Cable size for 13 A over 100 m, single-phase

For 13 A over 100 m on a 230 V single-phase supply, use at least 6 mm² (10 AWG) copper cable, protected by a 20 A breaker. Voltage drop: 4.2%.

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	2.5 mm² (14 AWG)	1%
20 m	2.5 mm² (14 AWG)	2%
30 m	2.5 mm² (14 AWG)	3.1%
50 m	4 mm² (12 AWG)	3.2%
100 m	6 mm² (10 AWG)	4.2%

6 mm²
10 AWG: 20 A
Breaker: 4.2%
Voltage drop: 111 m
3-core cable

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

VoltageV

How the cable runs

Use at least6 mm²10 AWG

Breaker20 A

Voltage drop4.2% · 9.75 V

Current13 A

Cable carries up to46 A

The distance decides this size: 2.5 mm² would stay cool enough, but over 100 m it loses too much voltage.

Cores

3 cores: line, neutral and earth

Which cable

Twin & Earth 6242Y (UK) or NYM-J (Europe)

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.