Cable size for 32 A over 50 m, single-phase

For 32 A over 50 m on a 230 V single-phase supply, use at least 10 mm² (8 AWG) copper cable, protected by a 40 A breaker. Voltage drop: 3.1%.

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	6 mm² (10 AWG)	1%
20 m	6 mm² (10 AWG)	2.1%
30 m	6 mm² (10 AWG)	3.1%
50 m	10 mm² (8 AWG)	3.1%
100 m	16 mm² (6 AWG)	3.9%

10 mm²
8 AWG: 40 A
Breaker: 3.1%
Voltage drop: 56 m
3-core cable

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

VoltageV

How the cable runs

Use at least10 mm²8 AWG

Breaker40 A

Voltage drop3.1% · 7.2 V

Current32 A

Cable carries up to63 A

The distance decides this size: 6 mm² would stay cool enough, but over 50 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.