Calculate your required cable cross-section calculator here and now.

In modern electrical engineering, it is crucial to calculate the correct cable cross-section calculator during the planning phase in order to ensure safe and efficient energy transmission. This calculation helps you select the right cable type for your specific applications to prevent overheating, voltage drops, and energy losses. The cable cross-section calculator determines the amount of electrical current that a cable can safely carry. Our online calculator gives you an initial indication of which cable type with which diameter might be suitable for you. Please feel free to contact our specialists for further details. We are happy to assist you in a personal exchange via video conference, live chat (click on the speech bubble at the bottom right), or by phone.

Why is it necessary to calculate the cable cross-section?

Calculating the cable cross-section calculator is an essential part of electrical installation and planning. Originally developed to improve the safety and efficiency of electrical systems, this calculation is based on physical laws that describe the relationship between electrical current, voltage, and resistance. A correctly dimensioned cable cross-section ensures that the cable can dissipate the heat generated by electrical resistance.

Formula for calculating the cable cross-section

The following formula is used to calculate the cable cross-section:

A = (2 × L × I × ρ) / ΔU​

Please note:

• A = cable cross-section in square millimeters mm² (mm*mm)
• L = cable length in meters (m) (=length of the conductor in m)
• I = current in amperes (A)
• ρ (rho) = specific resistance of the material;
  • For copper: 0.0178 ohms mm2/m;
  • For aluminum: 0.0282 ohms mm2/m
• Delta U stands for the permissible voltage drop in volts (V).

Here is an example calculation:

For a copper cable with a current of 20A, a length of 30m, and a maximum permissible voltage drop of 3% at 230V:

1. Maximum voltage drop: Delta U = 0,03 * 230 V = 6,9 V
2. Calculate cable cross-section: A = (2 * 30 * 20 * 0.0178) / 6,9 approx. 3.1 mm2

A cable with a cross-section of 4 mm² would be selected for this application in order to allow for safety margins.

Converting AWG: Meaning and application

We have also integrated the conversion to AWG into our online cable cross-section calculation tool to simplify the process for you. The conversion to AWG (American Wire Gauge) is particularly important when cables are used in international projects, as AWG is a widely used standard in North America. The conversion helps to compare the size of cables and select the appropriate cable types for specific electrical requirements.

Origin of the AWG standard

The AWG standard was introduced in the 19th century to standardize and unify the wide variety of wire diameters. This standard makes it easier to select the right wire thickness based on electrical capacity and mechanical construction.

Conversion from mm² to AWG

The conversion of cable cross-section in mm² to AWG is based on the diameter of the cable:

1. Diameter calculation: Diameter = square root of (4 * 3.1 / pi) approx. 1.99 mm​​
   
2. AWG-conversion: AWG = 36 – 10 * log10(diameter * 0.127)

Here is an example calculation:

Let’s assume we have a cable cross-section of 3.1 mm²:

1. Calculate diameter: Diameter = root(4 * 3.1 / pi) approx. 1.99 mm
2. Convert AWG: AWG = 36 – 10 * log10(1.99 * 0.127) approx. 12

A cross-section of 3.1 mm² corresponds to approximately an AWG of 12.

Why are these calculations important?

Calculating the cable cross-section and converting it to AWG is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of electrical systems. Incorrectly sized cables can lead to overheating, fire hazards, and energy loss. Selecting the correct cable size ensures that the electrical installation meets specific requirements and guarantees operational safety.

Standardization with AWG enables internationally active companies to ensure that their products meet the requirements of different markets, which facilitates both product development and market acceptance.

Calculating the cable cross-section and converting it to AWG are essential steps in the planning and implementation of electrical installations. These calculations ensure the safety, efficiency, and standard compliance of the materials used and help to meet international standards. Knowledge of these calculations and their correct application are essential for engineers, technicians, and anyone who works with electrical systems.

Important Note:

Data protection notice

After the third calculation process, we collect personal data. This data is used exclusively for our own purposes. We provide detailed information about how we handle personal data collected on our website on our data protection page and in our data protection notice.