

Buzz, flicker and poor color rendition are eliminated in most of today’s compact fluorescents, electronic ballasts and warm or full spectrum tubes.ĭC MOTORS may be used in renewable energy systems, especially for water pumps. We advocate use of quality fluorescent lights. Fluorescents use 1/2 to 1/3 the current of incandescent or QH bulbs for the same light output, so they can use smaller wire. LIGHTING CIRCUITS, FLUORESCENT: Voltage drop causes a nearly proportional drop in light output.

This is because the bulb not only receives less power, but the cooler filament drops from white-hot towards red-hot, emitting much less visible light. LIGHTING CIRCUITS, INCANDESCENT AND QUARTZ HALOGEN (QH): Don’t cheat on these! A 5% voltage drop causes an approximate 10% loss in light output. Different electrical circuits have different tolerances for voltage drop. When that turns out to be very expensive, consider some of the following advice.
60 AMP WIRE SIZE CODE
For other conditions, refer to National Electric Code or an engineering handbook.ĭid you know altE offers free solar system design consulting? Call us at 87 or tell us about your desired system using our free quote tool.įREE QUOTE Determining Tolerable Voltage Drop for Various Electrical LoadsĪ general rule is to size the wire for approximately 2-3% drop at typical load. Ampacity is based on the National Electrical Code (USA) for 30☌ (85☏) ambient air temperature, for no more than three insulated conductors in raceway in free air of cable types AC, NM, NMC and SE and conductor insulation types TA, TBS, SA, AVB, SIS, RHH, THHN and XHHW. Ampacity rating of wire size must be at least 125% of the continuous current passing through it.Īvailable sizes: 1 1.5 2.5 4 6 10 16 25 35 50 70 95 120 mm 2Ģ0-amp load at 24V over a distance of 100 feet with 3% max voltage drop

Compare your calculated VDI with VDI in the chart to determine the closest wire size. Step 2 – Determine appropriate wire size from the chart below. %VOLT DROP = Your choice of acceptable voltage drop (example: use 3 for 3%) VDI = Voltage Drop Index (a reference number based on resistance of wire)įEET = ONE-WAY wiring distance (1 meter = 3.28 feet) Step 1 – Calculate the following: VDI = (AMPS x FEET)/(%VOLT DROP x VOLTAGE) It applies to typical DC circuits and to some simple AC circuits (single-phase AC with resistive loads, not motor loads, power factor = 1.0, line reactance negligible). This chart works for any voltage or voltage drop, American (AWG) or metric (mm2) sizing.
