Software to know Electric Cable size

This program does electrical cable sizing, based on the most basic electrical laws.

If you are planning to do cable sizing for a real installation, check the results and make sure that you comply with all electrical regulations.

 

Theory

From Ohms law, the voltage drop in an electrical conductor is

V = I R

where

  I = Current, amps

  R = Resistance, Ohms

 

The electrical resistance can be derived from the properties of the conductor material.

R = ρ L / A

where

  ρ = Resistivity, Ω mm² /m

  L = Length, m

  A = Cross sectional area, mm²

Watch the units in the above equation.

 

The resistance can also be expressed in terms of the material conductivity (ψ) which is just the reciprocal of the resistivity.

R = L / (ψ A)

 

Table 1.  Typical material electrical conductivity

Material	Conductivity, ψ
Copper	58
Aluminium	36
Mild Steel	7.7

 

Combining Ohms law with the resistance expression, we get.

V = (I L) / (ψ A)

 

Now, we can define an acceptable voltage drop in a conductor.  I have calculated the voltage drop that was used in several published tables and get around 5.5 Volts.

We could therefore re-arrange this equation to give the cable size.  But cables come in standard sizes measured in mm².  In addition, you also need to consider the maximum current for each cable size.

 

Table 2. Conductor sizes and maximum currents

Cable Size, mm2	1.5	2.5	4	6	10	16	25	35	50	70	95	120	150	185	240	300
Maximum current, A	13	21	28	36	46	61	81	99	125	160	195	220	250	285	340	395

So, the theory is relatively simple, let us now see how to use the program.

 

Using the Program

Enter the following and the program calculates line current and cable area.

1. Conductor material.  Select from list.
2. Load Type.  Resistive for electrical heating or inductive for motors.
3. Phase.  Single or Three phase
4. Power.  Use the motor button for a quick lookup.
5. Cable Length in meter.

 

The normal voltage drop is based on 5.5 Volts.  You can edit this value if necessary by pressing the [Settings] button.

Right-Click anywhere on the form to activate the context menu. This will allow you to activate any of the program functions and run other TechniSolve program tools that you may have installed.

 

Program Limits

Electrical heating loads up to 84 kW

Single phase motors up to 5.5 kW

Three phase motors up to 110 kW