Cable size for 10 A over 5 m, DC

For 10 A over 5 m on a 12 V DC supply, use at least 10 mm² (8 AWG) copper cable, protected by a 15 A fuse. Voltage drop: 1.9%.

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
1 m	1.5 mm² (16 AWG)	2.5%
2 m	2.5 mm² (14 AWG)	3%
3 m	4 mm² (12 AWG)	2.8%
5 m	10 mm² (8 AWG)	1.9%
10 m	16 mm² (6 AWG)	2.3%

10 mm²
8 AWG: 15 A
Fuse: 1.9%
Voltage drop: 6 m
2-core cable

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

Voltage

How the cable runs

Use at least10 mm²8 AWG

Fuse15 A

Voltage drop1.9% · 0.23 V

Current10 A

Cable carries up to86 A

The distance decides this size: 1.5 mm² would stay cool enough, but over 5 m it loses too much voltage.

Cores

2 cores (+ and −), or two single cables, red and black

Which cable

Tinned flexible battery cable (ISO 6722 / SAE J1127)

Vans and boats: resists vibration and corrosion.

Welding cable (H01N2-D)

Very flexible, for heavy battery and inverter leads.

Several circuits bundled together carry less each: allow for grouping (IEC 60364-5-52 Table B.52.17).

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.