Conductor Ampacity Calculator CEC

Conductor Ampacity Calculator CEC is a package that offers individuals two types of calculators, which allow you to find the appropriate ampacity for underground cable configurations, with user-adjustable features that provide the permitted range values for optimal cabling.

After downloading one or both of the packages, the initial configuration should be done as follows: firstly, you must unzip the archived content. Each one of these packages contains 3 different resources — the cabinet file (a Microsoft archive that includes the calculator's compressed information and tools), a 'setup.exe' file (used for the installation of the needed resources/dependencies), and the LST file (which is a list with app data parameters; this is a text file, it can be opened with Notepad, and contains information that can only be useful for technical users, for example, developers).

To install the programs, you must access the executable ('setup.exe'). After finalizing the installation, go back to the initial directory (e.g., 'Conductors_Ampacity_NEC-R1121' / 'Conductors_Ampacity_CEC-R1121'), and double-click the cabinet file, which will generate a new extraction to a user-indicated folder.

Finally, you can access the calculator of your choice, AmpacityNEC for the US or AmpacityCEC for Canada.

The AmpacityNEC calculator allows you to switch between two different conductor types: AL (aluminum) and CU (copper). Also, there are switches between insulated conductors (Raceway or Cable) and Single-Insulated conductors with free-air ambient temperature modifications, as well as parameters to modify the ampacity, with correction factors included.

The AmpacityCEC tool has a smaller interface, and it is a bit more compact. It includes AL/CU switching options, Raceway or Cable or Free Air input parameters, insulation temperature changes (in Celsius), plus ambient and wires count temperature modifications.

These two resources are free of cost and perform calculations with great accuracy. However, a downside to using them is the installation process that can be confusing for less technical users.