WireTheSunCommon cable sizesCable size for 200 A over 3 m, DC
For 200 A over 3 m on a 48 V DC supply, use at least 70 mm² (2/0 AWG) copper cable, protected by a 250 A fuse. Voltage drop: 0.8%.
Assumes copper cable clipped to a wall (or flexible battery cable for DC), 30 °C, PVC insulation. Change anything below.
- 70 mm²
- 2/0 AWG
- 250 A
- Fuse
- 0.8%
- Voltage drop
- 4 m
- 2-core cable
How the cable runs
Use at least70 mm²2/0 AWG
Fuse250 A
Voltage drop0.8% · 0.39 V
Current200 A
Cable carries up to315 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.