Which of the following factors is not considered when selecting electric cable size?

The selection of electric cable size is influenced by several critical factors that ensure the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems. Among these factors, current carrying capacity and allowable voltage drop are essential for ensuring that the cables can handle the required load without overheating and that voltage remains within acceptable limits during operation.

Current carrying capacity refers to the maximum amount of current a cable can safely carry without exceeding the temperature limits of the wire and its insulation. This is crucial for preventing potential damage to the cable and ensuring safety.

Allowable voltage drop is significant because excessive voltage loss along a cable can lead to inefficient operation of electrical equipment. Therefore, engineers must consider how much voltage drop is permissible for the system to function correctly.

While wire insulation type is important for other reasons, such as environmental resistance and safety, it is not a direct factor affecting the size of the cable chosen for a specific application. Insulation primarily influences factors like temperature rating and insulation properties rather than determining the appropriate size based on current handling or voltage drop criteria. Therefore, this factor is not typically considered when selecting electric cable size.