WireTheSunCommon cable sizes

Cable size for 25 A over 100 m, single-phase

For 25 A over 100 m on a 230 V single-phase supply, use at least 10 mm² (8 AWG) copper cable, protected by a 32 A breaker. Voltage drop: 4.9%.

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

DistanceCable sizeVoltage drop
10 m4 mm² (12 AWG)1.2%
20 m4 mm² (12 AWG)2.4%
30 m4 mm² (12 AWG)3.7%
50 m6 mm² (10 AWG)4.1%
100 m10 mm² (8 AWG)4.9%
10 mm²
8 AWG
32 A
Breaker
4.9%
Voltage drop
111 m
3-core cable
How the cable runs
Use at least10 mm²8 AWG
Breaker32 A
Voltage drop4.9% · 11.25 V
Current25 A
Cable carries up to63 A

The distance decides this size: 4 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.