Power Loss in Cables Calculator – Instant I²R Loss Tool

This tool calculates the maximum cable length that can be used without exceeding the allowable voltage drop and without degrading insulation, based on IEC and NEC standards. It supports DC, single-phase, two-phase, and three-phase systems, including parallel conductors and various temperature ratings. Input Parameters Current Type: Direct Current (DC), Single-phase AC, Two-phase, or Three-phase (3-wire/4-wire) Voltage (V): Enter phase-to-neutral voltage for single-phase, or phase-to-phase for polyphase Load Power (kW or VA): Rated power of the connected equipment Power Factor (cos φ): Ratio of active to apparent power, between 0 and 1 (default: 0.8) Wire Size (mm²): Cross-sectional area of the conductor Parallel Phase Conductors: Conductors with same size, length, and material can be used in parallel; total permissible current is sum of individual core ratings Voltage Drop (% or V): Maximum allowable voltage drop (e.g., 3% for lighting, 5% for motors) Conductor Material: Copper (Cu) or Aluminum (Al), affecting resistivity Cable Type: Unipolar: 1 conductor Bipolar: 2 conductors Tripolar: 3 conductors Quadrupolar: 4 conductors Pentapolar: 5 conductors Multipolar: 2 or more conductors Operating Temperature (°C): Based on insulation type: IEC/CEI: 70°C (PVC), 90°C (XLPE/EPR), 105°C (Mineral Insulation) NEC: 60°C (TW, UF), 75°C (RHW, THHN, etc.), 90°C (TBS, XHHW, etc.) Output Results Maximum allowable cable length (meters) Actual voltage drop (% and V) Conductor resistance (Ω/km) Total circuit resistance (Ω) Reference Standards: IEC 60364, NEC Article 215 Designed for electrical engineers and installers to plan wiring layouts and ensure acceptable voltage levels at the load end.

Adimissible let-through energy of the cable(K²S²)

Find the right wire size for solar inverters, home circuits & more. Supports DC/AC, voltage drop, IEC 60364. Free tool for engineers & DIYers. What size wire for a 2000W inverter? Can I use 10 AWG for my solar panels? Get the correct cable size based on load, voltage, distance, and allowable voltage drop — compliant with IEC 60364-5-52. How It Works This tool calculates the minimum conductor cross-sectional area (mm²) according to IEC 60364-5-52 , considering: System type: DC, single-phase or three-phase AC Voltage, load power, and power factor Cable length and max allowed voltage drop (typically 3%) Ambient temperature, insulation type (PVC/XLPE), and installation method Grouping derating and parallel conductors Designed for electrical engineers, solar installers, and students who need fast, code-compliant cable sizing. Common Questions What size wire for a 2000W inverter? For a 12V system over 10ft with 3% voltage drop, you need at least 2/0 AWG (70 mm²) copper cable. Can I use 10 AWG for my solar panels? Yes — if your array current is under 30A and the distance is less than 50ft (15m) at 48V. How to calculate DC cable size with voltage drop? Enter your DC voltage, load power, one-way distance, and max % drop. The tool applies IEC derating and returns the minimum mm².

Power losses in cables