Cable Studies
Size for the load. Verify for the installation.
LV and HV cable studies for new installations and existing plant. Assess cable capacity, voltage drop and fault withstand, with clear recommendations for selection, reuse or upgrade.
LV + HV
Cable selection and review
Capacity + voltage
Load and installation checks
New + existing
Design and upgrade decisions
Calculations + report
A documented design basis
When you need this
A new load.
A longer run.
An existing cable to verify.
A change in load or installation conditions can change what a cable needs to carry. A study helps establish whether the proposed arrangement is suitable.
Select anything that applies to your site.
Outcomes & business value
A clear basis for the cable you choose.
Choose an appropriate size
Compare suitable cable options against the load and installation conditions, so procurement and design decisions have a documented basis.
Support reliable operation
Identify capacity and voltage constraints that could affect equipment performance, and assess what changes may be needed.
Check the protection interface
Assess cable fault withstand against the relevant fault current and clearing time, and identify protection assumptions that need verification.
Scope & typical deliverables
The cable, the route and the circuit.
We agree the circuits, operating conditions and design criteria at scoping. The assessment can support new cable selection or verification of an existing arrangement.
Load & design basis
Review the supply voltage, design load, duty, power factor and any agreed future capacity. Confirm cable routes, lengths and the available equipment and protection data.
Current capacity & installation
Assess conductor size and cable type against the installation method, ambient conditions, grouping and applicable derating. Include burial, ducts or soil conditions where relevant.
Voltage drop & circuit performance
Calculate voltage drop along the agreed circuits. Assess voltage rise for generation circuits where relevant, with motor-starting conditions or losses included when scoped.
Fault withstand & protection
Check thermal short-circuit withstand against the fault duty and clearing time. Review protective-conductor sizing and fault-loop requirements for applicable LV circuits within the agreed scope.
What you receive
Calculations your team can use.
- Cable study report with the design criteria, assumptions and limitations
- Recommended cable sizes and types, or findings on the existing cables assessed
- Current-capacity calculations and the derating factors applied
- Voltage-drop results and fault-withstand checks for the agreed circuits
- Calculation schedules, identified constraints and recommended actions
Agree at scoping: site verification, detailed route or layout drawings, specialist HV thermal studies, cable condition testing, installation and commissioning support.
Our approach
From circuit information to a cable decision.
Define the circuits and the decision
We confirm whether you need new cable selection, verification of existing cables or an assessment of a proposed upgrade. The scope records the required inputs, operating scenarios and any gaps in the available information.
Establish the installation conditions
We review cable construction, route lengths, installation methods, grouping and environmental conditions. Existing-cable assumptions are identified so you can confirm which details need checking on site.
Check the governing design criteria
We assess current capacity, voltage drop and fault withstand for the agreed conditions, using applicable calculation methods and manufacturer data. LV cable sizing and load verification are supported by ELEK Cable Pro Web.
Compare suitable arrangements
We identify the criteria that govern the cable selection and recommend suitable sizes or changes. Where an existing arrangement has a constraint, we explain the options and any information needed before a decision can be finalised.
Document the findings and next steps
We provide the report, calculation schedules and recommendations, then review the key findings with your team. Site checks, detailed design changes and implementation responsibilities are agreed as required.
Across the assets you operate
- Utilities
- BESS
- Wind
- Solar
- Mining & Industrial
- Data Centres
Existing installations
Can this cable be reused?
Start with the circuit requirements and the installation records.
Check the assumptions before committing to an upgrade.
A cable study can assess an existing cable against a proposed load and operating arrangement. Suitability also depends on confirming the installed cable, route and condition. Where records are incomplete, we identify the site checks or testing that need a separate scope.
Related services
Protection Studies
Review fault clearance, grading and the cable protection interface.
Engineering & Technical Consulting
Explore our wider engineering and asset assurance services.
FAQ's
Before you scope a cable study.
What information do you need from us?
Single-line diagrams, load details, supply voltage, route lengths, cable schedules and installation information. Existing cable size, material and insulation details are useful, along with protection settings, fault levels and any relevant test records. We identify missing information during scoping.
Can you check existing cables for additional load?
Yes. We assess the cable against the proposed load, installation conditions, voltage-drop criteria and protection. The assessment depends on reliable site information. A calculation does not establish the physical condition of the cable; inspection or testing may be needed separately.
Do you cover both LV and HV cables?
Yes. We agree the cable type, voltage level and assessment method for the application. LV sizing and verification use ELEK Cable Pro Web where appropriate. HV studies require suitable manufacturer and installation data; detailed thermal modelling, screen or sheath assessments are separately defined where needed.
Do you assess DC and renewable-energy circuits?
These can be included where agreed in the scope. Solar, BESS and other DC circuits require suitable cable and equipment data, polarity and installation details, and the relevant design criteria. We confirm the circuit boundaries and calculation method before commencing.
Does the study include cable testing or detailed installation design?
The core service is an engineering assessment and report for the agreed circuits. Site surveys, cable condition tests, detailed routing or construction drawings, installation and commissioning are separate activities that must be included expressly in the scope.
Which standards and design criteria apply?
We agree the applicable standards, client requirements and manufacturer data for the installation. Relevant LV assessments may use AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 3008. HV, DC and specialist applications need their own applicable design basis. The report records the criteria and assumptions used.
How long does a cable study take?
Timing depends on the number of circuits, installation complexity, available records and review requirements. We provide a programme with the proposal once the scope and data needs are understood.
Start with your circuit
Tell us what needs to be supplied — and what is already installed.
Bring your single-line diagram, cable schedule or proposed load. We’ll help define the circuits to assess, the information needed and the next steps.
Prefer to speak with the team?
1300 15 66 85
