Cable calculator AWG / mm²
Safety factor according to IEC 60364, Voltage drop, Temperature and Insulation life
| Strom | % von I_max | Leitertemp. | Lebensdauer | Bewertung |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12,0 A | 60% | 44,4 °C | 176,9a | ✓ OK |
| 14,0 A | 70% | 49,6 °C | 123,4a | ✓ OK |
| 16,0 A | 80% | 55,6 °C | 81,4a | ✓ OK |
| 18,0 A | 90% | 62,4 °C | 50,8a | ⚠ Grenzwertig |
| 20,0 A | 100% | 70,0 °C | 30,0a | ⚠ Grenzwertig |
| 22,0 A | 110% | 78,4 °C | 16,8a | ✗ Overload |
| 24,0 A | 120% | 87,6 °C | 8,9a | ✗ Overload |
| 30,0 A | 150% | 120,0 °C | 0,9a | ✗ Overload |
| AWG | mm² | Ø mm | Ω/100m (Cu) | I_max B1 (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 0.517 | 0.813 | 3.355 | 15 |
| 18 | 0.823 | 1.024 | 2.106 | 15 |
| 16 | 1.31 | 1.291 | 1.322 | 15 |
| 14 | 2.08 | 1.628 | 0.829 | 20 |
| 12 | 3.31 | 2.053 | 0.521 | 27 |
| 10 | 5.26 | 2.588 | 0.328 | 34 |
| 8 | 8.37 | 3.264 | 0.206 | 46 |
| 6 | 13.3 | 4.115 | 0.130 | 62 |
| 4 | 21.2 | 5.189 | 0.082 | 80 |
| 2 | 33.6 | 6.544 | 0.051 | 99 |
| 1 | 42.4 | 7.348 | 0.040 | 99 |
| 1/0 | 53.5 | 8.252 | 0.032 | 118 |
| 2/0 | 67.4 | 9.266 | 0.025 | 149 |
| 3/0 | 85 | 10.400 | 0.020 | 179 |
| 4/0 | 107 | 11.680 | 0.016 | 179 |
Accurate Electrical Planning with IEC Standards
The Cable Cross-Section Calculator helps you determine the correct wire thickness for your electrical installations. By following the IEC 60364 standard, the tool calculates ampacity while accounting for critical environmental factors like ambient temperature and insulation types such as PVC or XLPE. You can input parameters including load current, system voltage, and conductor length to receive precise data on resistance, loss power, and projected insulation life under continuous load conditions.
Versatile Applications for Electrical Engineering
This tool is essential for electricians and engineers planning infrastructure projects. It allows you to select the correct cable gauge based on specific installation environments, such as being embedded in walls (A1), placed in tubes (B1), or laid underground (D). By providing a clear reference between AWG and mm² units, the calculator ensures that your wiring meets safety standards and minimizes energy loss during power transmission across various distances.
Privacy-Focused Browser Calculation
Your data privacy is prioritized by our platform. The Cable Cross-Section Calculator processes all calculations directly in your web browser. No personal information or technical specifications are sent to an external server for processing. This ensures that your project details remain private and secure while you perform technical calculations, making it a reliable tool for both individual DIY projects and professional engineering workflows.
Frequently asked questions
How do I determine the correct wire cross-section?
You can use the calculator by entering your load current, system voltage, and cable length. The tool then factors in the ambient temperature and installation environment to recommend the appropriate mm² or AWG size. This ensures your wiring handles the electrical load safely without overheating or significant voltage drop.
What is the difference between AWG and mm²?
AWG (American Wire Gauge) and mm² are two different systems for measuring wire thickness. While AWG is common in North America, mm² is standard in Europe. The tool includes a reference table to help you convert easily between these two units during your planning process.
How does temperature affect cable capacity?
Higher ambient temperatures increase the resistance of the wire and can degrade insulation faster. The calculator uses IEC 60364 guidelines to adjust the maximum allowable current based on your specific environment, ensuring that the chosen cable remains safe and functional under continuous load conditions.
What do the installation types A1, B1, C, and D mean?
These codes represent different mounting environments. For example, A1 refers to cables embedded in walls, while D is for cables buried underground. Each environment has different cooling properties; the tool uses these categories to calculate the correct safety factors and maximum current capacities for your specific setup.