Ampere Load Limits for Copper in Overhead Lines

Abstract

The paper presents a method of determining approximately the maximum continuous current-carrying capacity of conductors in overhead lines, as fixed by certain operating limits of temperature and time, beyond which it is expected that the physical characteristics of copper conductors might be materially impaired. The paper deals illustratively with conditions in the Philadelphia area, but the method is equally adaptable to any situation. The design limits of ampere ratings determined herein, are from 10 to 35 per cent higher for bare conductors, and from 10 to 20 per cent higher for covered conductors, than those previously used in the Philadelphia area. Operation at load equal to the design limit will, during 99.93 per cent of the hours in the average year, maintain copper temperatures below 100 degrees centigrade in normal operations and below 135 degrees centigrade in emergency operations.