua Road, 5th By-lane, GUWAHATI 781003

54 11 37

5-8-56C, L.N. Gupta Marg, Nampally Station Road, HYDERABAD 500001

201083

E-52, Chitaranjan Marg, C-Scheme, JAIPUR 302001

37 29 25

117/418 B, Sarvodaya Nagar, KANPUR 208005

21 68 78

Seth Bhawan, 2nd Floor, Behind Leela Cinema, Naval Ktshore Road, 23 89 23
LUCKNOW 226001
NIT Building, Second Floor, Gokulpat Market, NAGPUR 440010

52 51 71

Patliputra Industrial Estate, PATNA 800013

26 23 05

Institution of Engineers (India) Building 1332 Shivaji Nagar, PUNE 411005

32 36 35

T.C. No. 14/l 421, University P. 0. Palayam, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695034

621 17

*Sales Office is at 5 Chowringhge Approach, P.O. Princep Street,

CALCUTTA 700072

271085

tSales Office is at Novelty Chambers, Grant Road, MUMBAI 400007

309 65 28

*Sales Office is at F Block, Unity Building, Narashimaraja Square,

BANGALORE 560002

222 39 71

p&ted at pr&graph, New Delhi, Ph

: 5726847

AMENDMENT

1974

SEPTEMB@t

NO. 1
TO

1S: 3961( l?art II )-1%7

RECOMMENDED
RATINGS FOR CABLES

CURRENT

PART II PVC-INSULATED AND PVC-SHEATHED

HEAVY DUTY CABLES
A?Mtssda

5.1.3 ) Add the following

( Page8, CkW

matter a. the end of the

cktuse:
Tables 19 and 20

cables laid on racks

in air ( with spacing between
cables equal to dnrneter of the
cable and with aabks touching}

c) For muhi-com

(Z@ 21, Tddc18) Add the following new tables at the end:
TABLE M

RATING FACTORS FOR MULTI-CORE CABLES

LAiD ON RACKS IN AIR ( WITH SPACING BETWEEN
CABLES EQUAL TO DMMET8R OF THR CABLE}

[ cfaw 5.1.9 (c)]

ARRANGEMEN?

?s0. or
RAcxa
1

Numtmt or CABLE m

RACK

~
12

369

!00

09S

096

093

092

100

095

093

090

0s9

100 094

1%0 093 090

25mmtd

0-92 0%9 0%S

087

0s6

TABLE

20

RATING

FACTORS FOR MULT3.CORE

OABLES LAID ON RACKS
3N AIR ( WITH OABLES TOUCHUW
)

[ chum5.1,3(c)]
ARRANGEMENT

Iz

No. or

ti

RACKS
i7

,.

,..

i-++++

30cm
}1

++:

NUXBBB or CABLE

-J*

PER RACE

~.

2S69

I@O

0%4

080

0,75

0-73

100

060

0.76

0471

069

.
3

140

078

074

070

068

l@O

076

072

068

0-66

l----+-25mm

AMENDMENT

JULY

NO. 2

1977

TO

1S :3961 ( Fart N )-1967 RECOMMENDED

CURRENT
RATINGS FOR CABLES
PART II PVC-INSULATED AND PVC-SHEATHED
HEAVY DUTY CABLES

Alterations

[ Page 21, Table 19( see Amendment No. 1 ) ] Substitute the following
for the existing Fig:
ARRANGEMENT

-f
30cm

1
[ Pagc21, Tabfe20 ( see Amendment No. 1 ) ] Substitute the following
for the existing Fig:
ARRANGEMENT

Adsknda
[ Pagc21i Table 19 (see Ameridment No. 1 ) ] Note in the table;

NOTEThe recks me of open t~.

[ Pugt 21, Table 20 (set Amendment No. 1) ]
Note at bottomht the table:
NOTE The racksareof open type.

Add the following new

Add the foliowing new

~EIDC 32 )
mntfd RimgI*

F&wDelhi. Ph,

5726s47