Cable size for 10 A over 10 m, three-phase

For 10 A over 10 m on a 400 V three-phase supply, use at least 1.5 mm² (16 AWG) copper cable, protected by a 13 A breaker. Voltage drop: 0.6%.

Assumes copper cable clipped to a wall (or flexible battery cable for DC), 30 °C, PVC insulation. Change anything below.

The same current over other distances

Distance	Cable size	Voltage drop
10 m	1.5 mm² (16 AWG)	0.6%
20 m	1.5 mm² (16 AWG)	1.3%
30 m	1.5 mm² (16 AWG)	1.9%
50 m	1.5 mm² (16 AWG)	3.2%
100 m	2.5 mm² (14 AWG)	3.9%

1.5 mm²
16 AWG: 13 A
Breaker: 0.6%
Voltage drop: 11 m
5-core cable

Current at the end of the cableDistance (one way)m

Voltage between phasesV

How the cable runs

Use at least1.5 mm²16 AWG

Breaker13 A

Voltage drop0.6% · 2.6 V

Current10 A

Cable carries up to18 A

Heat decides this size: it carries the breaker current without overheating, and the voltage drop is fine.

Cores

5 cores: L1, L2, L3, neutral and earth (4 cores if no neutral is needed)

Which cable

NYM-J / XVB / 5-core LSZH

Fixed wiring clipped to walls indoors.

H07RN-F (rubber, flexible)

Machines, workshops and anything that moves or vibrates.

Several circuits bundled together carry less each: allow for grouping (IEC 60364-5-52 Table B.52.17).
Check the earth fault loop impedance and the RCD protection required by your local rules.

Guidance based on IEC 60364-5-52 for copper cables. Always check against your local rules (BS 7671, NEC, NF C 15-100, RTIEBT…) and the cable maker’s data.

Planning a whole solar system?Describe it and we size every cable, fuse and part, with a wiring diagram.