Maximum Wire Length Calculator - Voltage Drop 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.