Calculator Online

Home AI Chat AI Math Solver

NEW

Tools ▾ Category ▾

Pricing Sign In

Calculator Online

Your Result is copied!

DC Wire Size Calculator

Input the required values into the calculator to determine the optimal wire size, gauge number, and wire cross-sectional area.

Calculate Wire Size

Calculate Wire Diameter

Calculate Wire Gauge

Calculate Wire Size:

Source voltage:

V ▾

Allowable voltage drop (V):

Conductor material:

Current (I):

A ▾

Wire temperature:

m ▾

Wire Length:

°C ▾

Wire Gauge:

Related

The DC wire size calculator estimates the required wire size for your circuit based on the given current and voltage. Use this tool to quickly determine the correct wire size and help plan your electrical projects efficiently.

DC Wire Size:

A wire designed for direct current (DC) circuits is called a DC Wire. In DC circuits, current flows in one direction only. DC wires are widely used in electronic devices, automotive systems, and solar panel installations. Choosing the correct type and size ensures safe and efficient operation. Key factors to consider when selecting a DC wire include:

Wire Gauge (AWG): American Wire Gauge (AWG) specifies the wire size. Smaller AWG numbers indicate thicker wires.
Voltage Rating: Ensure the wire’s voltage rating matches your system.
Temperature Rating: The maximum temperature the wire can safely handle.
Resistance: Consider the resistance of the wire, as it affects performance and voltage drop.

DC Wire Size Formula:

\( A(m^2) = \dfrac{2 \times \rho (\Omega \cdot m) \times L(m) \times I(A)}{V} \)

Where:

A = Cross-sectional area of the wire in square meters
ρ = Resistivity of the conductor in ohm-meters (Ω·m)
L = Length of the wire in meters
I = Current in amperes (A)
V = Allowable voltage drop

How To Calculate DC Wire Size:

Follow these steps to determine the correct wire size for your DC circuit:

Determine the current (I) that will flow through the wire.
Measure the wire length (L) from the source to the load.
Identify the conductor material (e.g., copper or aluminum).
Specify the allowable voltage drop (V).
Consider the temperature rating of the wire.
Insert these values into the DC wire size formula.

Example:

Given the following:

Conductor (ρ) = Copper (1.883616 × 10^-8 Ω·m)
Wire length (L) = 100 m
Current (I) = 300 A
Source voltage (V) = 12 V
Allowable voltage drop = 3%

Solution:

Using the formula:

\( A(m^2) = \dfrac{2 \times \rho \times L \times I}{V_{drop} \times V_{source}} \)

Substitute values:

\( A(m^2) = \dfrac{2 \times 1.883616 \times 10^{-8} \times 100 \times 300}{0.03 \times 12} \)

\( A(m^2) = \dfrac{0.00113016}{0.36} = 0.003136 \, m^2 \)

Convert to mm²:

\( A = 0.003136 \times 1,000,000 = 313.6 \, mm^2 \)

Wire Size Chart:

AWG #	Diameter (inch)	Diameter (mm)	Area (kcmil)	Area (mm²)
0000 (4/0)	0.4600	11.6840	211.6	107.22
000 (3/0)	0.4096	10.405	167.81	85.03
00 (2/0)	0.3648	9.266	133.08	67.43
0 (1/0)	0.3249	8.252	105.53	53.48
1	0.2893	7.348	83.69	42.41
2	0.2576	6.544	66.37	33.63
3	0.2294	5.827	52.63	26.67
4	0.2043	5.189	41.74	21.15