AS NZS 3008.1.1-2017 PDF

Full title and description

AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2017 — Electrical installations — Selection of cables — Part 1.1: Cables for alternating voltages up to and including 0.6/1 kV — Typical Australian installation conditions. This joint Australian/New Zealand Standard provides a method for selecting electric cables used in common installation methods at working voltages up to and including 0.6/1 kV (50 Hz), specifying rules for current‑carrying capacity, voltage drop and short‑circuit temperature rise appropriate to typical Australian ambient and soil conditions.

Abstract

This Standard establishes a practical, engineering‑based procedure for cable selection, covering determination of minimum cable size from current‑carrying capacity, allowable voltage drop and short‑circuit thermal limits. It sets rating and correction factors for different conductor and insulation types, installation methods (in air, in ducts/trunking, buried, etc.), grouping and ambient/soil temperature effects, and includes worked examples and appendices to assist designers and installers in applying the method under typical Australian conditions.

General information

• Status: Published (2017 edition). Users should confirm whether any later amendments or revisions have been issued before application.
• Publication date: 2 February 2017.
• Publisher: Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (joint publication).
• ICS / categories: Electrical engineering — Cables and cable systems (ICS category typically 29.060.x / Electrical engineering).
• Edition / version: 3rd edition (AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2017).
• Number of pages: 139 pages (publisher listing; some library records cite a slightly different page count).

Scope

Specifies a selection method for electric cables and installation methods commonly used at working voltages up to and including 0.6/1 kV (50 Hz a.c.). The Standard is written for typical Australian installation conditions (nominal ambient air temperature 40°C and soil temperature 25°C) and covers determination of cable size based on current‑carrying capacity, voltage drop and permissible short‑circuit temperature rise, together with rating and correction factors for different conductor and insulation types and installation arrangements.

Key topics and requirements

• Procedure for cable selection: stepwise method to determine minimum cable size from current, voltage drop and short‑circuit limits.
• Current‑carrying capacity: tabulated ratings and principles for different conductor materials (copper, aluminium) and insulation types (thermoplastic, XLPE, high‑temp compounds).
• Installation methods and derating: factors for cables in air, in ducts/trunking, in thermal insulation, buried direct, in underground enclosures and grouped runs.
• Ambient and soil temperature corrections and effect of thermal resistivity of soil on buried cables.
• Voltage drop calculation methods (mV/A·m and impedance methods) and recommended limits for various circuits.
• Short‑circuit temperature rise: calculation of permissible short‑circuit currents and influence of installation method on short‑term thermal performance.
• Effects of harmonics, electromagnetic interference and parallel cable runs on cable ratings.
• Worked examples and appendices, including economic cable sizing guidance.

Typical use and users

Used by electrical designers, consulting engineers, installation contractors, electrical inspectors, utilities, cable manufacturers and procurement teams to select appropriately sized power and distribution cables for low‑voltage installations (≤0.6/1 kV) in Australia. Also referenced by training providers and technical auditors when assessing compliance with industry practice and related wiring rules.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside and referenced with standards such as AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules), AS/NZS 3008.1.2 (Selection of cables — typical New Zealand conditions), national cable product standards (AS/NZS series for cable construction and performance), and other statutory/regulatory wiring and safety documents. It also cross‑references cable construction and testing standards and national electrical installation requirements.

Keywords

cable selection; current‑carrying capacity; voltage drop; short‑circuit temperature; derating factors; installation methods; buried cable; XLPE; thermoplastic insulation; economic cable sizing; AS/NZS 3008.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2017 is the Australian/New Zealand Standard that provides a method for selecting electric cables for alternating voltages up to and including 0.6/1 kV under typical Australian installation conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers calculation and tabulated guidance for current‑carrying capacity, voltage drop, and permissible short‑circuit temperature rise of cables; correction/derating factors for installation methods and ambient/soil temperatures; and worked examples to apply the selection procedure.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Electrical designers, consulting and utility engineers, installation contractors, electrical inspectors, cable manufacturers, and other professionals involved in specifying, installing or assessing low‑voltage power cabling.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This entry describes the 2017 edition (published 2 February 2017). Before relying on the Standard for a project, users should verify with Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (or their authorised distributor) whether amendments, corrigenda or a newer edition have been published.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — AS/NZS 3008 is a multi‑part series dealing with selection of cables. Part 1.1 covers typical Australian conditions; Part 1.2 addresses typical New Zealand conditions; other parts and related documents address additional voltage ranges, cable types and guidance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Cable selection, current‑carrying capacity, voltage drop, short‑circuit rating, derating, installation methods, ambient temperature, buried cable, XLPE, economic cable sizing.