24V Wire Size Calculator
Calculate optimal wire size for 24V DC and AC electrical systems with voltage drop analysis
Calculate 24V Wire Size
Most 24V systems use DC or single-phase AC
Maximum current the wire will carry
Distance from power source to load
Typically 3% for 24V systems
Copper is most common for 24V applications
Operating temperature affects wire resistance (reference: 20°C)
Wire Size Results
Formula used: A = 2 × I × ρ × L / V
Parameters: Current: 0.00A, Distance: 0.00m
System: DC/Single-phase | Material: copper (ρ = 2.04 µΩ⋅cm at 75°C)
Performance Analysis
Example: 24V Trolling Motor
Trolling Motor Scenario
Motor Current: 56 Amperes
Voltage: 24V DC system
Distance: 25 feet (7.6 meters) from battery
Material: Copper wire
Temperature: 50°C maximum
Allowable voltage drop: 3%
Calculation Result
A = 2 × 56A × 1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω⋅m × 7.6m / (24V × 0.03)
A = 14.3×10⁻⁶ / 0.72 = 19.9×10⁻⁶ m²
Required wire size: 19.9 mm² (4 AWG copper wire)
This ensures safe operation with minimal voltage drop
Common 24V Applications
Trolling Motors
Marine propulsion systems
Truck Systems
Commercial vehicle electronics
Industrial Controls
Automation and control systems
Low-Voltage Lighting
LED strips and landscape lighting
24V System Tips
24V systems are safer than higher voltages
Common in automotive and marine applications
Most use DC power from batteries
Wire gauge is critical due to higher currents
Use marine-grade wire for boat applications
Understanding 24V Wire Size Calculations
Why 24V Systems?
24V systems offer a good balance between safety and efficiency. They're common in automotive, marine, and industrial applications where higher power is needed but safety remains important.
Key Considerations
- •Higher Current: Lower voltage means higher current for same power
- •Wire Gauge: More critical due to higher currents
- •Voltage Drop: More noticeable impact at low voltages
- •Battery Systems: Often powered by 12V batteries in series
Wire Size Formulas
DC / Single-Phase:
A = 2 × I × ρ × L / V
Three-Phase:
A = √3 × I × ρ × L / V
- A: Cross-sectional area (m²)
- I: Current (A)
- ρ: Resistivity (Ω⋅m)
- L: One-way distance (m)
- V: Voltage drop (V)
Note: Factor of 2 in DC formula accounts for return path current
System Type Comparison
DC / Single-Phase
- • Uses 2 conductors (positive and negative)
- • Factor of 2 in formula for return path
- • Most common for 24V systems
- • Used in automotive and marine applications
Three-Phase
- • Uses 3 conductors (no neutral return)
- • √3 factor for line-to-phase conversion
- • More efficient for higher power
- • Industrial applications only