I2t cable withstand workflow

How to prepare fault current, clearing time and conductor assumptions before using an Australian I2t cable withstand worksheet.

Withstand record purpose

I2t review connects fault current, clearing time and conductor assumptions. The public calculator can compare entered fault duty with entered withstand assumptions, but it cannot know the full protective-device behaviour or final conductor requirements.

Keep the source of each input with the worksheet result.

Workflow

  1. Prepare fault current from source or loop data.
  2. Record the clearing time source.
  3. Record conductor material, role and cross-sectional area.
  4. Enter the k value or selected assumption only when it has a source.
  5. Compare fault duty with withstand and write the review note.

I2t record table

I2t worksheet fields
FieldRecordReview point
Fault currentSource calculation, loop result or study valueMust match the location reviewed
Clearing timeDevice data or project sourceDevice behaviour controls duty
Conductor roleActive, neutral, protective conductor or other roleAssumptions differ by role
Material and sizeEntered conductor dataMust match the cable candidate
Withstand basisk value or entered withstandNeeds traceable source
Review noteMargin and unresolved checksAvoids final approval wording

Reading the result

If calculated duty exceeds entered withstand, check fault current, clearing time, conductor assumptions and device data before changing conductor size. If the result has margin, still carry the input sources forward.

The result belongs beside cable sizing and protection records, not as a standalone approval.

Boundaries

  • Do not use I2t as a complete cable-selection method.
  • Do not invent k values without source context.
  • Do not separate clearing time from device data.
  • Do not describe the comparison as final compliance.

Questions

Does the I2t calculator size the protective conductor?

No. It compares entered values. Conductor role, material, installation, device data and standards requirements still need project review.

Where should clearing time come from?

Use the protective-device data, engineering study, design record or reviewed project source that applies to the device and fault condition.