Calculation of Current Rating for Medium and Low Voltage XLPE Cable in Clustered Layout

For the clustered layout of power cable, the steady current rating of MV or LV XLPE cable in different laying status, in different temperatures of circumvents, and in different soil thermal resistances, was calculated according to the IEC 60287 standard. The effect of the temperature and the accuracy of soil resistance coefficient estimation with regards to the final results are also investigated. The result shows the coefficient of soil resistance plays the most important role in the current rating for cable in a clustered layout. Selecting an appropriate soil component is an important method to increase the current rating.