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<Ribbon Assembly Knowledge Base>
The maximum continuous current rating for flat cable is limited by many factors such as conductor size (AWG), conductor material/conductivity, insulation and jacket materials/properties, ambient temperature, air flow, and various other influences. The cables are assigned current ratings based on the amount of current required to obtain certain conductor temperature rises under specified conditions. The temperature capacity of the insulation and the desired operating temperature within the system governs the maximum acceptable temperature rise of the conductor.
Fortunately, flat cable has a greater surface-to-volume ratio than its round cable counterpart. Consequently, it has a higher efficiency in dissipating heat. The geometry places conductors side-by-side so there is equally good heat dissipation from each with no conductor buried in the center of a bundle of hot conductors. This, in turn, allows for a higher current level for a given temperature rise and conductor cross section. Generally speaking, the number of conductors within a flat cable has little effect on the overall current rating of the cable, unlike round cable where the current rating is decreased as the number of conductors increase.
To use the current capacity chart, first determine conductor size. Following the vertical line to the corresponding temperature rise (10°C or 35°C rise), find the current value on the chart that intersects with the conductor size and temperature rise.
Current ratings are intended as general guidelines only. Depending on the environment and application, ratings could be higher or lower.
| Recommended Maximum Current Ratings |
AWG |
Current (Amps) |
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30 |
0.5 |
28 |
1 |
26 |
1.5 |
24 |
2 |
22 |
2.5 |
20 |
3.5 |
18 |
5 |
16 |
6.5 |
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