IEC - De-rating Factor Calculation
- Last UpdatedJul 11, 2025
- 2 minute read
Total de-rating can be calculated once each of following de-ratings are selected:
a. De-rating factor of Ambient Temperature ((Cat)
b. De-rating factor for Cable Grouping (Ccg)
c. De-rating factor for Number of Circuits (Cnc)
d. De-rating factor for Number of Trays (Cnt)
e. De-rating factor for depth of buried cable (Cdb)
Total Calculated De-rating factor = (a * b * c * d * e)
If De-rating is not used the factor is set to 1.

The user can select a de-rating factor which will be used instead of the calculated value.
To select a de-rating factor, click the De-rating Factors button. The Derating Factors window is then displayed:

Select the required factor from the list. The list includes the de-rating factors that are part of the standard and user-defined project specific de-rating factor set up using the Cable Sizing Configuration window.
If a value is 1 then the rating will have no effect on the calculation.
Click Save. The selected factor is then displayed in the Chosen De-rating Factor field.
The Chosen De-rating Factor field value can only be set by the user to be equal to or less than the Calculated De-rating Factor field value.
If this field is blank when the Size Cable button is clicked, it will be automatically populated with the calculated value.
Reference IEC standard tables used for de-rating factors
Table B.52.14 and Table B.52.15 covers De-rating factor of Ambient Temperature ((Cat)
Table B.52.17 covers De-rating factor for Cable Grouping (Ccg)
Table B.52.18 and Table B.52.19 covers De-rating factor for Number of Circuits (Cnc)
Table B.52.20 and Table B.52.21 covers De-rating factor for Number of Trays (Cnt)
Table B.52.16 covers De-rating factor for depth of buried cable (Cdb)
Table E.52.1 IEC - Reduction factors for harmonic currents
Note:
Depending on installation arrangement, methods and external situation, the factors
may differ.
De-rating factors not currently covered include:
De-rating for cable groups in conduit systems, cable trunking systems or cable ducting systems