What happens to the ampacity of conductors when they are installed together in a bundle?

When conductors are installed together in a bundle, the ampacity, or the maximum amount of electrical current a conductor can carry safely, must be derated. This is because bundling conductors leads to increased heat buildup due to the proximity of the wires to each other. When the conductors are bundled, they cannot dissipate heat as effectively as they would when spaced apart. As a result, to prevent overheating and potential hazards, it is necessary to decrease the ampacity, which means that the conductors should be rated for a lower current than they would be when installed individually.

Derating accounts for this factor by adjusting the allowable current to ensure the safety and longevity of the electrical system. Therefore, understanding the need for derating when conductors are bundled is critical for anyone involved in electrical installation and maintenance.