Method of installation: C (clipped direct, on a non-metallic surface). Conductor material: Copper. Cross-sectional area: 1.5 mm². Ambient temperature: 45°C (adjusted for Mars average). Load: Continuous, 24h.
She pointed to a dusty fan venting waste heat from the generator. “If we re-route the 1.5 mm² cable to run through that ventilated trench instead of being bundled with the power cables, the grouping factor changes. And if we move it away from the hot water pipe, the ambient temperature correction improves. Suddenly, the effective current capacity goes from 14.5 A to... 18.2 A.” iec 60364 current carrying capacity 1.5 mm2
“IEC 60364-5-52: 1.5 mm² Cu, method E, corrected temp factor = 17.8 A continuous. Do not exceed. Respect the copper. Respect the standard.” Method of installation: C (clipped direct, on a
Derating factor = 0.87 CCC = 18.5 A × 0.87 = 16.1 A Ambient temperature: 45°C (adjusted for Mars average)
But her clamp meter was showing 17.2 A. The water recycler was pulling more than the spec due to a clogged pre-filter they hadn’t had time to change.
