24V Wire Size Calculator
Calculate minimum wire size for 24V DC systems from current draw, cable run length, and max voltage drop.
24V DC Wire Sizing
24 V systems appear in industrial controls, LED strips, security hardware, and telecom gear. Wire sizing uses the same DC drop formula as 12 V, but the higher voltage allows slightly smaller wire for the same percent drop.
Wire Size Formula
$$V_{\text{drop}} = 2 \times I \times R \times L$$ $$\%\text{drop} = \frac{2 \times I \times R \times L}{V} \times 100$$Find the smallest AWG where ampacity covers the load and percent drop stays below your limit. Pair with 12V Wire Size Calculator for automotive work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 24V more forgiving than 12V?
Yes. The same voltage drop is a smaller percentage on 24 V. A 0.6 V loss is 5% on 12 V but only 2.5% on 24 V.
What wire for 5 amps at 50 ft on 24V?
10 AWG copper typically keeps drop near 2.5% for 5 A over 50 ft. Heavier loads or longer runs need 8 AWG or larger.
Can I use stranded wire?
Yes. Resistance tables assume standard building wire. Fine-stranded battery cable may differ slightly; size conservatively for critical loads.
Should I size for peak or average current?
Size for the maximum sustained current. Brief peaks are OK if the average stays within ampacity, but voltage drop at peak current still matters for motors.
What about return path resistance?
The factor of 2 in the DC formula includes both supply and return conductors. Enter one-way distance only.
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