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Minimum Cable Size Termination For Motors?

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ThePunisher

Electrical
Nov 7, 2009
384
Is there a minimum cable size for motors regardless of size?

I have some motors rated 0.18kW, 0.37kW etc. They were specified with a supply cable size of 2.5mm2. Everything looks good in terms of cable current carrying capacity and voltage drop.

Just wondering if 2.5mm2 is OK instead of 4mm2 which we are used in using as a minimum size for power supply cables. The cables are unarmored, EPR installed in cable trays.
 
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The last time I looked the Canadian Electrical Code specifies #14 as a minimum size for power wiring of any type, including motors. Control wiring may be smaller.
But- I haven't had occasion to reviewthat rule for some time now.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
 
I don't think there is a standard limiting to 4 sqr.mm conductor for motor supply cable.
IEC 60228 and IEC 60502 start from 1.5 sqr.mm
I think the problem was the motor vibration which could damage the conductor. Now the conductor may be stranded
so it is more resistant to vibration. The modern connector could hold the stranded conductor directly or by a crimped ferrule.
 
good points. Voltage drop along the cable may be a consideration as well.

=====================================
(2B)+(2B)' ?
 
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