Cable Sizing Information Sheet

Introduction to Cable Sizing Equations

BS 7671 provides five equations (Equation 1 to Equation 5) for correctly sizing
cables. The reason we have multiple equations is to ensure cables are safely
sized based on different installation conditions such as grouping, simultaneous
overload potential, and whether or not overload protection is present.
Overview of Equations
 Equation 1: For single circuits with overload protection.
 Equation 2: For grouped circuits where simultaneous overload can
occur.
 Equations 3 & 4: Used together for grouped circuits proven not liable
to simultaneous overload. A group of circuits is considered liable to
simultaneous overload where it is reasonably expected that all circuits
could exceed their design current (Ib) at the same time under normal
operating conditions. If this cannot be ruled out through design measures
such as load diversity calculations, interlocks, or controlled sequencing,
simultaneous overload must be assumed. Where circuits are not liable to
simultaneous overload, these equations typically allow for a smaller cable
size compared to Equation 2.
 Equation 5: For circuits without overload protection (allowed in
specific scenarios listed in Regulation 433.3.1). The Cc (installation
method) factor remains at 1.0 regardless of cable burial.
Emphasis on Equation 5
Equation 5 applies when overload protection can be omitted legally (e.g., short
cable runs like meter tails, inherently limited loads). Because overload protection
is omitted, the usual burial penalty (Cc = 0.9) is not applied, meaning the Cc
factor remains at 1.0.
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Scenario Calculation Example

Scenario
 4 circuits share a trunking.
 Each circuit: Ib = 21 A, protected by 32 A MCB.
 Grouping factor (Cg): 0.65 (from BS 7671 Table 4C1).
 Ambient temperature factor (Ca): 0.94 (35°C, 70°C thermoplastic
insulation).
 No burial, no insulation: Cs = Cd = Ci = 1.
 MCB (not BS 3036 fuse): Cf = 1.
 Above-ground installation: Cc = 1.
Using Equation 2 (Simultaneous Overload Assumed)
Quadratic fraction layout:

Cable size required: 10 mm² (PVC singles, Method B ≥ 52.37 A)

Using Equations 3 & 4 (Proven Non-Simultaneous Overload)
Equation 3 Calculation:
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Equation 4 Calculation:
Quadratic form:

Choose the higher of Equations 3 & 4: 38.56 A

Cable size required: 6 mm² (PVC singles, Method B ≥ 38.56 A)
Benefits of Equations 3 & 4
 Equation 2 required: 10 mm² cable.
 Equations 3 & 4 required: 6 mm² cable.
Clearly, by proving circuits cannot simultaneously overload, significant cost and
space savings in cable size can be achieved using Equations 3 and 4.

Conclusion & summary

Understanding when to apply the correct equations ensures safe, compliant, and
economical electrical designs.
Key points
1. Equations 3 & 4
All grouped circuits still have their own MCB/RCBO.
You use Eq 3 & 4 only after showing that no two circuits will ever be in
overload together.
(One can briefly exceed Ib, but the others must stay at or below Ib during
that event.)
2. Equation 2
The moment you cannot guarantee that situation—for example, two
pumps could both stall and draw overload current simultaneously—you
must revert to Equation 2.
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3. Equation 5
Only comes into play when you remove the overload function entirely (or
never fit it), and the circuit qualifies under one of the Reg 433.3.1
exemptions.
Remember
“If any two circuits in the group could be in overload at the same time →
Equation 2.
If, by design, only one circuit can ever overload at a time (but they still have
breakers) → Equations 3 and 4.”
That’s exactly how BS 7671 intends those equations to be applied.