Technical Information

Flexible Cords

Current ratings for three phase and single phase circuits and volt drop at rated current for flexible cords to BS6500.

Conductor Cross-Sectional Area Current-carrying capacity Maximum Mass Supportable Voltage Drop per Ampere per Metre
Single-Phase AC Three-Phase AC DC or Single-Phase AC Three-Phase AC
mm² A A kg mV/A/m mV/A/m
0.5 3 3 2 93 80
0.75 6 6 3 62 54
1 10 10 5 46 40
1.25 13 - 5 37 -
1.5 16 16 5 32 27
2.5 25 20 5 19 16
4 32 25 5 12 10

† by twin flexible cord (see regulation 522-08-06)

‡ Conductor Operating Temperature: 60°C.

The tabulated values above are for 60°C rubber-insulated and PVC-insulated flexible cords. For 85°C rubber and 90°C PVC cords they are to be multiplied by 1.09

Correction Factors for Ambient Temperature

60°C Rubber and PVC Cords

Ambient Temperature °C 35°C 40°C 45°C 50°C 55°C
Correction Factor 0.91 0.82 0.71 0.58 0.41

85°C rubber cords having a HOFR sheath or a heat resisting PVC sheath and for 85°C and 90°C heat-resisting PVC cords

Ambient Temperature °C 35 to 50°C 55°C 60°C 65°C 70°C
Correction Factor 1.0 0.96 0.83 0.67 0.47