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NESC K-Factor
2

NESC K-Factor

NESC K-Factor

(OP)
I received some correspondence that makes reference to a K-Factor in IEEE C2 (National Electrical Safety Code). I can't find that term in the code however I suspect it's an old term that still remains in the utility industry.

Does anyone know the definition for the term 'K-Factor'?

Thanks!

RE: NESC K-Factor

There are a lot of k-factors.  What is it in relation to?  

I'm with jghrist - I don't recall any k-factors in the NESC, but I didn't do a search.   

RE: NESC K-Factor

2
McGraw Hill calls the constant determined from Table 230-2 the "K factor."

RE: NESC K-Factor

(OP)
Thanks everyone for your help!

Question for Stevenal: can you provide the link for where you located this reference?

RE: NESC K-Factor

I should add that the handbook is not at all clear on this, but the example factor they used matches the 15 degree temperature column.

A review of old editions of the code found that none of them called this constant a k factor.

Never heard of a "factor" that was added to a result, and contained units. Most factors I know of are multiplied and are unitless.  

RE: NESC K-Factor

Quote:

McGraw Hill calls the constant determined from Table 230-2 the "K factor."
The RUS Transmission Design Manual Appendix A refers to this as a "Constant K."
 

RE: NESC K-Factor

(OP)
Thanks everyone for your help!

RE: NESC K-Factor

A little more research:

Quote:

Dear Steve,

I have been using the term "k factor" for my entire career (as have other engineers I have worked with).  I reviewed your question below and I agree the 2007 NESC doesn't appear to use this term.  I looked through some Alcoa Sag10 information (now Southwire Sag 10) and found that they use the term "k factor."  I am assuming my use of the Sag 10 program over the years is how the term "k factor" became part of my vocabulary.  I will update my Handbook in 2012 to reflect the gap in terminology if needed.  My statement "if needed" is due to the fact that there is a change proposal for the 2012 NESC to drop the "k factor" and increase the wind load.  If you are interested in learning more about the proposed 2012 NESC changes and making comments on the proposed changes, you can order the "Preprint Proposals for the 2012 Edition of the NESC® (CD-ROM)" from our website www.marneassociates.com .

Thanks for your comments.

Sincerely,

Dave
 
David J. Marne, P.E.
Marne and Associates, Inc.
Experts in Electrical Code

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