How to Select Electrical Wire Size?

 How to Select Electrical Wire Size?

Selecting the correct electrical wire size is critical for safety, performance, and compliance with electrical standards. Here's a complete guide on how to select electrical wire size for a specific load:

Key Factors to Consider.

Load Current (Amperes).

→ Based on the total connected electrical load (Watts).

Formula:

→ Current (A)=Power (W) /(Voltage (V)×Power Factor (PF))

+ For resistive loads (like lights, heaters), PF ≈ 1.

Length of Cable Run.

→ Longer distances need thicker cables due to voltage drop.

Ambient Temperature.

High temperatures reduce cable current-carrying capacity.

Safety Standards & Codes.

→ Follow NEC, IEC, or local code for derating, conduit fill, etc.