The widely accepted maximum operating temperature of XLPE insulated power cables under “normal use” conditions is 90 ˚C. During emergencies, the temperature of a buried cable may be permitted to exceed this temperature. The duration considered for such emergencies ranges from 10 minutes up to 15 days. In many countries, XLPE-insulated cables are allowed to operate up to 100-105 ˚C for short durations.

The calculation of submarine cable current ratings is different from land cables due to their complex construction and installation conditions.

This article analyses the magnetic fields produced by electrical power cables installed in various configurations under varying conditions in the context of a health and safety-related issue. A software program has been used for calculating the results based on the Biot-Savart law. Techniques for the mitigation of magnetic fields are also presented.

We performed ampacity calculations for hundreds of industrial and utility power cables from Southwire. The assumptions used for modelling in the software are explained. The calculated ampacities were all within 3 % of the values given in ICEA and NEC standards.