Electrical Wiring Calculator
Calculate proper wire size, voltage drop, and ampacity for electrical wiring projects. Understand NEC requirements and ensure safe electrical installations.
Step 1: Circuit Parameters
Understanding Circuit Parameters
System voltage determines the electrical pressure. Circuit current (amps) is the load requirement. Longer wire runs may require larger wire sizes to compensate for voltage drop.
Step 2: Wiring Details
About Wire Materials
Copper has better conductivity but is more expensive. Aluminum is lighter and cheaper but requires larger wire sizes for the same current capacity. Always follow NEC guidelines for proper installation.
Wiring Calculation Results
Recommended Minimum Wire Size
Wire Size Comparison
| Wire Size (AWG) | Copper Ampacity | Aluminum Ampacity | Voltage Drop | Cost per 100ft |
|---|
Voltage Drop Analysis
Voltage Drop Formula
VD = (2 × K × I × L) / CM
VD = Voltage Drop, K = Material Constant, I = Current (Amps), L = Length (ft), CM = Circular Mils. For single phase circuits, the factor 2 accounts for the round trip distance of the circuit.
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