The following application should help when trying to choose a suitable wire size for running low voltage accessories (eg frige, compressor, high power lights) on your boat, truck or 4WD .

You need a Java-enabled browser running JDK 1.1.x or greater to view this applet. Important: Always ensure circuit is fused.
Fuse value never to exceed 80% of cable rating.
To prevent fire never exceed cable current rating.

Instructions: Type the applicable circuit parameters in the white boxes and press the enter key. The most suitable size cable to perform at your selected voltage drop will be displayed .

COPPER CABLE CHARACTERISTICS

Note: The nominal current ratings are intended as guidelines for low
power, electronics, communications and control applications only.

                 NOMINAL        NOMINAL         MAXIMUM
NUMBER           CONDUCTOR      CURRENT         RESISTANCE      NEAREST
& SIZE OF        AREA           RATING          PER METRE       EQUIVALENT
STRANDS          (SQ.mm)        (AMPS)          (OHMS 35'C)     AWG (B&S)

10 x 0.12        0.11            1.1            0.17            27
7 x 0.16         0.14            1.4            0.13            26
1 X 0.5          0.20            2.0            0.10            24
14 x 0.14        0.22            2.2            0.088           24
7 x 0.2          0.22            2.2            0.086           24
1 X 0.6          0.28            2.8            0.067           23
1 x 0.7          0.38            3.8            0.049           21
14 x 0.2         0.44            4.4            0.043           21
10 x 0.25        0.49            4.9            0.039           20
63 x 0.1         0.49            4.9            0.039           20
50 x 0.12        0.55            5.0            0.035           20
60 x 0.12        0.68            6.8            0.028           19
89 X 0.1         0.70            7.0            0.027           19
24 x 0.2         0.75            7.5            0.025           18
112 x 0.1        0.88            8.8            0.022           18
30 x 0.2         0.94            9.4            0.020           17
1 x 1.13         1.0            10.0            0.019           17
32 x 0.2         1.0            10.0            0.019           17
512 x 0.05       1.0            10.0            0.019           17
168 x 0.1        1.32           13.0            0.014           16
7 x 0.5          1.4            14.0            0.014           16
30 x 0.25        1.5            15,0            0.013           15
26 x 0.3         1.8            17.0            0.010           15
168 x 0.12       1.9            18.0            0.010           14
26 x 0.32        2.1            19.0            0.0091          14
7 x 0.67         2.5            22.0            0.0077          13
1 x 1.78         2.5            22.0            0.0076          13
252 x 0.127      3.2            29.0            0.0059          12
41 x 0.32        3.3            30.0            0.0057          12
315 x 0.12       3.6            30.0            0.0053          12
630 x 0.12       7.13           50.0            0.0027           9
1666 x 0.12     18.84          120.0            0.0010           5