WireTheSunCommon cable sizes

Cable size for 150 A over 2 m, DC

For 150 A over 2 m on a 24 V DC supply, use at least 35 mm² (2 AWG) copper cable, protected by a 200 A fuse. Voltage drop: 1.6%.

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

DistanceCable sizeVoltage drop
1 m35 mm² (2 AWG)0.8%
2 m35 mm² (2 AWG)1.6%
3 m35 mm² (2 AWG)2.4%
5 m50 mm² (1 AWG)2.8%
10 m95 mm² (3/0 AWG)3%
35 mm²
2 AWG
200 A
Fuse
1.6%
Voltage drop
3 m
2-core cable
How the cable runs
Use at least35 mm²2 AWG
Fuse200 A
Voltage drop1.6% · 0.39 V
Current150 A
Cable carries up to200 A

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

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.