Omni calculator
Last updated:

12 Volt Wire Size Calculator

Table of contents

How to calculate the size of a 12 volt wire?How do you use this 12 V wire size calculator?Other useful tools like the 12 volt wire size calculatorFAQs

The 12-volt wire size calculator will help determine the appropriate electrical wire for your next house installation. Do you want to install a new camera or motion-sensing light? Please keep reading to determine how to size your cables.

How to calculate the size of a 12 volt wire?

We will use the resistivity concept and combine it with the ohm's law for a single conductor:

A=2×IϱLV×%drop\quad A = \frac{2\times I \varrho L}{V \times \%_{\text{drop}}}

where:

  • %drop\%_{\text{drop}} — Allowable voltage drop, in %.
  • VV — Source voltage, measured in volts.
  • II — Maximum current running through the wire, measured in amps;
  • ϱ\varrho — Resistivity of the conductor material, measured in ohm meters;
  • LL — Length of the wire, measured in meters; and
  • AA — Cross-sectional area of the wire measured in square meters.

We add factor 2 because we have one way from the source to the equipment and another one way from the equipment to the source.

How do you use this 12 V wire size calculator?

You need to verify that your equipment can withstand 12 volts. Then you follow these steps:

  1. 12-volt AC / DC is already set for you. Now, we have to define the allowable voltage drop.

  2. Select the conductor's material, either copper or aluminum. You can also select Other to enter a custom conductor resistivity value.

  3. Define how much current (amperes) your equipment needs.

  4. Indicate the one-way length of your electrical system.

  5. Finally, specify the maximum operating temperature.

Our 12 V wire size calculator will indicate the cross-sectional area, cable diameter, and AWG size.

Other useful tools like the 12 volt wire size calculator

Since you already know how to size a 12 volts wire, you can take a look at other calculators:

FAQs

Which size wire is recommended for 12 volts appliances?

You have to define the amperes your equipment needs as it directly impacts the 12-volt wire size calculation. However, if we:

  1. Add five amps into the Omni Calculator 12-volt wire size.
  2. Include the allowable voltage drop (maximum 5% for DC appliances).
  3. Finally, add the one-way length of our system (here, we assume 7 m) and the max operating temperature; then, we get a 13 AWG wire.

Can I use 16 AWG wire for 12 volts applications?

It will depend on the maximum current you will have in the conductor. The Omni Calculator 12-volt wire size can help you:

  1. Add the maximum wire area corresponding to 16 AWG: 1.308 mm².
  2. Set the maximum operating temperature. By default, 50 °C.
  3. Define the one-way distance (5 meters) and the maximum allowable voltage drop (3%). As a result, the maximum current is 2.5 amperes.

How many amps can a 14 AWG wire withstand on a 12-volts system?

3.97 amperes as per Omni Calculator's 12-volt wire size tool. To get such a result, we need:

  1. Add the wire area corresponding to 14 AWG: 2.08 mm².
  2. Add a one-way distance of 5 meters.
  3. Include an allowable voltage drop of 3%.
  4. Define a maximum operating temperature of 50 °C.

Working conditions

These results are only a guide for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified electrician before proceeding with any electrical installation.

Check out 52 similar electronics and circuits calculators 💡
Breaker sizeBridge rectifierCapacitor charge time...49 more