Single conductor cable spacing
Single conductor cable spacing
(OP)
Can anyone tell me the answer to this question. I have a product that I sell called KOZ cable blocks. These blocks are used to secure power cables. I have been told that when a single conductor cable is layed beside another single condustor cable that it must have a one cable spacing between them. Is this one cable spacing the outside diameter of the cable or the outside diameter of the conductor only? I am getting both answers from the industry. It would make sense that the answer is the outside siameter of the conductr (copper) as there are many different jackets available and they all have different diameters and characteristics. If anyone is interested in picturs of what I mean see
www.jms-supply.com.
Regards
Ken olan
www.jms-supply.com.
Regards
Ken olan






RE: Single conductor cable spacing
Multi-conductor cables installed in a single layer in uncovered cable trays **with a maintained space of not less than one CABLE diameter** between cables.....
This means the cable O.D.
Similar rules exist for single-conductor cables, but the wording in the NEC is a little fuzzy. I think the intent of the requirement is the same, but the NEC says "not less than one cable diameter between individual **conductors**. This may be source of the differing opinions.
RE: Single conductor cable spacing
It's likely most authorities having jurisdiction (inspectors) would consider a cable diameter to be the more conservative ‘over the jacket’ dimension.
For ANSI regions, NEC Chapter 9 fill calculations use the verbiage “total cross-sectional area including insulation” and the qualifier “Where bare conductors are permitted…the dimensions for bare conductors…shall be permitted.”
It is an interesting question.
RE: Single conductor cable spacing
RE: Single conductor cable spacing
The spacing allows air circulation around the cables and reduces mutual heating.
RE: Single conductor cable spacing