Wire Size Calculator
This calculator requires the use of Javascript enabled and capable browsers. The purpose of the calculator is to determine the size of the conductor wire in a circuit of a given distance with a given amperage load. Select the type conductor wire material, the circuit voltage and the phase of the circuit. Enter the total amperage on the circuit; also enter one half of the total length of the circuit. A sample of 120 volts, single phase, copper wire, 144 feet (one half of a 288 foot circuit) with 10 amps load on it yields a number 10 awg wire size. Our calculator yields results that are within code in most locations however we advise you to check your local electrical code. Since we have tried to consider safety as our primary factor, any marginal decision factors are toward the safe side. We allow a maximum voltage drop of about 3% before the wire specification increases. If you need to calculate actual voltage drop, you might want to consider using our voltage drop calculator for both wire circuits and circuit boards, AC and DC.
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Updated: 7/13/11
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