Free Web Tool · PEC 2017 / NEC

Cable Sizing & Voltage Drop

Pick a copper THHN/THWN size for ampacity and a maximum voltage-drop target (typically 3% feeder, 5% total) per PEC 2017 / NEC.

Input

Results

Required ampacity (after derate)
Min size for ampacity
Min size for VD ≤ target
Final size (governs)
VD at final size
Method

Required ampacity I_req = I_load × 1.25 (continuous) / derate. Lookup ampacity for THWN/THHN copper at chosen temp. Voltage drop: VD = K · I · L_eff / cmils; here we use SI: VD ≈ (2 · I · L · ρ · cosφ) / A (single-phase) or (√3 · I · L · ρ · cosφ) / A (three-phase). ρ_Cu ≈ 0.0172 Ω·mm²/m. Pick smallest A with VD ≤ target.