What is the current-carrying capacity for No. 6 THWN aluminum conductors in conduit run through an ambient temperature of 38°C?

The current-carrying capacity, or ampacity, of conductors is influenced by several factors, including conductor size, insulation type, ambient temperature, and installation conditions. For No. 6 THWN aluminum conductors, it is essential to reference the appropriate electrical tables, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC) ampacity tables.

Under standard conditions, the ampacity for No. 6 THWN aluminum conductors is typically around 55 amps when properly rated for a 30°C ambient temperature. However, as the temperature increases, this capacity is adjusted downwards due to the thermal limits of the conductor insulation. In this case, the ambient temperature of 38°C requires us to apply a correction factor.

Using the NEC, you would typically find that at 38°C, the correction factor would reduce the current-carrying capacity of the conductor. When the appropriate ampacity adjustments are applied, the effective current capacity falls, and this leads us to determine that 44 amps is the resulting current-carrying capacity for No. 6 THWN aluminum conductors in conduit at the specified temperature. This value takes into account the proper adjustment for the elevated temperature, confirming that 44 amps is indeed the answer based on reliable sources