High Voltage Wire Chart

Installation of electrical wire can be hazardous if done improperly and can result in personal injury or property damage.

High voltage wire chart.

View wire size and amp ratings in a new window. Voltage is much like water pressure the higher the voltage the faster the current flows. Voltage enter the voltage at the source of the circuit. The wire size chart below shows allowable ampacities of insulated conductors rated up to and including 2000 volts 60 c through 90 c 140 f through 194 f not more than three current carrying conductors in raceway cable or earth directly buried based on ambient air temperature of 30 c 86 f.

Single phase voltages are usually 115v or 120v while three phase voltages are typically 208v 230v or 480v. Amperes enter the maximum current in amps that will flow through the circuit. The wire sizing guide below provides the minimum wire size needed to limit voltage drops to 5 at a given distance in a 12v or 24v system. When calculating proper wire sizing voltage plays a very important role.

The following calculator calculates the voltage drop and voltage at the end of the wire for american wire gauge from 4 0 awg to 30 awg aluminum or copper wire. A 24 volt system can move the same amount of current through a wire one half the size required for a 12 volt system. For motors it is recommended to multiply the nameplate fla by 1 25 for wire sizing. Specify wiring that will withstand the worst conditions.

It just calculates the voltage drop consult the above table for rules of thumb or your local or national electrical code or your electrician to decide what is legal. For example there are wire types designed for resistance to sunlight exposure high temperatures and direct burial.