Cable Specifications Lookup – IEC and NEC Standards (Diameter, Weight)

Standard *

Cable type *

Wire size *

Current calculation formulas

Conductor Weight

$W_{c} = π \times (d / 2)^{2} \times G_{c} \times N \times K_{1} \times K_{2} \times C$ Wc=π×(d/2)2×Gc×N×K1×K2×C

Insulation Layer Weight

$W_{i} = π \times [(D_{i} / 2)^{2} - (d / 2)^{2}] \times G_{i} \times C \times K_{2}$ Wi=π×[(Di/2)2−(d/2)2]×Gi×C×K2

Outer Sheath Weight

$W_{s} = π \times [(D_{o} / 2)^{2} - (D_{b} / 2)^{2}] \times G_{s}$ Ws=π×[(Do/2)2−(Db/2)2]×Gs

Armor Layer Weight

$W_{a r m o r} = π \times [(D_{a} / 2)^{2} - (D_{a 0} / 2)^{2}] \times G_{a}$ Warmor=π×[(Da/2)2−(Da0/2)2]×Ga

Tape Layer Weight

$W_{t a p e} = π \times [(D_{t} / 2)^{2} - (D_{t 0} / 2)^{2}] \times G_{t}$ Wtape=π×[(Dt/2)2−(Dt0/2)2]×Gt

Total Weight

$W_{t o t a l} = W_{c} + W_{i} + W_{s} + W_{a r m o r} + W_{t a p e}$ Wtotal=Wc+Wi+Ws+Warmor+Wtape

Parameter Description

d — Single conductor diameter (mm)

D_i — Insulation outer diameter (mm)

D_b — Outer diameter before sheath (mm)

D_o — Finished cable outer diameter (mm)

D_a, D_{a0} — Armor layer outer/inner diameter (mm)

D_t, D_{t0} — Tape layer outer/inner diameter (mm)

G_c — Conductor material density (Copper 8.89, Aluminum 2.70)

G_i — Insulation material density (PVC ≈ 1.45)

G_s — Sheath material density

G_a — Armor material density

G_t — Tape material density

N — Number of strands per conductor

K₁, K₂ — Lay-up coefficient (typically 1.02–1.05)

C — Number of cores

Description

Look up cable conductor diameter, external diameter, and weight per meter/km for PVC, rubber, and multipolar cables. Compliant with IEC 60076 and NEC standards.

"Cable dimension and weight data are essential for selecting conduit size, planning installations, and ensuring structural safety."

Key Parameters

Cable Type

Unipolar: consisting of a single conductor.
Bipolar: consisting of 2 conductors.
Tripolar: consisting of 3 conductors.
Quadrupolar: consisting of 4 conductors.
Pentapolar: consisting of 5 conductors.
Multipolar: consisting of 2 or more conductors.

Common Cable Standards

Code	Description
FS17	PVC insulated cable (CPR)
N07VK	PVC insulated cable
FG17	Rubber insulated cable (CPR)
FG16R16	Rubber insulated cable with PVC sheath (CPR)
FG7R	Rubber insulated cable with PVC sheath
FROR	PVC insulated multipolar cable

Wire Size

Cross-sectional area of the conductor, measured in mm² or AWG.

Determines current-carrying capacity and voltage drop. Larger sizes allow higher currents.

Common sizes: 1.5mm², 2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm², 10mm², 16mm², etc.

Conductor Diameter

Total diameter of the strands of wires within the conductor, measured in millimeters (mm).

Includes all individual strands twisted together. Important for terminal compatibility and connector sizing.

External Diameter

Outside diameter including insulation, measured in millimeters (mm).

Critical for selecting conduit size and avoiding overcrowding. Includes both conductor and insulation layers.

Cable Weight

Weight of the cable per meter or per kilometer, including conductor and insulation.

Measured in kg/km or kg/m. Important for structural design, support spacing, and transportation.

Example values:
- 2.5mm² PVC: ~19 kg/km
- 6mm² Copper: ~48 kg/km
- 16mm²: ~130 kg/km

Why These Parameters Matter？

Parameter	Engineering Use Case
Wire Size	Determine ampacity, voltage drop, and circuit protection
Conductor Diameter	Ensure proper fit in terminals and connectors
External Diameter	Choose correct conduit size and avoid overcrowding
Cable Weight	Plan support intervals and prevent sagging
Cable Type	Match application needs (fixed vs. mobile, indoor vs. outdoor)

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between conductor diameter and external diameter?

The conductor diameter refers only to the total diameter of the twisted wire strands inside the conductor, used to determine terminal and connector compatibility. The external diameter includes all outer layers such as insulation and sheath, and is the key basis for selecting conduit size and avoiding overcrowding during installation.

Why do cables with the same cross-sectional area have different weights?

The weight is mainly affected by the conductor material (copper density is about 8.89 g/cm³, aluminum about 2.70 g/cm³), number of cores, insulation material (PVC, rubber, etc.), and whether an armor layer is present. For example, a 16mm² copper cable weighs about 130 kg/km, while an aluminum cable of the same specification is much lighter.

What is the engineering use of cable weight data?

Cable weight data is used to plan support spacing, prevent cable sagging, verify the load capacity of cable trays and hangers, and estimate transportation and installation costs. Accurate weight information helps avoid structural overload and ensures construction safety.