Hot Circuits Can Be Expensive

The higher rated operating temperatures of the insulated power conductors presently available have been of considerable assistance to circuit designers confronted with high ambient temperatures and space limitations. However, the temptation exists to utilize these temperature capabilities to obtain the maximum ampacity with the minimum conductor size in circuits where no unusual ambient temperatures or space constraints are encountered. In response to the escalating cost of electrical energy and the fact that the excessive heating of electrical circuits does represent an avoidable waste, the basic economics of insulated conductor loading is reviewed.